The requirements for a US visa interview waiver just got a lot tighter. This is the second time in 2025 that the guidelines have been updated, the first being in February. The February 2025 update had allowed consular officers to waive in-person interviews for travellers renewing a visa in the same category, as long as it had expired less than 12 months earlier. That policy has now been revised.
Effective 2 September, 2025, the US Department of State will limit the eligibility criteria for skipping in-person interviews for nonimmigrant visas and all applications will necessitate an in-person interview with a consular officer.
The waiver will only apply to the following:
- Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1. These include visas for foreign government officials and diplomats, visas for individuals associated with international organisations, visas for individuals associated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and visas for Taiwanese individuals employed by TECRO along with their dependent family members.
- Applicants for diplomatic or official-type visas.
- Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa (or a Border Crossing Card for Mexican nationals who meet certain criteria). These include visas for temporary visits to the US for business, tourism, recreation, or medical treatment.
Those renewing this category of visa will only be eligible for an interview waiver provided they apply in their country of nationality or residence; have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Despite these guidelines, consular officers can still request an interview on a case-by-case basis, even if you qualify for a waiver on paper.
It’s part of a wider immigration overhaul under US President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which also introduces a $250 “integrity fee” for all nonimmigrant visa applicants. Together, the changes mark a return to stricter, pre-pandemic consular procedures and signal longer processing times for many international travellers.
Travellers are advised to check the official websites of US embassies and consulates in their area for the most current guidelines, appointment wait times, and available services.
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