New U.S. Visa Policy Update Effective September 2, 2025

Starting September 2, 2025, major changes will take effect regarding interview waivers for U.S. nonimmigrant visa renewals. The U.S. Department of State has announced that H-1B and F-1 visa holders will no longer be eligible for the 12-month interview waiver that previously allowed them to renew their visas without an in-person interview.

However, B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), and B1/B2 (combined) visa holders may still qualify for an interview waiver, provided they meet updated criteria.

Interview Waiver Eligibility (From September 2, 2025)
The following categories of applicants may still qualify for an interview waiver:

• Holders of full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas, or Border Crossing Cards/Foils (for Mexican nationals), renewing within 12 months of the visa’s expiration
• Applicants who were at least 18 years old at the time their prior visa was issued
• Applicants applying in their country of nationality or residence
• Applicants who have never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was waived or overcome)
• Applicants with no apparent or potential ineligibility

These changes override the previous guidance issued on February 18, 2025, which had expanded waiver eligibility to more categories, including H-1B and F-1 holders with recently expired visas.

What’s Changing?

• H-1B and F-1 visa holders will no longer qualify for the interview waiver even if their visa expired within the past 12 months.
• All other applicants (excluding those listed under the new waiver categories) will now require an in-person visa interview.

General Interview Requirements
In-person interviews are typically mandatory for most U.S. visa applicants, except for:

• Diplomatic and official visa categories (A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, NATO, TECRO E-1)
• Applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79
• Certain renewals under the B1/B2 and Border Crossing Card categories that meet waiver conditions

Consular officers may still require an interview at their discretion, regardless of eligibility for a waiver.

Wait Times & Expedited Appointments
Interview waiver wait times apply only to locations where applicants submit their passports and documents—not the entire processing period.

Wait times do not include:

• Time for consular adjudication
• Document mailing times

Urgent appointments may be granted for:

• Medical emergencies
• Funerals
• Academic start dates

Not considered urgent:

• Weddings
• Graduation ceremonies
• Tourism
• Business or academic conferences
• Family visits (including helping pregnant relatives)

How to Request an Expedited Appointment

• Submit the DS-160 online visa application
• Pay the application fee
• Schedule the first available interview appointment
• Only then may you request an expedited interview through the consulate

#trending #latest