07/31/2025
Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly tighten its rules on who can skip the visa interview process.
๐ Most visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will now be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer, even if they are just renewing their visas.
๐ This change ends interview waivers for nearly all nonimmigrant visa categories, including:
โ
F-1 student visas
โ
H-1B work visas
โ
J-1 exchange visas
โฆand many more.
๐ Only a few groups may still qualify to skip the interview, such as certain B1/B2 tourist visa renewals, but only if they meet strict requirements. These include applying within 12 months of visa expiration and having no prior visa refusals or ineligibilities.
๐ Due to this change, applicants should expect longer wait times and processing backlogs at U.S. embassies and consulates.
๐ฉ If you need help or guidance with any U.S. immigration matters, especially with these major changes, please donโt hesitate to reach out. Weโre always ready to assist you.
