USDOS Will Require Interview for Most Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals

in Immigration Actions Trump 2.0
July 29th, 2025

The US Department of State announced limitations to the criteria for a waiver of the in-person visa appointment when applying to renew a visa. Effective September 2, 2025, nearly all visa applicants will be required to schedule an interview as part of the visa renewal process. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer except:

• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
• Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance. B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals) applicants must also meet following criteria, including that 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.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services. This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025.