US Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants Required To Appear For In-Person Interview From September 2, 2025

From September 2, 2025, applicants for US non-immigrant visas will be required to appear for an in-person interview. These applicants include those under 14 and over 79.

New Restrictions On B1/B2 Visa Renewals

In the July 25 update, the US Department of State announced this new update. It revises earlier visa interview waiver guidelines and narrows eligibility. This update allows new restrictions on B1/B2 visa renewals and limits the number of people who can skip visa interviews.

Even for individuals who previously qualified for waivers, this move signals a shift towards stricter screening for short-term travel and business visas.

In-Person Interview

All non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, need to attend an in-person interview, according to the revised policy. This includes children below 14 years and older adults above 79, who were exempt in many cases.

The updated policy replaces the broader interview waiver provisions issued on February 18, 2025.

Who Will Qualify For Interview Waivers?

Only specific categories of applicants will continue to qualify for interview waivers. These include:

1. Diplomatic and official visa applicants

Those applying under the following visa categories may still be eligible:

A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of officials)

G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4

NATO-1 through NATO-6

TECRO E-1 (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office)

2. Renewals of full-validity visitor visas (B-1, B-2, or B1/B2)

Applicants renewing these visas or Border Crossing Cards/Foils (in the case of Mexican nationals) may qualify, but only if the renewal is within 12 months of the previous visa’s expiry and all additional conditions are met.

What are the conditions for B1/B2 visa renewal waivers?

To qualify for an interview waiver under the B1/B2 renewal category, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Apply in their country of nationality or residence

Have never been refused a visa, unless the refusal was later overcome or waived

Have no apparent or potential ineligibility

Applicants who do not meet even one of these criteria will need to attend an in-person interview.

How Will The Applicants Be Updated?

"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,” the announcement added.