Updated: February 27, 2025
Source: U.S. Department of State Update – February 18, 2025
The United States Department of State has officially announced a significant policy change affecting nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide. As of February 18, 2025, the Department has shortened the interview waiver eligibility period from 48 months to 12 months.
This new policy restricts the categories of applicants who may qualify to skip the in-person interview process, potentially leading to longer wait times for visa appointments at U.S. consulates, including those in India and other high-demand locations.
Updated Visa Interview Waiver Categories
Under the new guidelines, U.S. consular officers may waive in-person interviews for the following categories of applicants:
- A-1, A-2, and C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials)
- G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4
- NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1
- Applicants for diplomatic or official-type visas
- Applicants renewing a visa in the same category if the previous visa expired less than 12 months ago
Visa Interview Waiver Requirements
To qualify for an interview waiver under the revised policy, applicants must:
- Apply within their country of nationality or residence
- Have no prior visa refusals, unless such refusals were later overcome or waived
- Have no potential or apparent ineligibility for a U.S. visa
What This Means for Visa Applicants
Previously, applicants from most nonimmigrant visa categories could seek an interview waiver if they held any prior U.S. visa (except B visas) and were applying within 48 months of expiration. The new rule cuts this time down to 12 months, meaning more applicants may now be required to attend an in-person interview.
This change may increase backlogs and appointment delays, especially since the Department of State has also discontinued its public visa appointment wait-time search tool. Global visa processing data has not been updated since early January, adding uncertainty for travelers and professionals renewing their visas.
How to Prepare Under the New Policy
With these updates, applicants are strongly advised to plan ahead, apply for renewals early, and prepare for the possibility of an in-person interview. Staying proactive and ensuring all documentation is accurate can help avoid additional delays.
How Green Card Link Can Help
If you are unsure how this change may affect your visa application or renewal, it’s essential to consult an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link. Our immigration attorneys stay up-to-date on the latest policy changes from the U.S. Department of State and can guide you through every step of the process.
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys provide personalized legal assistance, helping clients understand their eligibility, prepare required documentation, and navigate complex interview waiver procedures.
Contact Green Card Link today to schedule a consultation and ensure your visa renewal or application is handled efficiently under the new U.S. Department of State guidelines.