U.S. Department Of State Updates Visa Process, Waives In-Person Interview For Certain Applicants

• The US Department of State has announced changes to the visa application procedure.

• Certain visa applicants will no longer be required to attend an in-person interview as part of the process.

• The Bureau of Consular Affairs has amended the list of candidates who may be eligible for a waiver of the non-immigrant visa interview.

The US Department of State has announced changes to the visa application procedure.

Certain visa applicants will no longer be required to attend an in-person interview as part of the process.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs has amended the list of candidates who may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview.

Consular officials may now waive the in-person interview for the groups indicated in section 222(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

This new development overrides the version from December 21st, 2023. It is intended to expedite and simplify the visa application process for many candidates.

With this new change, various types of visa applicants are now eligible for interview waivers. This includes:

• Diplomatic and government officials applying for A-1, A-2, C-3 (with some restrictions), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1–NATO-6, or TECRO E-1 visas.
• Applicants for diplomatic or official visas.
• Individuals seeking to renew a visa in the same category whose previous visa has expired within the last 12 months.

These applicants will now be able to skip the in-person interview requirement, potentially saving valuable time during the visa application process.

Requirements for interview waiver eligibility

To be eligible for the interview waiver, applicants must meet specific requirements.

• Apply in the country of nationality or residence.
• Have never been denied a visa (unless the denial was overcome or waived).
• Have no obvious or probable ineligibility.

It’s important to note that even if an applicant meets these criteria, consular officers maintain the discretion to request an in-person interview based on specific circumstances or local conditions.

The updated process is expected to reduce visa processing times for eligible applicants. Without the need to schedule and attend an in-person interview, applicants can expect a smoother and faster experience. This is especially beneficial for those seeking to renew visas that have expired within the last 12 months, as they can now do so without the interview requirement.

What to know

Despite the new procedures, applicants should be aware that consular officers still have the authority to request an interview on a case-by-case basis. It is important for applicants to check the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they are applying, as conditions may vary depending on location.

The U.S. Department of State’s latest update for the visa application process interprets that applicants who qualify will experience a faster and more efficient process, reducing wait times for interview slots providing relief for many applicants.