US updates non-immigrant visa interview waiver policy, effective October 1

Under the new policy, all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally be required to appear for an in-person interview with a consular officer, except for the following categories:

– 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
– Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1 or B2 visa or Border Crossing Card or Foil (BBBCC/ BBBCV for Mexican applicants) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, provided the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old
– Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, provided the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old.

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To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must also:

– Apply in their country of nationality or usual residence except for diplomatic and certain official visa applicants
– Have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived
– Have no apparent or potential ineligibility

This new policy supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of July 25, 2025, which had taken effect on September 2, 2025. The previous update had exempted the following categories from interviews:

– 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 or B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card or Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, provided they were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.

Consular officers retain the discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants are advised to check embassy and consulate websites for detailed information about visa application requirements, procedures, operating status, and available services.