Who is eligible for US visa interview waiver? Key changes, additional criteria — all you need to know

The latest update on July 25, which aims to enhance security, has raised concerns among H-1B visa holders and other nonimmigrant visa categories about increased waiting time and processing delays.

Here’s all you need to know:

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 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
• Diplomatic or Official-Type Visas: Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas
• Renewing B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 Visa Holders: Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance

Additional eligibility criteria for B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa holders

To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must:

• Apply in Their Country of Nationality or Residence: Submit their application in their home country or country of residence
• No Prior Visa Refusal: Have never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome or waived)
• No Apparent or Potential Ineligibility: Not have any apparent or potential ineligibility

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services emphasised that even with potential interview waivers, consular officers retained the discretion to interview the applicant on a case-by-case basis for any reason. This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025.

“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,” the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said in its release.

Earlier this month, the US also introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which takes effect in 2026. Designed as a form of security deposit, the fee is pegged to inflation and may be refunded if visa holders meet specific compliance criteria.

This is part of Trump’s sweeping immigration overhaul, under the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted on July 4.