The United States government has renewed the rule, in effect since the Covid pandemic, that allows consulates and embassies to waive the requirement for an in-person interview for the issuance or renewal of certain types of visas. The rule, published at the end of December by the U.S. Department of State, is valid until the end of 2024.
The main objective of the measure is to reduce the waiting line at consular posts around the world due to the growing demand for American visas.
Thus, holders of a non-immigrant American visa, that is, one that does not grant permanent residency (Green Card), will be able to renew it without undergoing a consular interview, provided that the document has not expired for more than 48 months. The rule applies, for example, to the tourist and business visa (B1/B2), which accounts for more than 90% of the issuances for Brazilians.
In the case of those applying for a visa for the first time, the consular interview is usually mandatory. The only exception, according to the new rule from the Department of State, is the H-2 visa, intended for temporary workers.
But remember that the waiver of the interview is at the discretion of consular officials. Individuals who have previously had visas denied will not be exempt from the interview.
The waiting line to schedule an interview at the consulates and the U.S. Embassy in Brazil hit successive records in 2022 and 2023.
Last year, for example, applicants who tried to obtain a visa at the São Paulo Consulate had to wait more than 630 days – almost two years – for the interview. However, currently, according to a survey conducted by Viva América, the waiting line for the B1/B2 visa at the São Paulo consulate at the beginning of January this year was only eight days.
Source: Read more at: https://viagemeturismo.abril.com.br/manual-do-viajante/eliminada-a-entrevista-para-visto-americano-ate-o-fim-de-2024/