The U.S. Secretary of State announced that, by the end of 2023, consulates and embassies are authorized to waive the requirement for personal interviews for the issuance of certain types of visas. This rule was already in effect in 2022 but has been extended with the aim of reducing wait times for document issuance and the long lines that have formed since the closure of consulates due to the pandemic.
It is important to note, however, that the waiver of the interview is at the discretion of the consular officer. If he/she deems a personal interview necessary based on the documentation submitted, it may be requested.
Who will be exempt from the interview?
Applicants for the H-2 visa, temporary work; certain students, teachers, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists (applicants for F, M, and academic J visas); and certain temporary workers who have an individual petition approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (applicants for H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visas) who meet certain conditions, including that the visa application is made in their country of nationality or residence.
The waiver applies to both first-time visa applicants and those renewing.
The rule also stipulates that any visa renewal, including business and tourism (B1/B2), may be exempt from the interview if the previous visa has not expired for more than 48 months.
The Department of State encourages applicants to check the websites of the embassies and consulates closest to their cities for more detailed information about these rules, as well as current operational status and services.