The United States government announced on July 25, 2025, significant changes to the rules for interview waivers in nonimmigrant visa renewals. The new guidelines, published by the Department of State on the official website Travel.State.Gov of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, take effect on September 2, 2025, and reduce the number of eligible categories for waiving the in-person interview with a consular officer.
According to the announcement, all nonimmigrant visa applicants—including minors under 14 years old and adults over 79—must, as a general rule, attend an in-person interview, except in the following cases:
• Applicants classified under visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, domestic employees, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
• Applicants for diplomatic visas or visas of an official nature;
• Applicants renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican citizens), provided the application is made within 12 months after the expiration of the previous visa and the applicant was at least 18 years old at the time of issuance of the previous document.
To qualify for the waiver in the renewal under the third category, additional conditions must also be met: submit the application in the country of nationality or residence, have no history of visa refusal (unless it has been overturned or waived), and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
The Department of State emphasizes that, even in cases that meet the waiver criteria, consular officers may require in-person interviews at their discretion. Applicants are advised to consult the websites of embassies and consulates for detailed information on procedures, requirements, and operational status.
The new policy replaces the previous rule, in effect since February 18, 2025, and represents a tightening of the processes for obtaining and renewing nonimmigrant visas.
Source: www.brasil247.com