Effective October 1, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview.  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:

• 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/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican applicants) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when 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 when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old.

To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that he or she:

• apply in his or her country of nationality or usual residence (except diplomatic and certain official visa applicants);
• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

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.

This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of July 25, 2025.