The U.S. Department of State has confirmed a major shift in visa processing rules. Beginning October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This change formally ends the broad interview waiver policy that had been in place for several years.
What Changed: In-Person Interviews Are Now Required
Under the updated policy, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend a consular interview, interview waivers are limited to narrow exceptions, and age-based exemptions have been eliminated. This marks a return to pre-pandemic visa processing standards.
Limited Visa Interview Waivers Still Available
Although the broad waiver program is ending, a small group of applicants may still qualify for interview exemptions:
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Renewals — only if renewal is filed within 12 months of visa expiration, prior visa was issued after age 18, there are no previous visa refusals, and no apparent security or eligibility issues
- Diplomatic and Official Visa Categories: A visas, G visas, NATO visas, and TECRO E-1 visas
These waivers are discretionary and not guaranteed.
Visa Categories Now Requiring Interviews
The following nonimmigrant visa types will generally require in-person interviews starting October 1, 2025: F-1 Student Visa, J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa, L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa, E-1 Treaty Trader Visa, E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa, and TN Visa. Age-based interview exemptions (under 14 and over 79) will no longer apply.
What Visa Applicants Should Expect
- Longer visa processing times globally
- Fewer interview appointments available
- Increased delays at high-volume consulates (New York, London, Mumbai, Toronto, Mexico City)
- Greater planning needed for employment start dates, academic programs, and business travel
How Applicants Can Prepare
- Schedule interview appointments as early as possible
- Plan travel and employment timelines conservatively
- Prepare thorough supporting documentation
- Review prior immigration history for consistency
- Monitor consulate-specific wait times regularly
Key Takeaway
Starting October 1, 2025, most U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend an in-person consular interview. Interview waivers will be limited, appointment wait times are expected to rise, and early preparation will be essential.