Major Changes to US Visa Interview Waiver Policy, Know How the New Rules Affect You and Your Interview in 2025

In a significant move, the US Department of State has announced sweeping changes to the Visa Interview Waiver Policy, set to take effect from September 2, 2025. The changes will directly impact millions of visa applicants, especially those who were previously exempt from in-person interviews. This policy overhaul affects a wide range of non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visitor visas (J). While the intent behind these changes is to strengthen national security and improve transparency, it has raised concerns, particularly among H-1B holders who are already facing a long wait time for visa processing.

Changes to the Visa Interview Waiver Policy (US visa policy, interview requirement)

Under the new rule, applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, who were previously exempt from attending an in-person interview, will now be required to do so. These changes come as part of a broader effort to enhance security measures for visa applicants. The new rule applies to non-immigrant visa applicants, which include those seeking tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F and M), work (H-1B), and exchange visitor (J) visas.

Who Will Be Exempt from Visa Interviews? (visa interview exemption, US Department of State)

Although most non-immigrant visa categories will now require an in-person interview, some categories will still be exempt. These include:

1. Diplomatic and Official Visa Holders – Individuals applying for A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, and NATO-1 to NATO-6 visas will still be exempt from the interview requirement.
2. Holders of TECRO E-1 Visas – This applies to special Taiwanese representatives.
3. B-1/B-2 Visa Renewals – Applicants renewing their B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas within 12 months of the previous visa expiration may also be exempt, provided they were at least 18 years old when the first visa was issued.

While these exemptions remain, they are now more limited and subject to strict criteria.

Additional Criteria for Interview Exemption (B-1/B-2, visa renewal)

For B-1/B-2 visa applicants seeking to avoid an interview, additional eligibility criteria must be met:

1. The applicant must apply from their home country or country of residence.
2. There must be no previous visa rejection, or any rejections must have been overcome or waived.
3. The applicant must have no potential immigration ineligibility, including security concerns or other reasons that may make them ineligible.

This means that interview exemptions are no longer automatic and will require proof of eligibility based on these criteria.

Case-by-Case Decisions for Exemption (USCIS, consular officers)

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that even if an applicant qualifies for an interview exemption, the consular officer retains full discretion to request an in-person interview. This is part of an added security measure to ensure all applicants are thoroughly vetted.

Applicants are encouraged to visit the official embassy or consulate websites to understand the specific processes for each location, as policies may slightly differ between embassies.

Visa Integrity Fee Announcement (Visa Integrity Fee, $250, One Big Beautiful Bill Act)

In addition to the changes in the visa interview policy, the US government recently introduced a Visa Integrity Fee of $250, effective 2026. This fee is being implemented under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed on July 4, as part of comprehensive immigration reforms. The fee is intended to enhance visa processing security and can be refunded if the visa holder follows all the rules and regulations.

Impact on H-1B Holders and Work Visa Applicants (H-1B visa, work visa applicants)

H-1B holders, along with applicants for other work visas, will be particularly impacted by the new policy. These individuals may face longer wait times and additional travel costs to attend an interview. With the increase in the number of interview slots needed and more applicants now subject to the interview requirement, the processing time for H-1B visas will likely increase, further delaying workforce recruitment for companies dependent on foreign talent.

Preparing for the Changes (visa interview preparation, document checklist)

If you are planning to apply for a US visa, it’s crucial to stay informed about the upcoming changes. You will need to plan ahead for interview preparations, submit the correct documents, and ensure your application is complete. Avoid providing false information or any details that may lead to future complications, as this could negatively affect your eligibility.

Additionally, make sure you are updated about the new Visa Integrity Fee and understand how it may apply to your situation.

Conclusion: Navigating the New Visa Process (US visa changes, visa policy updates)

With the introduction of new visa policies, including the mandatory visa interviews for applicants under 14 and over 79, the visa application process is becoming more stringent. While the changes are intended to bolster national security and transparency, they may result in delays and increased costs for applicants. Be sure to keep track of deadlines, gather all necessary documents, and understand the rules before you apply for your US visa.

Stay vigilant about visa-related fraud and ensure you are receiving information from official government sources only.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Who is now required to attend an in-person visa interview?
Starting September 2, 2025, all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79 years old, will generally need to attend an in-person interview.

Q2: Are there any exceptions to the new interview requirement?
Yes. Diplomats, certain official visa holders (A, G, NATO categories), and applicants renewing a valid B-1/B-2 visa within 12 months may still qualify for a waiver.

Q3: Can consular officers still call someone for an interview even if they’re eligible for a waiver?
Yes. Consular officers have full discretion to request an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.

Q4: What are the conditions for B-1/B-2 applicants to get an interview waiver?
B-1/B-2 applicants must apply from their home country, have no previous visa refusal (unless it was overcome), and have no signs of ineligibility.

Q5: What is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, and who pays it?
Starting in 2026, the $250 fee will apply as a refundable security measure for visa applicants, part of the broader immigration reforms under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.