In USCIS News

Interview Waiver Update July 25, 2025

Starting September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants—including those under age 14 and over age 79—will generally need to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Exceptions to this requirement include:

• Applicants with certain official or diplomatic visa types (A-1, A-2, C-3—except personal staff, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, or TECRO E-1)

• Applicants for diplomatic or official visas

• Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals), within 12 months of the visa’s expiration—if they were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued

To qualify for the renewal waiver listed above, applicants must also:

• Apply in their home country or country of residence

• Have never been denied a visa (unless the denial was later overcome or waived)

• Have no known ineligibility

Please note that consular officers may still require an interview at their discretion.

For the most current information, applicants should visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they plan to apply.

Please visit the USCIS website for more details: Interview Waiver Update July 25, 2025