Published: August 25, 2025
Do you intend to secure a US visa for a temporary purpose? Nonimmigrant visas authorize the admission of foreign nationals who want to enter the US for education, business, tourism, or employment purposes for a predetermined duration. The appropriate classification of a nonimmigrant visa depends on the specific reason for your temporary stay.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants initiate the process for a temporary visa through the online application. You can complete and submit it through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) of the US Department of State (DOS). Along with a personal interview, consular officers use the information provided on your application to assess whether you’re eligible for a nonimmigrant visa.
Candidates initiate their temporary U.S. visa procedure by filling out the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Under Section 222 (h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, consular officers have the authority to waive the in-person interview requirement for specific categories of applicants. In its recent announcement, the DOS specified limitations on eligibility for interview waivers. Here’s what you need to know about the new interview guidelines and what they mean for your nonimmigrant visa application.
Revised Guidance on Interview Waiver Eligibility
For several years, US consulates have authorized some categories of individuals eligible to renew their visas to waive their in-person interview. However, the DOS made certain changes, narrowing the qualifications for visa interview waivers.
Under the initial changes announced on February 18, 2025, first-time applicants are no longer qualified to waive the in-person visa interview requirements. Additionally, the eligibility for the waiver was restricted to renewals of visas in a similar category that expired within 12 months.
Before, many applicants, particularly for visa renewals, could bypass the in-person interview if they could satisfy the required criteria. But the DOS further placed tighter restrictions on the visa interview waiver program on July 25, 2025. In particular, they limit the availability of visa interview waivers for most applicants of nonimmigrant visas.
Starting September 2, 2025, revised guidance requires almost all applicants for nonimmigrant visas to appear for a visa consular interview. This can apply to adults over 79 and children below 14 unless they qualify for the limited exceptions.
What the New Interview Guidelines Mean for You
The new guidelines for the nonimmigrant visa interview can affect how you prepare, what happens in the process, and how long it takes for you to wait for the visa approval. Here’s how the recent changes can impact the applications of certain nonimmigrant visa applicants:
Required to attend an in-person interview
The updated policy substantially decreases the applications that qualify for a waiver. Unless your case qualifies for the limited set of circumstances, you’re required to attend an in-person interview when seeking renewals, even when you previously had successful visa applications.
Expect more detailed questioning
With more applicants needing to appear for an in-person interview, consular officers are likely to conduct more detailed questioning to assess each case. Ensure to prepare for the interview and present clear and consistent answers about the purpose of your travel, as well as your eligibility and background.
Be ready for extended visa processing times
Be ready to face extended visa processing times as consulates prepare for a surge in interview appointments. It’s essential to plan with an experienced Los Angeles immigration lawyer. Allocate additional time between your visa application and your intended travel date to prepare for significant wait times.
Understand the Interview Process and Requirements With ALG Lawyers
Proper knowledge and preparation with a Los Angeles immigration lawyer can help you understand the interview process and requirements of the visa you’re applying for. Our legal team at ALG Lawyers has a proven track record of resolving a variety of immigration concerns. Connect with our law office to arrange a one-on-one legal consultation for your visa application.
FAQs on What Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Need to Know About New Interview Guidelines
Is it possible to reschedule your nonimmigrant visa interview?
Yes. You can reschedule your interview for a nonimmigrant visa. But you may face a long wait before you can get a new appointment. Likewise, there’s no assurance that your visa number will be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. That’s why it’s highly recommended to attend your originally scheduled nonimmigrant visa interview to avoid significant delays.
How can you know if you’re eligible for an interview waiver?
One of the essential steps you can take is to check the criteria of your visa type, as well as the guidelines of the US embassy or consulate you’re applying to. A Los Angeles immigration lawyer can also better help assess your eligibility and ensure that you meet the interview waiver requirements.
Can consulates request an in-person interview even if you meet the waiver criteria?
Even if you meet the criteria for a waiver, consular officers retain the discretion to request an in-person interview. They can do so depending on different reasons, such as a need for further scrutiny of your application, or verification for eligibility and security concerns.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)