US to End Most Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers from September 2025

Big changes are on the horizon for anyone seeking a US nonimmigrant visa next year. Starting September 2, 2025, the US is making a major shift in how nonimmigrant visa interviews are conducted, and it’s not good news for most travellers.

Goodbye, Most Interview Waivers

The US Department of State is rolling back the broader visa interview waiver policy that’s been in place since February 2025. The new rules mean most visa applicants, yes, even kids under 14 and seniors over 79, will now have to attend an in-person interview, unless they fall into a small list of exceptions.

What is a Visa Interview Waiver?

A visa interview waiver allows eligible applicants to renew or apply for certain US visas without attending an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate, making the process faster and more convenient.

Current Rules (Before September 2, 2025)

As of now, many travellers, including children under 14, seniors over 79, and certain visa renewals, can skip the in-person interview if they meet specific eligibility criteria and apply from their home country.

Who Still Qualifies for an Interview Waiver?

Only a few visa categories are spared from the new in-person interview requirement. These include:

• Diplomatic and official visa holders
• A-1, A-2, and C-3 visas (but not their attendants)
• G-1 through G-4 visas
• NATO-1 to NATO-6
• TECRO E-1 visa holders

Everyone else? Expect to show up in person at a US embassy or consulate.

A Narrow Window for Renewals Without Interviews

There’s one notable exception. If you’re renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or a Mexican Border Crossing Card, you might still skip the interview, but only if:

• You’re applying within 12 months of your previous visa expiring
• You were 18 or older when your last visa was issued
• You apply from your home country or legal residence
• You’ve had no previous visa refusals (unless overturned or waived)
• There’s no indication of ineligibility

But here’s the catch: consular officers still have final say. They can require an interview if they feel there’s any reason to, or if local conditions demand it.

Why the Change?

According to the Department of State, this move is all about tightening security. In their words, it gives consular officers more flexibility to assess individual risks in a rapidly shifting global environment.

Fair enough, but it’s a big step back from the broader waivers many travellers had come to rely on, especially during the pandemic and its aftermath, when Dropbox renewals and remote processing were the norm.

What This Means in Real Terms

Longer waits.

Immigration lawyer Steven Brown didn’t hold back. “They’re basically getting rid of Dropbox for most categories,” he posted on X. “This will lead to longer waits for appointments and is significantly less efficient for renewals of visas. Also, requiring interviews for children is patently absurd.”

So, if you’ve got a US trip in your future, especially for work, study, or tourism, expect slower timelines and plan well ahead. Visa slots at many embassies are already booked out months in advance. This change isn’t going to help.

This is a major reversal in US visa policy. It may improve vetting and tighten security, but for the average traveller, it’s likely to bring more red tape, more waiting, and a lot less predictability.

So if the US is on your travel radar, get your paperwork in order. The path just got harder.