Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State is implementing a significant change to its nonimmigrant visa policy, ending broad eligibility for interview waivers that had been available to many categories of applicants for years. The updated policy affects both first-time applicants and some returning travelers, but perhaps most notably, it ends long-standing exemptions for children under the age of 14 and adults over 79, who will now be expected to attend in-person visa interviews in most cases.
This rollback marks a definitive return to more traditional, pre-pandemic consular procedures and will have wide-ranging implications for visa applicants, educational institutions, families, and U.S. employers.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa eligibility, documentation, and interview requirements can vary depending on country, category, and personal history. Applicants should refer directly to the U.S. Department of State and local U.S. consulate websites for the most accurate and current guidance. For personalized legal support, please consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Interview Waivers Significantly Narrowed
Until now, many nonimmigrant visa applicants could benefit from an interview waiver, particularly younger and older travelers, or those renewing visas in the same category. Under the new policy, however, interview waivers will only remain available for a narrowly defined group of applicants, primarily those in diplomatic or official capacities and select visitor visa renewals.
The Department of State explains the move as part of a return to “standard vetting procedures” in a post-pandemic environment, citing global improvements in COVID-19 conditions, renewed national security priorities, and the need for in-person credibility assessments.
Who Will Still Qualify for an Interview Waiver?
Interview waivers will continue to be offered only in very specific cases, including:
- Diplomatic and official visa holders, such as:
- A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6
- Applicants under the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) E-1 category
- Renewals of B-1/B-2 visitor visas or Border Crossing Cards, but only if:
Importantly, consular officers still retain full discretion to require interviews based on individual case factors. Even applicants who appear to meet waiver criteria may be asked to appear in person.
Key Impact Areas: Students, Workers, Children, and Seniors
Minors and Seniors
Perhaps the most striking change is the removal of automatic interview exemptions for children under 14 and adults over 79. These age groups have traditionally been spared from interviews due to age, biometric limitations, or humanitarian considerations. Going forward, most applicants in these age brackets must now attend an in-person visa interview, unless they qualify under one of the rare remaining exceptions.
Students and Exchange Visitors
F-1 and J-1 applicants, especially first-timers, will face mandatory interviews, complicating planning for academic terms beginning in fall 2025 or later. These applicants should expect longer lead times and should submit their DS-160 applications early.
Employment-Based Visas
Foreign professionals applying for H-1B or other employment-based visas like O-1A will also be affected. The elimination of interview waivers means longer appointment wait times at consulates and embassies, which could delay onboarding timelines for U.S. companies. Employers are advised to prepare for additional document requests and plan hiring schedules accordingly.
B1/B2 Visitors
The vast majority of first-time B1/B2 (visitor/business) visa applicants have always been required to appear for in-person interviews. Interview waivers were never broadly available for B1/B2 applicants unless:
- They were renewing a B1/B2 visa within a limited time frame (e.g., originally 48 months, then 12 months as of 2025).
- They qualified for the Dropbox or Interview Waiver Program (IWP) under temporary COVID-era flexibilities
What Applicants Can Expect During the Interview Process
Applicants now subject to in-person interviews should be prepared for several procedural steps:
- Security screening upon entry to the consular post
- Document verification, including DS-160 confirmation page and fee receipt
- Biometric collection (fingerprints and photograph)
- Interview with a consular officer assessing the purpose of travel, ties to home country, and supporting documentation
- Visa decision, or in some cases, administrative processing under section 221(g)
Consulates worldwide are expected to experience increased wait times due to the policy change, particularly during the final quarter of 2025.
Preparing Early Is Key
Given the rollback of interview waivers, visa applicants — especially families with minors or elderly travelers — should begin preparations well in advance. Carefully completing the DS-160, gathering appropriate supporting documents, and monitoring appointment availability through the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate website will be critical to avoiding delays.
Employers sponsoring foreign talent should also adjust internal timelines to accommodate longer consular processes, particularly in high-demand seasons following H-1B cap selection or start-of-term periods for students.
Final Thoughts
The September 2, 2025 interview waiver policy update signals a clear shift back toward traditional visa processing norms. While it may increase consistency and oversight from the State Department’s perspective, it also imposes a higher logistical and planning burden on applicants and sponsoring organizations alike.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult official embassy guidance and monitor updates closely. Due to the complexity and variability of immigration requirements across different countries and visa types, staying informed is essential.
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Do kids under 14 need to attend interviews now?
Most probably yes, unless they fall under the very narrow exception categories, most minors will now need to appear in person.Can I still use the visa dropbox?
Most dropbox programs most probably will be phased out or limited to those renewing B visas within 12 months and meeting strict eligibility.Are O-1A applicants affected?
Most of the applicants will require interviews, especially for first-time visas.
