New US visa interview waiver rules from Sept 2, those under 14 and over 79 to be interviewed
In a notification issued on July 25, the US Department of State announced that most applicants for US non-immigrant visas, including those under 14 and over 79 years, will be required to appear for an in-person interview, effective from September 2, 2025.“The Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview,” read the statement.The exceptions of in-person interview include:Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas. Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.The move indicates a shift towards more rigorous screening for short-term travel and business visas, even for those who were previously eligible for waivers.Also read:15 US lawmakers urge state department to resolve visa delays for Indian studentsUS govt warns green card holders to carry identification documents at all times

In a notification issued on July 25, the US Department of State announced that most applicants for US non-immigrant visas, including those under 14 and over 79 years, will be required to appear for an in-person interview, effective from September 2, 2025.
“The Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview,” read the statement.
The exceptions of in-person interview include:
- Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.
- Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas.
- Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.
The move indicates a shift towards more rigorous screening for short-term travel and business visas, even for those who were previously eligible for waivers.
Also read:
15 US lawmakers urge state department to resolve visa delays for Indian students
US govt warns green card holders to carry identification documents at all times
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