Key Points:
- US interview waiver window reduced: Starting September 2, 2025, only visa holders whose previous visas expired in the last 12 months are eligible for interview waivers (down from 48 months).
- B1/B2, H-1B, F-1 most affected: Many business, tourist, student, and work visa applicants must now attend in-person interviews regardless of previous waivers.
- Children under 14, adults over 79 exempt: These age groups and diplomats (A, G, NATO, some TECRO E-1 visas) remain eligible for waivers.
- Consular discretion remains: Embassy officials can still require interviews on a case-by-case basis, regardless of eligibility.
- Previous policy allowed more flexibility: The 48 month rule, in effect since February 2025, is now replaced by the stricter 12 month policy.
Washington D.c.: The US Department of State is rolling out major changes to its visa interview waiver program, impacting thousands of travelers including tourists, students, and professionals from around the world. Starting September 2, 2025, the window for qualifying for an interview waiver is set to shrink drastically from 48 months to just 12 months since the expiry of your previous US visa.
Who Will Be Affected Most?
Business (B1), tourist (B2), work (H-1B), and student (F-1) visa applicants who previously enjoyed the relaxed interview waiver policy must now appear in person if their last visa expired more than 12 months ago. Until February 2025, US embassies and consulates could offer waivers to those whose visas had expired as long as four years prior, making the process much easier and faster for regular travelers. This is now ending.
- Example: If your US visa expired in May 2024, and you apply after September 2, 2025, you will need to schedule and attend an in-person interview.
Who STILL Qualifies For Interview Waivers?
Some categories stay the same, regardless of the new window:
- Children under 14 and adults over 79
- Diplomats and officials (A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, NATO, TECRO E-1)
- Border Crossing Card/Foil for certain Mexican nationals, if other conditions are met
For renewal of a standard B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, or Border Crossing Card/Foil, applicants may still qualify if:
- The prior full-validity visa expired within the last 12 months,
- They apply in their country of residence or nationality,
- They have no previous visa refusals (unless specifically waived),
- And no obvious ineligibility factors apply.
Consular Discretion, Case-by-Case
Despite set policy, US consular officers will still have the right to mandate an in-person interview at their own discretion even if you meet the waiver requirements.
Why the Change?
US State Department officials cite a need for enhanced security and closer vetting following global geopolitical events and increased visa demand. The new rule supersedes the relaxed policy introduced on February 18, 2025, which was aimed at easing COVID-era backlogs and speeding up processing for repeat travelers.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
- Check your last visa issuance/expiry date: Act quickly if your visa is close to the 12-month mark to avoid mandatory interviews.
- Prepare for longer wait times: As more people are funneled into the in-person interview queue, expect increased processing times at US consulates.
- Monitor embassy guidance: Procedures can vary by location and nationality, and some exceptions may still apply.
Starting September 2, 2025, US visa renewals get stricter. Fewer people will qualify for the interview waiver, making early preparation and up-to-date paperwork even more important for anyone hoping to travel, study, or work in America.
