From September 2025 the US State Department required nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants — including many who previously qualified for interview waivers — to appear in person at a consulate. The change means more appointments, longer queues at busy posts and added travel for applicants. Only limited categories, such as certain diplomatic and some renewal cases, still qualify for a waiver.
At a glance
Most US nonimmigrant visa applicants must now attend an in-person consular interview.
