Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State is updating its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy to narrow the categories of applicants who may be eligible for an interview waiver. This change will require in-person interviews for most visa categories, including applicants renewing a visa or with a previously issued visa in good standing.

Temporary Interview Waivers Ended

• Applicants under 14 years old and over 79 years old will no longer be categorically exempt from interview requirements and will be required to appear in person.
• In-person interviews will now be required for nearly all nonimmigrant visa categories, including but not limited to:
  • E-1 and E-2 (Treaty Traders and Investors)
  • F-1 (Students)
  • H-1B (Specialty Occupation Workers)
  • J-1 (Exchange Visitors)
  • L-1 (Intra-Company Transferees)
  • O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability)

Limited Exceptions in Place

• Applicants for diplomatic or official visas remain eligible for interview waivers, as well as applicants for A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1—NATO-6, and TECRO E-1 visas.
• Interview waivers will be available for certain applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil, provided that the applicant apply within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, was at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance, and:

1. 1. Applies in their country of nationality or residence;
   2. Has never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome or waived); and
   3. Has no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Canadian citizens remain visa exempt for most statuses. Consular Officers continue to retain discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis.

The policy changes will likely mean longer visa appointment wait times and processing delays. Visa holders should plan well in advance for international travel and visa processing, and check the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate for updated procedures and appointment availability. Visa wait times are posted here but may not be up to date: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html.

In addition to restricting eligibility for visa interview waivers, the Administration, through its recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” introduced a “visa integrity fee” of at least $250, to be paid upon visa issuance. This new fee will be imposed starting October 1, 2025, and is in addition to the $205 visa application fee. The Act suggests that the visa integrity fee may be reimbursed after an applicant’s visa expires, provided that the applicant:

1. Complied with all conditions of the nonimmigrant visa;
2. Has not sought to extend the period of admission and departed the U.S. within 5 days of the end of their authorized stay; or
3. Was granted an extension of nonimmigrant status or an adjustment to the status of a lawful permanent resident.

The Act also increases the fee for applicants requesting a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record from $6 to $24. Both the visa integrity fee and the I-94 fee are subject to increases based on inflation.

The immigration attorneys at Ryan Swanson are closely monitoring these changes to visa processing, and are available to answer any questions regarding international travel and visa processing.