Non-immigrant Visa Interviews Can Be Waived for Up to 24 Months

The U.S. State Department has just announced today (08/25/2020) that U.S. Visa Officers may waive the in-person interview requirements for applicants applying for a non-immigrant visa (NIV) in the same classification, if the applicants' previous visa expired within the last 24 months. Before the announcement, only those applicants whose NIV expired within the last 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver. 

For example, if Johnny has a B-2 visa in his passport that expired in September 2018, he may not have to be interviewed again if he applies for a new B-2 visa now.   

The new policy, which will be in effect until 12/31/2020, aims at reducing personal contacts between the Visa Officers and applicants in the era of COVID-19.  

Visa services may not be available in all locations.  Applicants are reminded to contact their local embassy or consulate to find out what visa services are available to them. 

(Immigration laws and policies change regularly.  If you have any questions regarding this article, please visit www.1visa1.com to schedule legal consultation.)