Effective January 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of State announced that it will extend the current non-immigrant visa interview waivers indefinitely until further notice.
GENERAL NON-IMMIGRANT VISA WAIVERS
Specifically, interviews are waived for these two categories of visa applicants:
1) First time H-2 visa applicants (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers); and
2) Other nonimmigrant visa applicants applying for any nonimmigrant visa classification who:
- Were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification, unless the only prior issued visa was a B visa; and
- Are applying within 48 months of their most recent nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date.
This policy will be reviewed annually and is currently put in place until further notice.
SAME CLASSIFICATION VISA RENEWAL WAIVERS
Additionally, applicants renewing a non-immigrant visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration date continue to be eligible for interview waiver until further notice. This includes the B visa.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
In general, to be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria:
1) They must apply in their country of nationality or residence.
2) They have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived).
3) They have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Finally, The State Department emphasizes that in-person interviews may still be required on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. Applicants should confirm with their local U.S.Embassy or Consulate regarding their eligibility.
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