From September 2, 2025, practically all non-immigrant visa candidates shall be required to attend in-person interviews with US consular officers. The US state division has confirmed that this marks the tip of age-based exemptions and “drop field” renewals for a lot of classes of visas, affecting college students, professionals, and frequent vacationers.What’s alteringTill now, candidates underneath the age of 14 and over 79, in addition to many renewing H-1B (expert employees), L-1 (intra-company transferees), F-1 (college students), O-1 (people with extraordinary potential), and customer visas (B-1/B-2 for enterprise or tourism), might qualify for interview waivers. Beginning September 2, most candidates in these classes might want to seem in particular person, whether or not making use of for the primary time or renewing.Exemptions stay for diplomatic and official visas, sure worldwide group classes, and particular renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visas and border crossing playing cards for Mexican nationals. Even in these instances, consular officers should still require an interview.Stricter guidelines for some nationsFor nationals of 57 nations, together with Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, the coverage applies instantly, with out exemptions. Candidates from these nations should attend interviews for all non-immigrant visa classes. Diplomatic and official visa functions will proceed by way of current diplomatic channels. India is just not included on this group.Longer wait occasions doubtlessThe State Division has cautioned that candidates ought to count on longer wait occasions for appointments. Vacationers can monitor appointment availability by way of the World Visa Wait Occasions web site.From January 1, 2025, just one free reschedule shall be permitted for visa appointments. Lacking an appointment or rescheduling a second time would require fee of a brand new visa payment. Candidates should additionally deliver the DS-160 affirmation web page used to guide the appointment. If a corrected type is later submitted, each the unique and revised affirmation pages have to be offered on the interview.Why it issuesThe modifications will instantly have an effect on college students starting new educational periods, professionals touring for work, and frequent guests. Candidates are suggested to plan visa functions properly prematurely to account for potential delays.What candidates ought to do now
