Interview Waiver

Rollback of Expanded Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Interview Waiver Program

Maggio Kattar

If you’re applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, be aware that many U.S. consulates are tightening eligibility for interview waivers, rolling back the expanded criteria that had been in place since COVID-19. This means more applicants will now be required to attend in-person visa interviews, potentially leading to longer wait times.

Previously, applicants could qualify for an interview waiver if their prior visa expired within the last 48 months, but many consulates have now reduced that window to 12 months. This change has not been widely announced, but multiple consular posts—including those in France and India—have updated their policies.

What This Means for You

If applicants do not meet the new criteria, they will be required to schedule an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate to apply for your visa. Reports indicate that some applicants with scheduled interview waiver appointments have already been turned away and instructed to schedule in-person interviews instead.  

Action Items & Recommendations

  • Check U.S. Consulate websites frequently: Each consulate may have different implementation procedures and rescheduling steps, and changes may be made without notice.
  • Verify eligibility before proceeding: If you already have an interview waiver appointment, confirm that you still qualify under the new criteria.
  • Plan for delays: With more applicants now required to attend in-person interviews, expect increased wait times and fewer available appointment slots.
  • Check visa wait times before traveling: If you are leaving the U.S. and will need to renew your visa abroad, ensure you have sufficient time to accommodate potential delays.

We will continue monitoring this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. If you have any questions or need assistance with your visa application, please reach out to our team.