US Visa Policy Change: In-Person Interviews Back for Most B1/B2 Applicants from Sept 2025

The US Department of State has announced sweeping changes to its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program, effective September 2, 2025, rolling back a February policy that had eased the process for many travelers. The revised guidelines will require in-person interviews for most applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, with limited exceptions.

Officials say the move is aimed at strengthening security, but immigration lawyers and applicants fear it will increase processing times and reduce accessibility for frequent travelers and families.

Who Will Still Qualify for Waivers

Under the updated policy, interview waivers remain available only for limited visa categories, including:

♦ A-1 and A-2 (diplomats and government officials)

♦ C-3 (excluding attendants of officials)

♦ G-1 through G-4

♦ NATO-1 through NATO-6

♦ TECRO E-1

♦ Holders of diplomatic or official visas

A notable exception also applies to renewals of B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), or combined B1/B2 visas, as well as Mexican Border Crossing Cards. To qualify, applicants must:

♦ Renew within 12 months of visa expiry

♦ Have been at least 18 years old when the visa was issued

♦ Apply from their country of nationality or residence

Have no previous visa refusals (unless overturned or waived)

Even then, consular officers retain discretion to demand an in-person interview.

Attorney Flags Concerns

Houston-based immigration lawyer Steven Brown warned that the rollback effectively ends the “Dropbox” option that allowed applicants to renew visas without interviews.

“My reading of this is that they are basically getting rid of Dropbox for most categories. This will lead to longer waits for appointments and is significantly less efficient for renewals of visas. Also requiring interviews for children is patently absurd,” Brown posted on X.

Why the Change Now

The State Department said the decision reflects heightened global security concerns, giving consular officers more flexibility to scrutinize applicants.

“Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions,” USCIS noted in its announcement. Officials advised applicants to monitor embassy and consulate websites for updated procedures and appointment availability.

What’s Next

The policy change comes as demand for US visas remains high worldwide. Experts warn that processing times, already stretched in many regions, could lengthen further after September 2.