Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly narrow the eligibility for non-immigrant visa interview waivers, impacting hundreds of thousands of applicants globally, especially for the popular B1/B2 visitor visa category. The updated guidelines mark a return to pre-pandemic visa screening standards and are aimed at strengthening security and fraud prevention.
What is Changing?
Until September 1, 2025, applicants renewing a B1/B2 visa (for business or tourism) without attending an in-person interview could do so if their previous visa had expired within the past 48 months. Under the new rules, this window is reduced to only 12 months. This means that many more people who were previously able to renew their visas through the “dropbox” process will now be required to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
This change also affects other frequently used visa categories such as:
- F-1 (students)
- H-1B (specialty workers)
- J-1 (exchange visitors)
Applicants renewing these visas after 12 months of expiry will now need to undergo mandatory interviews, despite previously qualifying for waivers. Even age-based exemptions for applicants under 14 and over 79 years will no longer apply routinely; everyone will generally be asked to attend interviews unless falling under limited exceptions.
Who Still Qualifies for Waivers?
The interview waiver will remain available only for:
- Applicants renewing full-validity B1/B2 visas within 12 months of expiry
- Mexican nationals renewing B1/B2 visas or Border Crossing Cards under specific conditions
- Diplomatic and official visas (categories A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, NATO, TECRO E-1, etc.)
All applicants must meet criteria like applying in their country of nationality or residence, having no prior visa refusals or ineligibilities, and being at least 18 years old at the time of prior visa issuance.
Consular officers retain discretion to require interviews for any applicant regardless of waiver eligibility, heightening scrutiny.
Impact and Challenges
The policy overhaul is expected to significantly increase demand for in-person visa interviews, especially in high-volume countries like India, where over 700,000 B1/B2 visitor visas were processed in 2023. Applicants should anticipate longer wait times, higher appointment backlogs, and potential delays in travel approvals.
This shift could be a setback for those accustomed to faster “dropbox” renewals, meaning increased travel planning complexity and the need for early consulate appointments.
Additional Changes: New Visa Integrity Fee
Adding to the costs, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 will be charged at visa approval for most non-immigrant categories, including business (B-1), tourist (B-2), student (F, M), work (H-1B), and exchange visitor (J) visas. This fee will be adjusted annually based on inflation and applies universally with no exemptions.
What Should Applicants Do?
- Plan visa renewals well in advance due to longer processing times.
- Prepare for mandatory interviews except for narrowly defined exceptions.
- Monitor embassy and consulate websites for updates on local appointment availability.
- Budget for the new Visa Integrity Fee as part of visa approval.
This policy update reflects the U.S. government’s ongoing effort to balance efficient travel facilitation with enhanced security measures. Visa applicants and travel planners must adjust strategies accordingly to navigate the new landscape effectively.
This newsletter summarizes the key points around the U.S. visa interview waiver changes taking effect September 2, 2025, with emphasis on B1/B2 visa renewals, increased interview requirements, impact on other visa types, and introduction of the new Visa Integrity Fee.
Disclaimer: The information published in the above newsletter is collected from various sources in electronic medium and analyzed by the firm. The reader is advised to consult the attorney qualified in their jurisdiction, before acting on any information contained in this newsletter. India Juris excepts no liability what so ever in this regard.
