Marking a significant change for students, business professionals, and frequent travellers, from September 2, 2025, nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants will need to attend in-person interviews with US consular officers. With this move, the previous age-based exemptions and “drop box” renewals for many categories will end.
US Visa Policy Tightens: In-Person Interviews Required for Most Applicants, Fewer Waivers Ahead
For the unaware, up until now, the applicants under 14 and over 79, as well as many renewing H-1B (skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transferees), F-1 (students), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), and visitor visas (B-1/B-2 for business or tourism), could qualify for interview waivers. However, this will change and now on they shall have to appear in person, whether it is their first time application or a renewal visa.
Exceptions apply to diplomatic and official visas, certain categories related to international organizations, and specific renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visas and border crossing cards for Mexican nationals. However, consular officers can still request an interview in these cases.
For 57 countries, which include the likes of Afghanistan, Nigeria, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, this policy takes effect immediately without any exemptions. The applicants from these nations have to policy takes effect immediately, without exemptions.
Diplomatic and official applications will continue through normal diplomatic channels. India is not included in that group.
The applicants have been cautioned by the US State Department to expect longer wait times for the appointments. Travelers can check the Global Visa Wait Times website for location-specific updates.
In addition to this, January 1, 2025, only one reschedule shall be free for visa appointments and missing an appointment or needing to reschedule a second time will require payment of a new visa fee.
In addition to this, the applicants must also bring the DS-160 confirmation page used to book the appointment. If a corrected form is submitted, both the original and new confirmation pages must be presented at the interview.
Plan Ahead: New US Visa Rules Mean Longer Waits and Stricter Appointment Policies
The recent changes will impact a broad range of travellers—from students preparing for new academic terms to professionals heading abroad for work—who must now plan their visa applications well in advance to avoid potential delays.
What Applicants Should Do Now:
- Start early: Begin your visa application process as far ahead as possible, aligned with your travel, study, or work schedule.
- Check wait times: Monitor appointment availability using the U.S. State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times tool.
- Be document-ready: Ensure you have the correct DS-160 confirmation page and all necessary supporting documents to prevent delays or the need to reschedule.
- Know the rescheduling policy: You’re allowed one free appointment reschedule. Any additional changes will require a new visa fee payment.
