DOS Changes to the NIV Interview Waiver Criteria at U.S. Consular Posts
On February 18, 2025, the Department of State announced that it has rescinded its December 2023 interview waiver policy. In the announcement DOS updated the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. According to the announcement, consular officers have the authority to waive the in-person interview for the following categories as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h):
Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:
apply in their country of nationality or residence;
have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Previously, posts permitted visa applicants applying for any nonimmigrant visa classification who were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification (unless the only prior issued visa was a B visa); and were applying within 48 months of their most recent nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date to request a waiver of the consular interview.
