Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. government will implement major changes to its nonimmigrant visa policies, removing the interview waiver eligibility for H-1B and F-1 visa holders renewing their visas. This policy shift means that individuals renewing H-1B work visas or F-1 student visas will now be required to appear for in-person interviews, even if their previous visas expired less than 12 months ago, a benefit they had previously enjoyed.
However, in a move likely to bring relief to many travelers, the U.S. will continue to allow B-1, B-2, and B1/B2 visa holders to renew their visas without an in-person interview under specific conditions. These include individuals whose prior visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months and who meet other security and eligibility requirements.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the updated guidelines are designed to streamline visa processing while ensuring national security. The change effectively supersedes the earlier interview waiver update issued on February 18, 2025.
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Applicants hoping to benefit from the B1/B2 interview waiver must apply in their country of nationality or residence, must not have had a visa refusal (unless such refusal was later overcome or waived), and must have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Those under the age of 14 or over 79 may still qualify for interview waivers, but most other categories, including H-1B and F-1 renewals, will now be subject to in-person assessments.
Additionally, diplomatic and official visa applicants, as well as certain individuals under visa categories such as A, G, C-3 (excluding attendants), and NATO, will continue to be exempt from the in-person interview requirement.
The updated rule marks a significant shift for thousands of H-1B and F-1 holders who have previously benefited from streamlined renewals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when interview waivers were widely used to reduce embassy backlogs. With this change, affected applicants are advised to begin their renewal process early, given the expected increase in appointment demands at U.S. consulates worldwide.
As these changes take effect, applicants are encouraged to monitor the U.S. embassy or consulate websites in their countries for updates and to ensure they meet all requirements before submitting their applications.
