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ARTICLE · 11 JANUARY 2024

State Dept. Expands Consular Authority For Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers

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On December 21, 2023, the Department of State (DOS) announced that it had consulted with the Department of Homeland Security and determined...

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On December 21, 2023, the Department of State (DOS) announced that it had consulted with the Department of Homeland Security and determined that several categories of interview waivers are in the national interest. As of January 1, 2024, consular officers will have the discretion to waive the in-person interview for:

  • First-time H-2 visa applicants (temporary agricultural and nonagricultural workers) and
  • Other nonimmigrant 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
  • Are applying within 48 months of their most recent nonimmigrant visa's expiration date.

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