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ARTICLE · 19 FEBRUARY 2025

US Consular Posts Tighten Restrictions On Eligibility For Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers

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The U.S. Department of State has unexpectedly updated various Consular websites with revised eligibility requirements for the Visa Interview Waiver (also known as dropbox or mail-in) program...

United StatesImmigration
Miriam C. Thompson
Miriam C. Thompson

The U.S. Department of State has unexpectedly updated various Consular websites with revised eligibility requirements for the Visa Interview Waiver (also known as dropbox or mail-in) program, reverting to narrower pre-COVID-era eligibility criteria. The interview waiver program simplifies the procedure to apply for a U.S. visa stamp by eliminating the requirement for eligible individuals to attend in-person visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates.

Updated Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility Criteria

Effective immediately, eligibility to waive the in-person visa interview is limited to applicants renewing a visa in the same nonimmigrant classification that expired within the past 12 months, in addition to other general requirements. Previously, applicants qualified if their visa had expired within the last 48 months and, in some cases, qualified for an interview waiver when applying for a visa classification for the first time. This prior policy

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