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ARTICLE · 10 MARCH 2025

U.S. Department Of State Changes Mail-In Visa Application Procedures

Green and Spiegel LLP
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On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (‘DOS") issued updated guidance for visa applicants permitted to waive the in-person interview requirement and, instead, apply for an initial visa or renewal via the DOS' prescribed mail-in procedure.

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Joshua H. Rolf
Joshua H. Rolf
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Quick Takeaways

  • Updates supersede prior guidance that expanded availability of mail-in visa applications
  • Must be applying in country of citizenship/residence for same visa classification and only if visa expired within previous 12 months
  • Special exceptions for certain visas issued to foreign government officials, diplomats, NATO personnel, and Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office E-1s

On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State ('DOS") issued updated guidance for visa applicants permitted to waive the in-person interview requirement and, instead, apply for an initial visa or renewal via the DOS' prescribed mail-in procedure. Consistent with the Trump Administration's directive for Consular Officials to perform "extreme vetting" at U.S. Consulates abroad, far fewer visa applicants are now permitted to avoid appearing at U.S. Consulates abroad, thereby increasing the odds that such applicants will face even longer wait-times to

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