Change in Department of State policy: Visa interviews required

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:54:29 +0000

Change in Department of State policy: Visa interviews required Carolyn Salter Tue, 07/29/2025 - 09:54

On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a change in the interview waiver policy for visa applicants. The change is effective September 2, 2025. The updated guidance ends waivers of the visa interviews for most visa applicants.

In-person interviews will be required for the majority of visa categories (including F-1, H-1B, J-1, and O-1).
Interviews will be required for both new applicants and those applying to renew their visas.

This means that there likely will be major delays in obtaining visa appointments at the U.S. consulates and embassies abroad and in issuance of visas. Be sure to have a visa appointment scheduled prior to departing the United States if you need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in order to return.

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Change in Department of State policy: Visa interviews required

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