Published on: July 2025
The US Department of State has issued a major update regarding interview waiver eligibility for nonimmigrant visa applicants, effective September 2, 2025. This change will impact thousands of Indian travellers applying for tourist (B1/B2), student, business, and family visit visas.
Let’s break down what the new rule says, who still qualifies for interview waivers, and how Velynt Global can assist you through this process.
What’s Changing?
Under the new rule effective from September 2, 2025, most applicants will now be required to attend an in-person visa interview, even if they had been previously exempt.
The only exceptions are:
- Applicants classifiable under:
- A-1, A-2 (diplomats)
- C-3 (official transits)
- G-1 to G-4 (international organization staff)
- NATO categories (NATO-1 to NATO-6)
- TECRO E-1 visa class (Taiwan Economic & Cultural Representative Office)
- Applicants for official or diplomatic visas
- Applicants renewing a full-validity B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card (for Mexicans) within 12 months of expiration, subject to conditions
Who Can Still Qualify for Interview Waiver?
If you are renewing a B1, B2 or B1/B2 visa, you may be eligible for an interview waiver only if all the following apply:
- You are renewing within 12 months of your previous visa’s expiration
- You were 18 years or older when your last visa was issued
- You are applying from your country of nationality or residence
- You have never had a visa refusal (unless it was overcome or waived)
- You have no apparent ineligibility (criminal history, overstays, etc.)
Even then, consular officers may still require interviews on a case-by-case basis.
What It Means for Indian Applicants
- First-time B1/B2 applicants will now need an in-person interview
- Renewal candidates must meet strict criteria to qualify for waiver
- Students (F/M visas) are not included in the waiver categories
- Elderly applicants over 79 and minors under 14 are no longer automatically exempt
This is a significant policy reversal from previous pandemic-era relaxations and is aimed at tightening scrutiny across global missions.
Why This Matters
- Appointment delays may increase due to higher interview volumes
- Travel plans (for business, family visits, tourism) may need extra lead time
- Interview availability in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) may vary by region
How Velynt Global Can Help
At Velynt Global, we support all applicants with:
- Interview preparation and slot booking
- DS-160 form filling and document validation
- Eligibility assessment for interview waiver
- Emergency appointment support (if applicable)
- Reapplication strategy for previously refused cases
Contact us today to ensure your US visa process is stress-free.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 90748 07602 | +91 89215 75628
Website: www.velyntglobal.com
FAQs
Q1: I renewed my US visa last year. Do I need an interview again now?
If it was a full-validity B1/B2 visa and you’re renewing within 12 months, you may qualify for an interview waiver—provided all other criteria are met.
Q2: Will this affect student visa applicants (F1/M1)?
Yes. Unless you fall under exempt categories (e.g., diplomatic), you’ll need to attend an interview.
Q3: Can Velynt Global help with expedited appointments?
Yes. We support emergency appointment requests, especially for medical, family, or urgent business needs.
Q4: What if I was previously refused?
You’ll not qualify for interview waiver unless that refusal was successfully overcome. But we can assist with reapplication and documentation strategy.
Starting September 2, 2025, the US is reinstating stricter interview rules across most visa types, especially for Indian applicants. Even renewals must meet all conditions to skip the interview. Don’t leave it to chance.
Get expert guidance from Velynt Global to protect your timeline, avoid errors, and ensure your US travel plans stay on track.
