Major changes have been made to the US visa system once again, and this time the change will directly affect millions of people who are planning to visit the US. From September 2, 2025, the US Department of State has announced sweeping changes to the Visa Interview Waiver Policy. This will now directly affect applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, who were now usually exempted from visa interviews.
This policy will specifically apply to non-immigrant visa categories such as tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), work visas (H-1B) and exchange visas (J). This change has been brought about with the aim of increasing the national security of the US and the transparency of the application process. However, this has also raised concerns among visa applicants, especially among H-1B holders, who are already facing a long waiting period.
Which applicants will now be free from interviews?
Although most nonimmigrant visa categories will now require an in-person interview, certain categories will continue to be exempt. These include:
- Applicants for diplomatic and official visas (A-1, A-2, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6).
- Holders of TECRO E-1 visas, which are for special Taiwanese representatives.
- Applicants for renewal of B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visas, provided that:
- Less than 12 months have passed since their previous visa expired.
- The applicant was at least 18 years of age when the first visa was issued.
Thus, the exemption has not been eliminated entirely but has been made extremely limited and subject to strict standards.
Additional eligibility criteria for interview exemption
If you fall under the B-1/B-2 visa category and want to get an interview exemption, then some additional criteria are also required for you:
- Apply from the same country of which you are a citizen or reside in.
- There should be no previous visa rejection, or if there was, it should have been later overcome or waived.
- There should be no potential ineligibility, such as serious reasons related to security or immigration.
This means that the interview exemption will no longer be completely automatic, but eligibility will have to be proved.
Case-by-case decision system remains
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also clarified that even if an applicant meets all the conditions for interview exemption, the consular officer will still have the right to call for an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis. This provision has been kept to ensure security.
USCIS has suggested all applicants visit the website of the concerned embassy or consulate to get information about the latest process and services, as the policies of each embassy may be slightly different.
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee is also applicable.
Recently, another big announcement has been made, in which the US government has announced the introduction of a Visa Integrity Fee of $250, which will be effective from 2026. It is being seen as a kind of security amount, which can also be refunded if the visa holder follows all the rules.
This fee has been introduced under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was implemented on July 4. Many changes have been made in the immigration system under this law, and this fee is one of the major aspects of them.
Increased concern for H-1B holders
H-1B visa holders and applicants of other work visa categories will be particularly affected by this new policy. Now they will have to face more time, travel and cost for the interview. Also, the wait for interview slots may be longer, which will further increase the processing time. This will also impact companies that rely on foreign talent.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Be Aware
If you are planning to get a US visa, these changes cannot be ignored. You need to plan ahead—with timelines, documents, and interview preparations. Make sure you have provided the correct information in your application and avoid any kind of false information, as it can be detrimental in the future.
Also, stay updated about the Visa Integrity Fee and understand how it may apply to your case. Beware of any visa-related fraud or middlemen, and get information only from official sources.
FAQs
Q. Who is now required to attend an in-person visa interview?
A. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79 years old, will generally need to attend an in-person interview starting September 2, 2025.
Q. Are there any exceptions to the new interview requirement?
A. Yes. Diplomats, certain official visa holders (A, G, NATO categories), and applicants renewing a valid B-1/B-2 visa within 12 months may still qualify for a waiver.
Q. Can consular officers still call someone for an interview even if they’re eligible for a waiver?
A. Yes. Officers have full discretion to request an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.
Q. What are the conditions for B-1/B-2 applicants to get an interview waiver?
A. They must apply from their home country, have no past visa refusal (unless overcome), and have no signs of ineligibility.
Q. What is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, and who pays it?
A. Starting in 2026, a $250 fee will apply as a refundable security measure, linked to compliance. It’s part of the U.S. immigration reforms under the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
