In-Person Visa Interviews Will Become the Norm

When? Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will significantly limit its interview waiver (aka “Dropbox”) program and require in-person interviews for almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants and their dependents. Who Must Attend an In-Person Interview Under the New Policy?

• Applicants for most nonimmigrant visa categories, including E, F, H, J, L, M, O, P, TN, and their dependents.
• This includes new, repeat, and renewal applicants for these visas.
• Applicants and dependents under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 will also be expected to attend in-person interviews.

Who Is Still Eligible for an Interview Waiver?

• Applicants for diplomatic and official visas, employees of international organizations, NATO visas, and TECRO E-1 visas.
• Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card, if they:
• • Apply within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration;
  • Were at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued;
  • Apply in their country of nationality or residence (not in a third country);
  • Have never been refused a visa (unless that refusal was overcome and waived); and
  • Are otherwise eligible.

Note that consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. What Are the Broader Implications of Limited Interview Waivers? The increased workload will likely lead to more appointment backlogs and processing delays, especially at high-volume consular posts. Applicants will incur additional travel expenses and may need to take more time off work or school. What Can Applicants and Employers Do to Prepare and Mitigate?

• Book interviews well in advance and plan for longer waits and potential delays.
• Do not make any firm travel arrangements until you have received a decision on your visa application.
• Make sure all relevant documents, forms, and fee receipts are ready, up-to-date, and well organized.
• Be prepared for enhanced scrutiny, including your plans for your stay in the U.S., maintenance of status, ties to your home country, and screening of your social media and online activities.
• It is likely that more cases will be placed in administrative processing for weeks or even months, so both employers and employees should have contingency plans to avoid interruptions in staffing, business, or workflow caused by the prolonged absences of visa applicants.

Please also note that DOS is currently preparing to implement a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee,” which will be due upon visa approval and apply to all nonimmigrant visa applications in addition to existing application and processing fees. For more information, please see our post: “A New Visa Fee Coming Soon”.