Changes to the Visa Interview Waiver Program: What You Need to Know

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Quick Summary: Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will significantly restrict the visa interview waiver program. Most nonimmigrant visa applicants will need to attend in-person interviews at US consulates or embassies, ending years of waiver flexibility.

Key Points:

• Visa interview waiver program changes take effect September 2, 2025.

• Most nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews.

• Limited categories may still qualify for waivers.

• Prepare early: book appointments, gather documents, and ensure passport validity.

Questions about your visa application or interview waivers? Contact our Atlanta immigration attorneys today at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

📖 Standard Read

The visa interview waiver program is undergoing significant changes that will affect thousands of nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide. Carolina Antonini, partner at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group, explains what you need to know.

At Antonini & Cohen, we understand how these policy changes can impact your travel and immigration plans. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Atlanta immigration attorneys.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

DOS Limits Visa Interview Waiver Program

Many nonimmigrant visa applicants have benefited from the visa interview waiver program, which allows them to renew or obtain certain nonimmigrant visas without an in-person consular interview. This program reduced wait times and made the visa process more accessible for many tourists and workers. 

Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will require most nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend in-person interviews at US consulates and embassies. Applications filed before September 2, 2025, will still be processed under the February 18, 2025, policy.

Who Will Still Qualify for Interview Waivers?

Only a few categories may still qualify, including:

• Certain diplomatic visas

• Eligible visitor visa renewals under specific conditions

• Other narrowly defined categories, as determined by consular policy

What This Means for You

Mandatory in-person interviews will create several challenges:

• Higher Costs and Travel Time: Applicants may need to travel long distances, requiring time away from work or school.

• Longer Processing Times: Appointment demand will rise, limiting availability and extending wait times which, if delayed too long, may lead to a denial.

Be Prepared

Take these proactive steps to avoid delays and challenges:

• Book Early: Check your consulate's appointment availability immediately and schedule your interviews as soon as possible.

• Prepare Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Complete Form DS-160 accurately and gather strong supporting documents demonstrating your ties to your home country, financial stability, and the temporary nature of your visit.

• Avoid Travel Disruptions: If you must travel to your home country’s US consulate, be aware of how long your current US legal status permits you to be outside the country.

A&C Provides Guidance You Can Count On

As immigration policies change, having experienced legal guidance becomes increasingly important. 

If you have questions about how the visa interview waiver program changes affect you or your employees, contact Antonini & Cohen today at (470) 428-3200 to schedule a consultation. Our Atlanta immigration attorneys will help you prepare for the interview, organize your documents, and minimize delays.

At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

📚Video Transcript

Hi, I'm Carolina Antonini, partner at Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group. Today I want to talk about the new US visa interview waiver policy. Starting September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will once again need to attend an in-person interview at a US consulate. For the past few years, many were able to skip this step, but that flexibility is ending.

Only limited categories, like certain diplomatic visas or eligible visitor visa renewals, may still qualify for waivers.

In-person interviews mean extra travel costs, time away from work or school, and longer wait times for appointments. You can stay one step ahead by checking your consulate's appointment availability and booking early. Making sure your passport is valid and your DS-160 is accurate. Gathering strong supporting documents to show your ties to your home country and financial support. And avoid international travel if your current status in the United States depends on a timely return.

If you have questions about how this change affects you or your employees, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We will help you manage your timeline, prepare for the interview, and reduce the chance of delays. Call us. At Antonini & Cohen, we know how. We fight harder.

Additional Resources

Carolina Antonini is a founding partner of Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group and one of Georgia’s most respected immigration attorneys. For more than 30 years, she’s helped individuals, families, and businesses achieve their immigration goals with skill and compassion. Carolina is a teacher, mentor, and community leader who has served on boards, taught future lawyers, and earned numerous awards for her work. She also shares practical updates on her podcast, Hablando con Carolina.