The U.S. State Department’s updated visa rules are set to take effect beginning September 2, 2025.
“Starting September 2, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants in most visa categories, including those who are renewing, will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer,” the State Department wrote via X.
Here’s What’s Changing
“Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview,” the State Department revealed earlier this summer. “All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer.”
Certain categories of travelers will be exempt:
- Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
- Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
- Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.
Additionally, Mexican nationals who wish to renew their B-1, B-2, B1/B2 or Border Crossing Card/Foil, must also meet other criteria to qualify for an exemption.
According to the State Department, individuals must “apply in their country of nationality or residence, have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived), and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.”
What This Means
Categories previously eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview may be losing this privilege. Visitors to the U.S., including students, workers, and travelers, will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer in order to obtain a visa.
The new rule affects visitors from 57 countries, including Cuba, Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Egypt and Venezuela.
Previously, many temporary visitors from these countries were able to qualify for automatic renewals without the need for an in-person interview.
