US Visa Interview Changes: New Rules Effective September 2

The United States Department of State has announced sweeping changes to its US Visa Interview Requirements 2025, signaling a significant shift in how short-term non-immigrant visa applications will be processed worldwide. Beginning September 2, 2025, the majority of applicants — including children under 14 and seniors over 79 — will be required to appear for in-person interviews at US consulates, a notable departure from previous waivers.

This policy update, issued on July 25, replaces the more relaxed interview waiver provisions that had been in place since February 18, 2025, many of which were designed to manage COVID-era backlogs and minimize face-to-face contact. The change marks a deliberate return to stricter vetting procedures, particularly affecting those seeking B1/B2 visas for tourism and business.

US Visa Interview: What’s Changing in the New Visa Guidelines?

Until now, younger children and elderly applicants were typically exempt from the interview process. But under the US Visa Interview Requirements 2025, consular interviews will become the norm across most categories, regardless of age.

The State Department has clarified that this decision is aimed at enhancing national security and standardizing the application process globally. All non-immigrant visa applicants — including first-time applicants and some renewing their visas — will now need to physically appear for a visa interview, unless they fall within a narrow set of exemptions.

Who Can Still Skip the Interview?

Despite the broad tightening, the policy leaves room for limited exceptions. Only select groups will remain eligible for interview waivers:

• Diplomatic and Official Visa Holders:
  Categories such as A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, C-3 (excluding support staff), NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.

• Specific B1/B2 Visa Renewals:
  Applicants can bypass the interview if:

  • The renewal occurs within 12 months of visa expiration

  • The applicant is applying from their country of nationality or residence

  • They have no prior visa refusals (unless overturned or waived)

  • There are no grounds for ineligibility

Failure to meet even one of these criteria means the applicant must attend an interview.

US Visa Interview: What This Means for Indian Travelers

India has long been one of the top sources of US non-immigrant visa applications, especially in the B1/B2 category. Many families, professionals, and tourists have previously relied on the waiver program to speed up their visa renewals.

With the new US Visa Interview Requirements 2025 in place, a larger portion of Indian applicants will now be subject to longer wait times, heightened scrutiny, and mandatory interviews at US consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

This change may cause scheduling bottlenecks — particularly during peak travel periods like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year.

Will Consulates Have the Final Say?

Yes. Even if an applicant meets the criteria for an interview waiver, consular officers retain the right to request an in-person interview based on individual assessment. This discretionary power reinforces the unpredictability of the application process going forward.

What Should Applicants Do Next?

Visa applicants — particularly those hoping to travel later this year — are advised to act proactively:

• Visit the official website of the US embassy or consulate where they plan to apply

• Review updated document checklists

• Check appointment wait times

• Monitor country-specific guidelines and operating status

“Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures,” the Department of State emphasized in its announcement.

US Visa Interview: Why the Change?

While no explicit reason was cited in the State Department’s update, experts suggest that the policy represents a recalibration to pre-pandemic norms. During COVID-19, waivers were expanded to reduce in-person contact and accelerate processing. Now, with global travel stabilizing, US authorities are likely aiming to reinforce security and face-to-face evaluation protocols.

Impact on Global Travelers

The US Visa Interview Requirements 2025 are expected to impact tens of thousands of travelers globally — not just from India, but also from countries like Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, and Nigeria, where visa demand is high. Those planning holiday travel or business visits should initiate applications early to avoid delays.

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