State Department updates US non-immigrant visa interview waiver
/ Our Today
administrator
The US Department of State is moving to update the categories of applicants it deems eligible for a waiver of the non-immigrant visa interview.
The measure, effective September 2, supersedes the State Department’s February 18 interview waiver memo
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, except:
- 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.
“The department further noted that to be eligible for an interview waiver based on the third bullet point above, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they 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,” the update declared.
“Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason,” added the State Department.
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