NIV Interview Waiver Update

By: Ashima Chock

In-Person Interview Required for Most Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

The U.S. Department of State has issued a new directive updating the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy, effective September 2, 2025. This update significantly narrows the scope of applicants eligible for interview waivers and directly affects the widely used “Dropbox” process—a streamlined visa renewal method that allows eligible applicants to submit documents without attending an in-person interview.

Beginning September 2, 2025, with some exceptions, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under 14 years and applicants over 79 years, will need to attend an in-person interview.

Exceptions to the Interview Requirement include:

• 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
• Applicants renewing a B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of expiration, if they were at least 18 years old when their last visa was issued. For this exception to be eligible, applicants should apply from their home country, should have never been denied a visa (unless that denial was overcome), and have had no issues that could make them ineligible.

Individuals with existing Dropbox appointments scheduled on or after September 2, 2025, including H-1 and L1 visa applicants, should contact the relevant consulate.

Further, even if you qualify for a waiver, the embassy or consulate can still ask you to come in for an interview. Always check the website of the specific embassy or consulate for local instructions.This policy change is expected to significantly increase demand for in-person visa appointments, which will likely lead to longer waiting times and potential processing delays at consular posts worldwide.

This July 25, 2025, update supersedes the previous Interview Waiver Update issued by Department of State on February 18, 2025.