Dos Extends Interview Waiver For Select Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

If you’re applying for a non-immigrant visa, it’s important to understand that the Department of State (DoS) is continuing its interview waiver policy for certain applications. Although the policy was supposed to expire on December 31, 2023, the DoS announced its extension on December 21, 2023. This extension started on January 1, 2024, and will be active until further notice. Your citizenship attorney in NYC can determine if this policy affects your case, especially if you have been waiting for an interview to secure your visa.

Who is exempt from in-person interviews?

According to the directive, Consular Officers can decide to waive the in-person interviews for the following applicants:

• First-time applicants of H-2 visas, particularly temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers
• Other applicants for nonimmigrant visas under nonimmigrant visa classifications, as long as they were previously nonimmigrant visa holders in any classification (except B visa)
• Other nonimmigrant visa applicants applying within 48 months of their previous nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date

In addition, applicants renewing their nonimmigrant visa of the same classification within 48 months before their prior visa’s expiration date are also covered by the interview waiver.

Are you eligible for the interview waiver?

You must meet specific criteria to qualify for the interview waiver:

• You have to be applying in your country of residence or nationality
• You have never been rejected for a visa unless the refusal was waived or overcome
• You don’t have any potential or apparent ineligibility

However, note that consular officers might still require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis. A consular officer may also invite you for an in-person interview because of local conditions, even with the interview waiver policy.

Stay updated

As a nonimmigrant visa applicant, be sure to keep yourself updated by checking consulate and embassy websites. Keep in mind that the interview waiver directive is only active until further notice and might change (or stop) at any time. Try to check visa application procedures and requirements online.

If there are problems with your nonimmigrant visa application, get in touch with Berd & Klauss, PLLC, to consult a citizenship attorney in NYC. The immigration law firm has all the services you need to navigate and overcome immigration issues, including deportation and securing work visas. Call 212-461-74152 to book an appointment.

About the Author:

This content is written by Patrick Klauss, Esq, an immigration lawyer and a partner at Berd & Klauss, PLLC. The firm specializes in immigration and immigration-related issues and handles everything from immigrant visas to deportation and waivers.