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On Sept. 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) for visa applicants. This change is effective Oct. 1, 2025.Ìý This new guidance replaces the previous guidance released on July 25, 2025.

As of Oct. 1, 2025, all visa applicants, including those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will require an in-person interview with a consular officer at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad except:

• Applicants applying for visas in the following categories: A-1, A-2, C-3 (with limited exceptions), 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 B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican applicants) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old; and
• Applicants renewing an H-2A visa in certain circumstances.

To be eligible for an interview waiver, visa applicants must also

• ;
• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

This means that there likely will be major delays in obtaining visa appointments at the U.S. consulates and embassies abroad and in issuance of visas. Be sure to have a visa appointment scheduled prior to departing the United States if you need to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy to return.