Department of State Updates Eligibility for Waivers of Nonimmigrant Visa Interviews

At a Glance

• The Department of State unexpectedly updated the requirements for nonimmigrant visa interview waiver eligibility, effective February 18. 
• The new criteria come at the helm of President Trump’s Executive Order to enhance visa screening, and significantly reduces the eligibility timeframe with respect to visa expiration from 48 months to 12 months.
• Applicants must now schedule in-person interviews if they no longer meet the stringent criteria, potentially leading to longer wait times; they should consult U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites for the latest application requirements and procedures. 

The Department of State unexpectedly updated the requirements for nonimmigrant visa interview waiver eligibility, effective February 18, 2025. The interview waiver program (also referred to as Dropbox) allows qualified visa applicants to renew their visas without an in-person interview, offering a more streamlined and efficient process. These changes come at the helm of President Trump’s Executive Order directing federal agencies to recommend ways to enhance screening and vetting of all visa applicants seeking admission to the United States. Under the updated criteria, consular officers now have the more limited authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for (1) 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; (2) applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and (3) applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application. 

The last update listed above is the most significant. Previously, the Department of State’s more expansive requirement allowed interview waivers for applicants with an approved nonimmigrant visa in any category that had expired in the last 48 months. Notably, the new requirement has a much shorter eligibility timeframe — 12 months versus 48 months — and no longer allows interview waivers for applicants applying in a different visa category, such as an applicant with an expired F-1 visa applying for an H-1B visa. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India implemented the new criteria during the week of February 10 — before the Department of State updated its website, requiring those applicants to pivot and schedule in-person appointments.

Individuals who planned to apply for a visa without an interview under the more expansive requirements and who do not meet the more stringent requirements are being turned away or are having their visas refused after submitting their documents. These affected individuals are being asked to reschedule for a visa appointment with an interview. Applicants who previously scheduled visa appointments under the prior interview waiver criteria must check their eligibility, and, if they no longer qualify, schedule an in-person interview as soon as possible. The more stringent requirement will also likely lead to longer visa appointment wait times as fewer individuals are eligible for interview waivers.

In addition to the above-mentioned eligibility requirements, applicants must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for an interview waiver: (1) apply in their country of nationality or residence; (2) have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and (3) have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Even if eligible for a visa interview waiver, consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. 

Visa applicants should consult with U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites for information about visa application requirements and procedures during the visa process to ensure they have the most recent information.