Visa Interview Waiver Changes Start September 2, 2025

Nearly everyone applying for nonimmigrant visas will be required to attend in-person interviews at a U.S. consulate or embassy, according to new rules that go into effect on September 2, 2025.

The Department of State announced the impending changes to the Interview Waiver Program (IWP), sometimes referred to as the “dropbox” program, and noted that the requirements apply to all ages.

Previously, applicants under 14 years old or over 79 years old qualified for interview waivers, but that eligibility will end September 2nd.

The new in-person interview requirements apply to most nonimmigrant visa categories, including H-1B, H-4, E-1, E-2, L-1, L-2, F-1, F-2, J-1, O-1, and M-1 visas.

Note: There Are a Few Exceptions

The Interview Waiver Program was created in 2011 to streamline the visa process and reduce wait times and backlogs for renewals. It was made permanent in 2014 and expanded in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visa applicants with clean immigration histories benefit from the program because it saves them time and travel costs when interview requirements are waived. Consular officers benefit too because, with fewer interviews to conduct, they could focus on cases that required more security screening.

Despite new restrictions, the program isn’t fully going away. A few categories of visas still qualify for interview waivers.

Here are the categories that will still be eligible for the waivers after September 2nd, according to the Department of State.

Foreign ambassadors, diplomats, and officials

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;

Certain business or tourist travelers

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.

To be eligible for dropbox under this category, applicants need to apply in their country of nationality and have no apparent ineligibility, including for the reason of having been refused a visa in the past.

The Department of State also notes that consular officers could require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis for any reason.

Didn’t the rules around interview waivers already change earlier this year?

Yes. In February 2025, the State Department tightened eligibility for interview waivers. From that point on, only applicants renewing a visa that had expired within the past 12 months could qualify—and only if the renewal was in the same visa category as the previous one.

Before that, under guidance that went into effect in January 2024, the renewal window was much longer. Applicants could be eligible for an interview waiver if they were renewing a visa in the same category within 48 months of their visa’s expiration.

In other words, the February update shortened the eligibility window by 36 months—a 75% reduction.

What does this mean for anyone renewing an H-1B, O-1, or similar visa?

Without interview waivers, visa holders in these categories will now need to plan renewals more carefully. Even if you previously qualified for the dropbox program, you’ll almost certainly need to schedule an in-person interview when it’s time to renew.

Because demand for interviews will increase, appointment wait times may grow longer, especially at busy consulates. This comes on top of staffing shortages and additional screening practices (for example, reviews of social media for some applicants).

Together, these factors could mean delays in processing renewals.

That’s why sites like CheckVisaSlots.com can be helpful to track open appointments and secure a slot before backlogs build up. For H-1B holders in particular, booking early will be key.

Can you still get an interview waiver if I act before September 2?

If you’re renewing a visa in the same category that expired within the past 12 months, you might be able to get an interview waiver, but you have to act fast.

“When rules change abruptly, it’s hard to predict exactly who will get through without an interview and who will not. If you submit your application quickly and you qualify under existing rules, then the consulate might waive your interview, but it depends on how many of the waivers they can process before September 2. The last time the rules changed, many people who were already in line for submitting their passport at a dropbox, received cancellations and were then scheduled for interviews. You can try your luck but there are no guarantees!”

It’s important to check available slots right away. (If you’re from India, you can use CheckVisaSlots.com.)

Here are other key requirements:

• You must apply in your country of nationality or residence.
• You cannot have had a prior visa refusal (unless it was overcome/waived).
• You cannot have any apparent or potential ineligibility.

If you meet all the requirements and your consulate still has dropbox appointments available at the U.S. Visa Application Center (VAC), you might be able to qualify for an interview waiver before September 2.

Here’s how you can prepare for an in-person interview

• Gather key documents: DS-160 confirmation, I-797 approval notice, valid passport, recent photos, employer letter, and any prior visa stamps.
• Book your appointment as early as possible: Wait times may increase once more people are funneled into interviews.
• Be ready for thorough questioning: Officers may ask about your job, employer, travel history, and future U.S. plans.
• Check consulate instructions: Monitor your specific consulate or embassy site for country-by-country updates.
• Plan travel logistics: Some applicants may need to travel long distances to the embassy/consulate.
• Prepare supporting evidence: Bring copies of petitions, updated employer letters, financial/enrollment records as applicable.
• Stay flexible: Consular officers can still request additional documents or call you back for further review.

Should you talk to a lawyer about your visa renewal?

Consulting an experienced immigration attorney is always a good idea, especially when guidelines have changed recently.

An attorney can help you prepare for a visa interview and ensure your renewal documents are complete, which can avoid mistakes that could cause a delay in processing your application.

At Manifest Law, we monitor the latest policy and procedural updates from the Department of State that could affect your nonimmigrant visa renewal. Our clients benefit from our years of experience plus our quick response to shifting requirements.

Request a consultation today to speak with a Manifest Law attorney about your renewal.

Disclaimer

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice on your specific situation.