Starting January 1, 2024, the US changed visa rules, especially for students. The Secretary of State and the Department of Homeland Security decided that certain interview waivers are now “in the national interest,” lasting until further notice with yearly reviews.
Now, non-immigrant visa applicants, including students, can skip interviews if they had a non-immigrant visa (excluding B visa) within 48 months of its expiration. To qualify:
- Apply in your home country.
- Never be denied a visa (unless that was resolved).
- Have no obvious issues.
Initially, in 2021, consular officers could waive interviews for some previous visa holders, extended for first-time applicants from visa-waiver program countries until 2023. But now, interview waivers for first-time applicants from US visa-waiver countries are no longer available.
Consular officers might still need in-person interviews case-by-case or due to local conditions. Check embassy websites for visa requirements and procedures.
US Visa Updates, Non-Immigrant Visa Changes, Student Visa Rules, US Visa Regulations, Non-Immigrant Visa Impact