New US Visa Interview Rules 2025: What Travelers Need to Know
The US has announced a major policy change that affects nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants. Starting September 2, 2025, most applicants will be required to attend in-person interviews with US consular officers. This marks the end of previous exemptions such as age-based waivers and the “drop box” system for many categories.
What Has Changed
Until now, some applicants—such as children under 14, seniors over 79, and many individuals renewing visas like H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, and visitor visas (B-1/B-2)—were often eligible for interview waivers. With the new rules, almost all applicants must appear in person, whether applying for the first time or renewing.
Limited Exceptions
There are still a few exceptions in place:
- Diplomatic and official visas
- Certain international organization categories
- Specific renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visitor visas and border crossing cards
Even in these cases, consular officers may request an interview if required.
Stricter Rules for Some Countries
The new policy is being applied immediately for some regions. For applicants from specific countries, all nonimmigrant visa categories will now require an interview. Diplomatic and official applications will continue to follow regular channels.
Longer Wait Times Expected
The US State Department has cautioned applicants to prepare for longer wait times when scheduling appointments. Travelers can monitor location-specific updates through the Global Visa Wait Times website.
From January 1, 2025, the rules also limit rescheduling:
- Only one free reschedule will be allowed per applicant.
- Missing an appointment or needing to change it a second time will require a new visa fee.
Applicants must also carry the DS-160 confirmation page used to book the appointment. If a corrected form is submitted later, both the old and new confirmation pages must be presented during the interview.
Why It Matters
These changes will affect a broad range of travelers—students starting academic sessions, professionals on work assignments, and frequent visitors for business or tourism. Planning ahead is now more important than ever to avoid disruptions.
What Applicants Should Do Now
To adapt to the new rules, applicants are advised to:
- Plan early: Apply well before travel dates.
- Check wait times: Use the Global Visa Wait Times tool regularly.
- Prepare documents: Ensure DS-160 and supporting paperwork are correct.
- Know reschedule rules: Avoid last-minute cancellations that could lead to additional fees.