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On February 18, 2025, the Department of State updated who is eligible for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver.

Click here to read the announcement, which supersedes the December 21, 2023 update, and confirms that:

Consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for the following categories as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h):

• 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;
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
• Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application

To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:

• Apply in their country of nationality or residence;
• Have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• Have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Despite the above, consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions.

If you have any questions about this update or any other concerns, please contact us at info@wildeslaw.com.