U.S. extends and expands the Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver Program
On December 21, 2023, the Department of State (DOS) announced an extension and expansion of its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program for certain visa applicants. The nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program, which DOS previously extended in one-year increments, was set to expire on December 31, 2023. Unlike previous extensions, the expanded version of the interview waiver program will not have a set end date, and will apply to applicants in any visa category (Previously, program was limited to certain applicants for F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as H-1B, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, Q, and certain H-2 visas). The expanded program will be reviewed annually, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Starting January 1, 2024, consular officers will have the authority to waive the in-person interview for:
First time H-2 visa applicants; and
Other nonimmigrant visa applicants applying for any nonimmigrant visa classification who:
Were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification, unless the only prior issued visa was a B visa; and
Are applying within 48 months of their most recent nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date.
The DOS also confirmed that applicants renewing a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration date will continue to be eligible for an interview waiver. Aside from meeting one of the above categories, applicants must also meet certain criteria to be eligible for the interview waiver, such as 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.
What this Means for Our Clients
The extension and expansion of the interview visa waiver program is welcome news that should improve nonimmigrant visa wait times throughout U.S. embassies and consulates. We remind clients that implementation of this new program is discretionary for U.S. embassies and consulates, thus applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about interview waiver procedures and requirements.