US extends interview waiver for certain visas

WASHINGTON: The US Department of State has extended its interview waiver policy for certain non-immigrant visa applicants for another year.

These interview waivers are authorised by a determination of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Department of Homeland Security, and are reviewed annually. The last determination was made in 2022 which expired on 31st Dec 2023, according to which consular officers were authorised to continue to waive in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for certain first-time and/or renewing applicants.

These categories of visas are for temporary agricultural and non-agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), 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 applicants applying within 48 months of their most recent non immigrant visa’s expiration date.

“In all cases, applicants must meet certain legal requirements to qualify for an interview waiver. Implementation of this authority begins January 1, 2024,” a note on the department website stated adding that to be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria like: apply in their country of nationality or residence; have never been refused a visa; have no apparent or potential ineligibility.