US Department of State Further Restricts Visa Interview Waivers

Yesterday, February 18, 2025, the US Department of State (DOS) announced that interview waivers for most visa applicants will be limited to those applicants who have previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application. As noted in our previous update, this abrupt policy change had already been implemented without official announcement at US consulates in India last week. It has now been made official that the policy will be applied to all US consulates in all countries.   

 What this means for our clients

Applicants who have already been scheduled for a drop box appointment at any US consular post may now be required to attend an in-person interview, which may disrupt international travel plans and delay a return to the US for those applicants who are already abroad. If you have a drop box appointment already scheduled, we recommend checking to see if you meet the new eligibility requirements, and refer to the consulate’s website to determine whether you will be required to book a new in-person appointment, if you do not. 

The new limitation on drop box appointments will undoubtedly require more resources on the part of the Department of State’s Consular Service, which will likely increase visa appointment wait times and processing times at US consular posts worldwide. 

 We will provide additional information as it becomes available.