Am I eligible for an interview waiver?

Through December 31, 2022, you may qualify for an interview waiver for an initial nonimmigrant visa application if

• You fit into one of these categories:
• Applicant for F, H-1, H-3, H-4, J, L, M, O, P, and Q academic visas and you previously issued them any type of visa;
• Applicant for a visa category listed above, from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program, and previously traveled to the United States under ESTA authorization;
• H-2 visa applicant (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers);
• You are applying for the visa at the consular office of your habitual residence, and
• You were not previously denied a visa in any classification unless the reason for denial was overcome or a waiver of the reason for inadmissibility was obtained.

You may also qualify for an interview waiver, indefinitely, for a nonimmigrant visa renewal application if: 

• You are applying at the consular office of your habitual residence;
• Have a previously issued US visa in the same classification as the visa for which you are applying and your previous visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 months;
• Your previous visa is not noted as "Received Authorization" or "Department Authorization";
• Your most recent visa in the same classification for which you are applying was issued on or after your 14th birthday (for children under 14 years of age, interviews are rarely required.
• Your most recent visa in the same classification for which you are applying was not lost/stolen or cancelled; and
• You have not previously been denied a visa in any classification (with a few exceptions).

As part of the application process for a visa to the United States, you generally must complete an in-person interview at a United States consulate to demonstrate that you are eligible for a visa. However, some applicants may be granted an interview waiver. Using this process is a convenient option for those applying in certain nonimmigrant visa categories or those renewing visas in the same nonimmigrant category and can reduce the hassle and anxiety of an in-person interview with a consular officer.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State has expanded eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver.

If you think you are eligible for an interview waiver, you will need to check your local US consulate website or appointment scheduling website to determine what is required to apply for a waiver. Consulates typically require you to make an appointment to drop off or allow you to mail the following documents: DS-160 confirmation page, a valid passport, prepaid courier packaging for passport/document return, the fee receipt , two passport-style photographs, and the visa petition approval notice (such as the Form I-797 approval notice).

Please note: As procedures will vary from consulate to consulate around the world and the consulate has the discretion to require an interview of any visa applicant, you should consult an immigration attorney to discuss how to file and whether you may qualify for a waiver.

If you have questions about your case, contact us!