Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will roll back most nonimmigrant visa interview waivers—including for H1B applicants—as part of a major policy update.
According to the official announcement released on July 25, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, regardless of age (except those under 14 or over 79), will generally be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. This means the interview waiver process that has helped speed up visa approvals for many H1B applicants in recent years will no longer apply.
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Who’s Still Exempt?
Only a small group of applicants will continue to be eligible for an interview waiver:
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Diplomats and government officials applying under visa categories such as A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.
Individuals applying for diplomatic or official-type visas.
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Applicants renewing a full-validity B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card within 12 months of expiration, if the previous visa was issued when they were at least 18 years old.
Even for these limited cases, eligibility comes with additional conditions: the applicant must apply from their country of residence or nationality, must not have any prior visa refusal (unless overturned or waived), and must not have any potential ineligibility.
What This Means for H1B Holders?
The rollback marks the end of a more flexible system that had allowed many H1B visa holders—especially those renewing their visas—to skip the consular interview. This was a relief during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic backlog, but now, H1B applicants will need to plan for additional time and possibly longer wait periods for consular appointments.
Consular officers may still request in-person interviews for any applicant, even if they appear to qualify for a waiver. The Department recommends checking the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you’re applying for country-specific updates and requirements.
This update supersedes the previous waiver guidance issued on February 18, 2025.
If you’re planning to apply or renew your H1B visa after September 2, expect to appear in person at a consulate—even if you were previously eligible for a waiver. Be sure to plan accordingly.
