DOS waives in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.

August 25, 2020
×Close
On August 25, 2020 Secretary Pompeo, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.  Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver.  The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 24 months.  This policy is in effect until December 31, 2020.  This change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to other applicants and consular staff.  Travelers are encouraged to review the website of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on what services are currently available as well as eligibility information and instructions on applying for a visa without an interview. 
Upcoming Webinars
VIEW ALL

Related News

VIEW ALL
USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increase: March 2026 Update

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced an increase in premium processing fees pursuant to the USCIS Stabilization Act. The increase reflects a congressionally mandated, inflation based adjustment and is part of a biennial review process designed to ensure that premium processing fees retain their real dollar […]

Texas Service Center to Begin Processing Form I-129 for L Visas

On February 12, 2018, the Texas Service Center (TSC) will begin processing certain Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker petitions for L nonimmigrant classification, also known as L visas. The TSC will share this workload with the California Service Center to balance workloads and to provide flexibility as USCIS works towards improving processing times […]

Success Story: H-4 EAD Litigation

Attorney Mika B. Kozar, filed a lawsuit for a bank employee seeking a D.C. federal court to compel U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to address delays in his visa renewal application, saying the delays put him at risk of losing his job. The complaint said that the USCIS has unreasonably delayed renewing his visa and […]