Expansion of Interview Waiver Eligibility

December 31, 2020
×Close
Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State, 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 March 31, 2021.  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
Remote Work Verification Allowed for New Hires Under DHS Rule

Employers will get a permanent option for verifying employment eligibility remotely beginning Aug. 1 under new Homeland Security Department regulations. The rule was released Friday ahead of the Aug. 30 expiration of temporary, Covid-19 era flexibility for employment verification. Companies that have used that option for the past three years have scrambled in recent weeks to review […]

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 […]

USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Option for Fees

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it will now accept credit card payments for filing most of its forms. The new payment option is available for the 41 fee-based forms processed at USCIS Lockbox facilities. To pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, applicants will need to use Form […]