by Adam J. Kneeland

On February 18, 2025, the Department of State (DoS) updated the categories of applicants eligible for a visa interview waiver. 

The eligible categories are as follows:

• Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application
• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas

Additionally, applicants must also meet the following criteria to be eligible for a visa interview waiver:

• apply in their country of nationality or residence;
• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• have no apparent or potential ineligibility 

The DoS also stated that consulates have the discretion to require in-person interviews even if an applicant meets the above conditions. 

Attorneys are reporting that clients' visa dropbox appointments have been canceled, and there are reports of increased 221(g) administrative processing, especially for clients in India.

Travelers holding any status should be aware that an increase in required interviews and 221(g) administrative processing is likely to cause delays in both available appointments and the ability to return to the US.