The State Department is temporarily lifting the in-person interview requirement for certain visas

In the past two years of the pandemic, federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have taken steps to adjust their services and facilitate visa issuance at consulates around the world in light of continued safety concerns. The Department of State (DOS) took one such measure on December 23, 2021, granting consular officers the discretionary authority to temporarily waive personal interview requirements for certain nonimmigrant visas through the end of 2022.

This new authorization applies to those applying for H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visas who: 1) have an approved petition; 2) apply for a visa in their country/state of residence; 3) they previously had another type of visa; 4) have never been refused/denied visas (unless the refusal has been revoked or overturned) and; 5) do not have obvious inadmissibility or potential inadmissibility. The exemption is also available to first-time applicants in the same categories for citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The applicant must have previously traveled to the United States using an authorization under the Electronic Systems for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

In addition, DOS has extended its previously approved visa interview waiver policy for eligible students, professors, researchers, and short-term scholars or professionals (the F, M, or Academic J Visa applicants) through the end of 2022. To meet of the conditions, these applicants must 1) apply in their country of residence; 2) visas have been issued in the past; 3) have never been refused a visa (exceptions are made if the refusal is revoked or revoked); and 4) have no manifest inadmissibility or potential inadmissibility. First-time applicants in these categories must apply in their home country, be citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the VWP program, and have previously visited the United States with authorization through ESTA.

Applicants renewing any visa within 48 months of expiry are also eligible for this interview/box release process.

DOS also stated that the waiver of the personal interview process varies greatly from country to country. Each consular office will continually review its capacity to process visa applications during the global pandemic and balance its priorities. Applicants should check their US consulate website for information on interview waiver procedures.