The US waives in-person interviews for H-1B, other types of nonimmigrant visas. See the details

In an effort to reduce visa wait times, the United States is temporarily removing the in-person interview requirement for some H-1B, L-1 and O-1 work visa categories, the department said Thursday.

The State Department is temporarily removing the in-person interview requirement for some work visa categories in 2022 to ease visa issuance as the Covid-19 pandemic continues into its third year, the department announced.

Applicants for H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas applying from abroad will not be required to have an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate, which is usually the last step before a visa is issued. These categories represent the most common types of visas that companies use to attract highly skilled talent from abroad.

Consular officers are now temporarily authorized, until December 31, 2022, to waive in-person interviews for certain individual petition-based nonimmigrant work visas and their qualified derivatives in the following categories: Individuals in special occupations (H-1B visas). special education interns or visitors (H-3 visas), intra-company transferees (L visas), individuals of exceptional ability or achievement (O visas), athletes, artists and entertainers (P visas), and participants in international programs for cultural exchange (Q visas), added US State Department announcement.

In addition, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has extended the current option for consular officers to waive the in-person interview through December 31, 2022 for the following other nonimmigrant visa categories: Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers (H -2 visas), Students (F and M visas) and student exchange visitors (academic J visas).

We recognize the many contributions international visitors make to our communities and campuses. Finally, the authorization to waive a personal interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same visa class within 48 months of the expiry of the previous visa has been extended indefinitely, the announcement added.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a deep reduction in the Department’s visa processing capacity. As global travel recovers, the US is taking these interim steps to further its commitment to safely and effectively reduce visa wait times while maintaining national security. The decision was made with the consent of the Department of Homeland Security partners.

However, embassies and consulates may require a personal interview on a case-by-case basis and depending on local conditions.

“Applicants are encouraged to check the websites of embassies and consulates for more detailed information on this development, as well as current operational status and services,” the statement added.

In March 2020, the US State Department suspended all routine visa services in most countries around the world due to the coronavirus outbreak. Although services have been restored with limited capacity and on a priority basis, months of waiting for certain visa appointments continue due to the huge backlog.

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