Completing the interview formalities is an important step in the US immigrant visa process. The US Secretary of State had waived off the in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa categories through December 31, 2023.

The Department of State in a statement stated that it recognizes the positive impact of travel to the United States by foreign students and temporary work visa holders on the U.S. economy and is committed to facilitating nonimmigrant travel and further reducing visa wait times.

Therefore, consular officers have been authorized, through December 31, 2023, to continue to waive in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for certain first-time or renewing applicants. “These interview waiver authorities have reduced visa appointment wait times at many embassies and consulates by freeing up in-person interview appointments for other applicants who require an interview, says Sylwia Green, a visa procedures expert.

These categories of visas are for Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), Students (F and M visas), and Academic Exchange Visitors (academic J visas), and certain beneficiaries of approved individual petitions for nonimmigrant temporary worker visas in the following categories: Persons in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas), Trainee or Special Education Visitors (H-3 visas), Intracompany Transferees (L visas), Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas), Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas), and Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (Q visas); and qualifying derivatives.

These waivers are authorized by a determination of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Department of Homeland Security. The authorization to waive the in-person interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration was previously authorized to remain in place until further notice.

These interview waiver authorities have reduced visa appointment wait times at many embassies and consulates by freeing up in-person interview appointments for other applicants who require an interview.

Nearly half of the almost seven million nonimmigrant visas the Department issued in Fiscal Year 2022 were adjudicated without an in-person interview. Embassies and consulates may still require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis, depending on local conditions.