U.S. Embassies Worldwide Prepare to Mandate Visa Interviews for All Non-Immigrant Applicants, Regardless of Age

U.S. embassies worldwide are preparing to implement a new rule mandating personal interviews for nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, starting September 2, 2025. This change eliminates the previous interview waiver provisions for applicants under 14 and over 79, which primarily applied to visitor visas (B1/B2).

The sole exemption applies to applicants renewing a visitor visa within 12 months of their previous visa’s expiration, provided they were at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued. To qualify, applicants must apply from their country of nationality or residence, their previous visa application must not have been rejected, and they must not have any apparent or potential ineligibility for a visa. Consular officers retain the authority to require an interview for any applicant, even if they meet the waiver criteria, based on individual case assessments.

Several U.S. embassies have issued public notices regarding this policy change. On Thursday, the U.S. Embassy in Brussels announced, “Starting September 2, 2025: All nonimmigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer. The only exception for full validity B1/B2 visas is for applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.”

A similar notice was issued by the U.S. Embassy in The Hague on Thursday, aligning with the global policy shift. The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines issued a notice a few days prior, and the U.S. Embassy in Brazil released a notice last week, both alerting applicants to the upcoming changes. On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in Fiji issued a statement confirming the policy change. While some embassies have yet to update their websites, others are in the process of doing so to reflect the new guidelines.

On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced significant changes to its non-immigrant visa interview waiver policies, emphasizing the reinstatement of personal interviews for most applicants. The removal of age-based waivers will significantly affect families with young children and elderly applicants who previously benefited from interview exemptions. These groups will now need to attend in-person interviews, potentially increasing the logistical and financial burden of the visa application process.

Previously, students (F, M visas) and temporary workers (H, L visas) often benefited from interview waivers in certain cases. Starting September 2, 2025, they will also be required to attend interviews, which could lead to longer wait times for visa processing.

Applicants for diplomatic and official visas (A, G visas) will remain eligible for interview waivers, but their assistants or personal staff will not qualify for this exemption. With the mandatory interview requirement, visa appointment wait times are expected to increase. Applicants are advised to plan well in advance to secure interview slots and avoid delays in their travel plans.

Given the anticipated longer wait times, applicants should submit their applications as early as possible to accommodate potential delays. Applicants should also regularly check the official websites of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they plan to apply for updates on procedures and requirements.