US Mandate for in-Person Visa Interviews to Take Effect from September 2025

In a recent revision, the US has modified the interview waiver list and called upon the majority of non-immigrants to appear in person for immigration interviews. The majority of the candidates, except the ones on the Interview Waiver List, are required to show up for the interview in person. The rule says that the Interview Waiver benefit will only be available to specific B1/B2 visa holders. If the candidate possesses an H-1B or F-1 student visa already, and their previous visa ended less than 12 months prior to the current application, they will no longer be included for the Interview Waiver Advantage from September.

Many candidates are facing the anxieties and uncertainties around H-1B. As a prominent EB-1A green card consultancy, we are guiding aspirants and visa holders alike in paving their path from an H1 visa to a green card. You can reach out to us here to know how we can make that possible.

Let’s get back to the news at hand. Here is our breakdown of what this news can mean for you if you are a visa holder or aspirant.

So, what is this new policy about?

The new policy suggests that the majority of non-immigrant visa applicants will have to be physically present for interviews, from September 2, 2025, onwards.

In other words, the Visa Interview Waiver, commonly known as Dropbox, will be revised in favour of in-person visa interviews at the US Embassies and Consulates. Only a few candidates from the B1/B2 section will be exempted from this interview.

Everything you need to know about the mandatory face-to-face interviews

The list of applicants who need to appear for the in-person interview even extends to persons of age under 14 and over 79. All applicants for these two non-immigrant visa categories must meet with a consular officer in person, except for the following two categories:

• Candidates who are covered under the A-1, A-2, or C-3 visa categories.
• Candidates who were at least 18 years old during the time when the previous visa was granted, and who are also applying for a full-validity B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/ Foil (for Mexican Citizens) within a year of the previous visa’s expiration.

In other words, certain B1/B2 visas that are renewed within a year of the previous visa’s expiration, and if the prior visa was awarded to individuals at least 18 years old at the time of issuing, they will still be eligible for a waiver programme.

To satisfy the eligibility criteria for an interview waiver, candidates must never have had their visa denied, nor should they have any evident or prospective ineligibility. They will need to renew their fully valid B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa for the best benefits.

As a leading EB-1A green card consultancy, we are always providing news and updates on the ever-changing immigration landscape. Bookmark our blog section for news and updates. If you are looking to switch from H1 to EB1, we can help. Get in touch with us through the contact section of our website to know more.