US Consulates Tighten Interview Waiver Rules – What You Need to Know Now:
US Consulates worldwide have now implemented a stricter rule that limits the candidates that qualify for an interview waiver when renewing their visas.
Now, only visa applicants with either 1) a valid visa in the same category or 2) a visa that expired in the last 12 months in the same category are eligible to have their interview waived. Previously, the consulates waived the interview requirement for applicants whose visas expired within the previous two years.
All visa candidates who do not fall into one of these two exceptions should expect to be required to attend an in-person interview at the Consulate before their new visa is issued.