Instances Consular Posts Waive In-person Visa Interview

Published: September 15, 2022

According to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), nonimmigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 must apply in-person and undergo an interview with a consular officer. There are, however, some instances where in-person interview is no longer required by the consular posts.

Interview Waivers

Consular posts may grant waivers under the following circumstances:

1. Applicant seeks renewal of a visa in the same class, and the previous one is either unexpired or the renewal is due in the next 48 months.

2. Applicant seeks for H-2A or H-2B visa, who previously received any type of NIV. First-time H-2 applicants should not be associated derogatory information or potential derogatory information.

3. Applicant seeks for F, M, or academic J visa, who previously received any type of NIV.

4. Applicant seeks for an individual, petition-based H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, O, P, or Q visa previously issued any type of NIV.

First-time applicants of F, M, or academic J visas, and individual petition-based H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, or Q applicants, should possess the following qualifications:

• Citizen or national of a VWP country;
• No prior ESTA denials;
• Not previously traveled to the United States pursuant to ESTA authorization; and
• No potentially derogatory information or indication of potential visa misuse or ineligibility.

No Apparent Eligibility

Apparent eligibility does not entitle visa applicants to a waiver. Ultimately, the consular officer holds the prerogative to interview under any legal bases. Consult with an immigration attorney for more clarifications.

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