Published: January 4, 2023
The Department of State extends the authority of consular officers to waive in-person interviews for certain non-immigrant visa categories until December 31, 2023. According to the said department, this initiative aims to promote non-immigrant travel and faster visa waiting time. Take note that the extension is non-mandatory. Authorized personnel may decide to waive the interview on a case-by-case basis.
Categories of Non-Immigrant Visas Eligible
The extension only applies to specific non-immigrant visa categories whose applicants are applying for the first time or for a renewal. To be specific, here is a list of eligible visa categories:
- Temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers
- Student visas
- Academic exchange visitors
- Persons in specialty occupations
- Trainee or special education visitors
- Intercompany transferees
- Individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement
- Athletes, artists, and entertainers
- Participants in international culture exchange programs
- Qualifying derivatives
Concurrence with DHS
Besides getting approval from DOS, applicants should also seek the concurring authority of the Department of Homeland Security. Otherwise, the waiver may not be granted. Please confirm this detail with your local embassies and consulates. You may also ask ALG Lawyers for guidance.
Do You Have Questions About Non-Immigrant Visa Application?
Filing a non-immigrant visa involves an entirely different process than getting a green card or US citizenship. To remain guided, coordinate with experienced immigration lawyers. As specialists on this matter, ALG Lawyers can provide you with valuable insights on what you should and should not do on your application.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)