US adjustments visa interview coverage from September 2: What it means for pupil candidates
The US Division of State has introduced adjustments to its visa interview waiver coverage, which is able to take impact from September 2, 2025. The up to date coverage requires most non-immigrant visa candidates, together with pupil visa candidates, to attend an in-person interview, reversing a number of exemptions launched lately.The coverage replace, launched on July 25, 2025, narrows eligibility for interview waivers that had been expanded throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. College students planning to review within the US for the upcoming educational yr could now face extra steps within the visa course of.Interview now necessary for many pupil visa candidatesBeneath the revised guidelines, most non-immigrant visa candidates, no matter age, should seem for an in-person interview. This consists of youngsters below 14 and adults over 79, who have been beforehand exempt in lots of instances. The adjustments apply to F and M class pupil visas as properly, which have been beforehand coated below broader interview waiver provisions.The announcement marks a departure from the waiver tips issued on February 18, 2025, which had allowed extra candidates to skip interviews based mostly on age, visa class, or previous visa historical past.Restricted interview waivers stay in placeInterview waivers will nonetheless be granted in restricted conditions. These embrace sure classes reminiscent of diplomatic and official visa candidates below the A, C-3 (excluding attendants or private staff), G, and NATO visa classes. The TECRO E-1 class for the Taipei Financial and Cultural Consultant Workplace additionally stays eligible for waivers.Candidates renewing full-validity customer visas (B-1, B-2, or B1/B2) should qualify for an interview waiver, however solely below particular circumstances. The renewal should be inside 12 months of the earlier visa’s expiration, and the applicant should apply of their nation of nationality or residence. Moreover, the applicant should not have had a earlier visa refusal except it was later overcome or waived, and should have no obvious or potential ineligibility.Abstract of US Visa Interview Coverage Modifications Efficient from September 2, 2025
Discretion nonetheless allowed for consular officersRegardless of assembly waiver standards, candidates should be required to attend an in-person interview if a US consular officer deems it obligatory. This implies eligibility doesn’t assure exemption from the interview course of.Implications for worldwide college students in IndiaThe up to date coverage is predicted to have an effect on Indian nationals making use of for B1/B2 customer visas in addition to pupil visa classes. Many Indian candidates have beforehand benefited from the interview waiver system, notably in high-volume consulates situated in cities reminiscent of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.With the change, extra candidates—together with returning college students—could also be required to schedule and attend interviews, which might lead to longer wait instances at US consular posts in India.Recommendation for candidatesThe US Division of State recommends that every one visa candidates go to the official web sites of US embassies or consulates the place they plan to use. These websites present info on doc checklists, wait instances for interview appointments, native procedures, and operational updates.TOI Schooling is on WhatsApp now. Observe us right here.
