US Visa Waiver Program Expanded to Allow More Travelers to Apply Without In-Person Interview, with Some Exceptions

The United States has announced an expansion of its visa waiver program to allow more travelers to apply for visas without an in-person interview, in an effort to reduce wait times for visa appointments. The US Embassy in India shared the news on Twitter, stating that travelers with “clearance received” or “department authorization” on their previous visas can now use the interview waiver process to apply for a new visa.

Applicants renewing any visa in the same category within 48 months of expiration are eligible for interview waiver, while the Department of State has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for travelers applying for certain visas, including F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q, and academic J visas, if they were previously issued any type of visa and are applying for a visa in their country of nationality or residence.

However, applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome are not eligible for the waiver. Consular officers may also request an in-person interview if additional information is required from applicants.

Applicants using the interview waiver process should allow up to three weeks from the time their passport has been accepted at the Visa Application Center until it is delivered or they are notified that it is ready for pickup.

Last year, the US extended the waiver program until December 31, 2023, for certain temporary workers, students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists who meet certain conditions, including that they are applying for a visa in their country of nationality or residence. Under these authorities, consular officers have discretion to waive the visa interview requirement for certain first-time and renewing applicants who were previously issued any type of visa and have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility.