The US Department of State has issued a new update on the visa interview waiver policy, affecting Indian and travellers from other nations headed to the United States. Tighter regulations will start to take effect beginning Sept. 2, 2025 — in particular, for those seeking to skip the required in-person visa interview for nonimmigrant visas, like those for our popular B1/B2 visitor visas.
This is the second change for 2025 the first being less strict earlier in the year. In February 2025, the U.S. government had waived its restrictions, allowing travelers to renew visas and enter the country without a personal interview. The initial leniency — that travelers would only be eligible for a visa in the same category if it expired within 12 months — is now so much rolled back. This change indicates that more applicants must go in person for interviews, including for visa renewals.
For Indian travelers, that may translate into longer waits, more hiccups and, perhaps, more scrutiny when they apply for visas. Here’s a nutshell of what Indian travelers need to know about the upcoming changes to US visa policy, for travelers to the US, for instance, renewal of B1/B2 visitor visas or H-1B work visas.
Who Will Still Be Eligible for the Interview Waiver?
The category of applicants whose interview can be waived is going to be narrowed significantly beginning September 2, 2025. The waiver will now be extended only to a limited class of visa applicants, which will include:
Foreign Government Officials and Diplomats
Some foreign officials and diplomats may continue to meet the interview waiver criteria under some visa classifications, such as:
A-1, A-2 (Diplomats and foreign government officials)
C–3 (Foreign government officials, immediate family)
G-1 through G-4 (Employees of foreign governments)
NATO-1 to NATO-6 (NATO personnel)
TECRO E-1 (TECRO employees) (For Taiwanese citizens employed by TECRO only)
Diplomatic or Official Visa Applicants
But people applying for types of visas like the diplomatic and official visas would still be able to seek to waive the interview so long as they meet certain requirements.
B1/B2 Visa Renewals (Visitor Visas)
Applicants renewing their B1/B2 visa may still be eligible for interview waiver if they meet the following criteria.
The application is made in his own country of origin or where he resides.
There is no history of visa refusal (except that decision is overcome).
There are no red flags or ineligibilities visible.
Even so, if applicants satisfy these requirements, US consular officers may still require an in-person interview at their discretion.
What This Means for Indian Travelers and H-1B Applicants
For Indian travelers, even those renewing B1/B2 visas or applying for H-1B work visas, these stricter rules could mean longer waiting times and more scrutiny. Notably, those requesting H-1B visa renewals or seeking F-1 student visa applications will now probably need to have in-person interviews.
The new regulations also impact Indian travelers reissuing their expired B1/B2 visitor visas. Even if the guidelines are to some extent stricter, it is no longer an easy thing to renew a visitors visa. This will further strain most applicants by delaying the timeline, particularly at high travel volume times or when demand for visa appointments is heavy.
It means extra costs and time as this will lead to increase in time and expenses while renewing or visa banging for the employees in US working on H1B visa. So, when they arrive to apply for the visa, they may have to book an appointment for an interview, leading to longer visa processing times and longer time to travel.
What this Means for Indian Students Applying for an F-1 Visa
Another group of people who are likely to be affected by the change in visa interview waiver policy are Indian students who are applying for an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. Before now, the applicant could renew their F-1 visa without undergoing an interview in specific situations. However, with the new requirements, the students, who need to complete the visa application as soon as possible because the whole application process is quite complex and stressful, may face delays because the system compels all applicants to schedule an appointment for an interview in person. How to Handle the New US Visa Policy. Indian residents are some of the most frequent applicants for US visas and might feel the effect of the change in visa policy the most. To navigate the system, one should consider: starting early because the applicant may need to queue for the interview or wait for the visa application to be processed for months; preparing for the interview even if the applicant is still eligible for the interview waiver; staying updated by checking the official websites of the US government for any changes, since the policy may change; and determining alternative routes, such as visa reschedule or other entries.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in US Visa Policy
The US visa interview waiver policy being compromised is an indication to the fact that US is taking a slightly different approach to nonimmigrant visa processing. For Indian tourists and visa applicants, that translates into increased scrutiny, longer waits and careful preparation. Though the shift is designed to help protect national security and to make the visa process more efficient, it has presented new hurdles to legitimate travelers.
While Indian citizens and other foreign nationals continue to maneuver through this shifting visa terrain, it is critical to be prepared and updated. But with the new rules scheduled to go into effect in September 2025, it is essential for travelers to know what it takes to get a visa — and to keep one current. With adequate advance preparation and attention to documentation, and being prepared for possible interviews, there is a likelihood that travelers can mitigate some of the stress caused by these more stringent visa regulations.(Source: U.S. Department of State, Official U.S. Government Websites)
