US visa interview rules set to get tougher from 2 September; here's how it may impact your visa application
The non-immigrant visa categories consist of tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F and M), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visas (J). Diplomatic visas come under categories A and G.
The new guidelines stated the majority of non-immigrant visa applicants, comprising those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 will be required to undergo compulsory consular interviews. However, exceptions apply to certain categories, including A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants of officials), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, TECRO E-1, and individuals holding diplomatic or official visas.
A notable exception applies to individuals renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Mexican Border Crossing Card/Foil, provided the renewal is done within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration. To qualify, the applicant must have been at least 18 years old at the time the original visa was issued and must apply from their country of nationality or residence.
However, they must also have no prior visa refusals (unless overturned or waived) and no apparent or potential ineligibility. Even in such cases, consular officers retain broad discretion to require an interview on a case-by-case basis.
Even when interview waivers are available, consular officers still have the discretion to require an interview on a case-by-case basis for any reason. This policy overrides the Interview Waiver update issued on 18 February, 2025.
According to USCIS, 'consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate's operating status and services.'
'My reading of this is that they are basically getting rid of Dropbox (interview waivers) for most categories. This will lead to longer waits for appointments and is significantly less efficient for renewals of visas. Also requiring interviews for children is patently absurd,' Brown stated on X.
Earlier this month, the United States introduced a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, scheduled to take effect in 2026. This fee, which functions as a security deposit, is pegged to inflation and may be refunded if visa holders fulfil compliance conditions.
The fee is part of Trump's wide-ranging immigration reform included in the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on 4 July.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
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As reported by The Michigan Daily , members of the U-M community are closely watching how these adjustments may reshape student opportunity and financial planning in both undergraduate and professional education. Pell Grants : Expanded eligibility, limited certainty One of the more widely welcomed changes under H.R.1 is the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility. Originally targeted towards low-income students enrolled in degree-granting programs, Pell Grants can now be used for shorter-term certificate programs, including many offered by trade schools and community colleges. Jeremy Wright-Kim, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan's Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, told The Michigan Daily that this extension may benefit working adults and those seeking fast, career-aligned skills. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain (Search Here) Kneepain | Search Search Now Undo 'These shorter-term certificate programs are good if your local labor market needs to fill that need,' Wright-Kim said. 'There are also students who are more likely to be attracted to those programs, like working adults who maybe can't attend a full-time, longer-term credential program.' While this change is intended to strengthen workforce pipelines, education policy researchers have cautioned that outcomes for such programs vary widely. 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Indian Express
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- Indian Express
Trump's Ten: Realty majors to promoters in hot markets
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The Hindu
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- The Hindu
DAC approves defence procurement worth ₹67,000 crore to strengthen border security
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