Now, US tightens visa interview waiver norms
NEW DELHI: The US has further tightened its non-immigrant visa norms, including the conditions for interview waivers. From Sept 2, all non-immigrant visa applicants — including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 — 'will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer' barring a few exceptions, the US state dept said in a July 25 update.
This exception includes 'applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa… within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa's issuance.'
'To be eligible for an interview waiver based (applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa), applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they: (a) apply in their country of nationality or residence; (b) have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and have no apparent or potential ineligibility,' the update says, adding, 'Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
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Soon into President Trump's second term in office, the US had this Feb reverted to the pre-Covid interview waiver condition of a same class visa expiring within 12 months of applying for the same.
In Nov 2022, when the wait time for B1/B2 (business and tourism visa) interview in India had crossed 999 days (touching almost three years), the US had increased the eligibility for same class drop box visa renewal — which does not require interview — from 12 months to 48 months.
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As of now, the state dept website shows B1/B2 average interview wait time is 14 months in Chennai, 9.5 months in Mumbai; 8 months in Delhi and 6 months in Kolkata.
'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,' the July 25 update adds.
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