US changes visa interview policy from September 2: What it means for student applicants

Time of India

2 days ago

New US visa policy removes interview waivers for most student applicants. (AI Image)
The US Department of State has announced changes to its visa interview waiver policy, which will take effect from September 2, 2025. The updated policy requires most non-immigrant visa applicants, including student visa applicants, to attend an in-person interview, reversing several exemptions introduced in recent years.
The policy update, released on July 25, 2025, narrows eligibility for interview waivers that had been expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students planning to study in the US for the upcoming academic year may now face additional steps in the visa process.
Interview now mandatory for most student visa applicants
Under the revised rules, most non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, must appear for an in-person interview. This includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt in many cases.
The changes apply to F and M category student visas as well, which were previously covered under broader interview waiver provisions.
The announcement marks a departure from the waiver guidelines issued on February 18, 2025, which had allowed more applicants to skip interviews based on age, visa category, or past visa history.
Limited interview waivers remain in place
Interview waivers will still be granted in limited situations.
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These include certain categories such as diplomatic and official visa applicants under the A, C-3 (excluding attendants or personal employees), G, and NATO visa categories. The TECRO E-1 category for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office also remains eligible for waivers.
Applicants renewing full-validity visitor visas (B-1, B-2, or B1/B2) may still qualify for an interview waiver, but only under specific conditions.
The renewal must be within 12 months of the previous visa's expiration, and the applicant must apply in their country of nationality or residence. Additionally, the applicant must not have had a previous visa refusal unless it was later overcome or waived, and must have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Summary of US Visa Interview Policy Changes Effective from September 2, 2025
Category
Old Policy (Until Sep 1, 2025)
New Policy (From Sep 2, 2025)
Age-based exemptions
Children under 14 and adults over 79 were generally exempt from in-person interviews
All applicants, regardless of age, generally required to attend interviews
Student visa applicants (F, M)
Eligible for waivers under COVID-era policies
Must attend in-person interviews unless exempt under other criteria
Diplomatic/official visa holders (A, C-3, G, NATO)
Waivers commonly granted
Still eligible for waivers
TECRO E-1 visa
Eligible for waivers
Still eligible for waivers
Visitor visa renewals (B-1, B-2, B1/B2)
Waiver allowed within 48 months of previous visa expiry
Waiver allowed only within 12 months, with stricter conditions
Consular officer discretion
Could request interview despite waiver eligibility
Still applies under new policy
Applicable update replaced
Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025
Replaced by new guidance issued on July 25, 2025
Discretion still allowed for consular officers
Despite meeting waiver criteria, applicants may still be required to attend an in-person interview if a US consular officer deems it necessary.
This means eligibility does not guarantee exemption from the interview process.
Implications for international students in India
The updated policy is expected to affect Indian nationals applying for B1/B2 visitor visas as well as student visa categories. Many Indian applicants have previously benefited from the interview waiver system, particularly in high-volume consulates located in cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
With the change, more applicants—including returning students—may be required to schedule and attend interviews, which could result in longer wait times at US consular posts in India.
Advice for applicants
The US Department of State recommends that all visa applicants visit the official websites of US embassies or consulates where they plan to apply. These sites provide information on document checklists, wait times for interview appointments, local procedures, and operational updates.
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