US Visa Rules: Visa Interview Waivers Enabled

The Secretary of State, in discussion with the Department of Homeland Security, has rolled out a few categories of visa interview waivers. They have stated that this has been done keeping in mind the national interest. They have reset the rules for the non-immigrantnon immigrant visa applications, which affects the US student visa sorts too. The consular officers have enforced the changes and now have the authority and discretion to waive in-person visa interviews. 

According to the recent US visa news, the US visa interview waivers are for individuals who have first-time H2 visa applications. The waiver provisions extend to non-immigrant visa applicants who were previously issued a visa in any category. It also includes individuals applying within approximately 48 months of the expiration of their most recent non-immigrant visa. Applicants falling into either category are now eligible for the interview waiver program. This means those with prior non-immigrant visa issuance and individuals applying within the specified timeframe after the expiration of their recent non-immigrant visa can benefit from the streamlined process.

To get a visa interview waiver, the applicant must meet the required legal criteria. These changes have been implemented starting from January 1st, 2024 and are meant to be reviewed on an annual basis. Until then, this is the new criteria according to which the non-immigrant visa, including US student visas, would be issued. The International Education Associations in the US have welcomed this decision and have also demanded an extension to this visa interview waiver scheme.

In a letter to the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security by the US for Success Coalition, they mentioned, “Reflecting on the significant assistance provided during the Covid-19 pandemic, the visa interview waivers proved instrumental in positively influencing the experiences of international students pursuing education in the US, as well as certain non-immigrant workers.” They are also appealing to the decision-making body to make visa interview waivers more conventional. These changes are extremely positive as they help decrease the interview wait time, resulting in faster processing of visa applications. 

Introducing these changes would result in saving a lot of time for students applying for US student visas. These rules were already existent for individuals younger than 14 years and older than 80. They can submit their visa application and are eligible for a visa interview waiver. However, depending on the case, the consular might call in individuals for interviews if required. Thus, the students are requested to keep checking their official websites to stay up to date with their visa application status.