U.S removes interview requirement for Visit Visas & Study Visas from Jan 2024

Highlights: U.S. removes the interview requirement for visit and study visas

• Interview waiver system for visit visa and student visa applications in U.S. has undergone certain modifications.
• Those applying for visit and student visas will be eligible for a visa interview waiver if they meet certain requirements.
• Consular officials were granted the authority to forego interviews for some applications in the late 2021, with a renewal until the end of 2023.
• Additionally, based on circumstances and regional considerations, the consular officials may still ask for in person interviews.

 

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U.S. Department of State modifies interview requirement for student and visit visas

Effective January 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of State has implemented significant changes to the interview waiver system for visit visa applications, and for some student visa categories.

 

This resulted from the collaborative decisions made by the Secretary of State and the Department of Homeland Security to designate certain interview waiver categories as "in the national interest.” These waivers will remain effective until further notice, subject to annual reviews.

 

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Interview waiver policy by the US Department of State

The US Department of State initially granted consular officials the authority to forego interviews for some visit visa applicants in late 2021. This provision was extended until the end of 2022 for first-time applicants from countries participating in the visa waiver program, and with a renewal until the end of 2023.

 

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Revised standards for U.S. visit visa and student visa applicants

 

As per the revised standards, those applying for visit visas, including those applying for student visas may be eligible for an interview waiver if they were previously granted a visit visa (except B visa) and are applying within 48 months prior to visa's expiration.

 

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Requirements to be eligible for an interview waiver

To qualify for visa interview waiver, candidates must meet specific criteria, such as:

• Submitting an application in their home country or nationality
• Having no history of visa denial (unless such was overcome or waived)
• Must not appear to be ineligible

 

While interview waivers are possible under the new regulations, consular officers may still demand in-person interviews based on circumstances or regional considerations.

 

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Web Story:  U.S. Removes Interview Requirement for Visit Visas & Study Visas from Jan 2024