August 7, 2025
By: Lisa Horan, Writer and Content Strategist, CIBT.
On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a significant policy change that will impact global mobility and travel planning for many organizations. Effective September 2, 2025, most applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas will be required to attend in-person interviews—even if renewing previously held visas or traveling for short-term assignments.
What’s changing?
Children and older adults are no longer exempt from visa interviews.
Effective September 2, all applicants—including children under 14 and individuals over 79—must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate. These age-based exemptions have been fully eliminated.
Interview requirements now apply across most visa categories.
Applicants for E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1, and most other nonimmigrant visas must now attend interviews—even if renewing or previously issued the same visa.
Interview waivers remain limited.
Waivers may still apply for:
- Renewals of full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas and Border Crossing Cards, if the applicant:
- Applies within 12 months of visa expiration
- Was at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued
- Applies in their country of nationality or residence
- Has no prior visa refusal (unless overcome)
- Has no known ineligibility
- Diplomatic and official visas, including A, C-3, G, NATO, and TECRO E-1
Consular officers may still require interviews at their discretion, even when waiver criteria are met.
What this means for employers and mobility teams.
This change is expected to increase visa appointment wait times at U.S. consulates globally. Companies managing employee travel, short-term assignments, or student sponsorships should prepare for:
- Longer lead times for interview appointments, especially at high-volume posts
- Additional scheduling requirements for minor dependents or older family members
- Tighter constraints on short-notice business travel or renewal timelines
To avoid disruption, we recommend reviewing all upcoming U.S. travel and assignment plans—particularly those involving children or employees relying on past visa eligibility—to ensure sufficient time is built into the process.
Newland Chase is actively advising clients on interview preparation, appointment timelines, and strategic alternatives where available.
For assistance in assessing impact or adjusting visa strategies under the new rules, please contact your Newland Chase representative.
Source: American Immigration Lawyers Association
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
