The Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising the public of new guidance from the United States Department of State that revises eligibility for visa interview waivers, effective Sept. 2, 2025.
According to the Department of State, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including individuals under 14 and over 79, will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. Exceptions apply to applicants under specific classifications, including A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1. Applicants for diplomatic or official visas, and those renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card within 12 months of expiration — provided the applicant was at least 18 when the prior visa was issued — may also qualify for a waiver.
In addition to the revised waiver guidelines, the Department of State has introduced expanded screening and vetting requirements. Applicants for F, M and J nonimmigrant visas will now be required to set all social media profiles to public visibility as part of the review process.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office encouraged individuals seeking more information on these changes to consult official U.S. government resources.
