Visa Interview Waiver (Dropbox) Option for Most Visa Categories (e.g., H, L, F, M, J) to be Discontinued as of September 2, 2025

Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-july-25-2025.html

All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer except:

• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;

• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and

• Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.

To be eligible for an interview waiver based on the third bullet point above, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:

• apply in their country of nationality or residence;

• have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and

• have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.

This supersedes Dept of State's Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025.