Published on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The U.S. Department of State has updated its rules on who may qualify for a waiver of the in-person interview normally required for nonimmigrant visa applications, the U.S. Embassy announced Wednesday.

Under the new policy, most applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will generally need to appear in person before a consular officer.

The State Department listed several categories of applicants who may still qualify for an interview waiver:

• Holders of certain diplomatic and official visas, including A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants or personal employees), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.

• Applicants seeking diplomatic or official-type visas.

• Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican citizens) within 12 months of expiration, provided the prior visa was issued for its full validity and the applicant was at least 18 years old at the time.

• Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of expiration under the same conditions.

To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must also:

• Apply in their country of nationality or residence (except in certain diplomatic or official cases).

• Have never been refused a visa, unless the refusal was formally overcome or waived.

• Have no apparent or potential grounds for ineligibility.

The Embassy stressed that consular officers retain the authority to require an interview at their discretion, even for applicants who appear to meet the criteria.

Applicants are advised to check embassy and consulate websites for the latest information on eligibility, application procedures, and operating status.

The new rules replace the interview waiver guidelines issued on July 25, 2025.

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