The Department of State has updated the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. 

According to the U.S. Embassy, consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for the following categories as outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h):

• Applicants are 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.

• Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months before the new application.

To be eligible for an interview waiver, 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.

• Have no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions, the embassy noted.

For more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services, interested individuals can call the embassy’s hotline at 2519-2000, or from the U.S. at 011-506-2519-2000. Alternatively, they can visit the embassy's website.

In September 2024, the embassy announced changes to visa procedures for the launch of a new visa website.