Overview
The US Department of State has expanded the exceptions to in-person visa interview requirements for certain temporary visa applicants. The visa categories which benefit from these changes, effective December 23, 2021, include: H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visas as well as F, M and academic J applicants.
As set forth below, the consular officers have discretion to waive standard interview requirements in these categories for individuals who have previously been issued visas in any category or traveled under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval. These changes, valid through December 31, 2022, are aimed at conserving limited consular resources and alleviating backlogs.
Employment-Based Interview Waiver: H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P and Q
The December 23 changes allow US consulates to waive the need for an in-person interview for H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visa applicants, who:
- Are applying in their country of nationality or residence;
- Were previously issued a visa of any type or previously traveled to the United States under the VWP (ESTA) authorization;
- Have not been previously refused a visa, unless the refusal was overcome or waived; and
- Have no apparent ineligibility for the requested visa.
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