The Department of State (DOS) has updated the categories of applicants eligible for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver, including certain diplomatic and official visa applicants, and those whose visas expired less than 12 months ago. Changes include:
- 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
To qualify for the waiver, applicants must meet additional criteria, such as applying in their country of nationality or residence and having no prior visa refusals, though consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis.