Interview for Non-Immigrant Visas, Including E, L, H-1B, and O Visas, Will Be Required for All Ages at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Effective September 2, 2025, with limited exceptions, all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under the age of 14 and those over 79, will be required to undergo an in-person interview with a consular officer. Previously, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate waived the interview requirement for individuals under the age of 14 and those over 79 for certain visa categories, including E, L, H-1B, and O V visas. However, this new policy requires all applicants to appear at the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate, regardless of age, 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 renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals), 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. If you have any concerns regarding this matter, please feel free to contact us.

Masuda Funai is a full-service law firm with offices in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Schaumburg^.