The US Embassy Will Now Require In-Person Interviews for Most Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Most applicants may need interviews again—here are the few exemptions.

Published on Aug 26, 2025

Travelers eyeing a trip to the United States may soon need to set aside extra time for their visa applications. Beginning September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will no longer qualify for an interview waiver and will instead need to appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

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US Embassy Cuts Categories Eligible for Interview Waivers

According to a post by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines on its official Facebook page, beginning September 2, "most visa categories" will no longer qualify for an interview waiver, with the exception of specific visa types. In-person interviews will also be required for applicants under 14 and over 79 years old, marking a return to more traditional procedures after years of expanded waivers.

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines advisory for nonimmigrant visa applicants on interview waiver

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PHOTO: U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

While the updated policy narrows the list, certain categories remain eligible. According to the embassy, exemptions include:

Applicants renewing a B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card within 12 months of its expiration, provided the previous visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18 years old at the time.

Applicants for diplomatic or official visas.

Applicants under special classifications such as A-1, A-2, NATO, TECRO, and certain C-3 and G visa categories.

US Embassy’s Current Interview Waiver Rules

Under current guidelines from U.S. Travel Docs, some repeat travelers may still qualify to renew their visas without appearing at the Embassy. Those eligible can drop their required documents at the Visa Application Center in Manila at no additional charge or at a 2Go Express outlet for a fee.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific conditions, including:

The visa (such as the B1/B2 visa) being renewed is in the same category as the previous visa.

The previous visa is still valid or expired less than 12 months ago, and there has been no prior refusal.

The applicant is a citizen or resident of the Philippines and is applying while in the country.

The previous visa was not annotated with “Clearance Received” or “Waiver Granted.”

The previous visa was issued after the applicant turned 14 years old, with personal details matching the current passport (name changes due to marriage or annulment require PSA documentation).

The applicant has never been arrested in the Philippines, the U.S., or any other country.

The applicant has not requested an extension or change of status through USCIS.

Additionally, the U.S. government allows travel with a valid visa in an expired passport, provided the traveler also carries a new, valid passport.

The embassy advises applicants to regularly check its official website (ph.usembassy.gov/visas) for the latest guidelines or reach out through its visa contact page for inquiries.

Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.