To show that you are eligible for the Visa in United States, as a part of the visa application process you have to complete an in-person interview. However, interview can be waived for few applicants known as Nonimmigrant Interview Waiver. This process can be a beneficial option for those renewing visas in same nonimmigrant category and for certain nonimmigrant visa categories. Definitely, you can reduce the anxiety of a face-to-face interview with Consular office.

Eligibility Criteria for Nonimmigrant Interview Waiver

Through December 31, 2022, you may qualify for an interview waiver for an initial nonimmigrant visa application if:

  1. Are you in one these categories: Applicant for F, H-1, H-3, H-4, academic J, L, M, O, P, and Q visas and were previously issued any type of visa.
  2. Does your Country Participate in the Visa Waiver Program? Applicant for a visa category included above, from a country that participates in, and previously traveled under ESTA authorization to the United States
  3. Applicant for H-2 visa (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers)
  4. You are applying at the consular post in your country of usual residence, and You were not previously refused a visa in any classification unless the refusal was overcome or ground for inadmissibility was waived. You may also qualify for an interview waiver, indefinitely, for a nonimmigrant renewal visa application if: You are applying at the consular post of your usual residence
  5. You have a previously issued U.S. visa in the same classification as the visa for which you are applying and your prior visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 months
  6. Your prior visa is not annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”
  7. Your most recent visa in the same classification for which you are applying was issued on or after your 14th birthday (For children under 14 years of age, interviews are rarely required.

As a result of pandemic caused by Covid-19, the eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver has been expanded by the Department of the state. If you think you are eligible for an interview waiver, kindly review your local U.S. consulate’s website or appointment scheduling website to determine what is required to apply for a waiver.

Schedule an appointment with consulate to either drop off or allow you to email the following documents to get Nonimmigrant Interview Waiver :

  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Valid passport
  • Pre-paid courier packaging for passport/document return
  • Fee receipt
  • 2 passport style photographs
  • visa petition approval notice (such as Form I-797 approval notice)

Be advised: As procedures will vary from consulate to consulate around the world and the consulate has discretion to require an interview of any visa applicant, you should consult an immigration attorney to discuss how to file and whether you may qualify for a waiver.

If you are here then you are at the right place. Get in touch with the best Immigration Attorney in Houston, Gasana. If you have questions regarding your case, we encourage you to contact our office at LAW OFFICE OF CLAUDINE U GASANA, PLLC at (281) 809-5599

Source: AILA