U.S Announces Removal of Interview Requirement for Visit and Study Visas Starting January 2024

In a significant development, the United States has implemented changes to the visa application process, specifically addressing interview requirements for visit and study visas. Effective January 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of State has introduced modifications to the interview waiver system for visit visa applications and certain student visa categories.

The interview waiver system for U.S. visits and student visa applications has undergone adjustments, allowing certain applicants to bypass the traditional interview process. Individuals applying for visit and student visas may now qualify for an interview waiver if they meet specific criteria.

Consular officials were granted the authority to waive interviews for select applications in late 2021, with an extension until the end of 2023. However, in certain situations or based on regional factors, consular officials may still require in-person interviews.

Eligibility Criteria for Interview Waiver

• Applicants for visit visas and certain student visa categories qualify for an interview waiver under revised standards.
• Individuals who previously held a visit visa (except B visa) and are applying within 48 months prior to the visa's expiration may be eligible for an interview waiver.
• Applicants must apply in their home country or nationality.
• They should have no history of visa denial unless such denial was overcome or waived.
• Applicants should not appear ineligible for the interview waiver.

Consular Discretion for In-Person Interviews

While interview waivers are now possible under the updated regulations, consular officers still reserve the right to request in-person interviews based on individual circumstances or regional considerations. These changes are subject to annual reviews and will remain effective until further notice.

The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has approved policies to waive the visa interview for certain students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists (F, M, and academic J visa applicants) that will be effective from 1 January 2024

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FAQs

1. What is the rejection rate for a USA student visa?

The letter for your visa denial will outline the reason, although the level of detail might vary based on the visa category. While specific statistics are not publicly disclosed by Homeland Security, it is estimated that the rejection rate for USA F-1 Visas in 2022 was roughly 34.93%, with significant variation across different countries.

2. Is there a no US visa interview rule for 2023?

The US Department of State initially introduced a waiver of US Visa interviews for certain non-immigrants in December 2021, which was originally set to expire on December 31st, 2022. However, today they made a significant announcement extending the same waiver until December 31st, 2023.

3. Who is eligible for a student visa interview waiver?

Per the recent guidelines, individuals seeking non-immigrant visas, such as student visas, could qualify for a visa interview waiver if they had a previous non-immigrant visa (excluding B visas) and are reapplying within 48 months of their visa's expiration.

4. Is there an interview waiver for a US student visa?

As per the revised guidelines, individuals applying for non-immigrant visas, including those pursuing student visas, may be eligible for a visa interview waiver if they had previously been granted a non-immigrant visa (excluding B visas) and are reapplying within 48 months of the expiration of their last visa.

5. Can I get a US student visa without an interview?

Applicants for visit and student visas could qualify for a visa interview waiver if they fulfill specific criteria. Consular officials were given the discretion to waive interviews for certain applications in late 2021, which has been extended until the end of 2023.