Waiver of Nonimmigrant
Consular Interviews
A typical consular processing case for a temporary, nonimmigrant visa requires an interview at a consular post abroad before a foreign national can obtain his or her visa. A new rule issued by the Department of State helps clarify when an interview might be waived, allowing issuance of a visa without an interview.
A number of individuals are eligible for an interview waiver:
- Persons under the age 14 or over the age of 79
- Certain diplomatic, governmental personnel, or transit visa categories (travel transit through the US on the way to another country)
- Persons applying for certain reissued visas, when they recently applied for the same unexpired visa at the same consular post (for example, lost, damaged, or stolen visas)
- Visa renewals, within certain time limits, in the same category at certain posts (for example, posts in China and India)
- "Unusual or emergent circumstances"
- Where it is in the "national interest" to waive the visa interview
The new rule adds Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) nonimmigrants in the E-1 visa category to the list of those eligible to have their interview waived under the diplomatic / governmental personnel exception.
Speak to an experienced immigration attorney to learn more about whether your interview might be waived.
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