Highlights: US to waive off interview questions for a few H-1B, B-1 & B-2 Visa
- The US Department of State has revised interview questions requirements for certain visas.
- Non-immigrant visas like H-1B, B-1 & B-2 Visa may qualify for an interview waiver.
- A-1, A-2, and C-3 visa applicants are also not required to appear for a visa interview to qualify.
- Applicants would be eligible for visa interview if they have had no prior visa refusals.
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Which US visas qualify for interview waivers?
According to a recent announcement, the US Department of State will be waiving the visa interview requirement for certain non-immigrant visas. Candidates applying for H-1B, B-1 & B-2 visas would be exempted from the in-person interview requirement under 22(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The following visa categories are also exempted from the visa interview requirement:
- A-1, A-2, and C-3 visa
- G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and NATO-1 through NATO-6
- TECRO E-1 visa holders
- Candidates having diplomatic or official US Visas
- Renewal visa applicants whose visas expired not more than 12 months ago
Note: Despite the interview waiver policy, the US Consular Offices can still request you for an in-person interview based on certain special circumstances.
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Eligibility Criteria for US Visa Interview
Candidates applying for visa categories still requiring visa interviews must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must apply from their home country
- Must have zero visa refusals unless the refusal was waived or overturned successfully
- Must meet the specific eligibility criteria for the visa they are applying
This update is a replacement of the announcement made by the US State Departments dated December 21, 2023.
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