In a significant development affecting certain nonimmigrant visa applicants, the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, has announced a crucial update on interview waivers. As a result, fewer persons will qualify for the interview waiver.
The new policy grants consular officers the authority and discretion to waive in-person interviews for the following groups:
– Those who were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification, excluding cases where the only prior issued visa was a B visa.
– Applicants applying within 48 months of their most recent nonimmigrant visa’s expiration date.
Significantly, this does not include those who have traveled on ESTA (otherwise known as the Visa Waiver Program), as was allowed under the waiver program in previous years. The following requirements still apply in all cases:
1. **Country of Nationality or Residence:**
– Applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence.
2. **No Previous Visa Refusals:**
– Individuals who have never been refused a visa, unless such refusal was overcome or waived.
3. **No Apparent or Potential Ineligibility:**
– Applicants should have no apparent or potential ineligibility that might hinder their visa approval.
Reach out to the Thomas Thorup Law attorneys to learn more.