The U.S. Department of State has announced a major rollback of the pandemic-era nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program. Starting September 2, 2025, most applicants will once again need to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate. At Oguz Law, we guide our clients through every shift in U.S. immigration policy — here’s what this means for you.
What Is Changing in September 2025?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. introduced flexible rules allowing many nonimmigrant visa applicants to skip the interview — saving months of wait time. These waivers were extended several times, but now the State Department is scaling them back dramatically.
From September 2, 2025, interview waivers will apply only to:
- Diplomatic and official visas (A, C-3, G, NATO, and select TECRO E-1 visas).
- Certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa renewals — only if:
- You are renewing a full-validity visa within 12 months of expiration.
- You apply in your country of nationality or residence.
- You have no prior visa refusals (unless overcome) and no ineligibility issues.
All other categories — including F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visas, H-1B and L-1 work visas, O-1 visas for extraordinary ability, and most first-time B-1/B-2 visas — will require an interview.
Who Will Now Need an Interview?
After September 2, you will likely need an in-person interview if you:
- Are applying for any work or study visa (F, M, J, H-1B, L, O, P, Q, etc.) unless you qualify for the narrow exceptions above.
- Are a child under 14 or senior over 79 (previous exemptions removed).
- Have never held a U.S. visa.
- Have ever been refused a visa without overcoming that refusal.
- Have not submitted fingerprints before.
- Are flagged for additional security or eligibility checks.
Why This Matters
For many travelers, students, and workers — especially in high-demand countries such as Türkiye and India — the change means longer wait times. U.S. consulates already face heavy backlogs, so planning ahead is now more important than ever.
This is especially critical for:
- Students starting programs in Fall 2025.
- Professionals in H-1B or O-1 categories with upcoming project deadlines.
- Frequent travelers needing quick B-1/B-2 renewals.
What Does This Mean for Turkish Applicants?
In collaboration with Turkish clients and clients located around the globe, we at Oguz Law strive to make their U.S. visa application processes as effortless as possible. Though these policy shifts make waivers less accessible, B-1/B-2 renewal applicants that are eligible will still enjoy expedited processing.
As with all policy changes, these are not automatic. Every U.S. embassy and consulate has discretion over these policies, and consular officers have the authority to mandate an interview as they see fit.
Would You Benefit From Applying Now?
It is always better to be the early bird when it comes to visa applications submission. Turkish nationals who fall within the interview waiver category may want to apply sooner rather than later. This policy may be altered once again at any moment, primarily during the review process by the administration and State Department.
Looking Assistance On U.S. Visa Applications
Oguz Law, as part of U.S. immigration, provides assistance with nonimmigrant and interview waiver visa applications, renewals, relocating, and other immigration concerns.We track every policy change so you don’t have to.
Book a consultation through our Turkish Help Desk or contact us directly.
Let us help you apply faster, smarter, and with peace of mind.
