The Secretary of State extended previously 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) through the end of 2022.
To qualify for this waiver, the following requirements (1-5) must ALL be met; first time applicants must meet requirements 1 - 7
You must be applying for one of the eligible aforementioned visas
You must be applying in your country of residence (and country of nationality for first time applicants)
You must have been granted another type of visa in the past
You must have no prior denial or refusal of a visa application unless such denial or refusal was reversed or waived.
You must have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility.
First time applicants must be a national or citizen of a country that participates in the visa waiver program
First time applicants must have previously visited the USA via the electronic systems for travel authorization (ESTA) process.
The previous authority allowing for waiver of interview of certain H-2 (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers) applicants has also been extended through the end of 2022. Applicants renewing any visa within 48 months of expiration are also eligible for interview waiver.
For additional information, visit your country’s consulate website.