USDOS Extends Again Discretion on Waivers of In-Person Visa Interviews for Certain Nonimmigrants

On December 21, 2023, the U.S. Department of State announced that it has again extended authorization to consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants who were previously issued a valid entry visa in the same status – including for certain F, M, and academic J visa applicants.

The implementation of this authority will be effective on January 1, 2024 and will be reviewed annually.

The full announcement is available here.

Please be sure to view the full announcement, and links on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website (https://usembassy.gov) where you will be submitting an application for a new entry visa, BEFORE scheduling any travel abroad to apply for a new entry visa.

This announcement comes after the State Department had extended the discretion at consular posts in December 2022.
Please view the original posting on the ISO website from December 23, 2022 here: https://iso.mit.edu/news/usdos-extends-discretion-for-consulates-to-waive-in-person-visa-interviews-for-certain-nonimmigrants-through-end-of-2023/

If any questions arise, please contact your ISO Advisor.