What’s New in Visa Renewal Interview Waivers as of July 2025

A message from Viktor De Maio

Discover the critical updates announced in July 2025 regarding interview exemptions for U.S. visa renewals—from expanded eligibility to new mandatory interviews. Learn how these changes affect you and how De Maio Law can guide your case.

by Freepik

As an immigration attorney committed to advocating for immigrant families, I want to bring clarity to you about the recent changes announced in late July 2025 under the Trump administration regarding visa renewal and interview waivers.

✳️ What’s Changing?

On July 25, 2025, the State Department announced that starting September 2, 2025, the pandemic-era interview waiver policy will largely be eliminated. Most nonimmigrant visa applicants—including those applying for H, L, F, M, J, and O-1 visas—will no longer qualify for waiver exemptions, and must attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates or embassies. Even age-based exemptions for applicants under 14 or over 79 are revoked, with very limited exceptions.

A summary table below compares the prior policy vs. the updated requirements:

Policy Aspect	Before (COVID‑era / Feb 2025)	Now (Effective Sept 2, 2025)
Interview Waiver Eligibility	Renewals within 48 months, same visa classification; some first timers	Waivers largely eliminated; almost all must interview
Age Exemptions	Applicants under 14 or over 79 were often exempt	No more age-based exemptions
First-Time Applicants	Some allowed under special conditions	No first-time waivers
Visa Types Affected	B‑1/B‑2, H, L, F, M, J, O‑1	Same classifications now require interviews

(Based on official July 25 announcement and key reporting)Reddy Neumann Brown PCThe Economic TimesHindustan Times

⚠️ Why This Matters to You

• Longer processing times & increased uncertainty: With nearly everyone now required to interview, expect more delays and limited appointment availability.

• New fees introduced: A proposed $250 “visa integrity fee” may apply to many applicants, in addition to existing fees.

• Premium expedite option in planning: The administration is proposing a $1,000 fast-track fee for tourist and short-term visa interviews.theguardian.com+11reuters.com+11timesofindia.indiatimes.com+11

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will I need an interview even if I’m renewing the same visa?

A: Yes. Even renewals of H-1B, F-1, or B-2 visas will require an in-person interview unless extremely limited exceptions apply.

Q: Do minors and seniors still qualify for waivers?

A: No. All age-based exemptions have been removed under the new policy.

Q: Does this affect immigrant petitions or I-130 applications?

A: No, these changes apply only to nonimmigrant visa renewals, not immigrant petitions or green card-related filings.

Q: Is the “visa integrity fee” implemented already?

A: It was signed into law and may start applying soon, but implementation details remain pending.washingtonpost.com

✅ How We Can Help at De Maio Law

At De Maio Law, PLLC we provide comprehensive legal support for a wide range of immigration cases, including:

• Nonimmigrant visa renewals (H, L, F, M, J, O‑1)

• Family-based petitions (I‑130)

• Adjustment of status & consular processing

• Work permits, asylum, U visas, VAWA, and more

If you're facing a required visa interview under the new policy, we can assist you with:

• Preparing for interviews and document submission

• Minimizing delays and handling scheduling issues

• Evaluating whether premium or expedite options make sense for your case

📞 Call us today: (786) 232‑9120

💬 WhatsApp: (786) 232‑9120

📧 info@demaio‑law.com

Schedule your consultation now and let us guide you confidently through these changes. Your success is our priority.

Final note…

In times of shifting policy, legal expertise makes all the difference. Let me, Viktor De Maio, be your advocate in navigating these evolving visa requirements with strategy, insight, and care.