Starting September 2, 2025, the US will roll back flexible visa rules, making in-person interviews mandatory for most applicants — even kids under 14 and seniors over 79 who were previously exempt.
The stricter rules affect non-immigrant visa categories like the B1/B2 tourist and business visas and are expected to increase wait times at US embassies worldwide.
Waivers will now only apply to a limited group — mainly diplomatic visa holders and B1/B2 renewals under strict conditions, such as applying from your home country within 12 months of expiry, with no past visa refusals or ineligibility flags.
This move signals a return to pre-pandemic screening protocols and tighter security vetting.
