The U.S. Department of State has issued a significant change to its policy on visas, confirming that with effect from September 2, 2025, the majority of applicants for non immigrant visas will need to have an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
This change is universal, including applicants from the UAE, and lifts the over- suspension of the interview requirement that was in force during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, applicants under the age of 14 and over 79 years of age will no longer be interview free.
As per the most recent update published on July 25, 2025, only a limited number of applicants will be eligible for interview waiver programs:
- Holders of diplomatic or official visas A, G, and NATO class visas
- Holders of full-validity B1, B2, or B1/B2 visas issued 12 months prior, provided they meet certain conditions
- Mexican nationals renewing a Border Crossing Card/Foil are eligible within 12 months
- To qualify for B1/B2 renewal, these applicants must also:
- Apply from the country of their citizenship or where they legally reside
- Must not have a history of a visa refusal (unless overcome or waived)
- Must not have visible or plausible ineligibility
The Department of State did note, however, that interview requirements are within the discretionary jurisdiction of the consular officers, irrespective of the interview waiver eligibility.
This marks the closure of the relaxation provided during the pandemic and reverts to pre-pandemic screening frameworks to enhance application scrutiny and for the purposes of national security.
As a recommended practice, applicants are encouraged to visit the United States’ official embassy or consulates in their country to check the most recent guidelines, appointment schedules, and update the document checklist.
In the case of UAE residents, visa interview appointments will be conducted at either the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai, depending on their residency and the location of consular services they require.This update supersedes the previous guidance marked February 18, 2025.
