US to Require In-Person Interviews for Most Non-Immigrant Visas

Beginning September 2, 2025, the US Department of State will require nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, to attend in-person interviews. Previously, these age groups were generally exempt. The new rule still allows exemptions for certain categories, such as applicants for diplomatic or official visas, senior government officials, and their personal staff.

Applicants renewing a valid full-term business (B1), tourism (B2), or border-crossing visa may be eligible for an interview waiver if they apply from their country of nationality or permanent residence, have no prior visa refusals, and face no apparent or potential ineligibility. However, consular officers will retain the authority to require interviews in any case.

According to the US State Department, this change aims to strengthen security, improve transparency, and ensure that applicants enter the United States for legitimate purposes. The US Embassy in Dhaka has advised applicants to regularly check official websites for updated procedures, required documents, and appointment schedules before applying.