US tightens visa rules with in-person interviews now made mandatory for most applicants, including students: Here's what you need to know

Time of India

2 days ago

The US has rolled out a significant shift in its visa policy, one that's expected to impact thousands of students, professionals, and families planning to travel, work, or study in the country.
Beginning September 2, 2025, most people applying for a non-immigrant visa will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer, even if they were previously eligible for an exemption. That includes children under 14 and seniors over 79, who were until now generally allowed to bypass this step.
This change, announced by the US Department of State, is being introduced as part of a broader push to increase security and tighten the visa vetting process.
But it's also sparking concern among visa holders, particularly international students and professionals in the tech and healthcare sectors, who fear that the new rules will mean longer wait times, higher costs, and more uncertainty in an already complicated system.
What's changing exactly?
Until now, many visa applicants, especially those renewing their visas or falling within certain age brackets, were eligible for interview waivers.
That option is now being removed for most categories.
Here's what's new:
All non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, will now generally need to appear for an in-person interview.
This includes those applying for:
Student visas (F and M)
Work visas (H-1B)
Exchange visitor visas (J)
Tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2)
There are some exceptions, but they are limited. Interview waivers may still apply to:
Diplomatic and official visas (A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO categories, and TECRO E-1)
Certain B-1/B-2 visa holders who are renewing a visa within 12 months of expiration, provided they were 18 or older when their previous visa was issued
Even in these cases, however, the final decision rests with the consular officer.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 'Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.' This effectively overrides the earlier Interview Waiver Update issued on February 18, 2025, and places more discretion in the hands of individual consulates.
How will it affect international students?
This policy change is especially tough on international students, who often rely on fast, hassle-free visa renewals during semester breaks, summer internships, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods.
Now, many of these students will face extra steps, longer waiting periods, and more uncertainty when planning travel or re-entry to the US.
Universities that depend heavily on international student enrolment are also worried. Many fear that visa delays and increased red tape will make the US less appealing compared to other study destinations like Canada, the UK, or Australia, where immigration systems are viewed as more predictable and student-friendly.
What about H-1B workers?
For H-1B visa holders, skilled foreign professionals who make up a big part of the American tech and healthcare workforce, this change adds another layer of complication. Most H-1B workers have to leave the US for visa stamping when changing jobs or renewing their status. With mandatory interviews now back in place, many could face extended time abroad, delays in returning to work, or disruptions in family travel plans.
Employers are also likely to feel the ripple effect. More processing time means slower onboarding, project delays, and additional administrative costs.
The $250
visa integrity fee
Adding to the burden is a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee, which the US government plans to introduce in 2026. This fee will apply broadly to non-immigrant visa categories and is intended as a kind of security deposit, refundable only if the visa holder complies with all US immigration rules.
While the government says it's a tool to enforce accountability, critics argue it's yet another financial barrier that could discourage talented individuals from even applying. For students already grappling with high tuition fees and living costs, the new charge could be a tipping point.
Why now?
These updates are part of a broader immigration reform package under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025.
The law reflects a wider effort by the US government, particularly under the Trump-aligned agenda, to tighten control over who enters the country and under what conditions.
Officials say the goal is to improve national security, reduce visa fraud, and protect the American workforce. But immigration advocates warn that the new rules may do more harm than good by driving away students and professionals who would otherwise contribute to the US economy and research ecosystem.
What should applicants do?
If you're planning to apply for a US visa in the coming months or years, here's what you need to keep in mind:
Apply early: Interview slots may fill up quickly, especially in high-demand countries.
Check consulate websites regularly: Local rules and appointment availability can vary.
Gather your documents carefully: With fewer waivers and more interviews, proper paperwork is more important than ever.
Budget for additional costs, including the upcoming Visa Integrity Fee.
Consult a qualified immigration attorney if your case is complex or time-sensitive.
The bigger picture
These changes mark a turning point in how the US manages temporary immigration. Where the system once leaned toward flexibility and efficiency, it is now moving toward rigid enforcement and security-first screening. While the government says this will help safeguard national interests, it also risks making the visa process more stressful, more expensive, and less welcoming for the very people the US has long attracted—bright students, skilled workers, and global talent.
Whether this new approach strengthens America's borders without weakening its global competitiveness remains to be seen. But for now, anyone hoping to study, work, or visit the US should prepare for a more demanding road ahead.
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