Face-to-face interview now required for H1B visa applicants: Here's how to prepare

Time of India

4 days ago

The US Department of State has announced that, starting September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants, including those applying for H1B visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at US consulates.
This policy change significantly limits eligibility for interview waivers, which had been available in recent years to certain applicants based on age, visa category, or past visa history.
Under the revised rules, the
H1B visa
category is no longer broadly exempt from the interview requirement. Most applicants, regardless of whether they are first-time applicants or renewals, will now need to appear personally before a consular officer.
This change introduces an additional step in the visa process and may result in longer appointment wait times, increased scrutiny, and stricter documentation checks. For professionals planning to work in the United States, preparing thoroughly for the interview has become a critical part of the H1B process.
Why this change matters
The updated policy, released by the US Department of State on July 25, 2025, effectively rolls back pandemic-era exemptions that allowed many applicants to skip the interview stage entirely.
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While some limited waivers remain, for diplomats, select renewals, and specific categories, most applicants under the H1B classification must now prepare to step into the consular office.
Age is no longer an automatic shield. Previous visa approvals do not guarantee a bypass. Even those renewing H1B visas after years of employment may now be required to re-interview. In short: Familiarity with the system no longer translates into immunity from it.
What this means for H1B aspirants
The H1B visa has long been a bridge between global talent and the American workforce. But even with an approved petition from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), entry into the US hinges on securing a visa stamp at a consulate abroad. That stamp, in most cases moving forward, will require an in-person interview.
What used to be a procedural step has now regained its role as a critical filter, one where articulation, documentation, and intent must align with precision.
Here's what applicants need to prepare for:
Master the 'what' and 'why' of your job
Visa officers are trained to assess more than your paperwork, they're evaluating whether your role qualifies as a 'specialty occupation' and whether your skills are essential to it.
Prepare to clearly explain:
Your job title and its core functions
The technologies or tools you will use
Why your educational background makes you the right fit
Why is your presence required in the US rather than remotely
Avoid corporate jargon. Use plain, specific language that reflects a firm understanding of your profession.
Documents must be bulletproof
The interview process now places renewed emphasis on document integrity and coherence. Ensure that all materials are meticulously organized and up to date.
Essentials include:
Original I-797 Approval Notice
LCA (Labor Condition Application)
Detailed employer letter outlining your role
If applicable, client letters for third-party worksite placements
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
A complete resume and project descriptions
Tax documents or recent pay slips for extensions or renewals
Inconsistencies, even minor ones, can trigger delays or refusals. Triple-check every page.
Prepare for 'dual intent' nuances
The H1B is one of the few US non-immigrant visas that permits dual intent, meaning you may legally pursue permanent residency while on a temporary visa.
But at the interview stage, your focus should be squarely on the immediate purpose: employment.
If asked about long-term plans, convey that you're aware of the rules and will pursue permanent residency only through lawful means, if and when appropriate.
Rehearse the interview, but remain natural
The interview itself is often short, 5 to 10 minutes, but its impact is profound. Practice typical questions aloud until you're confident, not robotic.
You may be asked:
'What does your company do?'
'How did you get hired?'
'What will your day-to-day look like in this role?'
'Have you been to the US before? If so, for what purpose?'
Your tone matters.
Be calm, respectful, and direct. Confidence, not arrogance, is key.
Anticipate logistical challenges
With in-person interviews resuming on a global scale, demand for appointments will spike. Consulates across regions are already facing pressure to manage increased foot traffic.
To stay ahead:
Monitor appointment availability on official consular websites
Be flexible in choosing your interview location if multiple options exist
Schedule your appointment as early as possible once your petition is approved
Avoid relying on unofficial agents or third-party sources for appointment logistics. Stick to verified government portals.
Understand that waiver eligibility ≠ Waiver guarantee
A small set of waivers still exists—for example, certain diplomatic or official visa holders, or those renewing visas that expired within the past 12 months. However, even if you technically qualify, a consular officer still has the discretion to call you in for an interview.
In this system, eligibility is not entitlement. Be prepared regardless.
A system recalibrated, not closed
The reinstatement of interviews is not a closure of opportunity, but a recalibration of trust. It reflects a shift in US policy back toward direct engagement and human evaluation. For applicants, this means the pathway to an H1B visa is no longer simply paved with documents, but with preparation, clarity, and communication.
Visa interviews, once a shrinking formality, are now a full stage again. And stepping into that space, clear-eyed, well-versed, and ready, is the only way forward.
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