Recently, the USA has reduced the visa renewal timeline using the dropbox process from 48 months to 12 months. As per the official statement “Applicants will now have to renew a visa in the same non-immigrant classification that expired within the last 12 months to qualify for dropbox processing.”
As a result, thousands of applicants have to face in-person interviews. This change will cause travel delays and increase the waiting time for visa processing.
However, as per the new statement, the USA authorities have exempted certain categories from in-person interviews.
The official statement said “The Department of State has updated the categories of applicants who may be eligible for exemption from the nonimmigrant visa interview. Consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the personal interview for the following categories outlined in Immigration and Nationality Act section 222(h).”
Exempted categories are as follows:
- A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants or servants)
- A-1, A-2 and C-3 visas generally cover foreign government officials, such as heads of state, ministers and others transiting through the US on official business.
- A-1, A-2 and C-3 visas generally cover foreign government officials, such as heads of state, ministers and others transiting through the US on official business.
- G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6 or TECRO E-1
- The G-1 visa is issued to permanent members of a diplomatic mission of a recognized government. For example, it is issued to a permanently stationed representative to an international organization.
- The G-2 visa is granted to officials of recognized governments who are traveling temporarily to attend meetings of an international body.
- The G-3 visa applies to representatives of unrecognized or non-member governments.
- The G-4 visa is for individuals who are serving or have served as officials in international organizations, including the United Nations.
- diplomatic or official visas
- persons renewing visas in the same categories whose validity has expired within the last 12 months
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The official update states “To be eligible for interview exemption, applicants must meet certain criteria, including that they apply in their country of nationality or residence, have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal has been waived or remitted) and have no apparent or potential disqualification.”
You can read more information on this website.
