Visa Interview Waivers Extended: How it Can Help You Travel to the US in 2023
The United States State Department has announced that they will be expanding the visa interview waiver program through December 31, 2023. This means that certain applicants for nonimmigrant visas will not have to go through an in-person interview in order to get their visa approved.
The categories of visas that will be eligible for the interview waiver are for Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), Students (F and M visas), and Academic Exchange Visitors (academic J visas), and certain beneficiaries of approved individual petitions for nonimmigrant temporary worker visas in the following categories: Persons in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas), Trainee or Special Education Visitors (H-3 visas), Intracompany Transferees (L visas), Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas), Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas), and Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (Q visas); and qualifying derivatives.
This is good news for many people looking to travel to the United States, as this will help to reduce wait times for visa appointments. According to the State Department, nearly half of the almost seven million nonimmigrant visas they issued in Fiscal Year 2022 were done without an in-person interview. This means that the visa process can be completed more quickly and efficiently for many applicants.
The State Department's expansion of the visa interview waiver program is great news for many applicants, however, it's important to note that the interview waivers will not apply to everyone. Those filing for fiancé or spouse visas will still be required to go through an in-person interview. Additionally, the interview waiver will not apply to those filing an application for a visitor visa for the first time.
This means that if you are applying for a K-1 fiancé visa or a K-3 spouse visa, you will still be required to attend an in-person interview at the embassy or consulate. Similarly, if you are applying for a visitor visa and this is your first time applying for one, you will usually be required to attend an in-person interview.
It's worth noting that the U.S. Government may still consider case-by-case exceptions, but as a general rule, the interview waivers will not apply to those filing for fiancé or spouse visas and most of those applying for visitor visa for the first time.
It's essential to keep in mind that while the visa interview waiver program is in effect, the consulates and embassies reserve the right to request an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis and dependent upon local conditions. To stay informed, we recommend you check the website of the embassy or consulate where you will be applying for more detailed information about the interview waiver program and their current operating status and services.
Overall, the State Department's expansion of the visa interview waiver program is a positive development for those looking to travel to the United States. It will help to make the visa process faster and more efficient for many applicants, which is good news for everyone.
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