For latest updates, watch this video with Rajiv from Dec 28, 2021.
It is possible from now till the end of 2022 for consular officers to issue nonimmigrant visas without an interview if the following requirements are met:
Waiver of Visa Interview for Work Visas
- You already have a USCIS approval (e,g. H-1B approval)
- You are applying for an H-1, H-3, H-4, L-1/L-2, O, P, or Q visa
- You are applying for a visa in the country of your nationality or residence. Note: "Residence" should include third countries in which you have permanent residence or long-term visas like work or student visas. In such cases, you do not have to apply from your country of nationality.
- You were previously issued ANY type of visa (e.g., a tourist visa)
- You have never been refused a visa or if refused, the refusal was overcome or waived
- You have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility
Waiver of Work Visas Interviews For ESTA Travelers
If your country of citizenship or nationality participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you can apply for an H-1, H-3, H-4, L-1/L-2, O, P, or Q visa without having been previously ever issued a visa, but you must have previously traveled to the United States using ESTA. You must also have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility, such as criminal convictions, etc.
Waiver of Visa Interview for Students, Research Scholars, Professors, etc.
- You already have school or other institutional approval (such as a Form I-20 for students)
- You are applying for F, J, or M visa
- You are applying for a visa in the country of your nationality or residence. Note: "Residence" should include third countries in which you have permanent residence or long-term visas like work or student visas. In such cases, you do not have to apply from your country of nationality.
- You were previously issued ANY type of visa (e.g., a tourist visa)
- You have never been refused a visa or if refused, the refusal was overcome or waived
- You have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility
ESTA Travelers' Waiver of Visa Interview for Students, Research Scholars, Professors, etc.
If your country of citizenship or nationality participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you can apply for an F, J, or M visa without having been previously ever issued a visa, but you must have previously traveled to the United States using ESTA. You must also have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility, such as criminal convictions, etc.
Note that under the so-called drop-box option, visa applicants renewing any visa within 48 months of expiration are also eligible for interview waivers.
Note also that the conditions and requirements in each consulate could vary. You should check their website for updated information for you.
Comments
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Eligibility for visa waiver interview
I am on J1 visa and my employer was changed. Due to which my program number and subject code was also changed in DS2019. Am I eligible for visa waiver interview?
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Eligibility for visa waiver interview
Based upon what we know so far, I do not see any reason why the change should be a problem for the waiver.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
When will this be applicable from ?
By when can we expect this to take effect ?
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Visa interview waiver dates?
It was supposed to be effective immediately, but different consulates may proceed at different paces.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Interview waiver
Hello,
I am an Assistant Professor at a cancer institute in New York. I am currently in India, trying to get a stamping appointment for my O1A visa. I got the O1A approved by the USCIS and have the original I797. Previously I have been on F1 and then on J1 visa in the US while I was pursuing my PHD and then Post doctoral fellowship. I believe I am eligible for an interview waiver as per the recent announcement. But I need guidance. I was once approved for an emergency appointment request. But was still unable to book one due to the system errors. The US Visa help desk folks at the Mumbai consulate were not helpful. I need help in securing an appointment or getting an interview waiver.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Getting an interview at the consulate
You can have your employer institution reach out to the consulate. That might help.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Question regarding visa interview waiver
I have already scheduled for H1b visa interview so do I have to reschedule it to be dropbox for the interview waiver?
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
As of this morning, as far…
As of this morning, as far as I know, the detailed policies have not yet been implemented.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
J-I visa to Green Card
I am an Indian national and working as a Research scholar with a University on J1 visa since August 2021. My research is ongoing and at this time expected to continue for at least another 2-3 years. My spouse is also in US and working on H1-B. Their employer is expected to apply for Green Card in 2022. My intent has now changed to become an immigrant. Given my visa is subject to a foreign residency requirement or a waiver, if I apply for waiver and once waiver is approved can I continue working on J1 visa? If I don't apply for waiver and continue working on J1 for 2-3 years while my spouse's green card is being processed - will it be easier and faster for me to apply for a Green card at a later stage i.e. say once my spouse's application has progressed.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
I believe they will not…
I believe they will not extend your J-1 if you have already received a waiver. You can double check that.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
F1 renewal on STEM OPT
I am on STEM OPT and I am working for a company and my F1 visa expired. Am I eligible for interview waiver where I can use Dropbox service to renew my F1 visa?
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
F1 renewal on STEM OPT
You may be able to get an interview waiver, but their procedures for waiver are a part of the DS160 so far. As you fill out the form, there should be an option for a waiver request.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
H-1B Visa Stamping India
I haven’t travelled to india in last 8 years. Earlier this year the requirement or the folks eligible were 48 months or lesser gap. Will it be an issue or will I be ineligible as my last stamped visa was 8 years back.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
H-1B Visa Stamping India
I do not believe the gap is itself an issue.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
B-1 was rejected am I eligible for H-1 interview waiver
Hi, 2years back my business visa was rejected, now I got picked from H1B lottery, i need to know i will be eligible for visa interview or not.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
B-1 was rejected am I eligible for H-1 interview waiver
Not eligible, unless you, later on, received a business visa.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
How would we know whether the refusal was overcome or waived
Hi, I was attended B-1 Non immigrant Business Visa in March,2018 at that time it was rejected. In this article we are seeing the message "You have never been refused a visa or if refused, the refusal was overcome or waived". So to eligible visa waiver for H1, how can we know the refusal of B1 was overcome or waived.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
How do I know if my visa refusal was overcome (Interview Waiver)
If after a visa refusal, you received the requested visa in a later application, you would still be eligible for an interview waiver for visa stamping.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
First F1 refused under 214(b) and got approved in second attempt
After finishing my masters. I got H1B APPROVED. am I eligible for H1-B DROPBOX
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
First F1 refused under 214(b) and got approved in second attempt
Yes.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
L-1A individual visa interview waiver
I had L-1B individual visa which was rejected during the extension process about 2 years back and my company filed fresh L-1A individual petition after I came back to India which is approved now. Does my case for L-1A individual visa qualifies for visa waiver?
Note that : I also had H1-B denial after it was picked in lottery in RFE process before L-1B was approved.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
Waiver of personal interview
It appears that you may not qualify for an interview waiver because you had an H one B denial that was never overcome.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
H1 B stamping
Dear Mr Khanna, Kindly let me know if visa stamping on my passport is possible from USA and I would not need to visit India for the visa stamp. I have H1 B approval. Thanks
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
H-1B visa stamping
It is not possible to get visa stamping within the USA.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
They want DS5535 in H-1B interview, is there any problem?
Hi, I attended interview for H-1B, but the given my passport back and and asked me to send 15yrs travel history and address history etc, i.e DS-5535 form. Usually why will get this form, is there any problem with this?
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
They want DS5535 in H-1B interview, is there any problem?
This form is used to get additional information that could assure the consulate that the applicant is not a security threat. These checks could be triggered by something in your background or a place where you have traveled that is suspected of anti-US activities.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
H1-B
Dear Mr Khanna, I was in US with H1-B with employer1, my petiotion got denied during renewal and have to go out of USA. After an year, same employer1 filled a new H1-B (based on my i140) for me which got approved and I got it stamped at US consulate by having an interview with Consulate officer. But, couldn't travel to USA due to covid. Now, I changed my company and current employer2 filing my new H1-B based on my i-140, will I be eligible for interview waiver program or I have to take up interview again if I want to stamp Visa based on new petition at my resident country?
please advise.
Note: Unless the context shows otherwise, all answers here were provided by Rajiv and were compiled and reported by our editorial team from comments, blog and community calls on immigration.com. Where transcribed from audio/video, a verbatim transcript is provided. Therefore, it may not conform to the written grammatical or syntactical form.
H1-B visa interview waiver
You may not need a new visa. Check with your lawyers.
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