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.