US cuts visa categories eligible for interview waiver as new rule starts Sept. 2

The United States has reduced the number of visa categories qualified under its interview waiver program, its embassy in Manila said Thursday.

"Starting September 2, most visa categories will no longer qualify for an interview waiver—except B1/B2 (business/tourism) and official visas," the US Embassy said in a statement. 

In-person interviews will now be required for non-immigrant applicants under 14 and over 79 years old, it added.

The embassy urged Filipino visa applicants, whose visas are no longer eligible for an interview waiver, to mail or drop off their application at its offsite Visa Application Center by August 22. 

"This ensures the US embassy has enough time to process your application before the new policy takes effect," it said.

The interview waiver program allows many qualified visa applicants to renew visas, particularly those who were issued multiple-entry tourist and business visas, without an in-person interview at the embassy.

Visa renewal applicants need not come to the US Embassy for an interview if:

• The visa you are renewing is the same visa category as the previous visa.

• Your previous visa is still valid or has been expired for less than 12 months, and you have not been refused a US visa since your previous visa was issued.

• You are a citizen or resident of the Philippines and you are in the Philippines when you apply.

• Your previous visa was not annotated “Clearance Received” or “Waiver Granted.”

• Your previous visa was issued after you reached 14 years of age. Your name, date of birth, and nationality in your current passport match those in your previous visa. If there is a name change due to marriage or annulment, provide documentation.

• You have never been arrested in the Philippines, the United States, or any other country, even if subject to a pardon.

• You have not requested an extension or change of status through USCIS.

• You are renewing one of the following types of visas: B1/B2, C1/D, F, M, or J. –VBL, GMA Integrated News