US extends interview waiver for international students, temporary workers
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The interview waiver facility has been made available to more applicants for non-immigrant visas. Including some temporary workers and international students.
In a press release, the US State Department stated, “We are pleased to announce that the Secretary of State has made a determination extending the authority of consular officers. To waive in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa categories until 31st December 2023.”
Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), Students (F and M visas), and Academic Exchange Visitors (academic J visas). Also, certain beneficiaries of approved individual petitions for non-immigrant temporary worker visas. The following categories are among the visa categories that are included in this program. 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), Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (Q visas); and qualifying derivatives.
US extends interview waiver for students & workers
These waivers were authorized by a determination of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Department of Homeland Security.
The approval to waive the in-person interview for candidates renewing a visa in a similar classification. Within 48 months of the earlier visa’s lapse was recently approved to stay set up until further notification, said the release.
As a result of the interview waiver authorities freed up in-person interview appointments. For other applicants who require an interview visa appointment wait times have decreased at numerous embassies and consulates.
Moreover, nearly half of the almost seven million non-immigrant visas the Department gave in the Fiscal Year 2022 were adjudicated without an in-person interview.
[H-1B Cap Season Planning and Other Updates From USCIS]
According to the release, “We are successfully lowering visa wait times worldwide. Following pandemic closures, and making every effort to further reduce those wait times as soon as possible. Including first-time tourist visa candidates.”
However, depending on the circumstances in the area, embassies and consulates may still require an in-person interview.
According to the release, We encourage candidates to check the embassy and consulate websites. For more detailed information about this development, as well as the current operating status and services.
