L-1 Visa petition for Indian

DOS Extends Interview Waiver for Select Employment Visas

On December 23, 2022, the US Department of State extended the in-person interview waiver for certain non-immigrant visa categories by another year, i.e., through December 31, 2023.  Consular officers will be authorized to continue to waive in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for certain first-time and/or renewing applicants. 

Under this new policy, the following applicants will continue to remain eligible for an interview waiver through December 31, 2023:

  • Individual petition-based H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q applicants who were previously issued any type of visa, and who have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived, and who have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility; or
  • Individual petition-based H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q applicants who are citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, provided they have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility and have previously traveled to the United States using an authorization obtained via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Applicants renewing a visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration also remain eligible for interview waiver until further notice.

Note that consular officers may still require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis, Applicants are advised to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information and specific procedures.


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