Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Carmelle Lacuata

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The United States Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday announced that there will be changes in its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy, with applicants for most visa categories to require personal appearance starting September.In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1223192419847857&amp;set=a.230899445743831">Facebook post</a>, the US Embassy said the US Department of State will update the categories of visa applicants that may be eligible for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver starting September 2.&quot;All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will require an in-person interview with a consular officer,&quot; it added.Those who are still exempted are the following:<ul><li>Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card within 12 months of their prior visa&#x27;s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance, and the applicant was at least 18 years old</li><li>Applicants for diplomatic or official-type visas</li><li>Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, NATO, TECRO, and certain C-3 and G.</li></ul>The embassy also advised applicants whose visa category is no longer eligible for an interview waiver to drop off their application at the Visa Application Center by August 22 to give the Embassy enough time to process applications before the new policy takes effect.Under the current policy, those who are planning to renew their visa in the same category may avail of the interview waiver. Those who are below 14 years old or more than 79 years old are also not required to personally appear at the US Embassy.

The US Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday announced that there will be changes in its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy, with applicants for most visa categories to require personal appearance starting September.

The US Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday announced that there will be changes in its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy, with applicants for most visa categories to require personal appearance starting September.

Most nonimmigrant visa categories now require personal appearance: US Embassy

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Most nonimmigrant visa categories now require personal appearance: US Embassy

Rose Carmelle Lacuata,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 21, 2025 05:43 PM PHT

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Updated Aug 22, 2025 12:52 AM PHT

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