US to Waive 'Non-Immigrant Visa' Interviews for Expatriates and Employment Until End of Next Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The United States has decided to waive in-person interviews for certain non-immigrant visa applicants, including those applying for student and employment visas, until the end of next year.

According to the U.S. Department of State on the 23rd (local time), the visas exempted from in-person interviews include the professional employment visa H-1B, the training employment visa H-3, the intracompany transferee visa L, the O visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, and athletics, the P visa for athletes, artists, and entertainers, and the cultural exchange visa Q.

Additionally, the Department of State has extended the interview waiver period until the end of next year for applicants of the currently exempted unskilled temporary work visa H-2, student visas F and M, and exchange visitor visa J. Furthermore, the policy to waive interviews for those renewing the same visa within 48 months after expiration will also be extended indefinitely.

The Department of State stated, "Due to the significant decline in visa processing capacity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are temporarily implementing these measures to promote non-immigrant visa applicants' visits to the United States while prioritizing national security, and to safely and efficiently reduce visa wait times."

However, this applies only to those who have previously been issued a U.S. visa or whose visa applications have not been denied, and those who visited the U.S. under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) during their initial visa application. The Department of State also added that even if applicants meet the criteria, U.S. embassies and consulates may require in-person interviews depending on local circumstances.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.