Press room

New U.S. Visa Rules Started September 2: What’s Changing?

The U.S. State Department will end interview waivers for visa applicants from 57 countries starting September 2, requiring most non-immigrant applicants, including students, skilled workers, and visitors, to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates. This change, along with new measures such as increased fees, stricter vetting, and additional costs like the $250 Visa Integrity Fee and a Visa Bond Pilot program, reflects a broader tightening of U.S. visa policies. Longer wait times for appointments are expected, and other upcoming changes include higher ESTA and I-94 fees, proposed fixed stays for students and journalists, and new H-1B prioritization rules.