Washington: The US State Department has announced new rules exempting some applicants from visa interview. However, the eligibility period for most renewal has been reduced from 48 months to 12 months. This sudden change has raised concerns for those repeatedly traveling and professionals who first depended on the long dropbox window.
The official update states, “The State Department has updated the categories of applicants who may be eligible for exemption from non-migrant visa interview. Consulate officials have the right and discretion to waive personal interviews for the following categories mentioned in the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 222 (H). ”
Who will get exemption from visa interview?
According to Business Today reports, Visa classification in exempted persons A-1, A-2, C-3 (except for attendants or servants), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO- The individuals falling under 1 to NATO-6 or TECRO E-1 include applicant for diplomatic or official visa and renewal of visa in the same category, whose validity has been last 12 Has ended within months.
- The A-1, A-2 and C-3 visas typically cover foreign government officials, such as state heads, ministers and other people passing through the US.
- The G-1 visa is issued to permanent members of the diplomatic mission of a recognized government. For example, it is issued to a permanently deployed representative in an international organization.
- The G-2 visa is given to officers of recognized governments who are traveling temporarily to attend an international body meetings.
- The G-3 visa applies to representatives of non-recognized or non-member governments.
- The G-4 visa is for individuals who are serving or have served as officers in international organizations including the United Nations.
Criteria to get exemption from interview
The Ministry has further clarified that, “To be eligible for exemption from interview, applicants have to fulfill certain criteria, including that they apply in the country of their nationality or residence, anytime The visa is not forbidden (unless such refusal has been forgiven or forgiven) and has no clear or potential disqualification. ”
Dropbox eligibility period reduced
Meanwhile, the US State Department has suddenly reduced the eligibility period for Visa Interview Wave (Dropbox) from 48 months to just 12 months, causing difficulties for thousands of Indian applicants. According to the National Law Review, “Applicants will now have to renew the visa in the same non-migrant classification to qualify for dropbox processing that ended within the last 12 months”.
In practice, this means that most of the passengers, especially H-1B or B1/B2 visa, will face personal interviews, which may increase waiting time and increase the possibility of travel delay. Although exceptions are applied to diplomats and some officials, many regular applicants may still face a tough visa renovation process.
