The The Department of State has recently made significant changes to the eligibility criteria for the Visa Interview Waiver (VIW) program. This update is expected to have a considerable impact on those looking to renew their visas, especially for applicants who previously relied on the relaxed standards that allowed them to avoid in-person interviews. Below is an overview of the changes and how they may affect your visa renewal process.
Key Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility
Previously, the Department of State had relaxed its criteria to reduce the backlogs in visa appointments following the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the old rules, applicants could qualify for the interview waiver even when applying for a new visa category. For example, someone with an expired F-1 student visa could apply for an H-1B visa and still be eligible for the interview waiver. Additionally, if a visa had expired within the last 48 months, applicants could still qualify for the waiver.
However, effective immediately, the criteria have been restricted. Now, only applicants who are renewing a visa in the same category as their prior visa are eligible for the waiver. Furthermore, the previous visa must have expired within the last 12 months to qualify for the interview waiver. This update means that applicants who previously met the requirements under the relaxed criteria may no longer be eligible and will need to schedule an in-person interview.
What Should Applicants Do Next?
If you are scheduled for a Visa Interview Waiver document drop-off based on the old criteria, it is crucial to determine whether you still qualify under the new rules. Here’s how you can check:
If you meet both of these criteria, you can retain your current appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) to drop off your documents and avoid an in-person interview.
What if You Don’t Meet the Criteria?
If you do not meet the updated standards, you will no longer qualify for the interview waiver. In this case, you should cancel your document drop-off appointment and reschedule for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Important steps for rescheduling:
Impact on Travel and Appointment Availability
This restriction of the interview waiver program will undoubtedly lead to increased demand for in-person appointments, particularly in high-volume locations such as India. As a result, applicants may face longer wait times for scheduling their visa interviews.
For those planning international travel, it is important to note that securing an in-person visa appointment may take longer than expected. You should ensure that you can schedule an interview before making any travel plans. It is advisable to review available appointment slots and adjust your travel dates accordingly to avoid disruptions.
Conclusion
TThe DHS’s updates to the H-1B and H-2 visa programs mark a significant shift towards modernization, flexibility, and fairness. Employers and workers alike stand to benefit from these changes, but preparation is key. By understanding and adapting to these updates, U.S. businesses can continue to attract and retain the global talent essential to driving innovation and growth.
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About Anywr
Anywr is a French international group specializing in the global Talent mobility and international recruitment. The company supports businesses in the search and integration of international talent, offering a complete range of services from sourcing to settlement. Anywr has a network of over 300 consultants in 16 countries. A member of the FrenchTech 120, the group is now composed of nearly 900 employees worldwide, with 400 in France, serving the largest French and international groups. Anywr is an innovative and responsible company, committed to its communities, which puts its expertise and solutions at the service of social integration projects and diversity. ANYWR has adopted the status of a Mission-led Company (Loi Pacte) since June 2021.
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