US extends interview waivers for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants

Antiguans and Barbudans who qualify may not necessarily need to travel to Bridgetown for their nonimmigrant and others US visas until the end of December next year.

That’s because the Biden administration has extended interview waivers for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants from the Caribbean and other places. 

The announcement came as the government said it recognizes the positive impact of travel to the United States by foreign student and temporary work visa holders on the US economy.

They said they are also committed to facilitating nonimmigrant travel and further reducing visa wait times. 

The US Department of State in a statement that consular officers are authorized until then to continue to waive in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for certain first-time and/or renewing applicants. 

The State Department said these categories of visas are for Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), Students (F and M visas), and Academic Exchange Visitors (academic J visas).

The visa waivers are also extended to certain beneficiaries of approved individual petitions for nonimmigrant temporary worker visas in the following categories: Persons in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas); Trainee or Special Education Visitors (H-3 visas); Intracompany Transferees (L visas); Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas); Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas); Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (Q visas); and qualifying derivatives.

The State Department said by reducing visa-appointment wait times, people who require interviews may be afforded more time.

In 2022, nearly half of the almost seven million nonimmigrant visas the Department issued were adjudicated without an in-person interview.

“We are successfully lowering visa wait times worldwide, following closures during the pandemic, and making every effort to further reduce those wait times as quickly as possible, including for first-time tourist visa applicants,” the State Department said.

It said embassies and consulates may still require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis and dependent upon local conditions. (US State Department)