US Waivers Visa Interview for Some International Students

Key Highlights:

• Overview
• Announcement for Waiver
• Eligibility for Waiver

The United States Department of State (DOS) has recently announced that officers in US consular offices worldwide can now opt to waiver the visa interview for F-1 visa applicants.

Announcement for Waiver

In a statement released earlier this week, the DOS said that the consular officers had the authorization till the year-end to give a verdict on F-1 visas, which allow international students to pursue MBA and masters, with a visa interview.

Generally, when the students complete the online application for the F-1 visa, they have to attend the visa interview at a US consulate in their home country.

The state department said, “International students are now and always have been among the department of state’s highest priorities.”

“The department recognizes the important contributions these students make to our college and university campuses; the positive impact they have on US communities; and the rich benefits of academic cooperation in increasing cultural understanding, furthering research, knowledge, and supporting US diplomacy.

“The department is committed to supporting the US academic community while administering US law.  The department also recognizes this is a critical period of time for students seeking to begin their studies at academic institutions across the US,” they added.

Eligibility for Waiver

From now on, international students can get F-1 visa without sitting the interview if:

• You have been issued any US visa (including tourist visa), and you weren't denied any visa by the US government or
• You live in a country that is a participant in the Visa Waiver Program. 

As India is not a part of the Visa Waiver Program, Indian students can only apply without the visa interview if the United States issued them a visa previously.