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September 2, 2025
Renewal Interview Waiver
Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State has updated the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer except:
- Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
- Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
- Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.
To be eligible for an interview waiver based on the third bullet point above (applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals), applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of one of the following countries or territories:
- Anguilla
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Martinique
- Montserrat
- St. Barthelemy
- French St. Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
- have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts nationals applying for nonimmigrant visas, including those who are renewing, are required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.
* Please note that we may request that an applicant appear for an interview regardless of apparent qualifications for the RIW process.
** You must be OUTSIDE the United States to apply for IW.
Application Process
- Complete your DS-160 application at https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
- Answer the questions and follow the prompts at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-bb/niv . If you qualify for the RIW process, you will be directed to specific instructions for how to proceed with your application
Required Documentation
If the RIW application is accepted for processing without an interview, the following documents, and these documents only, are required.
- Current valid passport for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States (see country-specific agreements for exceptions).
- If you are NOT a citizen of one the countries or territories listed above, you must include proof of your legal residency within one of those countries or territories (residency card, etc.)
- A photocopy of the most recently issued U.S. visa with an expiry date of less than 12 months ago.
- If your name, date of birth, nationality, or place of birth has changed since your prior application, provide evidence of the reason for the change.
- DS-160 application confirmation page (see step one in application above).
- One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last 6 months. Further details regarding Department of State photo guidelines can be found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.
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Notice the after effects of CIP….you haffu go ah Barbados as an Antiguan. Expect government to put a different spin.
Clearly you either never travel or never had a visa in your life as an Antiguan. Antigua had an embassy back in the 90s, cip wasn’t even an idea then. After it was removed from antigua since the 90s we have always had to go to Barbados. I never had a waiver, everyone I know has always had to stand up in line in Barbados.
Luanne….Please got to the front of the class…not as a student, but to teach the idiots!
@Luanne Lee you like many are blinded. You think it is a mere coincidence that countries that do not have a CIP are exempted from going to Barbados…or may you are one who does not read.
Thank God I got my visa renewed during Covid when they were not requiring in person visits
This is not new. The citizens of Antigua and Barbuda have had to travel to Barbados since 1994 to attain a B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 or C 3 visa. We’ll be fine.
The US continues to make it more difficult for people to go there. And seriously. I keep saying, who the heck wanna go to stinking USA? People . THe grass is not greener there.
The US is a shithole. Trump says we are shithole countries. I believe he was speaking of his pathetic country.
CIP is the F’ up America do not trust any Caribbean country with that programme. Expect the excuse makers for ABLP to tell some of cock and bull story
My thing what can’t a group from the embassy come here and other countries to conduct the interviews..make it much easier financially on many of us…a mean gng there the visa is still not guaranteed….
#easydoesit
#eachonehelpone..
@Dave Ray. Is that’s your spin. So whatabout those countries in the OECS that once had to do so and are no longer required? You ALP tailcoats are the best.
It is because of the Citizenship program. If you will note , the countries with CiP programs are not in the list which do not require in person renewals. I am Antiguan and was allowed to forego an in person interview program as recently as a few weeks ago. So yes we have gone to Barbados but so have all the other countries on the list above. ITIS BECAUSE OF THE CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM!!!!
That is not true. I have traveled to Barbados once and have had the privilege to renew my visa without traveling there after that visa was expired. My 12 year old now has to go after never having to travel there and he has had two visas. This is because of CIP play blind if you want.
Errrrr….Grenada has a CIP program and they are on the list. Bottom line is Trump wants to make it more expensive to get a visa.
Visa fee
DHL fee
Plane ticket
Taxi
Accommodation
The man don’t want you all in his country. The application fee going up too.
Antiguans has always been having to go to Barbados. I have been visiting the US for the last 4 years every year, sometimes twice a year and I do remember when I was applying I went to Barbados with my family and was successful. It’s just their criteria and if we’re interested in visiting we just have to follow procedures. It’s Two things…..either you get it or you don’t.
I am US/Antiguan. Currently living in the US but thinking of getting out of here. All I can say is right now while this idiot is in office I wouldn’t go out of my way to come to America. The trip to Barbados, airfare, hotel, etc. is ridiculous and then you come here to America and you end up getting hassled by ice anyway. Just stay away until he is gone or dead. Praying hard for the later
Kip aryou Visa. Even Americans a run from Merica now.
Europe and other part of the world is beautiful and more peaceful. The only place I use to enjoy in the USA is Las Vegas. The hassle is not worth it. Let us travel to Canada and Europe