Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will require that all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars, including their F-2 or J-2 dependents, attend in-person interviews at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad when applying to renew their visas.  

This change marks an end to broader flexibility for interview waivers that were provided to international students, scholars, and their dependents during the COVID-19 pandemic. This updated policy may increase wait times for visa renewal processing. Students, scholars, and their dependents should plan accordingly when applying for visa renewals outside the U.S. 

As a reminder, F-1/J-1 non-immigrant students and scholars and their F-2/J-2 dependents may remain in the U.S. after their F or J visa has expired, as long as their I-20/DS-2019 remains valid and they continue to maintain their nonimmigrant status. OGS advises that students and scholars do not travel solely for the purpose of visa renewal, as delays in returning to the U.S. can impact your ability to maintain your F/J non-immigrant status, which requires on-ground, full-time enrollment for students, and in-person engagement in your research or teaching as a scholar. 

For more information on the updated policy on visa interview waiver eligibility, please the U.S. Department of State announcement.