Non-Immigrant Visa Waiver

[UsernameNotFound 0]

USCIS announcement - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html

 

USCIS recently announcement that if you held any non-immigrant visa in the past that is unexpired or expired within the lsat 48 months, you're not required an interview if you apply for any* other non-immigrant visa. I'm trying to schedule my appointment from Canada for a B1/B2 but in the workflow, I still see that I'm required an interview. 

 

Wanted to know if anyone has been able to navigate this successfully? Thanks

 

 

*exceptions apply

[MaxP22 186]

Under what basis specifically? There are a number of requirements, do you pass them all?

[Boiler 45,467]

My understanding is can be waived not will be waived.

Edited January 7 by Boiler

[appleblossom 2,479]

3 hours ago, UsernameNotFound said:

USCIS announcement - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html

 

USCIS recently announcement that if you held any non-immigrant visa in the past that is unexpired or expired within the lsat 48 months, you're not required an interview if you apply for any* other non-immigrant visa. I'm trying to schedule my appointment from Canada for a B1/B2 but in the workflow, I still see that I'm required an interview. 

 

Wanted to know if anyone has been able to navigate this successfully? Thanks

 

 

*exceptions apply

 

What was your previous visa, and why do you need a B visa from Canada?

[UsernameNotFound 0]

Thanks for the quick responses everyone. I had F-1 previously and I'm not a Canadian citizen yet (on PR) so need a B1 to visit the U.S. I check all the requirements mentioned on that link

• F1 (non-immigrant visa) that expired in 2022 (though I left the US in 2021)
• Never been refused any US visa
• Applying from country of residence (Canada)
• No medical or criminal ineligibility

[appleblossom 2,479]

24 minutes ago, UsernameNotFound said:

Thanks for the quick responses everyone. I had F-1 previously and I'm not a Canadian citizen yet (on PR) so need a B1 to visit the U.S. I check all the requirements mentioned on that link

• F1 (non-immigrant visa) that expired in 2022 (though I left the US in 2021)
• Never been refused any US visa
• Applying from country of residence (Canada)
• No medical or criminal ineligibility

 

My guess is it's to do with your country of residence, but it is only a guess. Only they will know why they want to you to go for an interview unfortunately. 

[jan22 3,052]

4 hours ago, UsernameNotFound said:

USCIS announcement - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html

 

USCIS recently annoNoteuncement that if you held any non-immigrant visa in the past that is unexpired or expired within the lsat 48 months, you're not required an interview if you apply for any* other non-immigrant visa. I'm trying to schedule my appointment from Canada for a B1/B2 but in the workflow, I still see that I'm required an interview. 

 

Wanted to know if anyone has been able to navigate this successfully? Thanks

 

 

*exceptions apply

Note -- this is a State Department notice, not a USCIS announcement.  USCIS is not involved with visa applications/interviews.  Thought it important to note this, in case someone went looking for additional information -- that they won't find at USCIS.

[millefleur 5,046]

The link you posted also says "Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions" so they must have some reason for wanting you to come in for an interview. 

 

Please update us and let us know how it goes, and if you find out what the reason was.

[Boiler 45,467]

43 minutes ago, millefleur said:

The link you posted also says "Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions" so they must have some reason for wanting you to come in for an interview. 

 

Please update us and let us know how it goes, and if you find out what the reason was.

I have not come across anyone being told a reason, just a normal interview.

[appleblossom 2,479]

6 hours ago, appleblossom said:

 

My guess is it's to do with your country of residence, but it is only a guess. Only they will know why they want to you to go for an interview unfortunately. 

Correction - I meant country of citizenship!