According to the official website of the Department of State in the United States, the period for people who are going to renew their visa without the interview has been extended until March 31, 2021. As a requirement, people who intend to skip the interview must have their visa expired less than 24 months ago otherwise, this will no longer be valid.

Only 12 months were allowed previously, however, due to the health emergency and the fact that many places dedicated to providing official documents have remained closed, it was decided to extend it to 24 months.

Similarly, it had been said that once the year 2021 entered, they would return to 12 months, but as the situation has not changed much, they decided to extend the date until March.

Previously, only those applicants whose non-immigrant visas expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver. The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 24 months. This policy is in effect until March 31, 2021

According to the statement, the change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain non-immigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section.

In order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are encouraged to consult this website for detailed information.

Border News: last week of December 2020