The Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising members of the public of new guidance issued by the United States Department of State regarding the process related to various categories of visas.

According to the U.S Department of State, a revision to the categories of applicants that may be eligible to have their interviews waived is expected to be in place from 2nd September, 2025. The Department has further advised of the following:

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.

Additionally, the Department of State has implemented an expanded screening and vetting process for visa applicants. This will require all applicants for F, M and J nonimmigrant visas to adjust the privacy settings on all social media profiles to “public”.

For information related to these changes and further updates on changes implemented by the United States Government, persons are invited to visit the following sites:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-july-25-2025.html

https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/06/announcement-of-expanded-screening-and-vetting-for-visa-applicants

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