Interview Waiver Program (IWP) for nonimmigrant U.S. visa applicants in India was introduced in the third week of March 2012. This update can be found here.

Since its introduction, this program has constantly evolved. Applicants eligible for the interview waiver program fall under two categories: (i) Interview Waiver (Requiring Biometric Appointment Only) and (ii) Interview Waiver (No Appointment).

Interview Waiver (Requiring Biometric Appointment)

If a nonimmigrant visa was issued after August 1, 2004 and before January 2, 2008, then applicants would be eligible for the interview waiver program. However, since ten-fingerprinting was not in effect during that time, applicant(s) are required to visit the visa application center for biometrics. Technically, only B-1/B-2 visas are valid for 10 years and this option is applicable only to B-1/B-2 holders for whom the visa expired on or before January 1, 2018, and for whom one year has not lapsed since the expiry of their previous visa.

This article is a reminder to eligible nonimmigrant visa applicants meeting the above criteria to apply through IWP on or before December 31, 2018. If applicant(s) miss this window, s/he will have to apply for a personal interview.

Interview Waiver (No Appointment)

Certain category of visas issued on or after January 1, 2008 continue to be eligible for the interview waiver program if the other conditions are met.

IWP eligibility criteria is available on the official visa information website of the U.S. Mission in India. Applicants falling in this category need not visit the visa application center. Instead, they can complete the visa application form, pay the fee, generate the dropbox letter and send an authorized representative with a letter to submit the documents at the visa application center.

It is important to note that eligibility for interview waiver program does not guarantee a visa. At the discretion of the consular officer, the applicant may be called in for a personal interview and a visa will be issued only if all the requirements for the category under which a visa is sought are met.