US extends interview waiver for certain non-immigrant visa categories

Washington: The US on Friday (local time) extended the interview waiver facility for certain non-immigrant visa applicants.
“We are pleased to announce that the Secretary of State has made a determination extending the authority of consular officers to waive in-person interviews for certain non-immigrant visa categories through December 31, 2023, read the US Department of State press release.
It said the Department of State recognises the positive impact of travel to the United States by foreign students and temporary work visa holders on the US economy.
The Department of State also said it is committed to facilitating non-immigrant travel and reducing visa wait times.
“Consular officers are authorised, through December 31, 2023, to continue to waive in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for certain first-time and/or renewing applicants,” added the release.
The categories of visas included are — Temporary Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Workers (H-2 visas), Students (F and M visas), and Academic Exchange Visitors (academic J visas), and certain beneficiaries of approved individual petitions for non-immigrant temporary worker visas in the following categories: Persons in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas), Trainee or Special Education Visitors (H-3 visas), Intracompany Transferees (L visas), Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas), Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas), and Participants in International Cultural Exchange Programs (Q visas); and qualifying derivatives.