U.S. Tightens Non‑Immigrant Visa Rules– New Regulations Effective from September 2

International News: The U.S. State Department has rolled out significant revisions to the way nonimmigrant visa interviews will be conducted. These changes, set to take effect on September 2, 2025, will replace the February 18 policy and introduce stricter eligibility requirements for applicants, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Interviews to become compulsory for most applicants

Under the updated rules, almost all applicants—including those younger than 14 or older than 79 — will now be required to attend an in‑person consular interview.

Only a few select categories will retain exemptions, such as

• A‑1, A‑2, C‑3, and G‑1 to G‑4 visas
• NATO‑1 to NATO‑6 visas
• TECRO E‑1 visas

These exceptions primarily cover diplomatic and official visa holders. The move could particularly affect Indian travelers, since Indians make up one of the largest groups of foreign nationals living in the U.S.

Purpose of the policy—and growing unease

According to the State Department, the goal is to boost national security. But the announcement has sparked concerns among travelers and visa applicants, with fears of longer wait times and delayed appointments. USCIS noted that consular officials will still have the discretion to demand interviews based on specific cases or local conditions and urged applicants to check their embassy’s website regularly for updated guidance and document requirements.

Trump administration’s firm approach

Officials under the Trump administration have argued that this policy shift stems from global security risks and a desire for stricter vetting procedures. The State Department believes the new system will give consular officers greater flexibility to evaluate risks and apply tougher screening standards.

Experts caution about delays

Immigration attorney Steven Brown, based in Houston, warned that applicants should expect longer processing times once the new rules take effect. “The government is basically scrapping the ‘dropbox’ system (the interview waiver) for most visa types,” Brown explained. “That’s going to slow down renewals and create lengthy waits for appointment slots.”

Brown also criticized the inclusion of children in the interview mandate, calling it “completely unreasonable and unnecessary.” These policy changes mean that starting September 2, non‑immigrant visa applicants—especially from high‑volume countries like India—may face a lengthier and more demanding visa process.