Immigration Updates

The U.S. State Department has announced an important change to eligibility for visa interview waivers. Effective immediately, only visa applicants applying for a visa in the same category as one issued to them within the past 12 months will be able to waive an in-person interview.

To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:

• Apply in their country of nationality or residence;
• Have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• Have no apparent or potential

Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions.

Anyone applying for a U.S. visa should check the website of the Embassy or Consulate where they will apply for specific instructions and requirements, including the visa interview waiver eligibility requirements at the specific post. See https://www.usembassy.gov/ for links to U.S. Embassies and Consulate abroad.

As a result of this change, all visa applicants should expect longer wait times for visa appointments and should schedule their visa interviews as far in advance as possible.

Before travelling internationally, ISSS now recommends that current international students and scholars schedule an appointment with an ISSS staff member to review their specific situation and their options. Please visit https://www.ucdenver.edu/services/international-student-and-scholar-services/resources/appointments to schedule an appointment.

International students may also come to walk-in hours.