Do I need an in-person interview to renew my H-1B or L-1 visa?

Generally, yes. Under guidance effective October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must interview in person, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, F, M and J renewals that once qualified for dropbox processing. Applicants under 14 or over 79 generally also require interviews.

Who still qualifies for a visa interview waiver?

Only a few groups, each with conditions: diplomatic and official classifications; B-1/B-2 and Border Crossing Card renewals within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, where that visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18; and H-2A renewals on the same terms. Applicants must also apply in their country of nationality or residence, have no prior refusal and show no apparent ineligibility. Qualifying does not guarantee a waiver.

Does qualifying for an interview waiver guarantee that I will not be interviewed?

No. Consular officers can require an interview of any applicant, including one who meets the waiver criteria. Build an interview into the timeline for any renewal tied to a start date or travel.

Executive Travel Risk Checklist, 2026/2027

What to confirm before an H-1B, L-1 or O-1 employee with an expired visa travels abroad.

What it is

Most nonimmigrant visa renewals now require an interview in person, in the applicant's country of nationality or residence. This checklist turns our analysis of that change into the questions to ask before anyone books a trip, with the rules that arrived together and the wait times we reported.

Who it helps

General Counsel and HR teams who approve international travel for sponsored employees
Global mobility leaders planning assignments around consular appointments
Executives on H-1B, L-1 or O-1 status whose visa stamp has expired

What is inside

A pre-travel checklist for the company
Questions to answer for each traveler
The three groups that can still qualify for an interview waiver
The six rule changes, with their effective dates
Appointment waits by post as of the date stated

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need an in-person interview to renew my H-1B or L-1 visa?
Generally, yes. Under guidance effective October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must interview in person, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, F, M and J renewals that once qualified for dropbox processing. Applicants under 14 or over 79 generally also require interviews.
Accurate as of September 24, 2026 | From The Interview Waiver Is Effectively Gone. Your H-1B and L-1 Renewals Now Require an In-Person Appointment.
Who still qualifies for a visa interview waiver?
Only a few groups, each with conditions: diplomatic and official classifications; B-1/B-2 and Border Crossing Card renewals within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, where that visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18; and H-2A renewals on the same terms. Applicants must also apply in their country of nationality or residence, have no prior refusal and show no apparent ineligibility. Qualifying does not guarantee a waiver.
Accurate as of September 24, 2026 | From The Interview Waiver Is Effectively Gone. Your H-1B and L-1 Renewals Now Require an In-Person Appointment.
Does qualifying for an interview waiver guarantee that I will not be interviewed?
No. Consular officers can require an interview of any applicant, including one who meets the waiver criteria. Build an interview into the timeline for any renewal tied to a start date or travel.
Accurate as of September 24, 2026 | From The Interview Waiver Is Effectively Gone. Your H-1B and L-1 Renewals Now Require an In-Person Appointment.

General information, not legal advice. The tool restates what Samper Law has published and does not replace advice on your own facts. Registering or using it does not create an attorney-client relationship.