U.S. Mail-In Visa Program Gets a Major Update in 2025 – No More Embassy Visits!

Engr Asifa KarimMarch 12, 2025

The U.S. Mail-In Visa, officially part of the Interview Waiver Program (IWP), allows certain visa applicants to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This initiative aims to streamline the visa renewal process while reducing the workload on consular staff.

Major updates to this program take effect from March 2025 onwards, and this article provides a comprehensive guide on the all-new U.S. Mail-In Visa program.

Launch and Recent Updates

The Interview Waiver Program has been in place for several years, with periodic adjustments to eligibility criteria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of State expanded the program, allowing individuals whose visas had expired within the past 48 months to qualify for an interview waiver. However, as of February 2025, the eligibility criteria have reverted to pre-pandemic standards. Now, only those whose visas expired within the past 12 months are eligible for the mail-in renewal process.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the U.S. Mail-In Visa (Interview Waiver Program), applicants must meet the following conditions:

Same Visa Category: The applicant must be renewing a visa in the same nonimmigrant category as their previous visa.
Recent Expiry: The previous visa must have expired within the past 12 months at the time of application.
Application Location: The renewal application must be submitted from the applicant’s country of nationality or residence, and the applicant must be physically present in that country during the application process.
Prior Visa Approval: The previous visa must have been granted through an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
No Prior Visa Refusals: The applicant should have no previous visa refusals, unless the refusal was later overcome.
Valid Biometric Data: Some embassies may require the applicant’s fingerprints and biometric data to be on record for eligibility.

New Application Process for US Mail in Visa Starting March 2025

Eligible applicants can follow these steps to apply for the U.S. Mail-In Visa:

Complete the DS-160 Form: Applicants must fill out the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form online.
Check Eligibility for Mail-In Renewal: Each U.S. embassy has specific eligibility rules for the Interview Waiver Program. Applicants should check their country’s U.S. consulate website for updated information.
Prepare Required Documents: Required documents typically include a valid passport, the previous visa, a passport-sized photograph, and the Visa Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter (if applicable).
Submit the Application via Mail or Drop Box: Applicants must send their documents to the designated visa processing center via mail or through an official drop box service.
Wait for Processing: If approved, the renewed visa will be sent back via courier.

New Benefits of the U.S. Mail-In Visa Program

No need for an in-person interview, saving applicants time and effort.
Faster processing compared to regular visa renewal applications.
Reduced congestion at U.S. consulates and embassies, making visa issuance more efficient.