If you still need to be selected for an in-person interview, here's how long you must wait.

To reduce visa appointment wait times, the United States has once again broadened the scope of its visa waiver programme.

Those whose previous visas read "clearance received" or "department authorization" can now apply for a new visa without an interview.

With the tweet "More good news for U.S. visa renewals!" the US Embassy in India revealed the development to the public.

Interview exemption applies to visa renewal applicants who apply for the same category within 48 months of expiration.

Foreign nationals applying for an F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q, or academic J visa in their country of nationality or residence may waive the in-person interview requirement if they have previously been issued a visa of any kind.

Applicants who have received a prior refusal that has yet to be waived or overcome are not eligible for this permission.

However, consular officials may request an in-person interview if they need more information from applicants.

It may take up to three weeks from the time a passport is accepted at the Visa Application Center until the applicant receives delivery or notification that their passport is ready for pickup if they apply through the interview waiver route.

The US government has waived some H-2 (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers) applicants until December 31, 2023.

The F, M, and academic J visa categories are for people wanting to study, teach, research, or work temporarily in a speciality field.

Temporary workers (H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visa applicants) who meet specific requirements, including filing for a visa in their country of nationality or residence and having an accepted individual petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

For certain first-time and renewal H-2 visa applicants, as well as F, M, academic J, and individual petition-based H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q visa applicants, consular officers have the discretion to waive the interview requirement if they meet the following criteria: they have previously been issued any visa, they have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived. They have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility.