According to a temporary final regulation announced Friday, the US Department of State would temporarily exempt the interview requirement for approximately 49,000 immigrant visa applicants.
On or after August 4, 2019, the new regulation applies to applicants who were previously authorized for an immigrant visa in the same classification and on the same basis. From December 13, 2021 through December 13, 2023, the rule will be in effect.
Consular officials can choose whether or not to waive the in-person requirement and instead call or email the applicant, according to the rule.
According to the State Department, the regulation “is designed to help solve the problem of applicants who are unable to travel because to the COVID-19 outbreak and who must meet specified time-limited criteria.”
As per agency, meeting in person allows consular personnel to ensure that the visa application is authentic while also allowing applicants to amend any errors on their application. Requiring a repeat application to be interviewed would “significantly strain consular resources,” according to the report.
