As of September 2, 2025, all F-1 visa applicants will be required to attend an in-person interview—but in reality, most of the major flexibilities were already withdrawn on February 18, 2025, when the Department of State reinstated the “same-category” and 12-month rules.
Background: February 18, 2025 Update
On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued a policy revision that significantly narrowed the scope of interview waivers for F-1 applicants:
- Same-Category Requirement Restored: Only those renewing in the same visa classification (F-1→F-1) were eligible.
- 12-Month Expiration Window: Prior visas must have expired within 12 months (down from 48 months under COVID flexibilities).
These changes eliminated the broad “drop-box” eligibility that many students had enjoyed during and after the pandemic. As a result, most returning F-1 holders already lost their ability to skip interviews well before September 2.
What September 2, 2025 Actually Does
The upcoming rule simply removes the last narrow exceptions and applies uniformly:
- All first-time and renewal F-1 applicants must appear in person.
- Age-based exemptions (under 14 or over 79) are gone.
- Any residual waivers (e.g., diplomat categories, limited B-visa renewals) do not apply to F-1.
In essence, students planning consecutive studies or those who attended U.S. summer programs on F-1 status—and then seek a fresh F-1 for a full degree—will notice a change. Everyone else (first-timers, renewals outside 12 months) was already interviewing.
Who Is Most Affected?
- Students Transitioning Directly from UG to MS
Under the February policy, a new F-1 for a Master’s was interview-waived only if the prior F-1 (for undergrad) expired within 12 months. Now, regardless of timing, that Master’s-program applicant must interview. - Summer-Program Attendees Reapplying for a Full Degree
Those who used an F-1 for summer school, research or language courses often qualified for a waiver on a subsequent full-degree application if within 12 months. After September 2, they too will need interviews.
For the vast majority of newcomers or those outside this narrow group, nothing materially changes: interviews have been routine since February.
Why Collegepond Is Your Strategic Partner
Navigating evolving visa rules requires both timeliness and expertise. Collegepond offers:
- Personalized admissions and visa planning guidance.
- Continuous support from university shortlisting through pre-departure orientation.
- Proven track record: 99% visa acceptance rate over the past decade.
Whether you’re finishing your bachelor’s and eyeing a master’s next fall, or converting a summer-school F-1 into a degree-seeking visa, Collegepond’s data-driven approach and one-on-one mentorship ensure you stay ahead of any policy shift, empowering you to turn this regulatory tweak into just another stepping stone on your global academic journey.
