The expiration of interview waiver for Filipinos renewing their US nonimmigrant visa (B1/B2) has been temporarily extended from within 12 months to 24 months, the US Department of State said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the State Department, the policy will remain in effect until December 31, 2020 and applicable for applicants renewing their nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.
“From now through December 31, 2020, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines may waive the visa interview requirement for a nonimmigrant visa applicant applying to renew his/her visa who has previously been issued a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification within 24 months of that visa’s expiration,” the State Department said.
Under the US visa interview waiver, certain repeat travelers do not need to appear for an in-person interview at the US Consulate or Embassy, as long as certain conditions are met such as persons who have been previously issued with B1/B2 visa; those whose visa was issued after July 1, 2007; those with prior visa valid for at least five years, among others.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and the subsequent implementation of community quarantines in Metro Manila and other parts of the country, the US Embassy has also suspended routine visa services, including schedules of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interviews.