As of March 16 2021, Secretary Blinken has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification.
 
To be eligible for an interview waiver, the applicant must have;
 
1) Previously obtained a nonimmigrant visa which expired within the last 48 months.
2) Was aged 14 years of age or older when receiving the visa.
3) You must apply for the same visa classification as the last visa
4) You Have answered 'NO' to all of the 'Medical and Health' questions, 'Criminal', 'Security' or 'Immigration' questions
 
This policy is in effect until December 31, 2021.
 
This change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to other applicants and consular staff.