Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility

Recent updates in U.S. immigration policy are creating ripple effects for both travellers and employers. A notable change is the narrowing of the visa interview waiver window, now limited to applicants whose prior visas expired within the past 12 months, down from the previous 48-month window. This shift has led many applicants to unexpectedly require in-person interviews.

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Visa Appointment Delays & Border Scrutiny

Appointment delays continue across high-volume locations, with some consulates quietly suspending waiver options. Entry to the U.S. remains at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection officers, even for travellers with valid visas, ESTA, or Green Cards. Officers may request clarification on the purpose of travel, and past visa refusals could disqualify applicants from streamlined processing, potentially leading to increased scrutiny at the border.

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New Registration for Canadian Travellers

A new registration requirement is expected to affect certain Canadian citizens entering the U.S. without a visa. Those admitted under B-1/B-2 status at land borders and who are not issued Form I-94 may soon be required to complete a registration and fingerprinting process if they intend to stay for 30 days or more.

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While most Canadians will remain exempt, those affected should verify their status and monitor updates, as the rule is scheduled to take effect on 11th April 2025 and may be subject to ongoing litigation.

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Form I-9 Revisions by USCIS

In the area of employment compliance, USCIS has released an updated version of Form I-9, effective through May 2027. The revision includes updated terminology and document descriptions. Employers using E-Verify or E-Verify+ must align their processes with the revised language to maintain consistency between form submissions and digital records.

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Contact and Disclaimer

Should you have any queries regarding the above information or require assistance with your corporate, employment, or immigration matter, please get in touch with a legal professional at Hudson McKenzie via email at londoninfo@hudsonmckenzie.com or by telephone at +44(0) 20 3318 5794.

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The information provided does not amount to legal advice.