Does H-1B renewal require a mandatory consulate interview?

In most cases, renewing an H-1B does not require a new interview at the consulate, but this depends on your situation. An interview waiver (known as a consular renewal without interview) may be available when the previous visa is of the same category and is still valid or expired relatively recently, and no significant changes occurred in the case.

When the waiver does not apply, the consulate may schedule you for an interview to reassess the application. This tends to happen when there are significant changes in the case, when the visa has been expired for a long time, or when the consular officer determines that a more detailed review is needed.

• Renewal with a valid or recently expired prior visa and no changes: an interview is typically waived.
• Extended expiration, change in circumstances, or need for clarification: the consulate may require an interview.
• The final decision on whether to waive the interview always rests with the consulate.

Because the conditions for a waiver change and vary by consulate, it is worth confirming the current rules on the consulate’s official website or with a specialist before scheduling your appointment. Be cautious of services that promise a guaranteed waiver.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.