Liam Schwartz’s Post

In two weeks’ time the authorization granted to Consular Officers to waive certain in-person visa interviews is set to expire. Among those benefiting from the current authorization are citizens of Visa Waiver Program participating countries who are first-time applicants for some of the most common forms of temporary U.S. work visas:   ·        Persons in Specialty Occupations (H-1B visas) ·        Intracompany Transferees (L visas) ·        Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O visas) ·        Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers (P visas)   In order to qualify for the interview waiver, these applicants must meet certain conditions such as no prior ESTA denials, and previous travel to the United States on ESTA.   The authorization to waive interviews for these applicants was granted until December 31, 2023. The resulting interview waivers have been a huge success in facilitating the travel of foreign temporary work visa holders to the United States, and in reducing visa appointment wait times for other applicants. Hopefully, the State Department will quickly extend the interview waiver authority before the impending deadline.   https://lnkd.in/d2RmB5Vh