On September 14, 2021 the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that in-person visa interviews may be waived for: (1) F, M, and academic J visa applicants who were previously issued any type of visa, and (2) first-time F, M, and academic J visa applicants who are citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program.
Waiver of interviews are given at the discretion of each embassy or consulate, and details of necessary procedures will be posted on the respective websites.
Read the full DOS news announcement: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-F-M-and-academic-J-Visas.html?fbclid=IwAR1B8rwbe-5zDR9fzgJB89aIZuHG9nmpbEmrzhU-FEjhUAtP6_-ILgkLaCk
Visit the relevant embassy and consulate website for details on the country eligibility and necessary procedures.
