The U.S. Embassy no longer requires visa interviews for residents of Armenia who are applying for a non-immigrant visa and are under the age of 10, over the age of 79, or certain applicants who are renewing their visas.

With the implementation of the Interview Waiver Program, Embassy Yerevan seeks to make the visa application process quick and simple for elderly applicants, families traveling with young children, and frequent travelers, according to a press release.

In announcing the program, Consul George Lynn said, “The Interview Waiver Program will result in increased cultural, educational, and commercial interaction between Armenia and the United States, further strengthening the bonds between our nations. This program facilitates legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining the integrity of the visa application process and national security safeguards.”

Consular officers still have the discretion to require an interview from any applicant, even if they qualify for an interview waiver. In addition, a small number of qualified Interview Waiver Program applicants will be randomly selected for interviews.

Applicants who are renewing a visa and meeting all of the following qualifications are eligible:

- If applying for the same visa classification as the previous/current visa (NOTE: Only B1/B2, D, F, I, J, M, O, and Q applicants are eligible. F applicants are not eligible if they are changing both their program AND their school. J applicants are not eligible if they have changed their SEVIS ID number); and

- The bio data has not changed (name, place of birth and date of birth);

- The previous visa had the full validity available for the visa class (normally multiple entry, 12-month validity);

- The previous visa is currently valid, or has expired within the last 12 months.