Travel Advisory Under Trump Administration, including Changes to Visa Interview Waiver Eligibility

As of the date of this alert publication, the U.S. government has not imposed travel bans similar to those enacted during the first Trump administration; however, on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed several executive orders pertaining to immigration and national security. These executive orders set forth the administration’s plans for future actions that could affect international travel in the coming weeks and months. The orders mandate a review of countries with inadequate vetting procedures, potentially resulting in visa suspensions or denials.

While the exact list of affected nations has not been officially released, it is anticipated that the ban will include countries previously targeted during Trump’s first term, such as Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia.

Plan Ahead

Clients who plan to travel internationally should always plan ahead, taking care to double-check that they know which valid document they will present to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon readmission. Clients who have filed I-485 Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications should use their I-512 Advance Parole document to reenter the United States, even if CBP suggests using a single-intent visa (e.g., E, F, TN, etc.). Entering on a single-intent visa instead of Advance Parole while your Adjustment of Status application is pending can have serious consequences, including abandonment of your AOS application and misrepresentation issues.

DOS Updates Interview Waiver Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

On February 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced an update to eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. Qualified applicants include applicants renewing a visa in the same category if it expired less than 12 months ago. To qualify, applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence, have no prior visa refusals (unless waived), and have no potential ineligibility issues. Consular officers may still require interviews case-by-case or due to local conditions. This update replaces the December 21, 2023 guidance, which permitted applicants renewing a visa in the same category to qualify for an interview waiver if their prior visa had expired within the past 48 months. The current update now requires that the previous visa must have expired within the last 12 months to be eligible for an interview waiver.

If you plan to submit an initial or renewal visa application at a U.S. Consulate abroad, we strongly encourage you to carefully review the visa service website for the specific post where you will apply. DOS may continue to make unannounced changes to interview waiver eligibility, and requirements may vary by location. Checking the consulate’s visa service website ensures you have the most up-to-date information and can help minimize delays or unexpected in-person interview requirements. We recommend verifying the latest guidelines before scheduling your appointment and again before your departure from the United States.

As more details emerge, foreign nationals planning for international travel should stay informed and consult McCown & Evans for guidance. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as official policies are announced.