Waive In-Person Interviews for Returning Workers
This proposal would waive in-person interviews for returning workers who have been previously interviewed. It would change the current practice that applicants for most temporary visas must undergo an in-person visa interview conducted by a consular officer in their home country, even if they had already had such an interview when they received an earlier visa.
The Case For
Supporters argue that interviewing a returning worker is an unnecessary requirement that yields little new information. They note that returning workers have already had a petition approved by USCIS, undergone background screening, and been previously interviewed by the U.S. Department of State. Advocates note that, since they are eligible to return, entered the US lawfully, and complied with the requirements of their previous visa, this provides even more reasons for the returning applicant to be given a new visa than were available at the time the original visa was granted.
Advocates argue that requiring a full in-person interview again provides only a limited additional benefit but can pose significant problems for employers facing urgent labor needs. They also observe that consular capacity is finite, and waiving interviews for returning workers could reduce appointment backlog for first-time applicants and focus resources where interviews are most needed. Advocates note that in certain high-demand locations, applicants can expect to wait months before an interview slot becomes available.
The Case Against
Opponents argue that circumstances can change between visas. While a worker may have entered legally and complied with all regulations on their first visa, critics note that this may not be the case by the time they seek another visa. Opponents note that interviews can reveal inconsistencies or fraudulent claims that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.