Parents applying for a U.S. visa for their children should know about an important interview rule. Most children applying for U.S. nonimmigrant visas must now attend the visa interview in person, including children under 14. The U.S. Department of State changed its interview-waiver policy on October 1, 2025. The earlier broad exemption for children under 14 was removed. Limited exceptions still apply.

U.S. visa interview rule for minors

Children are no longer automatically exempt from visa interviews because of their age. If a child is applying for a nonimmigrant visa, such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, parents should expect the child to appear at the scheduled interview unless the child qualifies for a specific exemption. This includes young children who previously may have qualified for an interview waiver.

Does a child under 14 need to attend? 

Generally, yes. Under the current policy, applicants under 14 generally need an in-person  interview for nonimmigrant visas. Parents should not assume that they can attend the appointment without the child simply because the child is young.

What about babies and toddlers?

Age alone does not automatically provide an interview waiver. If a baby or toddler is applying for a nonimmigrant visa and the application does not qualify for an exception, the child must appear for the interview. Parents should check the appointment instructions before traveling to the consular post.

What should parents do when applying?

Each child applying for a nonimmigrant visa needs their own application. For most temporary U.S. visas, this means completing a separate DS-160 for the child. A parent or legal guardian can complete and electronically sign the DS-160 for a child under 16.

Parents should then:

• Complete the child’s DS-160.
• Pay the applicable visa fee.
• Schedule the appointment.
• Check whether an interview is required.
• Take the child to the interview when required.
• Carry the child’s passport.
• Carry the DS-160 confirmation page.
• Carry the appointment confirmation.
• Carry the child’s birth certificate and other relevant supporting documents.

What documents should parents carry?

The exact documents depend on the visa category. For a typical visitor visa application, parents should keep these documents ready:

• Child’s passport
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Appointment confirmation
• Visa fee receipt, where applicable
• Required photograph, if applicable
• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof of the parent-child relationship
• Parents’ passports
• Parents’ U.S. visas, if applicable
• Documents supporting the purpose of the trip
• Relevant financial or school documents, where applicable
• Previous U.S. visa or travel documents, if applicable

Parents should follow the document instructions provided for their specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. The interview requirement has limited exceptions. Certain diplomatic and official visa applicants may qualify for an exemption. Some applicants renewing qualifying B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visas may also qualify if they meet all the conditions.

However, one important condition for the B-1/B-2 renewal waiver is that the applicant must have been at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued. Other requirements also apply. A consular officer can also require an interview even when an applicant appears eligible for a waiver.

What about immigrant visas? 

The rules are different for immigrant visas. A child under 14 accompanying a principal immigrant visa applicant generally does not have to attend the interview if the child is applying under the same petition and case number.

However, a child of any age who has their own petition or case number generally must attend the interview. Therefore, parents should first determine whether their child is applying for a nonimmigrant visa or immigrant visa.

Where should Indian applicants apply?

The State Department currently advises nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence, subject to applicable exceptions. Indian residents applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa should therefore generally use the U.S. visa-processing system in India.

Being under 14 no longer automatically means a child can skip a U.S. nonimmigrant visa interview. Parents should check the child’s appointment requirements and be prepared to bring the child in person. Immigrant visa rules are different. Always check the latest instructions from the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate before the appointment.

Planning a U.S. trip with your child? Once the visa process is sorted, compare flight options and book your journey with Indian Eagle for competitive fares on flights to the U.S.

The post U.S. Visa for Your Child? Parents Need to Know This New Rule appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Q1. Are H-1B visa stamping appointments in India really unavailable until 2026 or 2027? What does “NA” mean?

➤ No. When the U.S. visa scheduling system shows “NA” (No Appointments Available), it typically means no appointment slots are currently visible, slots have not yet been released, or available slots have already been booked. Appointment availability at U.S. consulates in India changes frequently as new slots are released in batches and quickly claimed due to high demand. Therefore, an “NA” status does not mean appointments are blocked or unavailable for years.

Q2. Why is there so much difficulty getting H-1B stamping slots in India? 

➤ Several factors contribute to limited H-1B visa appointment availability in India. Demand is extremely high, as India has one of the largest populations of H-1B applicants worldwide. At the same time, U.S. consulates operate with fixed daily interview capacities, appointments are often released in batches rather than continuously, and administrative processing requirements can further affect scheduling and overall throughput. 

Q3. Should H-1B holders avoid traveling to India for stamping? 

➤ Whether travel is advisable depends on your personal situation. If you do not have a confirmed visa appointment or have strict return-to-work deadlines, potential delays may create additional risk. However, many applicants continue to complete H-1B visa stamping successfully each month, making careful planning an important factor. 

Also Read: Updated EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5 Employment-Based Green Card Categories

Q4. If my H-1B is extended or updated before my interview, do I need a new appointment? 

➤ In most cases, you do not need to rebook your visa appointment if your H-1B petition (Form I-797) is extended or updated. You can generally attend the same appointment, although you may need to update your DS-160 information and should bring your latest approval notice. Rebooking is typically only necessary if the appointment is canceled, your profile information becomes inconsistent, or you miss the scheduled appointment. 

Also Read: What is the “America First” Visa Tool?

Q5. What is the safest way to plan H-1B stamping right now?

➤ To improve your chances of securing an H-1B visa appointment, check appointment availability regularly and rely on official sources rather than rumors or viral social media posts. Keep essential documents ready, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, Form I-797 approval notice, employment verification letter, and recent pay slips. It is also advisable to make travel plans only after obtaining a confirmed visa appointment.

The post H-1B Visa Appointment Availability in India (2026–2027): Questions & Answers appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.