{"id":23871,"date":"2026-08-18T11:29:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T05:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=23871"},"modified":"2026-08-18T11:29:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T05:59:27","slug":"us-visa-rules-for-minors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/us-visa-rules-for-minors\/","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Visa for Your Child? Parents Need to Know This New Rule"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Source: ChatGPT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

U.S. visa interview rule for minors<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does a child under 14 need to attend?\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Generally, yes. Under the current policy, applicants under 14 generally need an in-person\u00a0 interview for nonimmigrant visas. Parents should not assume that they can attend the appointment without the child simply because the child is young.<\/span><\/p>\n

What about babies and toddlers?<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What should parents do when applying?<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parents should then:<\/span><\/p>\n