On this page
Who must attend an interview
The statute. INA section 222(h) (8 U.S.C. 1202(h)) requires applicants “at least 14 years of age and not more than 79 years of age” to be interviewed in person. It allows a waiver for applicants renewing within 12 months of the prior visa's expiry in the same classification, applying at the post in their country of usual residence, with no indication of non-compliance with US immigration law — but still requires an interview in certain cases, for example where the applicant is not a national or resident of the country of application or was previously refused without overcoming the refusal.
Current policy. The Interview Waiver Update of 18 September 2025, effective 1 October 2025 and superseding the update of 25 July 2025, states that “All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview”. Waivers remain only for certain diplomatic and official classes and for B-1/B-2 or H-2A renewals within 12 months of expiry where the prior visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18. The applicant must also apply in the country of nationality or usual residence, never have been refused (unless overcome or waived) and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. Officers may still require an interview case by case.
Thailand. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand states that “Interview waivers are only granted in extreme situations”, so every applicant in Thailand should prepare to be interviewed.
Interview locations and appointments
Consular services are provided at the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, and at the U.S. Consulate General on the Chiang Mai–Lampang Superhighway, Chiang Mai. The location and date are chosen when booking.
The State Department requires nonimmigrant applicants to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence (page last updated 12 December 2025). This does not apply to A, G, C-2, C-3 and NATO visas, and rare exceptions may be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies. Foreign nationals resident in Thailand may therefore apply in Thailand.
Interviews may be rescheduled up to three times at no extra charge. The visa information call centre operates Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding Thai and US holidays, and answers email at support-thailand@usvisascheduling.com.
What to bring on interview day
Every applicant brings a valid passport, the barcoded DS-160 confirmation page and the appointment confirmation; F-1 and J-1 applicants also bring their I-20 or DS-2019. If the DS-160 photo upload failed, bring one printed photo meeting the requirements with the confirmation page.
22 CFR 41.103 requires applicants who must attend an interview to provide a biometric, such as fingerprints. Other supporting documents depend on the visa class, occupation and purpose of travel — see US tourist and business visas (B-1/B-2).
What the interview is meant to establish
The interview is where the applicant overcomes the presumption in INA section 214(b). For B-1/B-2 visas, 22 CFR 41.31(a) sets three points: intent to leave the United States at the end of the stay, permission to enter another country at the end of the stay, and adequate financial arrangements. Questions therefore tend to cover the purpose and length of the trip, who is paying, the applicant's job or business, family and travel history.
INA section 221(g) (8 U.S.C. 1201(g)) bars issuance where the application or papers show the applicant is ineligible or the officer has reason to believe so. Interview answers must therefore match the DS-160 and every document submitted.
After the interview
If approved, the visa is placed in the passport and the passport is returned. If refused, 22 CFR 41.121(b)(1) requires the officer to inform the applicant of the ground of ineligibility and whether a mechanism such as a waiver exists to overcome it. Every refusal is reviewed by a consular supervisor under 41.121(c); where the ground can be overcome with more evidence and the applicant intends to submit it, review may be deferred for up to 120 days.
Preparing for the interview with Visa Connext
Visa Connext reviews the DS-160 with the applicant line by line, organises documents around the points the officer assesses, rehearses questions for each applicant's purpose of travel, and confirms what to bring on the day. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
Where are US visa interviews held in Thailand?
At the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road, Bangkok, or the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai. The location is chosen when booking.
Do children have to attend the US visa interview?
Generally yes. The Interview Waiver Update effective 1 October 2025 states that all applicants, including those under 14, will generally require an in-person interview unless a listed exception applies.
Do I need an interview to renew my US visa?
A B-1/B-2 renewal may be waived within 12 months of expiry where the prior visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18, subject to the general conditions — but the U.S. Embassy in Thailand states that waivers are only granted in extreme situations.
Source: Interview Waiver Update · U.S. Embassy Thailand
What should I bring to the interview?
Your passport, the barcoded DS-160 confirmation page, the appointment confirmation, an I-20 or DS-2019 for F-1 or J-1 applicants, and supporting documents for your visa class.
Source: DS-160 FAQs · 22 CFR 41.103
How many times can I reschedule?
Up to three times at no extra charge, according to the U.S. Embassy in Thailand.
Can foreign residents of Thailand interview in Thailand?
Yes, if resident in Thailand. The State Department requires nonimmigrant applicants to schedule in their country of nationality or residence.
My visa was refused at the interview. What now?
The officer must state the ground of refusal and whether it can be overcome under 22 CFR 41.121(b)(1). A new application needs a new DS-160 and fee and should present changed facts or information not shown before.
Source: 22 CFR 41.121
Official sources used on this page
- 8 U.S.C. 1202(h) — INA section 222(h)
U.S. Code text via Cornell LII · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 8 U.S.C. 1201(g) — INA section 221(g)
U.S. Code text via Cornell LII · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 8 U.S.C. 1184(b) — INA section 214(b)
U.S. Code text via Cornell LII · checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Interview Waiver Update, 18 September 2025
effective 1 Oct 2025 · supersedes 25 Jul 2025 update · checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Adjudicating NIV Applicants in Their Country of Residence
page last updated 12 Dec 2025 · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.31 — Temporary visitors for business or pleasure
last amended 85 FR 4225 (24 Jan 2020) · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.103 — Filing an application and Form DS-160
last amended 73 FR 23068 · checked 29 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.121 — Refusal of individual visas
last amended 84 FR 16612 (22 Apr 2019) · checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand — Nonimmigrant Visas
page last modified 24 Aug 2026 · checked 29 Oct 2026 - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand — Important Visa Information
page last modified 29 Apr 2026 · checked 29 Oct 2026