New U.S. Visa Rules: Kids Under 14 and Seniors Over 79 Must Interview

Mexico City, Mexico — The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant change to its visa application process, eliminating exemptions for minors under 14 and adults over 79 who seek non-immigrant visas in Mexico. Starting Tuesday, September 2, applicants in these age groups will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates, a requirement previously waived for them.

New Interview Requirements Take Effect

Previously, applicants for visas such as the B-2 tourist visa in these age categories could complete the process without an interview. The updated policy aligns their requirements with those of most other non-immigrant visa applicants.

Exemptions Still Apply for Certain Cases

Despite the change, some exemptions remain in place. Individuals applying for diplomatic or official visas in categories A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding domestic workers of accredited officials), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1 are still exempt from interviews.

Additionally, applicants renewing a 10-year tourist visa within 12 months of its expiration—provided they were at least 18 years old when the original visa was issued—may also bypass the interview. However, these exceptions apply only if the application is submitted in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence and if the applicant has never been denied a visa.

Policy Shift Reflects Broader Immigration Changes

The adjustment follows a series of stricter U.S. immigration measures under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, officials announced a pilot program requiring certain non-immigrant visa applicants to pay a refundable deposit of up to $15,000 as part of enhanced immigration controls.

This latest change underscores the administration’s continued emphasis on in-person vetting for visa applicants, regardless of age.