Applying For The US Visitor Visa in 2025? New Changes You should Know About

Major 2025 Updates to the US Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

If you’ve been thinking about visiting the United States for business or tourism in 2025, there are several key changes you need to be aware of. From visa fee adjustments to updated screening policies and even challenges for specific communities, this year’s changes can not be overlooked.

Let’s break it down.

Updated US Visitor Visa Application Process (B-1/B-2)

Applying for a US visitor visa now involves a few more steps, especially if you’re not eligible for an interview waiver. The process begins online via the U.S. Department of State’s visa portal, where you’ll complete the DS-160 form, pay the applicable fee, and schedule an interview—unless you’re exempt.

As of 18 February 2025, the interview waiver eligibility has changed. Before, you could skip the interview if your previous visa expired within 48 months. Now, that window has shrunk to 12 months—and the renewal must be for the same visa category.

Visa Fee Increase

U.S. visa fees were updated last in June 2023, and remain current in 2025. The B-1/B-2 visa fee rose from $160 to $185. Petition-based visas now cost $205, while Treaty Investor visas jumped to $315. It’s always wise to confirm fees on the official site before applying.

Interview Waiver Eligibility

The U.S. government has cut down on the pool of applicants eligible for interview waivers, and this policy was passed on February 18, 2025

Visa Renewals

• Not all visas are eligible for renewals anymore; only visas like the A, G, C-3, NATO, and select TECRO E-1 visas are now eligible.
• Renewals are now only valid if the previous visa expired within the last 12 months.
• Higher likelihood of an in-person interview for visa renewal

New Travel Screening Measures for Certain Countries

Following an executive order in January 2025, the U.S. began tightening travel policies for select countries. A potential travel ban may affect up to 43 countries, categorised into:

• Full visa suspension (e.g. Afghanistan, Syria, North Korea),

• Partial restrictions (e.g. Haiti, Myanmar),

• Probation period for compliance (e.g. Pakistan, Belarus).

Concerns for Transgender and Nonbinary Travellers

A particularly troubling change is the rollback on gender recognition policies. In early 2025, the U.S. government mandated that all official travel documents reflect binary sex only, i.e., male or female. The previous option for an ‘X’ gender marker has been suspended.

This has created complications for transgender and nonbinary individuals, many of whom now face identity mismatches on travel documents. European countries like Germany, France, and Norway have issued travel advisories, warning their LGBTQ+ citizens of potential discrimination at U.S. borders.

Some travellers have already reported being flagged at security, questioned over “inconsistent ID”, or forced to undergo uncomfortable secondary screening.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 changes to the U.S. visitor visa is a bit jarring, from fee increases and shorter interview waiver windows to increased screening. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a much-needed holiday, it’s crucial to stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and double-check requirements ahead of time.