The United States embassy in China has tightened its visa policy for children under the age of 14 years by removing an interview-free application process.
In a notice posted on its official visa application website USTravelDocs on Monday, the embassy said that applicants under 14 who submit a non-immigrant visa application will “no longer be eligible for an interview waiver”.
As of Tuesday, they will have to attend an interview in person with at least one of their parents and provide a number of documents to verify their and their parents’ identities.
The old rules will remain in place for applications submitted before Tuesday, but the embassy said that “in certain cases” those applying will be asked to attend an interview.
Tracy Shao, a study abroad consultant based in Chengdu, said the new policy was confusing.
