On August 25, 2020, the State Department announced that it would expand eligibility for waiving the in-person interviews normally required for issuance of nonimmigrant visas.
Through December 31, 2020, consular officers can waive the in-person interview for individuals applying for the same type of visa that they were previously issued within the past 24 months, up from the prior 12 month waiver eligibility criterion.
This could help speed up visa issuance for nonimmigrants who are not otherwise banned from coming to the U.S. under the Presidential Proclamation banning entry of many foreign workers, or the separate policy prohibiting visa issuance to international students whose universities will be conducting classes predominately or completely online.