Executive Order on Travel and Interview Waiver Pilot Program

24 January 2012

President Obama signed an Executive Order on January 19 to significantly increase travel and tourism to the United States.  The State Department and other U.S. Government agencies are working hard to fully implement these initiatives.  At our 222 visa-processing posts around the world, 70% of applicants are seen for interviews in less than three weeks.  In Poland, the wait time for a visa interview is about two business days.

In support of President Obama’s Executive Order, the Department of State has established the Interview Waiver Pilot Program.  Under this program, some foreign visitors who previously were issued visas may be eligible to renew their visas without appearing for another interview.  Consular officers may waive interviews for qualified nonimmigrant applicants in Poland and worldwide who are renewing a visa that expired less than 48 months ago, and is the same class as the previous visa.

Embassy Warsaw and Consulate General Krakow are implementing this pilot program immediately.  Instructions for applicants who wish to renew their visas and may be eligible for interview waivers will be available on our website.

U.S. Ambassador to Poland Lee Feinstein stated: “The signing of this Executive Order is further demonstration of President Obama’s support for travel to and tourism in the United States, including through reform of the Visa Waiver Program to ensure that strong Allies like Poland receive proper consideration.” 

In May 2011, in a letter to Senator Kirk and Congressman Quigley, who were in Poland earlier this month, the President said: “I also share your support for Poland and disappointment that this close NATO ally has been excluded from the VWP to date.  Poland’s strong and steadfast support during our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates the deep alliance we have forged and the close partnership between our two countries.”

President Obama has endorsed legislation co-sponsored by Senator Kirk and Congressman Quigley that would reform how countries qualify for the visa waiver program.

Read the White House Press Release: “We Can’t Wait: President Obama Takes Actions to Increase Travel and Tourism in the United States”

Read the Executive Order: “Establishing Visa and Foreign Visitor Processing Goals and the Task Force on Travel and Competitiveness"