New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- The US Embassy in India has clarified that all minor applicants, regardless of age, must appear in person for their consular visa interview. The change means parents can no longer rely on age-based interview exemptions when applying for a US visa for their children.

The clarification is particularly important for families travelling with infants and young children, who may previously have expected to complete the visa process through a waiver.

Until now, children below a certain age, particularly those under 14, could generally qualify for interview waivers in some circumstances. Families could often submit the required documents without bringing very young children to a consular interview.

Under the clarified pro...