The Department of State has extended the waiver of the in-person interview requirement for certain temporary nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F, M, and academic J visas and certain H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q with approved petitions. To qualify, applicants must be either :

I. Applicants renewing any visa within 48 months of expiration; and
*They are applying for a visa in their country of nationality or
residence;
*Have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome
or waived; and
*Have no apparent or potential ineligibility to receive a visa.

OR

II. Applicants applying for an initial visa;
*Who are citizens or nationals of a country that participates in the
Visa Waiver Program (VWP);
*Have no apparent ineligibility or potential ineligibility; and
*Have previously traveled to the United States using an
authorization obtained via the Electronic System for Travel
Authorization (ESTA) .

For more see: https://tavel.state.gov