Applicants from India and other non–Visa Waiver countries face a tougher, more expensive U.S. visa process in 2025 as Washington rolls out a series of sweeping changes affecting students, professionals, and tourists alike.
Key Updates:
$250 Visa Integrity Fee (from 1 October 2025)
Most nonimmigrant visa applicants—including student (F-1, J-1), work (H-1B, H-4), and visitor (B1/B2) visas—must pay a $250 (≈₹22,000) “visa integrity fee.” This is in addition to existing reciprocity, fraud prevention, and MRV fees, raising the total cost of a standard U.S. visitor visa for Indians to around ₹36,690–₹40,785.
No More Applying Abroad for Faster Appointments (from 6 September 2025)
Applicants must now schedule interviews only in their country of nationality or legal residence. Exceptions exist for diplomatic, humanitarian, or medical cases, but most applicants can no longer bypass long domestic wait times by applying from countries like Dubai or Singapore.
Stricter Visa Interview Waivers (from 2 September 2025)
Eligibility for interview waivers will narrow significantly. Only select B1/B2 renewals filed in one’s home country with no prior refusals or ineligibility will qualify. Consular officers retain discretion to request interviews at any stage, potentially increasing wait times.
Mandatory In-Person Passport Collection (from August 2025)
Indian applicants must collect passports in person from the U.S. Embassy or Consulates. Third-party collection will no longer be accepted, except for minors with a signed consent letter from both parents. Paid home or office delivery will be available for ₹1,200 per applicant.
Social Media Screening for Student Visas (from 23 June 2025)
All F, M, and J visa applicants must provide social media usernames used in the past five years and keep accounts public. Consular officers may review online activity for potential security or eligibility concerns. Applicants are advised not to delete old posts or deactivate accounts, as this may raise red flags.
These changes, implemented under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signal a return to pre-pandemic visa scrutiny, affecting Indian travellers across student, professional, and visitor categories.
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