Beginning September 2, the United States will eliminate most visa interview waivers, requiring nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants—including children under 14 and seniors over 79—to appear in person for consular interviews.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed the sweeping policy change, which sharply narrows eligibility for the Visa Interview Waiver program, commonly known as “Dropbox.” Until now, many applicants could renew visas without attending in-person interviews, streamlining the process. That option is now largely restricted.
Who Still Qualifies for Waivers?
Holders of diplomatic or official visas (A-1, A-2, C-3, excluding attendants and personal staff).
Applicants renewing a full-validity B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa within 12 months of expiration, provided they were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.
All others—including H-1B workers, F-1 students, and minors or seniors previously exempt—must attend in-person interviews even if their earlier visas expired less than a year ago.
Additional Restrictions:
To qualify for the limited interview waiver, applicants must:
Renew their visa in their country of residence or nationality,
Never have been refused a visa, and
Have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews at their discretion, even for those meeting waiver criteria.
Impact on Indian Travelers and Workers
The change reverses a February 18, 2025 policy that temporarily allowed H-1B and F-1 visa renewals without interviews. That rule was withdrawn on July 25, 2025.
Compounding the challenge, visa application fees will rise sharply. Non-petition-based visas—including B1/B2 business and tourist visas, F-1 and F-2 student visas, and transit visas—will see fees jump by more than 148%, increasing from the current $185 starting next month.
Analysts warn that the dual impact of higher costs and mandatory interviews will further slow visa processing, at a time when U.S. consulates are already contending with significant appointment backlogs.
Recent Random Post:
