The US interview waiver policy, also known as ‘Dropbox,’ facility has been discontinued for the majority of US travelers. The US State Department has limited the eligibility for visa interview waivers, restricting it to a very few travellers. Dropbox facility permitted certain non-immigrant applicants to submit visa applications via mail or designated locations without a personal interview.
Dropbox facility for foreign workers on temporary visas, international students on F-1 visas and many other US travelers has been discontinued starting September 2, 2025. Consequently, most applicants are now required to attend in-person interviews for their visa applications.
Interview Waiver
The interview waiver benefit has been removed for children under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 79.
Foreign students on F-1 visas and employees on H-1B specialist occupation visas or L-1 visas for intracompany transfers will also be required to appear in person for interviews at consulates starting on September 2.
A July 25 update to the agency’s website states that waivers will be restricted to a few categories for government and diplomatic officials, as well as renewals for B1/B2 tourists and business travelers within 12 months after visa expiration.
Impact
The new rule is likely to increase the backlogs for the consulates and the student community will be hit hard. The change is expected to increase visa backlogs and delay admissions for Indian students in U.S. universities.
Congressmen are questioning the State Department about how it plans to deal with a backlog of visas that could cause Indian students’ admission to US schools and universities to be delayed this Fall.
Highlights
Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State mandates in-person interviews for the majority of non-immigrant visa applicants.
Effective September 2, H-1B and F-1 visa holders whose prior visa expired within the last 12 months before their current application are ineligible for the Interview Waiver.
Visa applicants aged 14 and under, and 79 and over, who were previously excluded from interviews, are now required to attend in person.
Eligibility for the Interview Waiver is restricted to certain B1/B2 visa holders.
Applicants should anticipate potential appointment adjustments, including cancellations, rescheduling, or a shift to in-person formats, beginning September 2, 2025.