US Ends Visa Interview Waivers: In-Person Checks Begin

The United States has officially ended its long-running visa interview waiver programme, making in-person interviews mandatory for nearly all non-immigrant visa categories starting today. The move marks a significant tightening of U.S. visa procedures and will directly impact millions of applicants worldwide, including students, professionals, and tourists from India.

Key Changes

• No More Dropbox Facility: The popular “Interview Waiver” or “Dropbox” option, which allowed eligible applicants to renew visas without an in-person interview, has been discontinued for categories such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, J-1, M, and O visas.
• Age-Based Exemptions Curtailed: Previous exemptions for children under 14 and seniors above 79 will no longer apply in most cases.
• Narrow Exceptions Remain: Only a limited group of applicants—such as diplomatic (A, G, NATO) visa holders and certain renewals for Mexican nationals—may still qualify for interview waivers, subject to consular discretion.

Impact on Applicants

The policy shift is expected to increase visa appointment wait times at U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide. Students applying for F-1 visas, skilled professionals under the H-1B programme, and business travellers will now face longer processing times and stricter documentation requirements.

Immigration experts have warned that the end of waivers could create administrative bottlenecks, particularly in high-demand countries such as India, where consular sections already struggle with heavy caseloads.

What Applicants Should Do

• Plan Early: With interview slots likely to be in high demand, applicants are advised to book appointments well in advance.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Strong documentation and readiness for in-person questioning will be essential.
• Check for Exceptions: Some narrow categories may still qualify for waivers, but applicants should confirm eligibility before applying.

Why the Change Matters

The U.S. government has justified the decision as a measure to strengthen security vetting and ensure uniformity in visa issuance. However, universities, businesses, and immigration advocates fear that the additional red tape could deter international talent and slow cross-border mobility.