US Visa Updates: India Ends Third-Party Passport Pickup

The United States has announced significant changes to its visa application process in India, ending the practice of third-party passport collection. Effective August 1, 2025, all applicants must now collect their passports and visa documents in person, a move aimed at strengthening document security and preventing misuse.

Under the new guidelines, adult applicants must present an original valid Indian photo ID along with a photocopy, while minors’ passports can only be collected by a parent or legal guardian. For minors, an original consent letter signed by both parents is mandatory, along with the child’s birth certificate or school ID and both parents’ identification documents. Scanned or emailed consent letters will not be accepted.

Applicants who cannot collect their documents in person can opt for a paid home or office delivery service, priced at ₹1,200 per applicant, by updating their delivery preferences on the official visa application portal. The U.S. Embassy has advised applicants to rely on official website notifications for updates instead of contacting call centers.

These changes mark a notable shift in the U.S. visa process in India, aiming to enhance security while offering a streamlined delivery alternative for those unable to visit in person.