US to End ‘Dropbox’ Visa Interview Waiver for Most Categories from September 2, 2025

The US will phase out its “Dropbox” interview waiver program for most non-immigrant visa categories — including H-1B renewals — from September 2, 2025.

The change will affect applicants for H-1B, L1, F1, and O1 visas, as well as children under 14 and seniors over 79, who will now need to appear in person before a consular officer abroad.

Key changes to US visa policy:

• Interview waivers largely scrapped: Most non-immigrant visa renewals, including H-1B and H-4, will now require in-person interviews.

• All age groups covered: Children, seniors, and previously exempt applicants must attend interviews.

• Limited exceptions: Certain diplomatic and official visa categories (A, G, NATO, TECRO) remain eligible for waivers.

• Tourist visa renewals: Travelers can still renew full-validity B-1/B-2 visas within 12 months of expiry if they meet specific conditions — including applying from their home country and having no prior visa refusals.

• Longer waits expected: The change could sharply increase interview demand, especially in high-volume countries like India, leading to delays in travel plans.

• Early cancellations: Some Dropbox appointments in August and September have already been suspended, with applicants told to attend in-person interviews sooner than planned.

Separately, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that a visa will now be considered “available” for Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age calculations, a move that immigration advocates warn could hurt children of highly skilled immigrants from backlogged countries such as India and China.