US to Reinstate Mandatory In-Person Visa Interviews From September 2, 2025

The United States will tighten visa rules for most non-immigrant applicants starting September 2, 2025, requiring in-person interviews and largely ending the Interview Waiver (“Dropbox”) programme. Applicants of all ages, except in limited cases, must now appear before consular officers.

Exceptions Remain
The State Department said exemptions apply to visa types A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding personal employees of accredited officials), and renewals of full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas within 12 months of expiration. Mexican nationals holding a Border Crossing Card/Foil may also qualify if they meet specific criteria.

Impact on Students and Workers
F-1 student and H-1B work visa applicants are most affected. Previously eligible for interview waivers if their prior visa expired within 12 months, they will now need in-person interviews regardless of the expiration date.

Interview Waiver Changes
The Interview Waiver list, updated last on February 18, 2025, has been replaced, with consular officers retaining discretion to require interviews case by case. Future changes from November 2025 will restrict interview locations to an applicant’s country of nationality or residence.

Visa Fee Hike
Non-petition-based visa fees, including B1/B2 and F-1 visas, will rise from $185 to nearly $460, an increase of more than 148%, adding to applicants’ burden amid longer wait times.

The move is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants, who previously benefited from faster processing and reduced travel through the Dropbox programme.