The United States has modified the eligibility criteria for visa interview waivers, commonly referred to as the dropbox process, reducing the timeframe from 48 months to 12 months. This alteration is anticipated to affect numerous non-immigrant visa holders, including those with H-1B, F-1, and B1/B2 visas.
Although the US embassy in India has yet to officially confirm this change, Atlys, an online visa processing service, reported that it revised its eligibility guidelines in the past week.
“While there has been no formal announcement, the new policy is currently in effect, and applications that have been expired for over 12 months will no longer be accepted,” stated an Atlys representative.
What has changed?
In the past, individuals were able to renew their visas through the dropbox system if their previous visa had expired within the last 48 months. This extended policy was implemented during the pandemic to alleviate consular backlogs. The recent modification means that many applicants will now be required to attend in-person interviews, potentially placing additional pressure on the visa system.
As reported by The National Law Review, this transition is likely to result in delays and travel disruptions for non-immigrant visa holders, including those on:
H-1B – a work visa designated for skilled professionals in specialized fields, necessitating a job offer from a US employer.
F-1 – a student visa for academic programs in the US, which allows for limited on-campus employment.
B1/B2 – a short-term visa for business (B1) or tourism (B2), which does not authorize employment.
L-1 – a visa for employees transferring within a multinational corporation to a US office, applicable to executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers.
O-1 – a visa for individuals demonstrating extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics.
What has changed?
Applicants are now eligible for the dropbox process only if their visa has expired within the last 12 months and falls within the same category. Those who do not fulfill this criterion are required to arrange an in-person interview, which may result in:
< Increased demand for in-person appointments at U.S. consulates
< Extended wait times for visa interviews, especially in high-traffic cities
< Potential disruptions for business travelers and professionals needing prompt renewals
< This change is also anticipated to affect Indian students in the United States.
Siddharth Iyer, Chief Operating Officer at OneStep Global, informed Business Standard, “The recent modification in the U.S. visa renewal process for students (F-1) signifies a notable change, particularly for applicants from India. With the eligibility for interview waivers now limited to 12 months, down from the previous 48 months, some students may face longer wait times and additional procedures when renewing their visas. While this adjustment mirrors a return to pre-pandemic norms, it coincides with a period of heightened demand for international education.”
“This alteration seeks to simplify the process, yet it may present challenges for students who do not meet the new eligibility criteria. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that many students will still have sufficient opportunities to renew their visas through the standard process,” he stated. “Those impacted by this change should remain informed, plan their renewals well ahead of time, and continue to consult their university’s international offices or visa advisors for assistance.”
Visa appointment delays in India
Securing a visa appointment in India is already a protracted process. The wait time for a B1/B2 (business and tourism) visa interview in 2022 surpassed 999 days. Although there has been some improvement, the wait times continue to be lengthy:
Delhi & Mumbai: Over 440 days
Chennai: 436 days
Hyderabad: 429 days
Kolkata: 415 days
What prompted the policy change?
In response to inquiries from Business Standard, the US embassy in Delhi stated, “The US Department of State is conducting a comprehensive review of all visa programs as mandated by Executive Order 14161. This is the extent of the information available at this moment.”
Executive Order 14161, enacted by US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, is titled “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” This order instructs federal agencies to enhance immigration screening and vetting processes. It reinstates certain policies from the prior Trump administration and mandates a review of visa and immigration policies to assess security risks.
The order encompasses:
- Identifying high-risk nations for possible entry restrictions
- Strengthening procedures for refugee screening
- Assessing visa programs for security weaknesses
- Increasing oversight of foreign nationals currently residing in the US
- Implementing initiatives to promote immigrant integration into American society
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