The State Department has announced a major change to the Visa Interview Waiver Program, commonly referred to as the “Dropbox” process, reverting eligibility requirements to pre-pandemic standards.
The move, which was made official on Thursday, means that many nonimmigrant visa holders who once qualified for interview waivers may now have to undergo in-person interviews at U.S. consulates.
Why It Matters
The U.S. government allowed certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to renew their visas without an in-person interview through the Interview Waiver Program, also known as the “Dropbox” process.
The program aimed to speed up visa renewals and reduce in-person visits to U.S. consulates. A 48-month eligibility period allowed more applicants to renew their visas without an interview.
In January 2024, the Biden administration expanded the program. Consular officers were authorized to waive in-person interviews for first-time H-2 visa applicants, including temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers.
Other nonimmigrant visa applicants were also eligible if they had previously been issued a nonimmigrant visa, excluding cases where the only prior visa was a B visa, or if they applied within 48 months of their most recent visa’s expiration date.
What Are Changes Coming For U.S. Visa Holders?
The Trump administration has officially reverted to pre-pandemic eligibility standards for the Dropbox process as of February 18. The most significant change is that applicants renewing their visas must now have had a valid visa within the past 12 months to qualify for an interview waiver, down from the previous 48-month window implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, only certain visa categories—such as diplomatic (A-1, A-2), government officials (G-1 to G-4, NATO visas) and applicants renewing the same visa category within 12 months—will be eligible for waivers.
The change eliminates the flexibility that allowed applicants to use Dropbox for a visa renewal in a different category.
Some U.S. embassies around the world have acknowledged that the changes “may lengthen some visa wait times,” and applicants who no longer qualify under the new rules will be required to schedule in-person interviews at U.S. consulates, potentially leading to processing delays.
How Will Family-Based Visa Holders Be Impacted?
Spouses and dependents of H-1B (H-4), L-1 (L-2) and other nonimmigrant work visa holders will also need to meet the new 12-month renewal window to qualify for an interview waiver. Previously, if their visa had expired within 48 months, they could use the Dropbox process without an interview.
The change could create complications for families traveling together, as any misalignment between eligibility for primary applicants and dependents could result in delays. If a dependent does not meet the 12-month rule, they may be required to attend an in-person interview, which could further delay their ability to travel.
Additionally, visa holders who have previously faced refusals or administrative processing issues may now find it more difficult to renew their visas without an interview.
Will H-1B Holders Be Impacted?
Yes, H-1B visa holders will be directly impacted by the updated Visa Interview Waiver (Dropbox) eligibility rules.
Under the new policy, H-1B applicants must:
- Be renewing their visa in the same category (H-1B to H-1B).
- Have had a visa expire within the past 12 months (previously 48 months).
- Apply for renewal in their country of nationality or residence.
- Have no prior visa refusals or ineligibility issues.
If an H-1B visa holder does not meet these criteria, they must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate, which could lead to scheduling delays.
The change could disrupt travel plans for many H-1B professionals, particularly those who planned to renew their visas while visiting their home countries. Long wait times for in-person visa interviews in countries like India could create additional work and travel disruptions, delaying H-1B visa holders’ return to their jobs in the U.S.
Will B-1 Tourist Visa Holders Be Impacted?
Yes, B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa holders will also be affected by the updated rules.
Under the new policy, only applicants renewing the same visa category within 12 months of expiration will qualify for an interview waiver. Previously, those with visas that had expired within 48 months could use the Dropbox process, significantly reducing wait times and consular visits.
The change means that many B-1/B-2 visa holders who do not meet the new criteria will now be required to schedule an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate.
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