Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will end most interview waivers previously granted to non-immigrant visa applicants. This change means that holders or renewers of H-1B, H-4, F, M, J, L, O-1 visas, including children under 14 and elderly applicants over 79, must attend face-to-face interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates.
Previously, some applicants could skip in-person interviews under the “Dropbox” or waiver program — depending on age, past visa record, or other qualifying criteria. That program will no longer apply in most cases, though exceptions remain limited to diplomatic or official categories, or under special humanitarian circumstances.
For Indian applicants, this is likely to result in significantly longer wait times for interview slots. Consular offices in cities like Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata are expected to see increased pressure as more people queue for in-person appointments. Applicants who already have appointments may not see cancellations, but all new submissions and renewals will need to comply with the updated policy.
