Highlights: US Tightens Visa Rules: Drop Box and Age Exemptions Removed
- From September 2, 2025, nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews.
- Age-based exemptions and “drop box” renewals for visas like H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, and B-1/B-2 are mostly removed.
- Exceptions remain for diplomatic, official, and certain international organization visas, as well as specific B-1/B-2 renewals.
- For 57 countries (including Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Iran), the new rules apply immediately with no exemptions.
- India not included in this list, but applicants should prepare for longer wait times at US consulates.
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Big Changes Ahead: No More Easy Waivers for US Visas
The new US visa policy marks one of the biggest shifts in recent years. From September 2, 2025, almost every non-immigrant visa applicant, whether applying for the first time or renewing, will now need to attend an in-person interview. Here’s what’s different:
- End of Exemptions: Waivers for children under 14, seniors over 79, and many visa renewals (H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, and B-1/B-2) are mostly discontinued.
- Limited Exceptions: Diplomatic, official, and certain international organization visas, plus specific B-1/B-2 renewals, still qualify for waivers.
- Stricter Rules for Some Nations: Applicants from 57 countries—including Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iran, and Cuba—will have no exemptions at all.
- Impact on Indians: India is not on this stricter list, but Indian applicants should still expect longer queues and extended wait times at consulates.
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US to cap F, J, and I visa stay periods
US Visa Interviews Now Mandatory—Here’s How You Can Stay Ready
With interviews now compulsory for most visa categories, Indian applicants need to plan their travel, study, and work timelines more carefully. The change could lead to longer queues at US consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, making early preparation critical.
Here’s what you should do:
- Apply Early: Begin the visa application process months before your intended travel.
- Track Wait Times: Use the US State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times portal for real-time updates.
- Prepare Documents Carefully: Always carry the correct DS-160 confirmation page and supporting papers. If you make corrections, bring both versions to the interview.
- Remember Reschedule Rules: From January 1, 2025, only one free reschedule is allowed—further changes mean paying a new fee.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official announcements to avoid last-minute surprises.
Note: For Indian students heading for new academic sessions, IT professionals traveling on work assignments, or families visiting relatives, these new rules could mean added stress. But with the right planning, delays can be minimized.
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