The US visa interview update July 25, 2025 is that the Department of State eliminates the Dropbox renewal option for all non-immigrant visa categories, except B1/B2 visa holders on certain conditions. “All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, effective September 2, 2025,” according to the revised US visa policy for non-immigrants from India and other countries.
It seems to hint at further revision of the Dropbox eligibility or potential elimination of in-person interview waiver for H, L, F, M, and J visa categories. The US visa interview update July 25 follows the February 2025 revision of the Dropbox eligibility criteria wherein the nonimmigrant visa expiration window was reduced to 12 months from 48 months. The previous update continued to grant visa interview waiver (Dropbox) to children under 14 years and senior citizens aged 80 or older.
On or before September 2, the Department of State will specify nonimmigrant visa categories that may be eligible for in-person interview waiver or Dropbox renewal.
Who are eligible for US Visa Interview Waiver, Dropbox in 2025
- B1/B2 visa holders renewing a full validity within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration given they were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa issuance.
- Mexico nationals renewing a full validity of Border Crossing Card (Foil card or laser visa) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration
- B1/B2 visa holders must apply for Dropbox renewal in their country of nationality or residence
- They have never been refused a visa nor do they have apparent or potential ineligibility.
- The same conditions apply to Mexico citizens for Border Crossing Card Dropbox eligibility
What about H1B visa holders with Dropbox appointments in 2025?
Dropbox appointments in September 2025 onwards may be cancelled if the US visa interview waiver update July 25 blanketly targets H1B visa holders and others in’ H’ visa categories. It is too early to say anything until the next update – whether in-person interview is mandatory for H1B renewal and other non-immigrant visas.
H1B visa holders with Dropbox appointments in India feel puzzled wondering if they have to book in-person interview slots. It is natural for them to panic, because all Dropbox appointments were annulled when the February 8, 2025 update was rolled out.
If you have already booked your travel to India for Dropbox appointments in September or October 2025, it is recommended you contact your travel agent or the airline for possible rescheduling options. If not, you can avail flight discounts now and book budget flight tickets to India from USA in August or September.
