The United States has tightened its Visa Interview Waiver criteria, reducing the renewal window for dropbox applications from 48 months to just 12 months.
The change, which took effect immediately, applies to non-immigrant visa holders, including H-1B and B1/B2 applicants, who previously benefited from the extended timeframe introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While no formal announcement has been made, Visa Application Centres (VACs) have started implementing the new policy. Reports indicate that applicants who fail to meet the updated eligibility criteria are being turned away.
What has changed?
Previously, applicants with visas that had expired within 48 months could renew them via dropbox, avoiding in-person interviews. This pandemic-era relaxation aimed to ease consular backlogs. However, with the rollback to the pre-COVID 12-month limit, those with older expired visas must now schedule an in-person appointment.
Impact on Indian applicants
Indian applicants are expected to face significant delays due to the policy shift:
- Extended Wait Times: The B1/B2 visa interview wait time already exceeds 440 days in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, a figure likely to rise as more applicants require interviews.
- Limited Appointments: The sudden policy shift has disrupted plans for those relying on dropbox renewals, intensifying competition for available slots.
- Travel Disruptions: Business professionals and frequent travellers may encounter scheduling challenges, complicating work-related and personal trips.
With demand at an all-time high, wait times for visa appointments remain long:
- Delhi & Mumbai: 440+ days
- Chennai: 436 days
- Hyderabad: 429 days
- Kolkata: 415 days
What applicants should do
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure visa expiration falls within 12 months before scheduling a dropbox appointment.
- Plan for Delays: Interview slots are in high demand, so anticipate extended processing times.
- Consider Alternatives: H-1B holders may opt for Premium Processing to reduce disruptions.