US ends visa in-person interview waivers, check changes

It began on September 2, as announced by the US Department of State. Applicants for non-immigrant visas will now have to appear for an in-person interview  with a consular officer.

The applicants including students, professionals, and even frequent travellers will have to appear for the in-person interview.

What’s the change?

In a statement published in late July, the US Department of State had said, “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.”

Who will be affected?

The move will majorly affect categories like H-1B (skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transfers), F-1 (students), B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), and O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), impacting thousands of Indians each year.

The changes may increase wait times for appointments. 

No more dropbox

Meanwhile, Indian students, professionals on H-1B and L-1 visas, and tourists heading to US universities will be affected the most due to the end of quick ‘Dropbox’ renewals.

The US visa drop box is a facility provided by the US Embassy and Consulates that used to allow certain applicants to renew their US visa without attending an in-person interview.

Who are the exceptions?

• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas
• Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance