F-1 Students and H-1B Workers Lose Access to the US Visa Dropbox Programme

The United States has sharply reduced eligibility for its visa interview waiver programme, effective 2 September 2025, requiring most non-immigrant visa applicants to attend in-person interviews.

The policy change ends pandemic-era provisions that allowed certain applicants, including H-1B professionals, L-1 transferees, and F-1 students, to renew visas without appearing at a consulate. Under the revised rules, exemptions are now limited to a small group, such as diplomats and some B1/B2 visa holders renewing within 12 months of expiry. 

Previous waivers for children under 14 and adults over 79 have also been withdrawn.

The decision is expected to significantly affect applicants from India, a major source of H-1B and F-1 visa holders. With US consulates in India already facing long appointment backlogs, the return to mandatory interviews is likely to increase wait times and disrupt travel and study plans.

US officials state the shift reflects a return to pre-pandemic protocols and is intended to support national security. However, the move raises concerns about the capacity of consular posts to manage the anticipated rise in interview volumes ahead of the academic and travel season. Applicants and employers are being advised to plan well in advance.