⚠️ Important Update for U.S. Visa Applicants in India – Dropbox/Interview Waiver
- visa code
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
The U.S. Consular Mission in India recently updated the eligibility for Interview Waiver (Dropbox) rule
If you're eligible for a non-immigrant visa renewal via Interview Waiver (Dropbox) in India (based on your prior visa expired within the last 12 months), you must ensure your submission appointment is NOT scheduled within the last 15 calendar days of your 12-month renewal eligibility period. If your interview waiver submission appointment date falls within this less than 15 calendar days window, you will be asked to schedule a biometric appointment and an in-person interview at post.
Your appointment may be treated as a "No Show".
Let's break it down with an Example! 📅
Let's say your previous US visa in same category expired on September 30, 2024.
Under the old rule (7 calendar days), you may have been permitted to schedule the Dropbox Appointment on or before September 23, 2025 (as long as you were applying within 12 months of expiry).
However, with the new Interview Waiver (Dropbox) rule, you must schedule the Dropbox Appointment on or before September 15, 2025 (as long as you were applying within 12 months of expiry).
🔁 Impact on Interview's Scheduled Based on 15 Calendar Days Eligibility:
The U.S. Consular Mission in India earlier this year, updated the policy that the visa fee once paid is valid for only one initial appointment and one-time reschedule.
While most applicants impacted by the above policy change may still be able to reschedule their interview, others may have to repay the visa fee again to book a new appointment if:
The applicant(s) have used your one-time reschedule option, or
The Visa Fee is Expired (DOS recently reverted to pre-covid visa fee validity, it is valid for 365 days from the date of payment), or
The applicant(s) miss their appointment booked based on one-time schedule option and is marked as "No Show."
Expanded Interview Waiver Eligibility (post covid policy dated Dec 21, 2023) Ended on Feb 18, 2025:
The U.S. Department of State Expanded the Interview Waiver Eligibility owing to Covid-19 pandemic, and certain nonimmigrant applicants were also allowed to apply for a U.S. visa interview waiver (Dropbox) even when switching to a different nonimmigrant visa category for example, from F-1 (student) to H-1B (worker), or B1/B2 (visitor) to F-1 (student), provided they met other waiver conditions.
🔁 What’s Changed Recently - "Reverted to Pre-Covid Eligibility Policy":
This broader flexibility or Expanded the Interview Waiver Eligibility has now expired. The current policy requires that:
The visa application must be in the same category as the previously issued visa.
The prior visa must have expired within the last 12 months.
The previous visa should not have received a "Clearance" from the Department of State and/or "Waiver" from the Department of Homeland Security (CBP's Admissibility Review Office).
✅ Action Item:
Carefully plan your Dropbox submission well within the 12-month eligibility window to avoid extra costs and delays.
📞 Need help?
For any questions on Dropbox appointments or visa assistance, contact The Visa Code we're here to guide you every step of the way.