New U.S. Visa Policy Ends Dropbox Renewals for H, L, F, M, and J Visas – Effective September 2, 2025

In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of State on July 25, 2025, announced an update to the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program, effective September 2, 2025. This change will narrow the categories of visa applicants eligible for visa renewal under Interview Waiver Program/Dropbox.

What’s Changing?

As of the effective date, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, regardless of age including those under 14 and over 79 will generally be required to appear for an in-person interview, unless they fall within limited exceptions.

Who Still Qualifies for Interview Waivers?

Only the following categories remain eligible for potential interview waivers:

1. Diplomatic and Official Visa Applicants, including:

   • A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants and servants), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, TECRO E-1

     
     

2. Renewals of Full Validity B1/B2 or Border Crossing Cards, but only if all of the following apply:

   • Renewal is within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration

   • The previous visa was issued when the applicant was 18 or older

   • The applicant is applying in their home country or country of residence

   • No previous visa refusal (unless overcome/waived)

   • No apparent or potential ineligibility

   
   

Comparison Table

Feature	Feb 18, 2025 Policy	July 25, 2025 Policy (Effective Sept 2, 2025)
Age-based waivers	Allowed for applicants <14 or >79	No longer permitted — interview required for all ages
Renewal waiver scope	Any category, if expired within 12 months	Only B‑1/B‑2 or Border Crossing Card renewals
Additional renewal criteria	Implied but generic	Explicit: residence, no refusal history, eligibility
Diplomatic/official categories	Exempted — same coverage	Same exemptions retained
Effective / supersedes	Superseded Dec 2023 guidance	Supersedes Feb 2025 update; effective Sept 2, 2025

Important Caveat

Even if applicants meet the criteria above, consular officers retain full discretion to request an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.

What This Means for You

Planning a trip to your home country or abroad to renew the U.S. visa. Check your local embassy or consulate's website for updated appointment procedures, documentation, and operating status.

🔗This latest official update on visa renewal can be found here. FAQs curated by our office can be found here.

🔗This policy replaces the earlier Interview Waiver guidance issued on February 18, 2025. The previous policy can be found here.

Stay informed prepared with The Visa Code.