US interview waiver policy, also called Dropbox, for foreign workers on temporary visas, international students on F-1 visas and many other US travelers, has been withdrawn.

From kids to senior citizens, interview waiver policy has been removed for children under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 79.

The US visa appointment process has become significantly more time-consuming than before. The US State Department has released an update on September 18 that supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of July 25, 2025. Also, to be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants need to apply in his or her country of nationality or usual residence.

US Interview Waiver Latest Update

The September 18 update adds a new category of travelers allowed to avail Interview Waivers. Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa?s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old, will qualify for Interview Waivers, effective October 1, 2025.

Therefore, from October 1, 2025, for most US travelers, the US interview waiver policy or Dropbox has been withdrawn. Only a small number of travelers are eligible for visa interview waivers due to restrictions by the US State Department.

The July 25 update had already removed the interview waiver benefit for children under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 79.

Foreign students on F-1 visas and employees on H-1B specialist occupation visas or L-1 visas for intracompany transfers are also required to appear in person for interviews at consulates.

So, effective October 1, 2025, 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.

Effective October 1, 2025, in addition to accredited officials and diplomats, the US interview waiver policy will be restricted to renewals for B1/B2 tourists and business travelers within 12 months of the prior visa?s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old.

Also, a US interview waiver will apply to applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa?s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old.

The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs.

Impact on US Visa Appointments

The new rule is likely to increase consulate backlogs, and the student community is likely to suffer significantly. The removal of the Interview Waiver is expected to worsen visa backlogs and impact admissions for Indian students to US universities.

Congressmen have already questioned the State Department about how it intends to deal with a visa backlog, which could cause Indian students? admittance to US colleges and institutions to be delayed this fall.

Beginning October 1, 2025, applicants should anticipate probable appointment changes, such as cancellations, rescheduling, or a transition to in-person forms. (Financial Express)

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