US Visa Rule Change: In-Person Interviews Now Mandatory for All Applicants
Heading to the US? Get ready to queue up. From Sept 2, even toddlers and the elderly must attend interviews. What else is changing?
Admin
Think you’re too young or too old for a US visa interview? Think again. The U.S. government is changing the rules on September 2, 2025. Everyone applying for a non-immigrant visa, whether they are 8 or 80, will be required to attend an in-person interview. The dropbox option is no longer available. Birth certificates will no longer exempt applicants from standing in line. This decision removes a long-running waiver for minors and seniors, affecting how Indian families, students, and professionals plan their trips to the United States.
New Rules for US Visa Interview Waivers
The US State Department has tightened its interview waiver policy. Here's what stays, and what goes:
Still allowed:
You can skip the interview only if you're renewing a B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visa that:
- Expired less than 12 months ago
- Was issued when you were 18 or older
- Was never denied or flagged for issues
- Is being renewed in your home country
No longer allowed:
- Kids under 14
- Seniors over 79
- H-1B and F-1 holders renewing within 12 months
- Anyone with past visa denials or red flags
- Even if you’re eligible, consular officers can still call you in
US Visa Fees Set to Increase in 2025
Visa applicants should get ready for a steep hike in fees. The $185 application charge is set to increase by almost 148 percent. While the final figure is yet to be published, the hike is intended to help the State Department manage growing costs and processing volumes. This change doesn’t just raise the price. It adds pressure to plan ahead, as in-person visits and travel expenses will also hit harder, particularly for larger families or group travelers.
US Visa Wait Times Increase in India
Due to the policy shift requiring personal interviews, visa appointment availability is shrinking fast. Major consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai are struggling with overwhelming demand.
Wait times for tourist visas in these locations have now exceeded 250 days. As more travelers prepare for the festive season and academic departures, advance booking has become crucial.
List of US Visa Interview Exemptions
Only a select few:
- Diplomats (A-1/A-2)
- Government officials (G-series)
- NATO and TECRO E-1 visa holders
- Everyone else? You're in the same line.
Impact of New US Visa Rules on Indian Travelers
For years, many Indian families counted on interview waivers to simplify U.S. travel. Parents submitted documents for their children. Elderly grandparents stayed home, avoiding consulate visits. That convenience has now ended. If you’re arranging travel for a holiday, a professional event, or academic plans, expect delays, required face-to-face interviews, and extra expenses. This is not just a rule change. It directly affects how Indians travel to the United States.
Conclusion
Visa renewals just got tougher, more expensive, and more time-consuming. Even if you’ve visited the US before, do not take anything for granted under the new rules. Double-check your eligibility, plan well in advance, and be prepared to appear in person at the consulate.
FAQs
Is the in-person interview now mandatory for all US visa applicants?
Yes, starting September 2, 2025, almost all non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, must attend an in-person consular interview unless they qualify under specific renewal criteria.
Who is still eligible for an interview waiver (Dropbox facility)?
Only applicants renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visa may qualify, provided the previous visa expired within the past 12 months, was issued when the applicant was 18 or older, the new application is submitted in the country of nationality or residence, and there is no history of visa refusal or ineligibility.
Are children and senior citizens exempt from the US visa interview?
No. Age-based exemptions for minors under 14 and seniors over 79 have been removed for US non-immigrant visas, except in cases where they qualify under the specific renewal criteria.
What about H-1B and F-1 visa renewals?
Even if the visa expired within the last 12 months, H-1B professionals and F-1 students must now attend an interview. They are no longer eligible for dropbox renewals.
Will visa appointment wait times increase?
Yes. With more applicants now required to appear in person, longer wait times are expected, especially at high-volume US consulates in India.
Is there a change in US visa application fees?
Yes. The fee for non-petition-based visas such as B-1/B-2 and F-1 is set to increase by nearly 148%, up from the current $185. The exact revised amount will be announced soon.
