Sunday, February 23, 2025
US quietly slashes ‘Dropbox’ visa waiver window from 48 to 12 months, forcing more applicants into in-person interviews, causing delays and travel disruptions.
In a major yet unannounced policy shift, the United States has rolled back pandemic-era relaxations for its ‘Dropbox’ visa interview waiver programme. Effective immediately, the eligibility period for applicants seeking a visa renewal without an in-person interview has been slashed from 48 months to just 12 months.
This change affects visa applicants worldwide and is expected to increase wait times while creating potential disruptions for those planning travel to the US. The updated policy applies to multiple visa categories, including H-1B work visas, F-1 student visas, and B1/B2 tourist and business visas.
The ‘Dropbox’ programme previously allowed individuals whose visas had expired within the past four years (48 months) to renew their US visa without attending an in-person interview. This extension was introduced during the pandemic to help reduce the backlog at US consulates.
With the new rule in place, only applicants whose visas expired within the last 12 months are eligible for an interview waiver. Anyone with a visa that expired more than a year ago will now have to schedule an in-person interview, adding another layer of complexity to the visa renewal process.
Despite the significant impact of this change, the US government has made no formal announcement, instead updating the policy quietly on official visa platforms. Many applicants remain unaware of the revised eligibility criteria, which may cause confusion and unexpected delays.
With the reduced eligibility for interview waivers, the strain on US embassies and consulates is likely to intensify, leading to longer wait times for visa appointments. The rollback affects individuals planning to study, work, or visit the US, with particular challenges expected for:
Previously, eligible applicants could simply submit their biometric data and required documents at a US consulate without needing an in-person interview. Now, the additional step of scheduling and attending an interview is expected to increase processing times, particularly in high-demand locations.
Given the high volume of visa applications, US consulates may experience appointment backlogs, making it crucial for applicants to plan their renewals well in advance. Those intending to apply for a visa renewal should:
Verify their eligibility for the Dropbox process before booking an appointment.
Prepare for longer wait times, especially in high-demand regions.
Monitor official US visa websites for further updates on policy adjustments.
With the sudden tightening of eligibility criteria, many visa applicants may face unexpected hurdles in their travel and work plans. Staying informed and applying early will be key to navigating the renewed restrictions.
Comments: