Major Change in US Visa Interview Waiver Rules: Dropbox Eligibility Tightened
Recently, many US visa applicants have been confused by abrupt changes in the Dropbox or interview waiver eligibility criteria, especially at US consulates in countries like India and Australia. The US Department of State suddenly issued the notice, revising the pre-COVID eligibility criteria. In this blog, we will provide the exact details of these changes and the applicants they impact, such as H-1B, F-1, and others.
Background: US Visa Interview Waiver/Dropbox Rules (2020-2025)
The US Visa Interview Waiver, commonly known as the Dropbox process, allows eligible applicants to review visas without attending an in-person interview. Over the years, these eligibility rules have been adjusted multiple times.
- 1
2020: The requirement for visa renewal eligibility visa dropbox was extended from "12 months from expiry" to "24 months" to reduce consulate crowding and public health risks due to COVID-19.
- 2
2021: In March 2021, a notice was issued to extend the "24-month from expiry" to "48-months from expiry" until December 31, 2021.
- 3
2022 - 2023: The administration continued the "48-month" rule for the subsequent years, too.
- 4
2024 & Beyond: In 2024, certain new provisions were added according to whether the visa was being filed in the same category or a different one.
During the pandemic and beyond, these extensions helped thousands of applicants renew their visas without attending any in-person interviews. However, the recent tightening of rules has made this entire process a bit more complex and time-consuming.
Recent Changes: Dropbox Eligibility Reduced to 12 months
The recent update has come without any prior official announcements. It has introduced two new key restrictions for an applicant's Dropbox eligibility:
Same Visa Category Requirement:
Reduced Eligibility Window (12 months from expiry):
Official Confirmation from USTravelDocs
While the US Department of State has issued no formal press release, these updates have already been uploaded to the USTravelDocs website. Please check the website according to your respective countries and verify the updated criteria:
Next Steps for Affected Applicants
Here are a few important things you should know if you have an application under process:
- 1
Applicants must redo their questionnaire before their appointment to determine their eligibility under the new rules. If you are ineligible, you should prepare for an in-person interview.
- 2
If you were rejected at the Dropbox location, wait 24 hours before rebooking your appointment. There is no extra fee for rescheduling.
- 3
Check your respective USTravelDocs website to confirm the latest requirements.
Conclusion
The sudden change in US Visa Dropbox eligibility rules has left many applicants confused about how to adjust their plans. If you realise that you are no longer eligible for Dropbox after retaking the questionnaire, it’s crucial to start preparing for your in-person visa interview as soon as possible. A well-prepared interview can make all the difference in securing your visa approval.
To help you confidently navigate this process, please use our US Visa Mock Interview Service. Our service provides personalised interview practice, expert guidance, and real-time feedback to help you prepare effectively and increase your chances of success.
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