US Visa Renewal: America Shortens Eligibility Period for Interview Waiver
The United States has reduced the eligibility period for visa interview waivers from 48 months to just 12 months, a move expected to impact thousands of non-immigrant visa holders, including those on H-1B, F-1, and B1/B2 visas. This change means that many applicants who previously qualified for visa renewal through the dropbox system will now be required to attend in-person interviews, potentially increasing pressure on the visa processing system.
Interview Waiver Period Reduced from 48 Months to 12 Months
Washington: The US has modified its visa renewal policy, significantly reducing the eligibility period for interview waivers. Previously, individuals whose visas had expired within the last 48 months could renew them using the dropbox system. With this change, only those whose visas expired within the past 12 months will be eligible.
Although the US Embassy in India has not officially confirmed the update, Atlys, an online visa processing platform, has already implemented the revised eligibility criteria. According to an Atlys spokesperson quoted by Business Standard, “While there has been no formal announcement, applications for visa renewal where the previous visa expired more than 12 months ago are no longer being accepted.”
More Applicants Will Need to Attend In-Person Interviews
The extended 48-month eligibility for dropbox renewals was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help reduce consular backlogs. Now that the eligibility window has been shortened, a significant number of applicants will need to schedule in-person visa interviews.
According to the National Law Review, this policy change is expected to cause delays and disruptions for non-immigrant visa holders, including those with H-1B, F-1, B1/B2, L-1, and O-1 visas.
Increased Demand for Visa Appointments
With the new policy in effect, applicants who do not meet the revised 12-month eligibility requirement must book in-person interviews at US consulates. This will likely increase demand for appointment slots, leading to longer wait times, particularly in high-traffic locations. The changes may also disrupt travel plans for business professionals and individuals who require quick visa renewals.
Indian students studying in the US could also be affected.
Impact on Indian Students
Siddharth Iyer, Chief Operating Officer of OneStep Global, told Business Standard, “The new US visa renewal policy is a major shift, particularly for Indian students on F-1 visas. With the reduced eligibility period for interview waivers, some students may experience longer wait times and additional hurdles to renew their visas.”
He explained that while this change brings the policy back to pre-pandemic regulations, it comes at a time when demand for international education is rising. “Students affected by this should plan their renewals early and seek guidance from their university’s international office or visa advisors,” he added.
Visa Appointment Delays in India
Securing a visa appointment in India has already been a challenge. In 2022, the wait time for a B1/B2 visa interview exceeded 999 days. While the situation has improved, current wait times remain lengthy:
- Delhi & Mumbai: Over 440 days
- Chennai: 436 days
- Hyderabad: 429 days
- Kolkata: 415 days
Reason Behind the Policy Change
According to Business Standard, the US Embassy in Delhi stated, “The US State Department is conducting a full review of all visa programs as directed by Executive Order 14161. This is the information available at this time.”
Executive Order 14161, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, is titled "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats." This directive requires federal agencies to strengthen immigration screening and enhance national security measures. Key aspects of the order include:
- Identifying high-risk countries for potential travel restrictions
- Strengthening security checks for refugees
- Assessing visa programs for potential security risks
- Increasing oversight of foreign nationals already in the US
- Implementing policies to encourage immigrant integration into American society
With these changes, non-immigrant visa holders are advised to stay informed, plan ahead, and prepare for possible delays in the renewal process.
