Foreign national travelers renewing U.S. visas may now encounter a new challenge following a recent change to the visa interview waiver process.
Whenever a foreign national enters or returns to the U.S., the individual must carry a valid passport, proof of status in the U.S. (e.g., nonimmigrant petition approval notice in many cases), and a valid U.S. visa for the corresponding status. Such visas are obtained at U.S. Consulates operated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS). For those individuals renewing their visas, there has been an option to bypass an in-person interview. This option is now facing changes.
The DOS has abruptly reduced the eligibility window for the interview waiver (dropbox) program from 48 months to just 12 months. Currently, this change is in effect at all consular posts in India as well as the consular post in Paris. We are monitoring whether this will spread to other posts. This adjustment, which took effect immediately, impacts nonimmigrant visa holders such as those with H-1B and B1/B2 visas, who had previously benefited from more lenient guidelines established during the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid in-person interviews.
Applicants are strongly advised to check with their local U.S. consular posts for the latest updates and specific requirements before scheduling their appointments, as this change could affect many individuals who were previously eligible for the waiver. The reduction in the eligibility window can create complications for many applicants, making it essential to stay informed on the evolving process.
As always, before traveling internationally, please check in with your Clark Lau LLC attorney for the latest news and how these may impact your specific situation. (The above has been provided for educational purposes only.)