Since the Trump administration took office for a second term, it has tightened the vetting process at US visa interviews, implemented more border controls, and introduced numerous changes focused on national security.
As part of their broader push for a tighter immigration policy, the US Department of State issued an official press release on July 25, 2025, that will end the Dropbox eligibility option for US Visa renewals for most visa types, except for certain B1/B2 and other diplomatic visa types. Also, there are some changes related to general Dropbox eligibility as well.
In this article, we will review the press release in detail and the changes related to the US Visa Dropbox eligibility, which all visa types does it impact, and some common FAQs on the same.
Background: Previous Dropbox Eligibility Changes, Social Media Vetting
Since the Trump administration took office for its second term, it has made the following changes related to Dropbox visa stamping and other social media vetting for international student visas:
Dropbox Eligibility Changed to 12 months, 48 months Eligibility removed
- In February 2025, the Dropbox renewal eligibility rules were changed from 48 months from visa expiry to 12 months from expiry.
- Also, the Dropbox renewals eligibility was restricted to renewals of the same visa category and previous visa expired within the last 12 months.
- You can read full details at the article: US Dept of State Changes Dropox Eligibility Rules: 12 Months, Categories Updated
More vetting for F, M and J Visa applicants, Public Social Media profiles
- In June 2025, the US Department of State gave new guidance indicating that they would be vetting F, M, and J visa applicants more thoroughly. They will assess the applicants for national security and other policies that are important to the US government.
- As part of that, al the F, M and J Visa applicants were instructed to make their social media profiles public, so that they can review and assess the applicants for the same.
- You can read more at F, M, J Visa Appointments Open, More Vetting of Social Media, Guidance.
As you can see, both of the above policy changes by the Trump administration are geared toward tightening the visa issuance policy and placing a greater focus on national security. The ending of Dropbox visa renewals for many visa types is also part of their broader push for tighter security screening and vetting for anyone trying to exit and re-enter the US. Let’s look at the new policy.
📹 You may also watch the video summary of this article at: No More Dropbox for H1B, F1, L1 After Sep 2, 2025: Only Limited B1/B2 Visas Eligible.
Dropbox Eligibility Rule Changes from September 2nd, 2025
Below is the summary of the key changes to the Dropbox visa renewals that will be effective from September 2nd, 2025:
Applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 now require an in-person interview
- In the past, children under 14 years of age and older people aged 80 or older were eligible for a dropbox visa stamping for the first time, and also for renewals.
- Starting from September 2nd, 2025, all applicants, including those under 14 years of age and over 79, will require an in-person interview. This is applicable for first time and also for renewals, unless they meet certain criteria, which is the next sections.
All Visa Applicants, except for the following visa types, require an in-person interview
Starting from September 2nd, 2025, below are the only visa types that are eligible for a visa interview waiver or Dropbox stamping:
| Visa Type Eligible for Interview Waiver or Dropbox | Purpose of the Visa, Who Gets it. |
| A-1 Visa | It is to visit the US as a Diplomat or a foreign government |
| A-2 Visa | It is for foreign military personnel who would be stationed in the US |
| C-3 Visa (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials) | It is a transit Visa for the US for a foreign Government Officials, members of their families, attendants, and their servants |
| G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 Visas | Visa for International Organization employees to visit, attend meetings, and work in the US |
| NATO-1 through NATO-6 | Visa for officials and employees of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), who will work for NATO in the USA |
| TECRO E-1 | It is for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office(TECRO) for Trade under E-1 Visa Classification |
| All Diplomatic, Official Visa Types | All Applicants who are Diplomats and other Govt. Officials applying for a diplomatic or official-type of visa. |
| B1, B2, B1/B2 Visa Applicants renewing fully validity and Border Crossing Card(BCC) /Foil (for Mexican nationals) | Only B1, B2, and B1/B2 applicants renewing a full validity visa (meaning the B visa was issued for full validity of 10 years with multiple entries) and who were 18 years of age at the time of issue. Also, they must renew the visa within 12 months of the previous visa expiration. |
Additional Requirements for B1/B2, BCC applicants for Dropbox Eligibility
To be eligible for Dropbox Stamping or Interview waiver, the B1, B2, B1/B2, and BCC applicants should meet the additional criteria as listed below:
- They must be applying for the dropbox stamping or renewal in their country of nationality or residence. E.g., if you are an Indian citizen, you can renew in India. Additionally, if you are an Indian citizen residing in Singapore, you can apply for renewal in Singapore.
- You should never have been refused a visa. If you had a refusal, then you should have overcome that by obtaining approval for the same visa type.
- Also, have no other potential or apparent ineligiblity. While this is not specific about what they mean, it gives the visa officer broad discretion to assess the applicant.
No More Dropbox Visa Renewals for H1B, H4, L1, L2, F1, F2, Others
While the US Department of State does not provide a comprehensive list of all non-immigrant visa types that are not eligible for dropbox stamping or visa renewals, the following are the prominent ones that are affected.
⚠️ All the visa types listed below do not qualify for the dropbox stamping either for the first time or for renewals, even if the visa has expired within the last 12 months.
- Work Visas: H1B Visa, L1 Visa, other work visa types.
- Depedent Visas: H4 Dependent visa, L2 Dependent visa
- Student Visas: F1 Student Visa, F2 Dependent visa, M, J Visa Types.
- All other non-immigrant visas except the ones listed in the first section are exceptions.
US Consular Officers may still require in-person visa appointment
- They clearly state that just because someone qualifies for a dropbox visa stamping does not mean it is automatic. It is up to the discretion of the US Consular officer to make an assessment, and they may ask for an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.
- Also, they suggest checking the Consulates and embassies in their countries for specific requirements and procedures.
- So far, there are no new updates from the US Consulates or US Embassies across the world on this, including India.
Current Changes to the Dropbox Eligibility Supersede Feb 18th, 2025 Update
The US Department of State made it clear that all the changes in the current press release supersede the interview waiver updates from February 18th, 2025. What it means is that the new changes from the update from July 18th, 2025, are the most recent ones, and the old changes from February 18th are not valid anymore. You can read article, US Dept of State Changes Dropbox Eligiblity Rules: 12 Months, Categories Updated, for all of the Feb 18th, Dropbox Changes.
Below is the screenshot of the Official Press release from the US Department of State.
Common FAQs
Currently, there is no specific guidance from the US Department of State. We would likely hear the update from the individual consulates and embassies. It is likely that they may cancel those appointments and ask the applicants to book an in-person appointment. Again, we do not know yet, will update once we have official update from the Consulates.
Yes, as per the new rules, all applicants under the age of 14 are required to attend an in-person interview.
Well, unfortunately, as per the news update, you may have to wait for the Consulates to give specific guidance and then do planning again. It is likely you may have to re-book an appointment and attend an in-person interview. We will update this as there is more official guidance.
These changes to the Dropbox eligibility are going to have a crazy impact on the overall visa wait times at various US Consulates across the globe.
What do you think of the new changes by the Trump Administration? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Hi Kumar,
Thanks for your excellent page on the B1/B2 interview waiver application process. It was of great help. There are still 2 points that confuse me, and your answers would be much appreciated.
1) I am from Bangalore, but I have made an appointment for the New Delhi VAC because the US Embassy web page says Interview Waiver applications are consolidated at New Delhi. Earlier, they would require me to choose the Chennai VAC. Have I done the right thing to choose New Delhi?
2) I intend to drop off my documents and passport at the Bangalore VAC. Do I have to make a separate appointment for that, or should I go to the Bangalore VAC at the same time as my appointment slot for the New Delhi VAC.
Thanks in advance.
Prabhu
Prabhu,
1. You are find to chose anything, where they show open appointment. The consolidation is internal thing, user does not need to pick based on that.
2. No, you go at the same time when you have appointment at New Delhi, they will take it. I know personally some who have done exactly what you have done, so it is all good.
We are applying B1/B2 Visa for USA. We are within 12 months eligibility of current visa. How do we apply for an appointment for DROPBOX in VFS, Bangalore?
Rajesh,
The process is same as before. Nothing changed, you can schedule appointment by going through the wizard at USVisaScheduling.com
Hi @Kumar,
A team mate of mine had an approved extension in US. He want to get the stamping done for his upcoming India travel. With the new directives, can he go to the nearest Mexico(or any thrid country, which is not his home country) and get the in person interview? He is in the same class (H1) extension with the same employer and no previous denails so far.
Thank you.
ImmiGeek,
Technically he can get stamping at a Third country, if the consulate there allows. Double check with the consulate and then proceed. Also, there are risks they carry that, if it does not work out, they will have to leave to home country and get stamping there.
Is there a way to check when and where biometric and interview slots are available? I want to schedule them either on the same day or on consecutive days at the same VAC location. Since we can only reschedule once, I don’t want to book a slot and then have to cancel.
Sam,
You can do that normally as you would do the booking. The appointment gets booked only if you get the interview slot. If not the biometric one gets cancelled after 30 minutes.
As far as I know, once you select a biometric appointment, there’s no option to go back. So, just to confirm—are you saying I can go ahead and book the biometric appointment, and if I don’t find a suitable interview date, I can simply close the window and the biometric appointment will be automatically canceled as well?
Also, is there a limit to how many times this can be done? Would it affect the rescheduling rules? For example, after the biometric appointment is auto-canceled, would I still have the option to reschedule once?
can you please reply Satheesh?
I scheduled my L1 renewal dropbox appointment for Aug 29 in Chennai. I got an cancellation email from USCIS. But good thing is i was able to reschedule my OFC for same date but Scheduled my interview on Sept 5.
Hope this helps
Hi, I just received an email saying I am no longer eligible for h1 drop box and my appointment on sep 22nd is cancelled . I was able to use the same payment and schedule a new interview appointment for a week later. Hope this helps.
Hi – did you create a new application? i can see my current application is marked closed as they cancelled the drop box appointment. Also did you pay the fees again? I’m not seeing any option to use the existing VISA fees for the new application.
Hi Everyone,
Based on the comments I see everyone is in the dark here. To bring some light here, I was in same situation and what I did is cancel my application and restart my application as I select the visa type as H it instantly gave me that I am not eligible for interview waiver. So you need to restart the application and re use the visa fee that you have and then you will be able to see few dates.
So if anyone have the appointment before 2nd sept 2025 and didn’t restart the process should be eligible for drop box but if you are restarting the application you are not eligible even the appointment date is before 2nd Sept 2025.
SB,
Thanks for sharing your experience! It helps the community!
Trying to do the same. My dropbox appointment was after Sep 2. I was able to cancel the appointment not the application itself. After cancelling my appointment these are the options I see,
Reschedule Appointment
Manage Applications
Feedback/Requests
Messages
Went through all possible options but nothing to cancel the the actual application itself.
Option to cancel the application appeared after 18 hrs or so. Cancelled the application and started new one and I was able to use previous payment. Booked the appointment too. Slots were available for Aug and Sep.
Well, I am not sure if that is the right thing to do.
I have an appointment for dropbox on the 3rd of Sept. Which was booked few months ago.
I have been told to go ahead with the Dropbox appointment since it was scheduled prior to the new developments. This note is from appointment support desk.
If I read it right,
1. Anyone who is eligible for dropbox as per Feb, 2025 guidelines and has booked an appointment prior to the new rule July, 2025 , should go ahead with the appointment.
2. Anyone who is eligible for dropbox as per Feb, 2025 guidelines and has “NOT” booked an appointment prior to the new rule July, 2025. Now, will have to look for in-person appointment.
If one has better clarity, feel free to update.
Thanks,
Looks like they started sending emails saying the appointments are no longer valid. Please check your inbox and let us know. www.reddit.com/r/usvisascheduling/comments/1mk29cq/users_are_receiving_emails_about_their_august_and/
Hello, I have paid application fees on usvisascheduling but haven’t booked appointment yet. I am eligible for Dropbox but could not book the appointment as November 2025 dates were not available. What to do now?
you will have to close the application and start a new one. your payment receipt will still be valid. when you start a new application it will show up as no longer eligible for interview waiver. then you just book a regular consulate and ofc appointments. I had a similar situation
Have you done this recently, specifically after July 25th? I’m asking because others who completed the process before that date still fell under the Dropbox option if their visa was expiring within one year.
If my current H1B visa stamping expires on 8Oct2025 and I have just an approved extension (upto Oct2028) , will I be able to use drop-box as long as I travel & return before 8Oct2025?
When I answer the questions on the visa application website, it directs me to a page saying that I am eligible for dropbox
Aparna,
Well, if you can get an appointment before September 2nd 2025, you can. The system is not update yet with the new update, so it will tell you qualify.
On H1B how to book appointment in October website still shows I am eligible for drop box which I am not according to this post. How to handle this scenario?
Ramesh,
Until new guidance comes out, you may not be able to do it. You may have to answer something wrong to get it, which is not suggested. So, just wait for the new guidance from the Consulate.
Hi,
I was wondering that I am currently being classified as Interview Waiver on the usvisascheudling website but given the new directive, I just wanted to book an in-person appointment instead.
Do you know if there is a way on the portal to directly book an in-person appointment instead of an interview waiver appointment?
Thanks!!
Shubham
Shubham,
They have not rolled out the new update yet. Well, you will have to answer something wrong to go to the in-person. But, it is not recommended as you would be stating false info and not suggested. You can reach out to the support team for gudiance or wait for some time.
What if the visa is not expired mine expires Jan 2026, will it be eligible for a dropbox
ConcernedCitzen,
Well, it does not matter. If you can get an appointment before September 2nd, you maybe able to use the dropbox, if not, you maybe out of luck.
I just called the UStravel docs customer care as I have my dropbox appointment scheduled by Sept 5th. They are saying that they don’t have any official information yet to cancel the Interview waiver appointments and asked to carry on with current appointment. They said any official updates will be posted in ustraveldocs website. I clearly mentioned that is published as press release in USCIS website. There defined stating there is no official information regarding that yet.
PK,
Thanks for sharing your experience from the customer care.. We just have to wait for the update. In the past, when they did the 48 month rule to 12 month rule, they cancelled all the appointments and some were sent back at the interview and they had to book. Also, FYI, it is not USCIS, it is US Dept of State, where the press release is posted.
Hello my husband has an Dropbox for 03 September is he need to go in person or where is the right portal we can get right information for this?
What to do next ?
Mehak,
Well, it is not clear at this point. Do reach out to the USTravelDocs support and consulate. We are waiting for the update from them.
Hi ,
I have appointment on Sept 17 for Dropbox , I did check with yesterday by submitting query to US travel docs after recent updates on H1b eligibility not I. Interview waiver after Sept 2.
They responded saying to go ahead with appointment as scheduled and do Dropbox . I am not sure and confused now . Pls let me know if anyone else got similar response for appointments scheduled after Sept 2
Karthik,
Thank you for sharing. Well, hopefully they are right. This is fairly new development and not clear at this point. We have to wait for consulate to update. If you can write to the US Consulate directly, it will be good to confirm. Do update here how it goes.
i had to restart my application because of the recent changes but it is asking me to submit the visa fee again. As per your comment above, the fee should be usable if i had not booked any appointment yet.
K,
If you booked and rescheduled one, then you need to pay again. If not, you should be eligible for booking. Reach out to customer service.
I have an appointment scheduled for September 15, 2025 and was previously under the impression that an interview waiver might apply. But, I now understand from the U.S. Department of State’s recent policy update (effective September 2, 2025) that most nonimmigrant visa categories, including mine, now require in-person interviews.
Could you kindly confirm:
Will my September 15 appointment proceed as an in-person interview under the updated policy?
If required to cancel and reschedule, are appointment fees refundable or transferable?
Rajan,
Frankly, this is not clear at this point if they will honor it. We are waiting for the update from Consulate. You also reach out to them or customer support and do update here how it goes for community benefit.
My h1b Visa expires on 30th Sep and I have renewal appointment for 26th, will I still be eligible for interview waiver? Some online channels say that if you are under 12 month period for renewal you might still be eligle
Smit,
it was under the old regulation. They are changing the policy from Sep 2nd, so you are unlikely to be able to do the dropbox. You would need to book an in person appointment. We are also waiting for official consulate update in India, so stay tuned on the blog.
The page still says I am eligible for interview waiver. What to do ?
SR, they are yet to update their system. It will be effective from September 2nd, so you may have to wait until the system is updated.
Already submitted VISA application for interview waiver but appointment not scheduled. Do i need to close and restart the new application ? VISA fee also already paid.
Yes you need to close and restart the application. Receipt will still show up in your profile under same candidate to be applied for the new application.
Paid Visa fee on 18th July 2025 but not Scheduled any appointment (looking for Aug 2025 dates).
done the same, closed and restart the application. receipt showed up in my profile and answered all the questions ( my current visa is still valid – expire in Aug 2025). now it still shows i am eligible for dropbox and no appointments available.
my appointment is for 15th September, do i need to cancel it or will they honor this ?
utsav,
At this point, we do not know. We are waiting for guidance from Consualte. You should email the consulate or customer service and seek guidance, do update here as well.
What about the dropbox appointment dates in August 2025? I currently have one in August. Are they going to cancel it?
R,
If it is earlier than Sep 2nd, they may not cancel them. If it is in September, they may. We are yet to hear the official guidance from the Consulates. Stay tuned, we will update the blog.