The US Department of State made an official press release on July 25, 2025, that outlined the end of the Dropbox Visa Stamping for most non-immigrant visas, except certain B1/B2 and other diplomatic visa types, starting from September 2nd, 2025.
As part of that initiative, the US Department of State rolled out new changes to the US Visa Appointment booking website www.USVisaScheduling.com. The dropbox or interview waiver-related questions are now removed for most of the visa types, except B1/B2.
In this article, we will review the changes, how the new messages appear, what users will be prompted to, and the new dropbox questions on the USVisaScheduling.com website. Also, if existing users have to pay a fee again, how does it work based on real user experiences from our community. Also, we will share screenshots of the same and address common questions at the end.
Background: Dropbox Eligibility Rule Changes from Sep 2nd, 2025
On July 25th, 2025, the US Department of State announced changes to the eligibility of the Dropbox visa renewals that will be effective from September 2nd, 2025. Below are the high-level changes:
- Applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 now require an in-person interview
- All Non-immigrant Visa Applicants, except the following visa types, will require an in-person interview:
- A1, A2, C3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials)
- G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 Visas, NATO-1 through NATO-6, TECRO E-1
- All Diplomatic, Official Visa Types
- B1, B2, B1/B2 Visa Applicants renewing full validity and Border Crossing Card(BCC) /Foil (for Mexican nationals) within the last 12 months from visa expiration
- Also, for B1, B2, B1/B2, and BCC applicants, they must apply from their country of nationality or residence. They should never have been refused a visa, and should have had no other potential or apparent ineligibility.
📌 You can read the full details at: Dropbox Eligibility Ends for H1B, F1, L1 from Sep 2nd: B1/B2 Only, Other Changes, or you can watch the 📹 Video Summary at: No More Dropbox for H1B, F1, L1 After Sep 2, 2025.
Now that you understand the background, let’s look at the changes on the USVisaScheduling.com website
Dropbox Questions Removed on USVisaScheduling.com
As the US Department of State outlined in their press release, they have implemented the changes to the USVisaScheduling.com website, which is used to book US Visa Appointments. Below are the changes:
Dropbox Questions Removed for H1B, L1, F1, Others, except B1/B2
If you are a non-immigrant visa applicant, as per the latest system update, you will not get the option to answer the interview waiver, also called the Dropbox, questions. You will immediately be shown a message that says you are not eligible for the Dropbox/Interview waiver. Below is how the system works:
📌 📺 Watch Video Summary of this article at: 𝗨𝗦𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗡𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Visa Options Screen – No Changes: After you log in and complete your basic profile(no changes to these pages), the first step you will get is to select the relevant Visa Options. This screen has not changed. It remains the same as before.
See the screenshot below on how it looks for someone selecting an H1B Visa.
DS-160 Info, Petition Info Screen – No Changes: Also, the following screen related to filling out the DS-160 information and the Petition Information, like Employer info, Receipt number info screen, has not changed.
It looks like in the screenshot below for someone who selected H1B Visa:
Interview Waivers Not Supported Screen: Right after the above screen, if you have selected any non-immigrant visa, other than B1, B2, or B1/2, in the visa options screen, you will receive a message stating “The Visa Category does not support Interview Waivers.”
This message indicates that you will not be asked any Dropbox or interview waiver questions. It looks like in the screenshot below.
Flow after the message saying your visa category does not support Dropbox:
- After the screen, where you get the message “The Visa Category does not support Interview Waivers.“, you will get an option for adding dependents. This screen has not changed.
- Once you select the dependents and select next, as you do not have any more questions related to Dropbox, you will be taken directly to the screen, where you will select the passport pickup or delivery location. There are no changes to these screens.
- After this screen, you would be taken to the Payment Options screen, where you can make the payment.
- After payment, you will be given the option to select the Biometrics appointment and the Visa Interview appointment. If Visa slots are available, you can book an appointment.
Dropbox Questions for B1, B2, and B1/B2 Visa Holders
If you have selected B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa in the Visa Options screen, you would be asked typical questions related to the Dropbox or Interview Waiver. Most of the questions are the same, and not much has changed.
The only screen that is important is the screen where they ask if the visa expired within the last 12 months or not. One thing they say is you must get the Visa Appointment 15 days before the 12 months since your visa expired. It used to be 7 days, now they have changed it to 15 days. So, ensure you do not cut it too close with the dates. See the screenshot below.
User Experiences Booking an Appointment with Updated System
Many users on our RedBus2US Community Social Media Groups, such as the Telegram US Visa Stamping Group and H1B Facebook Group, have successfully used the new system and booked both Biometrics and Consular Appointments. Below are some of the tips from their experiences :
Close and Start New Application to get New Questions from the Update
If you already have an appointment booking and have not exhausted all rescheduling options, simply click on “Close Application and Start a New Application” to access the new system and new questions. You can see the same on the sidebar, and it looks like in the screenshot below.
No need to make a Payment again, if you have not exhausted rescheduling options
When you get the payments screen, you must select the same payment option that you used initially during the appointment booking or payment. For example, if you selected UPI, you must select UPI again. The system will automatically pick up the payment receipt from your previous payment and get it to the next step for booking an appointment.
If you see any issues with your receipt, you can reach out to the customer support, and they will help you.
Real User Experiences – Screenshots of Their Confirmation Messages, Tips
The following screenshot shows experiences from users who confirm that you must close and start the new application
The following screenshot shows experiences from users who confirm the payment selection options and overall experiences
The following screenshot shows experiences from users who confirm the overall new process is working well and who were able to book the appointments.
Common FAQs
No, the updated system at USVisaScheduling.com does not allow you to book a dropbox appointment, unless you fall under certain B1/B2 applicant meeting some conditions.
No, you do not have to pay the fee again. All you need to do is close and start a new application, the system will allow you to use the old payment receipt and let you book an appointment.
Yes, many users from our social media groups were able to book an appointment using the updated system.
Did you try the new system? What is your experience? Share your experience in the comments section below or ask your question.
I have seen users post messages mentioning that they have been blocked from checking appointments for 24 hours. However, the number of attempts remaining is not displayed – so this makes it more frustrating than it already is!
Is there a limit on how many times you can check appointment availability in a given period?
Hi Sathish,
My son’s ( 10 yrs old) B1/B2 visa expires in Jan’26. I completed the DS-160 form for him, and then created a profile for him on the visa scheduling website. I’ve read all the comments about closing the application and starting a new application, and I’ve tried those, but I see none of the new questions. Im still getting the same old ones – the first is about nationality, the second asks whether the previous visa was issued on or after his 18th bday. If I answer yes, the next few questions lead me to an interview waiver. If I answer no then obviously it doesn’t.
At the same time, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to schedule an appointment for him through my wife’s already existing account, as he was added an a dependent when I renewed her B1/B2 visa.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Can i still book appointments for in-person interview at third country for H1-B renewal if i do not have the dates for the origin country or it would be the origin country?
No way, who cares? Just go to Hyderabad for stamping where a bunch of fake degree certificates holders will be waiting in front of you: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence-sep-6-2025.html
Sai,
It is not suggested as per the new directive. It is risky as well, even if it allows.
Bonjour je cherche du travail avez vous bésions de quelqu’un
I can see slots for chennai but it does not book it when i select it. Is anyone else facing this.
Couple of questions regarding H1B renewal.
1. Do I have to book biometrics appointment as well even if I have completed ten printed?
2. Can I book H1B interview appointment at any US consulate in India or it has to Chennai only. I have read somewhere that only Chennai consulate handles H1B interviews.
Saket,
1. Yes, you have to do it, if you are going for renewal or even first time.
2. Technically, you can book anywhere. There was some centralized processing when we had dropbox at Hyderabad. Not sure, if that applies anymore. If the appointment booking system allows, you can book anywhere. No restriction.