Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. will reinstate mandatory interviews for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including H, L, F, M, and J categories. Learn who is exempt, what the Dropbox program cancellation means, and how it will impact travelers and employers

New rules will take effect in the United States on September 2, 2025: Almost all applicants for nonimmigrant visas will be required to have an in-person interview at a consulate. The State Department is reversing its policy of mass interview waivers that were in place during the pandemic and reinstating stricter controls.

These changes apply to both new applicants and those planning to renew existing visas – including H, L, F, M and J visas. For many travelers and employers, this means additional costs, longer wait times and a more complicated process.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

What is a “waiver of interview”?

A waiver of interview allowed certain categories of applicants to renew or obtain U.S. visas without having to visit a consulate in person. The procedure greatly simplified the application process, saved time and was widely used in 2020-2024 thanks to the Dropbox program.

The new policy almost completely eliminates this practice.

Who is now required to be interviewed?

- All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79.

- Virtually all visa categories, including H, L, F, M, and J.

Exceptions become very limited.

Who can still avoid an interview?

Only a small group of individuals remain exempt from the new requirement:

1. Diplomatic and official visa holders;

2. Applicants in categories A-1, A-2, C-3 (except escort), G-1 - G-4, NATO-1 - NATO-6;

3. TECRO E-1 visa holders;

4. Applicants for renewal of B-1, B-2, B1/B2, or Mexican border crossing cards if they:

- apply within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa;

- were over 18 years of age at the time of issuance;

- apply in their country of citizenship or permanent residence;

- have no visa refusals;

- have no obvious grounds for disqualification.

Important: Even if the applicant meets all the requirements, the consular officer may still invite him for a personal interview.

Why is the US changing the policy?

According to the State Department, the abolition of broad privileges is intended to enhance security and give consular officers more flexibility in determining risks.

However, lawyers and experts point to other consequences. Attorney Stephen Brown notes:

“They are effectively eliminating Dropbox for most categories. This will increase wait times for appointments and significantly reduce the efficiency of visa renewals. In addition, the interview requirement for children is frankly absurd.”

Practical implications for travelers and employers

For applicants:

- mandatory in-person interviews even for standard renewals;

- longer wait times at consulates;

- additional costs for travel to the consulate;

- no automatic exemption for children and the elderly.

For employers:

- risk of delays in returning employees after vacation or visa renewals;

- complications for exchange, internship and training programs;

- the need to review project and travel schedules;

- more administrative work for HR and legal departments.

What to do now?

For applicants:

- Check your eligibility: find out if you qualify for any exceptions.

- Apply by September 2, 2025, if you can still take advantage of the current benefits.

- Book interviews in advance - in countries with high demand (India, Mexico, Philippines), places are sold out months in advance.

- Follow the official websites of consulates, where there may be local features of the procedure.

For employers:

- Inform employees about the new rules in advance;

- Adjust travel and hiring plans;

- Build buffer time into schedules;

- Consult with lawyers or immigration advisors to minimize risks.

The abolition of benefits for interviews in the US is a serious step back from the simplifications that were in effect during the pandemic. On the one hand, it increases control and security, but on the other hand, it creates more bureaucracy, delays and inconvenience for travelers and businesses.

If the USA is in your plans, take care of your visa in advance. The new rules make this process longer and more complicated, so preparing in advance will help avoid unpleasant surprises.

In difficult situations, seek advice from qualified specialists. Visit World lawyers are your reliable support during migration abroad!

Reminder! Form I-485, officially known as the "Application for Registration of Permanent Residence or Change of Status". We have already told you who is entitled to fill out Form I-485, the list of required documents, the procedure for applying for a Green Card and other important details.

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