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Original Date Announced
February 18, 2025The Department of State (DOS) updated the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview (sometimes referred to as "dropbox" eligibility). The updated guidelines reduce the window of eligibility so that only applicants whose visas have expired within 12 months of their renewal application and only those renewing a visa in the same nonimmigrant category can qualify for a visa interview waiver.
Trump 2.0 [ID #1561]
2025.02.18_Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver UpdateEffective Date
February 18, 2025Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant VisasAgencies Affected: DOS Bureau of Consular AffairsAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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New Policy
Original Source:
Interview Waiver Update
To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com
To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com
Commentary
U.S. Visa Dropbox Eligibility Reverts to Pre-COVID Standard, More Applicants Will Need In-Person Interviews
The National Law Review reports on how the change will impact H-1B and other nonimmigrant visa holders.
Go to articleDOS Announces Dropbox Eligibility Reduced to 12 Months
JD Supra reports on the interview eligibility change, noting that this update followed "reports of Visa Application Centers turning away applicants who no longer meet the revised criteria." The shift means "more applicants will need to schedule and attend in-person visa interviews, potentially increasing wait times at U.S. consulates worldwide."
Go to article