Change in Requirements to Qualify for DropBox Appointments in India

Last month, the U.S. Department of State quietly changed the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants in India seeking an interview waiver (commonly referred to as “dropbox” appointments). These changes, which appear to have been made without a formal announcement, are outlined on the U.S. TravelDocs website for India.

Summary of the New Eligibility Criteria

Prior to the change, an applicant potentially could qualify for an interview waiver if they were previously issued a nonimmigrant visa in any classification (with the exception of individuals whose only prior visa was in the B visitor visa category) and were applying within 48 months of the expiration of their most recent nonimmigrant visa, among other requirements. Under the revised criteria, applicants now must have been previously issued a U.S. visa in the same classification as the visa for which they are currently applying and have a prior visa in the same classification that is either still valid or expired within the past 12 months.

Implications for Visa Applicants

This update significantly narrows the pool of applicants eligible for an interview waiver. For instance, individuals applying for an H1B visa who previously were issued a visa in a different classification, such as an F-1 student visa, no longer will qualify for an interview waiver. Similarly, the reduction of the eligibility window from 48 months to 12 months means that many applicants whose visas expired more than a year ago now will be required to attend an in-person visa interview.

Applicants who previously benefited from the broader eligibility criteria need to take into consideration whether they still qualify under the new rules. Those who no longer qualify should plan accordingly, as they may need to schedule an in-person interview, which could result in additional delays due to high demand for visa appointments in India.

Conclusion

These changes underscore the importance of staying informed about U.S. visa policies, which can change without advance notice. Applicants should consult with an experienced immigration attorney if they have questions about their eligibility or require assistance with their visa application.

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