US exempts Drop Box visa facility for THESE countries

WASHINGTON, DC: The United States officially shut down the ‘drop-box‘ facility, or Interview Waiver Program (IWP), for non-immigrant visa applicants from 57 nations.

This will introduce tougher scrutiny, increased waiting time, and additional expenses for students, professionals, and tourists.

What Was the ‘Drop-Box’ System?

The program enabled the eligible applicants to renew visas without the need to show up for a personal interview by providing documents at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
It was extensively utilized by visitors, students, and qualified workers seeking visa renewals.
What Changed on September 2?

The U.S. Department of State has terminated interview waivers for those applying from nations such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

All applicants, students, tourists, or professionals now have to show up in person at an American embassy or consulate.

Who Loses Waiver Privileges?

Previously, waivers were granted to:

• Children under 14 and individuals above 79 years.
• Types like H-1B (special workers), L-1 (firm transfers), F-1 (students), O-1 (exceptional ability), and B-1/B-2 visitor visas.
  From now on, most of them will have to go for interviews, irrespective of whether it is an initial application or a renewal.

Limited Exceptions

• Specific official and diplomatic visas.
• Some types are associated with international organizations.
• A very limited number of B-1/B-2 extensions for full-validity visas.
• Nevertheless, consular officers can require interviews at their discretion.

Anticipated Results

Consulates are now required to schedule a lot more in-person interviews, stretching appointment slots.
One free reschedule provision: Applicants can now reschedule an appointment one time for free, as of January 1. Any additional changes could cost the visa fee again.

Fee Increases Coming Up

I-94 Record Fee: Increasing from $6 to $30 for land arrivals and visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nations.
ESTA Fee: Almost doubling from $21 to $40, for VWP visitors through at least 2034.
Visa Integrity Fee: A New $250 fee is coming later this year for most non-immigrant visas, which will be used to cover increased screening.

Other Restricting Measures

Visa Bonds: Some B-1/B-2 applicants from nations such as Zambia and Malawi are required to deposit $5,000–$15,000, which can only be returned if visa terms are met.

Increased Vetting: Increased document verification and enforced social media checks are delaying approvals.
Fixed Stays Proposal: Proposals to substitute open-ended stays for F-1 (students), J-1 (exchange visitors), and visas (journalists) with fixed entry periods, applying for extension.

H-1B Reforms: A possible 2026 regulation could distribute visas by salary level rather than random lottery—projected to especially impact Indian professionals.

Passport Pickup Rules: For the past several months, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has made passport pickups in person mandatory since August. Parents picking up for minors must deliver signed consent letters; scanned or emailed authorizations are not accepted.