As of February 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has reduced the eligibility period for the Interview Waiver (Dropbox) program from 48 months to 12 months. This change means that applicants whose U.S. visas expired more than 12 months ago are no longer eligible for an interview waiver and must schedule an in-person visa interview.  

For those who have already secured Dropbox appointments already and are no longer eligible due to the change, they must cancel their Dropbox appointments and book new appointments with interviews. This policy shift was implemented without prior notice, leading to increased demand for in-person interview slots and extended wait times, which may now extend for several months. 

While the Department of State has not officially linked this change to recent executive actions, it coincides with a series of immigration-related executive orders issued by President Donald Trump since January 20, 2025. These orders include measures aimed at enhancing vetting procedures and tightening visa issuance protocols. Given the potential connection between these executive actions and the revised interview waiver policy, applicants are advised to: 

• Verify Eligibility: Confirm whether your previous visa expired within the new 12-month window before applying for a waiver. 

• Adjust Travel Plans: If you no longer qualify for the interview waiver, anticipate potential delays and plan accordingly. 

• Stay Informed: Monitor official channels for updates on visa policies and processing times. 

For more information, visit: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/nonimmigrant-visa