Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will significantly restrict eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers, commonly referred to as “dropbox” appointments. Under the new policy, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those applying to renew work visas (e.g., L-1, E-2, H1B), will be required to attend an in-person interview at a consular post.

One significant change eliminates the longstanding age-based interview waivers that previously applied to applicants under 14 and over 79 years old. Starting September 2, 2025, these age groups will generally be required to appear for in-person interviews, representing a departure from current practice where younger children and elderly applicants could often avoid the interview requirement. This will likely lead to greater delays in visa appointment scheduling.

If you have any questions on visa appointment scheduling, please contact [email protected]