With the registration period for H-1B visas for the 2026 financial year nearing, the United States has announced new changes for interviews.
1 / 6The United States has reduced the eligibility window for visa interview waivers, bringing it down from 48 months to 12 months. This comes at a time when the initial registration for fiscal year 2026 commences on March 7 and runs through March 24, 2025. (Image CNBCTV18.com file)
2 / 6Here are the changes you must know: The US Department of State has updated consular websites with the revised eligibility requirements for visa applicants in India. With immediate effect, the Visa Interview Waiver, also known as the ‘Dropbox’ process, has been limited to 12 months for applicants renewing a visa. (Image Reuters)
3 / 6Earlier, applicants were eligible to renew their visas with the Dropbox system in case they held an approved non-immigrant visa in any category that expired within the past 48 months. (Image Shutterstock)
4 / 6The 48-month eligibility process was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to clear consular backlogs and was expected to remain in place for an indefinite period. With the current changes, applicants’ prior visas could expire only up to 12 months. Those not meeting the requirement will need to reschedule for an in-person visa interview. (Image CNBCTV18.com file)
5 / 6The change in visa waiver is expected to have a significant impact on H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other non-immigrant visa holders. The new rules might result in increased demand for in-person appointments at US consulates, longer wait times for visa interviews, possible disruptions for business travellers and professionals who need swift renewals, and a major impact on Indian students in the US. (Image Nasscom)
6 / 6The new visa renewal rules came on the heels of a new set of rules introduced by the US Department of Homeland Security. (Image Reuters)
