US Ends ‘Dropbox’ Visa Waivers — Even Children Now Require Interviews

(UNITED STATES) The U.S. Department of State has ended the visa interview waiver program, widely known as “Dropbox,” for most nonimmigrant applicants worldwide, effective September 2, 2025. Announced on July 25, 2025, the change requires nearly all applicants — including children under 14 and adults over 79 who once qualified for waivers — to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates. The rule covers both first-time applications and most renewals in categories including H-1B, L-1, F-1, M-1, J-1, O-1, E-1, E-2, TN, and their dependents.

Policy shift ends interview waivers worldwide

Under the pandemic-era expansion, many travelers could renew visas without interviews to help clear backlogs. That flexibility is now being rolled back.

The Department states the change aims to “enhance visa integrity and security,” signaling tighter screening after several years of temporary relief. Immigration attorneys describe this as the most restrictive interpretation of the waiver rules in recent years, closing the door on routine Dropbox renewals that families and employers had come to rely on.

Categories now affected

The end of Dropbox applies broadly across work, study, exchange, and treaty categories. Affected classifications include:

• H-1B and H-4
• L-1 and L-2
• F-1, M-1, and J-1 (and dependents)
• O-1 and O-3
• E-1/E-2 treaty traders and investors (and dependents)
• TN for Canadian and Mexican professionals

Age-based exemptions are removed. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are now generally expected to appear for interviews — a marked shift from long-standing practice.

Implementation timeline and official rationale

• Announcement: July 25, 2025 (Department of State)
• Effective date: September 2, 2025
• Earlier tightening: In February 2025, the government limited waivers to renewals within 12 months of visa expiry and excluded first-time applicants. The new action effectively ends the program for most categories regardless of prior visa history.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the shift reflects a sustained move toward in-person vetting and more uniform global standards after temporary pandemic measures.

Limited exceptions and country nuances

A narrow set of exceptions remains. For example, certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa renewals or Border Crossing Cards for Mexican nationals may still qualify under specific consular criteria. These carve-outs are limited and vary by post.

Travelers should check the State Department’s official visa news and their local embassy’s instructions for any country-specific pathways still open.

Impact on travelers, families, and employers

The decision immediately affects planning for international workers, students, and families:

• Longer wait times: Interview backlogs and security reviews will likely stretch timelines, especially in high-demand posts.
• Higher travel costs: Applicants must budget for trips to consulates, possible hotel stays, and time away from work or school.
• Family logistics: Parents can no longer rely on mail-in renewals for kids; entire families may need joint appointments.
• Business disruption: U.S. employers may face delays in returning H-1B and L-1 staff to projects. Students and exchange visitors could see program start dates pressured by interview availability.

A common scenario: an F-1 student who previously used Dropbox now must secure an in-person slot before fall classes. Missed appointments could force late arrivals or deferrals.

What applicants should do now

With Dropbox largely off the table, preparation matters more than ever. Key steps:

1. Plan early: Book interview slots as soon as possible — months in advance at busy posts.
2. Complete the DS-160: Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application carefully and keep your confirmation barcode. Official form: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
3. Gather documents: Passport, prior U.S. visas, employment or school letters, I-20/DS-2019 as applicable, proof of ties, and fee receipts.
4. Expect extra checks: Officers may conduct additional reviews, including social media screening. Be ready to explain your travel purpose, ties abroad, and maintenance of status.
5. Budget for fees: Regular MRV fees still apply. The Department also plans a new visa integrity fee once implemented under recent legislation; watch for updates before paying.

Important: Prepare for more extensive documentation and potential administrative processing. Early planning can reduce the risk of missed start dates or travel disruptions.

Consular capacity and processing outlook

The State Department acknowledges the heavier workload. Removing interview waivers increases officer time per case and adds extra security vetting steps.

• Countries with large H and F visa pipelines could see the longest waits.
• Some posts may add appointment capacity, but the near-term picture points to tighter calendars and more administrative processing after interviews.
• Applicants should avoid nonessential international trips if their visa stamp will expire soon.
• Employers should brace for longer lead times on travel approvals.

Legal and policy context

• Pandemic-era expansion: Waivers were widened to reduce backlogs and keep travel moving when in-person services were limited.
• February 2025 narrowing: Waiver eligibility shrank to certain recent renewals.
• Current end-state: As of September 2, 2025, the program is effectively closed for most categories, regardless of prior U.S. visa history, with limited exceptions left in place.
• Forthcoming costs: A visa integrity fee, authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is expected. Applicants should monitor official channels so they don’t miss a new required payment step once it rolls out.

For the Department’s public notice and ongoing updates, see the official visa news page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html

Practical scenarios and workarounds

• H-1B employee on home leave: Book an interview before travel or plan added time abroad. Coordinate with HR for project coverage in case of delays.
• F-1 student renewing abroad: Secure a slot early, carry your I-20 with a recent travel signature, and bring proof of funding and enrollment. Be ready to show continued full-time study.
• J-1 researcher on a tight grant timeline: Ask your program to provide documentation showing project dates and the harm of delay. Strong evidence can support the officer’s review (though it doesn’t guarantee speed).
• Families with minors: Schedule family appointments together when possible to reduce repeat trips and keep case facts consistent.

Stakeholder guidance and next steps

Immigration lawyers advise setting internal timelines assuming interview-based processing. Recommendations:

• Schools may need to adjust onboarding windows for F and J arrivals.
• Employers should issue travel letters explaining the need for timely return and consider staggering trips for critical teams.
• Applicants with flexible travel should choose posts with shorter queues.
• If administrative processing arises, keep records of all requests and respond quickly.

As of today, there’s no sign the United States 🇺🇸 plans to reverse this shift soon. The Department frames the change as a permanent reset toward in-person screening. For travelers and employers, the path forward is careful planning, accurate filings, and extra time.