New rules for US visas from India: What has changed and what stays the same

IF you are thinking of applying for a U.S. visa from India, there are a few important updates to keep in mind.

The visa process is seeing several changes, including a new fee introduced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and updated procedures from the U.S. Embassy in India for passport collection and visa renewals.

These adjustments will come into effect over the next few months, so it is essential for applicants to understand them fully to avoid any hiccups during the process.

Major Changes In U.S. Visa For Indians:

1. No More Third-Party Passport Collection

Starting August 1, 2025, third parties will not be allowed to pick up passports from visa application centres, except for applicants under 18 years of age.

Requirement for Applicants: You must either collect your passport in person or choose the paid delivery service.

For Minors: A parent or guardian can collect the passport, but a letter of authority signed by both parents is mandatory. Copies sent by email or scanned versions will not be accepted.

2. Optional Paid Passport Delivery

The Embassy has introduced a service to have passports delivered directly to your home or office.

Cost: ₹1,200 per applicant
How to Use: Log in to your account on ustraveldocs.com and update your delivery preferences to select this option.

3. Introduction of Visa Integrity Fee

A new fee is being introduced under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed on July 4, 2025.

Amount: $250 for most non-immigrant visa applications

When It Applies:Expected from October 1, 2025

Purpose: To support additional security screening, improve visa process integrity, and offset administrative costs. Applicants who comply with visa regulations may be eligible for a refund, though the process is yet to be detailed.

4. Changes to the Interview Waiver Program

The U.S. Department of State will reduce the scope of the Interview Waiver Program (Dropbox) from September 2, 2025.

Impact: Most applicants who previously could skip in-person interviews will now need to appear at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Affected Visas: H, L, F, M, J, E, and O categories

Age Exemptions Removed: Children under 14 and adults over 79 must now attend interviews in person.

5. Visa Categories That Are Still Exempt

Some categories are not affected by these changes and do not require in-person interviews:

A-1 and A-2 visas
Certain C-3 visas
G-1 to G-4 visas
NATO-1 to NATO-6 visas
TECRO E-1 visa

What Remains Unchanged?

Visa Fee Validity: Payments are still valid for 365 days
Appointment Scheduling: You can continue booking appointments through the official portal
Document Requirements: The list of required documents remains unchanged

What To Do If Your Dropbox Appointment Was Cancelled?

If your Dropbox appointment for August or September 2025 has been cancelled:

Check the official cancellation notice in your email

Log in to your visa profile and reschedule

Complete the updated eligibility questions and restart the process

Paid MRV receipts can be used to schedule or reschedule appointments once. As per the Lexology report, the Embassy has confirmed that a cancelled appointment does not count against the allowed reschedules, giving applicants flexibility.

Summary:

Change Category    Effective Date    Details

Third-Party Passport Collection    August 1, 2025    In-person collection or paid delivery only; minors allowed via letter of authority

Paid Passport Delivery    August 1, 2025: ₹1,200 for home/office delivery; update preferences online

Visa Integrity Fee: October 1, 2025, $250 for most non-immigrant visas; in addition to the standard fee

Interview Waiver Program    September 2, 2025    Most applicants must attend in-person interviews; age exemptions removed

Always check the official U.S. Embassy or Consulate websites for the latest instructions.