Starting September 2, most applicants for US non-immigrant visas — including H-1B, L1, and F1 — will be required to attend in-person interviews at US embassies or consulates, ending the widely used “Dropbox” interview waiver program. The change is expected to hit Indian tech professionals the hardest, as they make up the majority of H-1B recipients worldwide.
The Dropbox facility had allowed eligible travelers to renew visas by submitting documents without appearing for an interview, often completing the process within weeks. Experts warn that the new rules will significantly lengthen processing times, potentially delaying travel and risking work permit loss for those unable to return to the US promptly.
Only a limited group of applicants will remain eligible for interview waivers, such as certain diplomatic and official visa categories, and those renewing specific visitor visas within 12 months of expiration.
In 2022, Indian nationals accounted for 77% of all approved H-1B visas, and 72.3% in 2023. Immigration specialists say the requirement could create a severe appointment backlog at US consulates in India, jeopardizing employment for thousands of skilled workers in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Legal experts advise early planning, complete documentation, and constant monitoring of appointment slots to minimize delays once the rule takes effect. With companies like Meta, Apple, and Google among the top H-1B sponsors, the change could have ripple effects across the US tech sector.