US Visa Changes New Update: In-Person Interviews Required for H-1B, F-1 Applicants From September 2025

01 Sep 2025 By travelandtourworld

This decision also responds to concerns about the integrity of the visa system and the need to more effectively manage the growing number of visa applicants. By requiring in-person interviews, the government aims to enhance scrutiny of applicants, ensure compliance with US immigration laws, and reduce potential abuses of the visa system.

The new rule will primarily affect applicants for the H-1B visa (used by skilled workers) and the F-1 visa (for international students). These two categories are among the most common non-immigrant visa types issued by the United States. Under the new rules, all applicants in these categories will be required to attend in-person interviews at US embassies or consulates, even if they are renewing their visas.

Previously, certain age groups were exempt from the interview requirement. Children under 14 and adults over 79 were not required to attend interviews, but under the new rules, these age groups will now need to participate in interviews unless they meet specific exemption criteria. This change will impact thousands of applicants annually, increasing the overall number of interviewees.

Despite the broad application of the new rule, some visa categories will still qualify for interview waivers. For instance, applicants applying for diplomatic visas (A-1, A-2), certain official visas (C-3, G-1 to G-4), and NATO visas (NATO-1 to NATO-6) may still be eligible for an interview waiver. Additionally, applicants renewing a full-validity B-1/B-2 tourist visa within 12 months of expiration may qualify for a waiver under specific conditions.

The most notable impact, however, will be on the H-1B and F-1 visa categories, where the interview requirement is now mandatory for all applicants, regardless of their age or previous visa status. This is expected to result in a surge in the number of applicants attending interviews, which will likely lead to longer wait times for visa appointments.

The changes to the US visa process, including the mandatory in-person interviews for H-1B and F-1 visa applicants, will officially take effect from September 2025. The transition from the current waiver system to the new in-person interview policy will likely create a backlog of applications and increase wait times for visa appointments. Applicants are strongly advised to plan their visa applications well in advance to accommodate potential delays in the process.

With the end of the Dropbox interview waiver program, applicants will now face longer processing times as more people are required to attend interviews. This increased demand for in-person interviews is expected to extend waiting periods for visa appointments, particularly at busy US embassy locations like those in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. As a result, individuals planning to travel to the US for work, study, or tourism will need to schedule their interviews earlier than before to secure a timely appointment.

The new ruleÃ¢Â€Â™s implementation will also affect those renewing visas, especially the H-1B and F-1 visa categories. The US embassy in India, along with others around the world, is expected to see a significant rise in the volume of visa interview requests. This may lead to longer wait times for applicants to receive their visas, and potential delays in travel plans for those who need their visas processed quickly.

Work visas, such as the H-1B, have also seen a price hike, with the filing fee now reaching approximately Rs 65,000. Premium processing services for faster visa processing now cost over Rs 2.3 lakh in some cases. These fee increases add to the financial burden on those applying for visas, especially those applying for work permits and student visas.

Given the increased number of interviewees and the rising visa fees, applicants are encouraged to start the application process as early as possible to ensure timely processing of their visas. This proactive approach will help minimize the impact of extended wait times and avoid any last-minute delays. Furthermore, applicants should remain aware of the new fee structures, including the additional Visa Integrity Fee, and be prepared for the associated costs.

In conclusion, the shift to mandatory in-person interviews for most non-immigrant visa categories, along with the increase in visa application fees, marks a significant change in US immigration policy. While the changes will help strengthen the visa process, applicants will need to plan ahead to navigate the extended waiting times and higher costs that are now part of the visa application process.