US Tightens Visa Renewal Rules, Extends Interview Requirements

The U.S. has reintroduced stringent measures for those seeking to renew their visas, particularly impacting H-1B and B1/B2 visa holders. The 'Dropbox' service, which previously allowed for the renewal of visas expired up to 48 months ago without requiring an interview, now only accepts those expired within the last 12 months. This adjustment, which was implemented without formal announcement, has been reported by various English-language media outlets and is already in effect at visa application centers.

Before the pandemic hit, the system for renewing a U.S. visa without an interview mandated that the visa must have expired within the past 12 months. This approach was altered in 2022 with the introduction of the 'Dropbox' system, aimed at mitigating the backlog in visa processing times. However, with the reinstatement of the 12-month rule, Indian visa applicants are facing extended delays. This is especially pronounced in metropolitan areas such as Delhi and Mumbai, where B1/B2 visa applicants are encountering over 440 days' wait for an interview slot. The requirement for more applicants to undergo interviews will inevitably prolong the visa issuance process.