Interview Waivers Are Gone: What the End of the “Dropbox” Program Means for Your Visa Renewal

The "Dropbox" program (officially the Interview Waiver Program) allowed eligible visa renewal applicants in certain categories to submit their documents at a Visa Application Center (VAC) without an in-person consular interview. This streamlined process was available to applicants whose previous visa was in the same category and who met specific criteria, including age and recent biometric data collection.

Visa renewal process in focus as interview waivers end; travelers prepare for new requirements.

1. What Was the Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Program?

The Dropbox program was really helpful because it let people who were eligible renew their United States visa without having to go to a meeting at the consulate. This was a deal, for people who needed to renew their U.S. Visa. The Dropbox program made it easy for them to renew their U.S. Visa.

People who wanted to apply only had to:

• Submit documents at a Visa Application Center (VAC)

• Skip the embassy interview entirely

It was mainly available to:

• Same visa category renewals

• Applicants with recent visa expirations

• Individuals with clean travel and immigration history

2. What Has Changed Now?

The Interview Waiver Program was made bigger for a while but that is over now. This means the Interview Waiver Program has a lot people who can use it. The Interview Waiver Program is not available, to many people as it was before.

• Mandatory Interviews are going to be necessary. This rule is effective on or around September 2 2025. You should check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for the exact local date. Most people who want a visa, including those who want to renew their nonimmigrant visa will have to go to an in-person interview with a consular officer, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The nonimmigrant visa applicants will have to attend this interview.

• The End of Broad Renewal Waivers is a change. The renewal waiver that people with H visas L visas, F visas, M visas, J visas and O visas could use before is much gone now. This End of Broad Renewal Waivers affects people, with these types of visas including H visas, L visas, F visas, M visas, J visas and O visas.

3. Who Is Affected by the End of Dropbox?

• H-1B, L-1, and F-1 renewal applicants who previously qualified for interview waivers

• People who renewed their visas for the type of visa within the last 48 months are considered. These applicants had their visas renewed in the category. The visas were renewed within the 48 months.

• People who had given their biometrics before like fingerprints or pictures of their face these individuals had already provided their biometrics. The ones who had previously provided biometrics will have their information, on file.

• First-time applicants in any category (who never qualified)
  

4. Who Might Still Qualify for an Interview Waiver?

• There are some exceptions, to this rule that we should know about. These exceptions are limited. They may include:

• Certain diplomatic and government officials

• Applicants with life-threatening medical emergencies (case-by-case basis)

• Specific countries may have bilateral agreements providing limited exceptions

5. What This Means for Visa Applicants

People who want to apply should get ready for:

• Longer appointment wait times

• Mandatory embassy interviews

• More detailed questioning

• Stricter document verification

Visa renewal is no longer automatic or guaranteed.

6. VAC vs. Embassy Interview – What to Expect Now

• The renewal process for applicants is going to go back to the usual way of doing things, which is a two-step process, for the renewal. This means that most applicants will have to follow the two-step process when they renew.

• The first thing you need to do is go to the Visa Application Center or the place where you drop off your documents. This is usually where they take your fingerprints and a photo of you. You will go to the Visa Application Center to do this. You might have to go on a different day than when you have your interview, at the consulate. The Visa Application Center is where you give them your fingerprints and photo.

• Embassy/Consulate Interview: On your scheduled interview date, you will attend the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the in-person meeting with a Consular Officer. This is where the officer will review your case, documents, and determine your eligibility.

7. How to Prepare for Your Visa Renewal Interview

• Documentation: Bring current I-797 (H-1B), I-20 (F-1), or I-797 (L-1), recent pay stubs, employment verification, and transcripts

• Evidence of ties: Documents showing continued ties to home country

• Previous records: Copies of prior visas and entry stamps

• When you need help from the company support team for your H-1B or L-1 you should bring an updated letter from your employer and the documents that the petitioner has. This is important for the H-1B and L-1. The company support team will need to see these documents, for the H-1B and L-1.

• Study plans: For F-1, bring updated financial documents and academic progress evidence

8. Common Reasons Renewals Are Now Getting Delayed or Refused

• Assuming renewal is guaranteed

• Weak explanation of current employment or study plans

• Inconsistent answers compared to previous applications

• Missing, outdated, or incorrect documents

• Over-explaining or giving unnecessary details

Good Luck