New US Visa Rules: In-Person Interviews Now Mandatory for Most Indian Students

by MalatiMajhi

Image source: Times of India400×225 7.18 KB

From September 2, 2025, the US will tighten visa rules, directly impacting Indian students, particularly those renewing visas or traveling from the UAE for holidays or short visits.

The US Department of State has announced that most non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, will now need to attend in-person interviews, reversing the relaxed norms introduced during COVID-19.

What This Means for Indian Students

Student holiday travel or family visits (on B1/B2 visas) may now face longer wait times.

No automatic exemptions are provided for children or elderly parents traveling with students.

Visa renewals will only qualify for interview waivers if:

Applied within 12 months of expiry.

Done from home/residence country.

No past visa refusals or red flags.

Even if you meet all the criteria, the US consulate can still call you for an interview.

F-1 students using Dropbox (interview waiver) for visa renewal, especially those travelling to India, must also prepare for possible in-person appointments. The relaxed waiver policy has been rolled back, which could impact holiday plans and re-entry timelines.

What You Should Do

Check the US embassy/consulate websites in India for slots and document lists.

Plan early if you’re traveling during semester breaks or winter holidays.

Be ready for longer queues and extra paperwork.

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Source: TOI