US Visa Policy Changes and its Impact on Applicants from Fifty-Seven Countries Starting September 2025: Find out Who’s Exempt and Who’s Not

Published on September 2, 2025

Starting September 2025, the US has ended the interview waiver system for visa applicants from 57 countries. This policy shift impacts a wide range of non-immigrant visa applicants, including students, workers, and travelers. Those applying for U.S. visas from these countries will now be required to attend in-person interviews, which could lead to longer wait times and higher costs for many.

The End of the Interview Waiver System

The Interview Waiver Program (IWP), commonly referred to as the ‘drop-box’ system, has been a significant convenience for many visa applicants, especially those seeking renewals. Under this system, eligible applicants could submit their documents at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) without needing to attend an in-person interview. As of September 2, 2025, this option is no longer available for applicants from countries like Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Egypt, and several others.

Previously, many applicants, including children under 14, adults over 79, and certain categories like H-1B (skilled workers), L-1 (intra-company transferees), F-1 (students), and B-1/B-2 (visitor) visa holders, were eligible for automatic renewals or a waiver from attending interviews. However, now most of these applicants will be required to appear in person for interviews, regardless of whether it is their first application or a renewal.

Who Is Still Exempt?

Despite the broadening of the interview requirement, there are still some exceptions. Diplomatic visas, certain international organization visas, and a few select renewals for full-validity B-1/B-2 visas may still be processed without an interview. However, it’s important to note that consular officers may still request an interview at their discretion.

Impact on Visa Processing Times and Costs

With the elimination of the interview waiver system, U.S. consulates worldwide will have to manage a significantly higher number of in-person interviews. This will likely lead to longer processing times and an increased demand for available appointment slots. In addition, the overall cost of obtaining a visa may rise due to the additional staffing and processing requirements associated with in-person interviews.

Additional Fee Increases

As of the end of September, two key fees associated with U.S. visas will increase. The I-94 fee, which is required for travelers entering the U.S. by land or from Visa Waiver Program countries, will rise from $6 to $30. Additionally, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee will nearly double, going from $21 to $40 for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries.

New Regulations and Fee Structures

Other changes affecting U.S. visa applicants include:

• Visa Integrity Fee: Starting this fall, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be applied to many non-immigrant visa applicants. This fee aims to fund additional screening and compliance measures but is expected to increase the cost burden on applicants.
• Visa Bond Pilot Program: Some B-1/B-2 applicants from specific countries (such as Malawi and Zambia) will now need to post a bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 at the time of their visa interview. The bond will be refunded if the traveler complies with visa conditions.
• Expanded Vetting: There is also an increased focus on document checks and social media reviews as part of the application process, adding to the overall scrutiny faced by applicants.
• Fixed Stay for Students and Journalists: The U.S. government is considering a proposal to limit the duration of stay for F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors, and media visa holders to a fixed period. This would replace the open-ended ‘duration of status’ system, potentially making extensions more complicated and time-consuming.
• H-1B Visa Reform: A proposed rule aims to prioritize H-1B visa issuance based on salary levels rather than a random lottery system. This is expected to impact applicants from countries like India the most, especially skilled professionals.

Visa Pickup and Third-Party Collection Restrictions

In addition to the interview and fee changes, there has been a notable shift in passport pickup rules. Since August 2025, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has stopped allowing third-party passport collection for visa applicants. Only the applicant or a designated guardian for minors can pick up the passport in person, with a signed consent letter from both parents if needed.

Travel and Tourism Considerations

With these changes, travelers and tourists may face additional hurdles when applying for U.S. visas. The increase in processing times could delay travel plans, especially for those planning to attend business meetings, conferences, or vacation. Therefore, applicants should start their visa applications well in advance to account for potential delays.

Furthermore, travelers from countries that are no longer eligible for the interview waiver will need to prepare for the extra time and expense of attending in-person interviews. This could be particularly challenging for students or workers who are under tight schedules for academic or job-related reasons.

A Changing Visa Landscape

The changes in U.S. visa rules are part of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policies. These regulations are likely to have a significant impact on global mobility, particularly for travelers and skilled professionals from the affected countries. While the aim of the policy shift is to enhance security and compliance, it also raises the cost and complexity of obtaining U.S. visas, particularly for those previously exempt from interviews.