New US Visa Rules Effective September 2: Key Details

As of September 2, 2025, the US State Department has implemented significant changes to visa processing that will affect a large number of applicants, including those who were previously exempt from in-person interviews.

The most notable change is the termination of the ‘drop-box’ system, also known as the Interview Waiver Program (IWP), for non-immigrant visa applicants from 57 countries.

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This system allowed eligible applicants to submit renewal documents at designated Visa Application Centres without attending an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Now, applicants from countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, and Venezuela must appear in person for their visa interviews.

This shift is expected to lead to longer wait times for appointments and higher costs for travelers, students, and skilled workers.

Previously, exemptions for interviews were granted to children under 14, adults over 79, and many skilled workers, but most applicants will now be required to attend an in-person interview regardless of whether they are applying for the first time or renewing their visas.

In addition to the interview changes, other visa-related costs are also increasing. The fee for the I-94 arrival and departure record will rise from 6to6 to 6to30, and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee will nearly double from 21to21 to 21to40.

These changes are part of a broader tightening of U.S. visa policies, which also includes the introduction of a new $250 visa integrity fee for many applicants and stricter document checks.

Travelers and visa applicants are advised to stay informed about these developments as they navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. visa regulations.

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