U.S. Ends Visa Dropbox for Most B‑1/B‑2 Applicants; Under‑14 and Over‑79 Must Now Appear In‑Person

In a major policy shift announced on July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has drastically scaled back its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver—or “dropbox”—program. Under the updated rules, effective September 2, 2025, most applicants for B‑1/B‑2 (business and tourist) visas—including children under 14 and seniors over 79—will now be required to attend in-person consular interviews .

▶️ What’s Changed?

Age-based waivers scrapped: Applicants under 14 and over 79 no longer qualify for interview exemptions and will generally need to attend an in-person interview .
Dropbox eligibility narrowed: Now limited only to travelers renewing a full-validity B‑1, B‑2, or B‑1/B‑2 visa—or Mexican Border Crossing Card/Foil—within 12 months of its expiry, who were at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued, and who have had no previous visa refusals or signs of ineligibility. Further, they must apply from their country of nationality or residence .
Broad discretion remains: Even applicants who meet eligibility may still be required to interview at the discretion of visiting consular officers .

▶️ Wider Impact

All visa classes affected except limited diplomacy-related categories: The policy applies to nearly all nonimmigrant visas, including those for tourists, business visitors, students, exchange visitors, and temporary workers. Only holders of diplomatic or official categories such as A‑1/A‑2, G‑1 to G‑4, NATO, C‑3, and TECRO E‑1 remain exempt .
Appointment delays expected: Immigration experts and legal practitioners warn that the elimination of dropbox options will crush appointment slots, especially for foreign workers (H visas), students (F/M/J), and routine B‑visa applicants. This could mean longer wait times, added travel costs, and slower processing timelines for both individuals and organisations .
Expert reaction: U.S.-based immigration attorney Steven Brown characterised the policy as “getting rid of Dropbox for most categories,” leading to “significantly less efficient” renewals and calling the requirement for children to appear “patently absurd” .

▶️ What Travelers & Employers Should Do

Apply sooner rather than later: Those who qualify under the existing waiver rules should submit their applications before September 2, 2025 to avoid mandatory in-person interviews.
Acknowledge new requirements: Even eligible B‑visa renewals must meet strict conditions and could be denied a waiver by consular officers.
Plan for delays: Travellers and companies should anticipate extra lead time for bookings, interviews, and visa issuance.
Monitor local embassy guidance: Appointment availability and requirements remain jurisdiction-specific—so staying updated via your local U.S. embassy or consulate web page is essential.

📝 Summary

Starting September 2, 2025, most B‑1/B‑2 visa applicants, including minors under 14 and seniors over 79, will no longer qualify for dropbox interview waivers. Only a narrow group—those renewing a full-validity B-visa within 12 months under strict conditions—can still qualify. All others must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate, which is expected to increase wait times and affect travelers and employers alike.