2025/08/02
Latest U.S. Visa Updates in 2025: Interview Waivers, Fee Hikes & New Passport Collection Rules
Planning a trip to the United States in 2025? Then you need to be aware of the latest changes implemented by the U.S. Department of State that significantly impact the visa application process for travelers globally—especially from India. With interview waiver policies being tightened, a new Visa Integrity Fee introduced, and the discontinuation of third-party passport collection, applicants are urged to act early and prepare carefully to avoid delays, additional costs, and last-minute surprises. Whether you're a student, tourist, business traveler, or on a work visa path, these updates could affect your visa journey directly.
Interview Waiver Policy Tightened
From September 2, 2025, the U.S. is scaling back its flexible interview waiver policy that had been in place during the pandemic years. Only a select few categories now qualify for visa renewals without interviews:
• Diplomatic or official visa holders (A, G, C-3, NATO, TECRO E-1)
• B-1/B-2 and Border Crossing Card applicants renewing within 12 months of their previous visa’s expiration
Previously, many travelers could renew their visas within 48 months of expiry without an interview. That benefit has now been removed. Most other applicants—including first-timers, students (F-1/M-1), and employment-based categories (H-1B, L-1)—must now appear for an in-person interview.
This shift is expected to cause longer appointment wait times and higher demand for consular services, especially in peak seasons.
Visa Fee Hike: New $250 Integrity Fee Announced
In a significant move to strengthen visa oversight and security, the U.S. has introduced a $250 Visa Integrity Fee, effective October 1, 2025, for most nonimmigrant visa categories:
• Tourist and business (B-1/B-2)
• Students (F-1/M-1)
• Work visas (H-1B, L-1)
• Exchange programs (J-1)
This fee is in addition to the existing application fee of $185 and the $24 I-94 issuance fee. This brings the total cost per applicant to approximately $460–$470 (or over ₹40,000 in India).
It’s important to note that only travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are exempt, though their ESTA fees are increasing from $21 to $40.
While there are mentions of potential partial refunds of the Integrity Fee for those who strictly follow visa terms and exit the U.S. within five days of expiry, no formal refund mechanism has been publicly confirmed yet.
Passport Collection Policy Update (Effective August 1, 2025)
Another important operational change for Indian applicants is the end of passport collection via representatives:
• As of August 1, 2025, all U.S. visa applicants in India must collect their passports in person from the designated VAC or pickup location.
• For minors (under 18), collection is only allowed by a parent or legal guardian with an original consent letter signed by both parents. Scanned, photocopied, or emailed consent letters will no longer be accepted.
• The previous practice of authorizing third parties—such as relatives, travel agents, or office staff—to collect passports is now fully discontinued.
To ease the inconvenience, applicants can opt for courier delivery through Blue Dart, which is available at a cost of ₹1,200 per applicant. This is a recommended option for those who live far from the collection center or are unable to return in person.
India-Specific Processing and Fee Updates
Visa processing in India has been centralized based on visa categories:
• First-time H and L visa applications: Processed in Hyderabad
• Blanket L visa applications: Processed in Chennai
• Dropbox renewals for B-1/B-2 visas: Only accepted at New Delhi
• Dropbox for H & L renewals: Restricted to Chennai
The premium document delivery service fee was increased earlier this year to ₹1,200 per applicant (up from ₹850), effective February 24, 2025. Regular drop-off at Visa Application Centers (VACs) remains free.
Applicants are allowed to reschedule their visa appointments once without penalty, but additional changes will require repayment and rescheduling of the appointment entirely.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays and Extra Costs
With these new rules taking effect rapidly, travelers are strongly advised to:
• Check your eligibility for an interview waiver
• Book visa appointments well in advance—slots are expected to fill quickly
• Apply before October 1, 2025 to avoid paying the new $250 Integrity Fee
• Choose courier delivery if you cannot collect your passport in person
Staying informed and acting early can save both time and money in this evolving visa environment.
If you need assistance with any Global Visa service, including early U.S. visa appointments, documentation support, or courier coordination, don’t hesitate to reach out to:
Marvel Travels – Corporate & Leisure
Your trusted travel and visa partner for smooth, secure, and hassle-free service.
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