Beginning September 2, the United States will end the widely used Interview Waiver Programme, also known as the “Dropbox” facility, for most non-immigrant visa categories, including H-1B, L1, and F1 visas. This change means the majority of applicants will now have to attend in-person interviews at US embassies or consulates. The move is expected to have a significant impact on Indian tech professionals, who represent the largest share of H-1B visa recipients worldwide. Experts have warned that this shift could lead to longer wait times for visa appointments, potential travel disruptions, and even the risk of losing work authorisation if applicants cannot return to the US in time. They recommend early application planning and careful monitoring of available interview slots to minimise potential setbacks.
The Dropbox programme has long been a convenience for eligible travellers, enabling them to bypass in-person interviews and submit documents at a designated location. Under the new rules, only a limited set of applicants will still qualify for interview waivers. These include individuals applying for diplomatic or official visas, such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants or servants), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1 categories. Additionally, those renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or combined B1/B2 visa—or Border Crossing Cards for Mexican nationals—within 12 months of expiry may also qualify, provided their previous visa was issued when they were at least 18 years old.
For Indian tech workers, the change could create significant professional challenges. In 2022, Indian nationals secured 77% of all approved H-1B visas, and in fiscal year 2023, they accounted for 72.3% of the total 386,000 visas issued. These visas are essential for staffing many Silicon Valley companies, including tech giants such as Meta, Apple, and Google. Experts say that without the Dropbox option, delays in scheduling and completing interviews could leave many workers stranded abroad. Bill Hing, a law and migration studies professor at the University of San Francisco, cautioned that visa holders may face costly disruptions if they are unable to return to work promptly, especially if they are travelling from countries far from the US.
Immigration lawyers share similar concerns. Kelli Duehning of BAL immigration law firm’s San Francisco office predicted that wait times at US consulates in India will “get very, very long,” potentially resulting in job losses if applicants cannot secure timely appointments. Audrea Golding, an immigration lawyer from San Jose, California, expects a surge in appointment demand, causing additional delays. She advised applicants to ensure their documents are fully prepared before attending an interview to avoid further complications.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, California has the highest number of H-1B visa holders, with over 61,000 residents under this status. The annual H-1B visa cap remains at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 exemptions for individuals holding advanced degrees from US universities. With the elimination of the Dropbox programme for most applicants, the coming months could bring heightened strain on both US consular resources and the global tech workforce that depends heavily on this visa pathway.
