Starting in September, applying for a visa to the United States will be even more difficult than it is now. According to the State Department, this measure eliminates in many cases the automatic interview waivers that had been in place since the pandemic, including those applicable to children under 14 and adults over 79, who must now attend at least one in-person interview. The United States government has announced that the reform to its nonimmigrant visa procedures will take effect on September 2, 2025.
The new reform also includes a more restrictive version of the “Dropbox” program
Although the new regulations are stricter, some specific exemptions remain, primarily in the following categories: applicants for diplomatic and official visas: A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1. Renewals of B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas and Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican citizens are also exempt, under certain conditions.
In addition, the new reform also includes a more restrictive version of the “Dropbox” program, which will prevent the use of this mechanism for visa reissues in categories such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, J-1, O-1, and their dependents. According to the statement, the objective of requiring all interested parties to appear in person at the consulate in their city is to strengthen in-person verification and security controls during the visa process.
The renewal application must be submitted within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa
To qualify for a waiver in the renewal process, the Department of State established strict criteria. For example, the renewal application must be submitted within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa. The applicant must also have been at least 18 years of age at the time of obtaining the previous visa. The application must be submitted from the country of nationality or current residence. The applicant must have no previous visa rejections, unless they have been waived or waived. And, of course, they must have no identified criminal record or ineligibility factors.
These measures include the proposed $250 “visa integrity fee” for all nonimmigrant visa applicants
This new policy builds on other measures adopted by the Trump administration in 2025. These measures include the proposed $250 “visa integrity fee” for all nonimmigrant visa applicants and the implementation of a pilot program that could require security deposits, or “bonds,” of between $5,000 and $15,000 from travelers from countries with high rates of unlawful stay or weak document controls.
Even meeting all these criteria does not mean that consular authorities cannot retain the authority to request an interview if they deem it necessary. According to the State Department itself, the change is intended to restore pre-pandemic standards and strengthen fraud prevention measures to increase the effectiveness of consular officers’ investigations.
It is very important to start the process early, especially if it involves renewing under the new conditions
For all these reasons, the government recommends that all those interested in traveling to the United States take a series of issues into account. First, consult the official website of the corresponding embassy or consulate, as the processes and requirements may vary by region. Furthermore, it is very important to start the process early, especially if it involves renewing under the new conditions. And prepare for an in-person interview, the main change in the reform.
In any case, and despite the fact that regulations are constantly changing, it is essential to stay constantly informed in case of unexpected changes. Therefore, it is recommended to always consult official sources and try to find information on government websites or private companies that offer reliable information. And if you have any questions, visit a physical government office, whether it’s the immigration office or the consulate in your country of origin, to avoid any confusion.
