US Visa Changes For Indians – New Rules, Key Updates And What Still Applies
US Visa Changes for Indians seem to happen overnight during Trump’s end term. The United States of America continues to be a popular destination for tourists, students and professionals seeking better job opportunities.
So, if you are planning to travel to the US from India in 2025 or later, whether for work, study or leisure, there are some important updates you should be aware of.
While some old rules still apply, there are new procedures, fees, interview requirements and tighter regulations in place. Here is a quick look at what is changing, what is staying the same and how you can prepare for a smooth visa experience.
Key Takeaways
Only applicants can collect passports in person or pay for delivery; no third-party pickups allowed
A $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to most non-immigrant visas from October 2025.
In-person interviews are now required for almost all applicants; age exemptions have been removed
Indian applicants must schedule interviews only in India; no more bookings in other countries.
The following are the latest rules for Indians applying for a US visa:
1. Applicants Must Collect Their Own Passports
Starting August 1, 2025, only the applicant can collect their passport in person, or they can choose the paid home delivery option. Friends, agents, or relatives will no longer be allowed to collect it on your behalf.
Here are a few important points to remember:
If the applicant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian can collect the passport, but they must submit a physical authority letter signed by both parents.
Scanned or emailed copies of the letter will not be accepted.
So, make sure to plan ahead and select either in-person pickup or home delivery when booking your appointment.
2. Get Your Passport Delivered to Your Door
If you are unable to collect your passport in person, you can opt for home or office delivery through a paid courier service.
The service costs INR 1,200 per applicant.
To use this option, log in to your profile on ustraveldocs.com, go to the delivery preferences section and select the paid delivery option.
3. New Visa Integrity Fee
As part of a new US law passed on July 4, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants will now be required to pay an additional fee of $250.
This new fee will come into effect from October 1, 2025, and is meant to support extra security checks and help cover administrative costs related to visa processing.
Applicants who follow all visa rules may be eligible for a refund of this fee. However, the exact refund process has not been announced yet.
4. Public Social Media Now Required
If you are applying for a US student or exchange visa (F, M or J category), there is an important new rule:
You must now make your social media profiles public. This means:
On your DS-160 visa form, you must list all usernames used in the past 5 years.
Your current social media accounts must be public, so US officials can view your posts, likes, comments and groups.
This change is part of the US government’s enhanced digital screening process.
A few important things to keep in mind:
Don’t delete or deactivate accounts just before applying as it may look suspicious.
Don’t post or share anything violent, hateful or against the US.
Keep usernames consistent across platforms to avoid delays or scrutiny.
5. In-Person Interviews Now Required for Applicants
Starting September 2, 2025, many visa applicants who were previously eligible for the Interview Waiver Program (also known as Dropbox) will now be required to attend an in-person interview.
This change affects several visa categories, including H, L, F, M, J, E and O visas.
Additionally, age-based exemptions are being removed. This means that children under 14 and adults over 79, who were earlier exempt from interviews, must now appear at a US Embassy or Consulate for an interview.
6. No More Visa Interviews Outside India
Previously, many Indian applicants would schedule their US visa interviews in nearby countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka or Singapore to avoid long wait times in India. However, this option is no longer allowed.
From now on, all applicants must book their visa interviews only at U.S. Embassies or Consulates located within India. Interviews in third countries will not be permitted under the new rules.
Applicants are allowed one free rescheduling of the visa interview appointment.
If the appointment is missed or rescheduled a second time, the applicant must book a new appointment and pay the application fee again.
Missing an appointment without cancelling ahead of time can lead to a 120-day lockout, meaning they can’t book a new appointment during that time.
What’s New / Changed for H‑1B Visa
Some major changes have come for H-1B visa applicants of late. Let’s take a look:
USD 100,000 fee for new H‑1B requests: A new rule introduces a one-time fee of $100,000 for new H‑1B visa petitions. This does not apply to people already holding H‑1B visas or those applying for renewals.
Degree must match job role (effective from January 17, 2025): Under the new H‑1B rules, employers must show that the applicant’s degree is directly related to the job role. This means it must specifically match the skills and knowledge required for the position. For example, a Software Engineer should hold a degree in Computer Science or a closely related field.
End of interview waiver (Dropbox) for most applicants: Starting September 2, 2025, most H‑1B applicants will no longer be eligible for the Dropbox (interview waiver) option. They must now attend in-person interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
New visa appointment policy in India: From January 1, 2025, Indian applicants can reschedule their U.S. visa appointment only once without paying an extra fee. If you miss the second appointment, you will have to book a new slot and pay again.
Even with recent updates, many key parts of the U.S. visa process remain the same:
Visa validity: The visa fee is still valid for 365 days from the date of payment.
Visa types & eligibility: The basic visa categories (like student, tourist, work and exchange) and their requirements (such as education, sponsorship, etc.) are still in place.
Appointment booking: You must still book appointments through the official U.S. visa website.
Required documents: The list of necessary documents for each visa type hasn’t changed.
Security & background checks: These are still a standard part of visa processing for all applicants.
Consular Authority: U.S. consular officers still have full discretion. They can ask for more documents or call you for an interview, even if you are eligible for certain waivers.
How Indian Applicants Can Navigate the Latest U.S. Visa Rule Change – Important Tips
If you are applying from India, here are some key tips to help you prepare and feel confident for your interview:
Book your interview early: It is wise to schedule your interview well in advance of your travel date to avoid last-minute stress or confusion.
Understand the interview process: U.S. visa interviews are short but important. The officers will mainly check the following:
Why are you visiting the U.S?
If you plan to return to India.
Whether you can fund your trip.
Make sure you keep your answers clear, honest, and aligned with your application.
Prepare your documents carefully: Make sure all documents are organised and easy to understand.
Be honest and consistent with the information in your application.
Include proof of strong ties to India, like a job, family, property or business.
Carry financial documents that show you can afford your trip.
Be ready to share your social media details: For some visa types, you may need to provide your social media accounts from the past 5 years, so have this information ready.
Don’t miss your interview: You are allowed one free reschedule, so try to use it carefully. If you miss your interview without a valid reason, it could lead to delays or make it harder to get another appointment. It is best to plan ahead and show up on time.
Conclusion
The U.S. visa process for Indian applicants is going through some big changes. With the end of third-party passport collection, a new integrity fee, and stricter interview rules, it is important to stay informed. However, if you plan, follow the rules and use the official resources, you will be better prepared when it is time for your visa interview.
