New U.S. Visa Rules: Interviews Return, Wait Times To Rise For Indians

The new U.S. visa rules tighten non-immigrant processing by making in-person interviews the norm and requiring applications in your home country, ending third-country “visa shopping.” Expect longer queues in India as interview waivers narrow and paperwork standards rise. Students and exchange visitors face closer vetting and stricter compliance. Passport return is largely self-pickup or paid delivery.

1. In-person Interviews

• Almost everyone must go to the U.S. embassy or consulate for a face-to-face interview with a consular officer.
• This includes younger children and older adults who used to be exempt more often.
• The popular “Dropbox” (interview-waiver) option is now much narrower, so many people who skipped interviews before will need one now.

2. Where you apply is restricted

• You’re expected to schedule your visa interview in your country of nationality or country of residence.
• Applying in a third country just to find a faster date, often called “visa shopping”, is not possible now.

3. India-specific passport pickup

• In many cases, third-party passport collection has been discontinued. Most applicants must pick up their own passport or pay for courier delivery.

4. Extra checks for some categories

• Screening and background reviews are stricter, especially for students and exchange visitors.
• Authorities have recently revoked some student visas for rule violations such as irregular attendance or unauthorised work.
• Some programs now come with tighter limits on how long you can stay unless you extend or move to a new status.

5. Visitor visa bond pilot in limited places

• A small, temporary pilot requires certain B-1/B-2 travellers from specific countries with high overstay rates to post a refundable bond. This does not apply broadly and can change.

What does it mean for Indian travellers?

This section focuses on new U.S. visa rules for indians so you can plan better.

• Expect more time: Because interviews are required more often and you must apply where you live or are a national, appointment queues can grow. If you’re waiting for a visa, build extra buffer time into your plans and keep an eye on multiple consular locations in India.
• Fewer shortcuts. With “visa shopping” reduced and fewer interview waivers, the process has more steps. So no more shortcuts.
• Passport logistics. If third-party pickup is not allowed for your case, plan for self-collection or budget for delivery.
• Students and exchange visitors. Prepare for added document checks, proof of funds, enrollment, strong ties to your home country, and clean compliance with school and visa rules.

If you’ve been searching online for new U.S. visa rules for Indians, remember the guidance applies to Indian citizens regardless of where you read it; always follow the instructions given by the embassy or consulate handling your case.

Who still might skip an interview?

A few narrow categories may still qualify for an interview waiver (for example, certain official/diplomatic cases or specific short-window renewals). But these are limited, and the officer can still ask you to come in.

Step-by-step tips

1. Start early: Book your appointment as soon as you can. Under the new U.S. visa rules, earlier planning gives you more flexibility if you need to reschedule.
2. Apply in the right place: Schedule your interview in your country of nationality or your current country of residence.
3. Prepare for the interview: Bring solid proof of your travel purpose, job, ties to India, and finances. Be consistent with your forms and answers.
4. Students should get documents in order: Keep your school paperwork, fee receipts, and funding proofs neat and accessible. Follow all campus and work rules strictly.
5. Track updates: For News on U.S. visa topics and policy tweaks, check official announcements so you don’t miss anything.
6. Plan passport return: Know whether you must pick it up yourself or pay for delivery.
7. Stay organised if you’re renewing: If you think you qualify for a waiver under the tighter rules, read the eligibility details carefully before assuming you can skip the interview.