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Nonimmigrant Visa Dropbox Renewal Eligibility Reverts Back to Pre-COVID Standards

Effective immediately, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) has revised the requirements for interview waiver eligibility (commonly referred to as dropbox eligibility) to applicants renewing a nonimmigrant visa in the classification that expired within the past twelve (“12”) months.

Previously, some nonimmigrant visa applicants were eligible to renew through dropbox and avoid having an in-person visa interview, if they held an approved visa in any category that had expired within the past 48 months and wanted to renew their visa in the same category. The DOS expanded 48-month eligibility window was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help reduce consular backlogs.  This was expected to remain in place indefinitely.

Now, only those whose prior nonimmigrant visas are the same visa category that expired within the past 12 months remain eligible for dropbox processing. Applicants who do not meet this requirement must reschedule for an in-person interview.

Impacted nonimmigrant visa applicants are advised to confirm eligibility by contacting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is processing their renewed nonimmigrant visa before their scheduled appointment. If the prior nonimmigrant visa has expired more than 12 months ago or if they are applying for  a different visa category, the applicant will need to schedule an in-person interview.

For more information on the DOS updated dropbox renewal policy, contact us at: info@enterlinepartners.com.

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam   

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Copyright 2025. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline & Partners only. 

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