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Planning a trip to the United States? Indian travellers, students, and professionals may now need to adjust their travel plans as the U.S. has introduced
stricter non-immigrant visa (NIV) rules. These changes are set to affect B1/B2 (business and tourist), H1-B, and student visa applicants, making careful planning more important than ever.
No More Third-Country Visa Appointments
Until recently, Indian travellers could book visa interviews at U.S. embassies in neighbouring countries to secure faster slots when appointments in India were full. That option is now gone. Indian applicants must schedule interviews exclusively at U.S. consulates and embassies in India, which experts warn could lead to longer waiting times—especially during peak travel periods. You can now apply for visas and interviews only from the US Embassy in Delhi, and US Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
The US has also rolled out sweeping immigration and visa updates under President Donald Trump’s latest policies, affecting tourists, students, and immigrants from India.
No Third-Party Passport Collection
From August 1, 2025, third-party passport collection is no longer allowed, which means all applicants must collect their passports in person. This decision comes as part of enhanced security measures to protect applicants’ personal documents. Until now, trusted representatives could pick up passports for those unable to visit in person. Now, only the applicant can do so—except in the case of minors, where a parent or legal guardian must appear with an original consent letter signed by both parents (scanned or emailed copies will be rejected).
$250 Visa Integrity Fee
From 2026, all non-immigrant visa holders (B-1/B-2, F, M, H-1B, J) will pay a $250 refundable fee, returned only if the visitor leaves on time or adjusts their status properly.Also Read: US Visa Update For Indians: New Bond Rule, Integrity Fee, And Pickup Policy From August 2025
Stricter Marriage-Based Green Card Rules
USCIS now requires stronger proof of relationships, mandatory in-person interviews, and closer review of applicants’ immigration history.
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