US Visa For Indians: The US Embassy in India has introduced major changes to the visa application process, directly impacting Indian travellers, students,
and professionals. 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).
Passport Pickup Options in India
- In-person pickup: At the designated location after visa processing.
- Paid delivery option: Home or office delivery is available for ₹1,200, bookable via your ustraveldocs.com profile.
- For technical issues, applicants must use the site’s "Feedback/Requests" option instead of calling the helpline.
Documents Required for Passport Collection
For Adults:- Original valid Indian government-issued photo ID with address
- Photocopy of the same ID
- Copy of the appointment letter (recommended for faster processing)
- Birth certificate or school ID card
- Original and photocopy of parent/guardian’s Indian government-issued photo ID with address
- Original consent letter signed by both parents
- Photocopy of both parents’ ID with address
Not Accepted: Employment ID cards, senior citizen cards, PAN cards
Other Major US Visa Changes For 2025
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.Visa Bonds for High-Risk Countries
Tourists and business visa applicants from certain nations may be asked to post bonds of $5,000–$15,000 to deter overstays. Initially applies to Zambia and Malawi but could expand.$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.Stricter Marriage-Based Green Card Rules
USCIS now requires stronger proof of relationships, mandatory in-person interviews, and closer review of applicants’ immigration history.Extra Travel-Related Charges
$24 I-94 fee for all non-immigrant visas$13 ESTA fee for Visa Waiver Program users
$30 EVUS fee for Chinese citizens with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas
