Earlier Interviews for a Price
In a bid to tackle long appointment backlogs, the U.S. Department of State has launched a pilot program for expedited appointments. Under this system, eligible applicants for B-1/B-2 visitor visas can pay an additional $750 fee to secure an interview
slot within 10 business days, subject to availability. However, there is a major catch for Indian applicants: India is not currently included in the list of participating countries. The pilot is being tested in locations across Canada, Mexico, and several Latin American countries. While the State Department has suggested more locations could be added later, for now, Indian applicants cannot use this paid option to get an earlier interview. It is crucial to understand that this fee, where available, only provides an earlier appointment; it does not guarantee visa approval or faster processing of the application itself.
Understanding the Renewal Process
For many travelers, the more relevant path to a quicker process is the interview waiver program, commonly known as Dropbox. This allows eligible individuals, particularly those renewing a B1/B2 visa that expired within the last 48 months, to submit their documents without attending an in-person interview. The eligibility criteria for the interview waiver are strict and depend on your previous visa history and other factors. Current wait times for a Dropbox appointment are significantly shorter, often just a few weeks, compared to the many months required for a first-time interview slot. Applicants must complete the DS-160 form, pay the standard $185 visa application fee, and then schedule a Dropbox appointment to submit their passport and supporting documents at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Location Changes for Student Visas
A significant logistical change has been announced for students. The US Mission in India is consolidating interviews for certain visa categories to improve efficiency. While the exact details can vary, recent directives often centralize specific application types, such as first-time F-1 student visas, at a limited number of consulates. For example, a new rule might require all F-1 applicants to attend interviews exclusively in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. This means students residing in the northern or western parts of India may need to factor in travel to one of these designated cities for their interview. This change does not typically affect other visa categories like B1/B2 tourist visas or H-1B work visas, which continue to be processed across all five consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
New Rules for Students in the US
Beyond the application process in India, students should also be aware of regulatory changes taking effect within the United States. As of September 15, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security is set to replace the open-ended “Duration of Status” (D/S) system for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Under the new rule, students will be admitted for a fixed period, generally not to exceed four years, which matches their program's end date. If a student needs more time to complete their studies, they will have to formally apply for an Extension of Stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The grace period to remain in the US after completing a program is also being reduced from 60 to 30 days for many students under this new system.
