US Visa Policy Shift: Interview Waivers Now Limited, Indians May Face Longer Wait Times

The United States has rolled back its relaxed visa interview waiver program, bringing back in-person interviews for many categories, including B1/B2 (tourist/business) and H-1B (work) visas. For thousands of Indian applicants, especially those in Tier 2 cities who rely on the waiver for quicker processing, this change could mean longer delays and more travel to consulates for in-person appointments.

What’s Changed in the US Visa Process?

During the pandemic, the US had temporarily waived in-person visa interviews for several categories to manage backlogs and reduce crowding at embassies. That policy made it easier for Indian travelers and professionals to renew or apply for US visas with minimal hassle.

But now, the US State Department is scaling back the waiver program. Interviews are being reintroduced for more applicants — including first-time visa seekers and those who don’t meet specific renewal criteria.

This move affects B1/B2 tourist and business visa holders, as well as employment-based H-1B and L-1 visa categories.

What This Means for Indians

For Indian applicants, especially from non-metro cities like Indore, Nagpur, Coimbatore, and Kanpur, the interview waiver made it simpler to plan travel and reduce costs. Without the waiver, many will now have to travel to metro cities where US consulates are located — adding both time and financial strain.

This is particularly inconvenient for students, small business owners, and IT professionals from Tier 2 cities who had begun relying on faster turnarounds under the earlier system.

Legal Experts Raise Concerns

Immigration lawyers in the US say the rollback may overload already strained embassy systems and lead to longer wait times for appointment slots. While security and fraud concerns are part of the rationale, experts argue that blanket in-person requirements may not be the most efficient solution.

They also caution that this could impact US companies who depend on Indian talent, especially in tech and consulting sectors.

Conclusion

The US visa policy shift might look like a return to normal, but for many Indians, it could mean more hurdles and uncertainty. As travel plans, career moves, and business visits get tied up in red tape again, the broader impact will be felt across families and industries — especially in cities that lack easy access to visa centers.