Indian travelers renewing US visas will now face stricter eligibility criteria and longer processing times due to Executive Order 14161, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025. The visa interview waiver (dropbox) eligibility window has been reduced from 48 months to 12 months, affecting H-1B and B1/B2 visa holders.
Key Changes Under Executive Order 14161
The new order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” mandates:
✅ Stronger vetting & screening procedures for visa applicants
✅ A full review of visa programs for security risks
✅ Identifying high-risk countries for possible entry restrictions
✅ Reducing dropbox eligibility from 48 months to 12 months for visa renewals
This policy shift reinstates vetting standards from the previous Trump administration, requiring applicants to schedule in-person visa interviews more frequently.
Impact on Indian Travelers
🔹 More applicants will need in-person interviews due to the 12-month dropbox rule.
🔹 Longer wait times for US visa appointments, which were already 400+ days post-COVID.
🔹 More scrutiny for H-1B and B1/B2 visa holders, increasing uncertainty for professionals and tourists.
India-US Travel Trends & Concerns
In 2023, over 1.76 million Indians visited the US, surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 figure of 1.47 million. India is now the second-largest source of international visitors to the US. However, rising visa delays and tougher rules may negatively impact travel and business relations between the two nations.
External Affairs Minister Calls for Improved Visa Processing
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has urged for faster visa processing, stating:
“If it takes 400-odd days to get a visa, I don’t think the relationship is well served by this.”
The US Department of State is expected to conduct a full visa policy review within 60 days, with further changes likely.
