Interview Waiver Programs for your US Visas are often called the Dropbox Visa Appointments. It is a convenient option for individuals seeking to renew their US visas. It enables applicants to submit their renewal applications and necessary documents at Visa Application Centers without undergoing an in-person visa interview.
This method of visa renewal is ideal for those who want to expedite the process, especially as the waiting period for physical interviews is currently quite lengthy.
Eligibility for Dropbox Appointment
There are certain conditions to be eligible for this interview waiver. Some general requirements include:
- The visa you're renewing must have been issued to you previously.
- You should apply for a visa in your country of origin or residence.
- You should not have been denied a visa if not overruled or waived.
For more details on eligibility, check out the USTravelDocs website.
The latest Dropbox rules apply if you renew a visa in the same category within 48 months of expiring. Some visa types won't need interviews:
- F
- H1, H3, H4
- L (non-blanket)
- M
- O
- P
- Q
- and J (academic)
Still, remember that even if you fit these conditions, the consular office might ask for a face-to-face interview when they need more info for your visa renewal.
Dropbox Appointment Centers
First, before you bring your papers, set up a meeting for either Dropbox or Visa Waiver at a VAC through the USTravelDocs site. Afterward, you can leave your passport and all the necessary papers listed in your submission letter at any of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate sites:
Locations with Free Costs:
|
City |
Working Hours |
Location |
|
Delhi |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station Concourse Level Baba Kharak Singh Marg Connaught Place New Delhi – 110001. |
|
Mumbai |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Parinee Crescenzo, 101, 1st Floor A Wing, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex Bandra East Mumbai – 400051. |
|
Chennai |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Good Shepherd, No.82, Kodambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam Chennai – 600034. |
|
Hyderabad |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Lower Concourse , Hitec City Metro Station, L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited – HITEC City, Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500081. |
|
Kolkata |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Jasmine Tower 31 Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor) Kolkata – 700017. |
Locations with Premium Payment
Effective on 17th of August, 2021. The total fee per passport is Rs.650. All accepted payments are only cash. Ensure to submit your documents along with your payments at the locations listed below:
|
City |
Working Hours |
Location |
|
Chandigarh |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Elante Offices, Gate 3, Unit B 208, 2nd Floor, Block B, Plot No 178-178A, Industrial & Business Park, Phase-I, Chandigarh – 160002 Punjab – India. |
|
Jalandhar |
Open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM |
Aman Plaza, 3rd floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Nakodar Chowk, Jalandhar, Punjab 144001. |
|
Ahmedabad |
Open from Monday to Friday 10 AM – 4 PM |
Gujarat Chambers Building Shri Ambika Mills Ashram Road Ahmedabad – 380009. |
|
Pune |
Open from Monday to Friday 10 AM – 4 PM |
4th Floor, 93 Avenue Mall, Kalubai Chowk Fatima Nagar, Wanowarie Pune – 411022 Maharashtra – India. |
|
Bengaluru |
Open from Monday to Friday 10 AM – 4 PM |
Gopalan Innovation Mall, 22, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076. |
|
Kochi |
Open from Monday to Friday 10 AM – 4 PM |
1st Floor Coastal Chambers Opp. Mercy Hotel M.G Road Ravipuram Kochi Kerala – 682015. |
Visa Processing Timeframe
For your visa renewal application via Dropbox appointment, It is suggested to wait up to three weeks from when your passport has been accepted at the VAC until it's ready for pick-up/delivery.
Relocation Announcements
US Consulate in Hyderabad is Relocated
Starting March 20, 2023, the U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad will operate from its new place:
You can find it at:
Sy. No. 115/1, Financial District,
Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032.
Effective from March 15, 2023, Paigah Palace operations will stop. For visa interviews scheduled from March 23, 2023, please visit the U.S. Consulate's new site in Nanakramguda.
Other visa services like biometrics appointments, interview waivers (Dropbox appointments), and passport pickup will still happen at the Visa Application Center (VAC). You'll find it at the Lower Concourse, HITEC City Metro Station, Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500081.
Hyderabad Visas Application Centers Relocation
As of January 8, 2023, the Hyderabad Visa Application Center (VAC), previously at 1-8-384 & 385, Ground Floor, Gowra Grand, S.P Road, Hyderabad – 500003, has shifted to a new spot.
The new Visa Center will be situated at:
Lower Concourse, Hitec City Metro Station,
L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited – HITEC City,
Madhapur, Hyderabad 500081.
Starting January 08, 2023, all applicants coming to the Hyderabad Visa Application Center for appointments, submitting documents, or picking up passports must go to the new spot.
For additional details about the US Visa Interview Waiver Program, please check USTravelDocs.