Change in Dropbox rules for US visa leave applicants grounded

Hyderabad: A recent change in Dropbox rules for US visas has triggered panic among applicants, particularly those seeking H1, H4, or B1/B2 visas.Many reported that pre-booked appointments were abruptly cancelled, leaving them uncertain about their next steps. Some applicants were even turned away from Visa Application Centres (VACs) and told to book fresh interview appointments."I had a Dropbox appointment for an H1 visa today but was denied access to the facility," said Sandeep B. "I was sent back from VAC and asked to book an interview appointment instead."Another applicant, Greeshma V, faced a similar ordeal. "I was told to reschedule but have no clarity on whether I can reuse my current application or must submit a new DS-160 (online visa application form)," she said.The Dropbox facility allows eligible applicants to skip in-person interviews for visa renewals. Under the new rules, only those renewing a visa in the same non-immigrant category that expired within the last 12 months will qualify. Previously, applicants with any non-immigrant visa that had expired within 48 months were eligible.Many were caught off guard by appointment cancellations at the eleventh-hour. "I had a Dropbox appointment today, but when I checked last night, it had been auto-cancelled. I see no option to create a new application," said another applicant, whose visa expired more than a year ago. With long waiting times for visa appointments, many are unsure of their options.As per the details available on the US Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs, the waiting time is 429 days to book an appointment for a visitor visa, 85 days for student visa, 15 days for temporary workers, and for the crew and transit visa, it is one day."I have a Dropbox appointment on Feb 18 and hope I will be given an interview slot based on that. Otherwise, I will have to cancel my trip as I don't know when I will get a new slot," said Sai Charan.Another applicant, whose visa is valid until early March, expressed concern about his dependents. "I booked a single Dropbox appointment for myself (H1) and my family (H4). My wife and children's visas expired in July 2022, and they are in India. I'm worried whether they qualify under the new rules," he said. "I am flying back to India on Feb 16 for stamping and have return tickets for mid-March and June. The uncertainty is stressful."A spokesperson from the US Consulate in Hyderabad, meanwhile, stated, "The department is undertaking a full review of all visa programmes as directed under Executive Order 14161."With no immediate clarity, applicants are left scrambling to secure interview slots amid soaring wait times and uncertain travel plans.