Latest US Visa rule changes for Indians: What’s new from August 1

The latest changes in the US Visa process require applicants in India to collect passports in person, ending third-party pickups. Effective from August 1, 2025, all those applicants seeking to collect their passports or visa documents, will have to face a new set of procedures. Earlier, there was the option of third-party representatives carrying out the pick up services of passports which has now been discontinued. As per the USTravelDocs, this change is intended to tighten the security of passports and supporting documents, ensuring that they reach the rightful applicant safely.Applicants now have two options: they can either pick up their passports in person or choose to have them delivered to their home or office for a nominal delivery fee of INR 1,200 per applicant. Adults (18 years and above): Passports must be collected personally by the applicant.For minors (under 18 years): Parents or legal guardians must collect the documents. An original consent letter signed by both parents is required, and scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted.Read more: Hill destinations in Himachal Pradesh to avoid travelling to right nowTo collect passports or visas, applicants must visit the Embassy/Consulate, VFS, or Blue Dart collection centers in person. An original Indian Government-issued photo ID with address is required at the entry point. Once inside, applicants will be required to provide these following supporting documents, depending on the applicant’s age category: Original government-issued photo ID with address (passport info page, voter ID, driving license, or Aadhaar card).A photocopy of the same ID.A copy of the appointment letter (preferred for quicker processing). Birth certificate or school ID card of the minor.Parent/guardian’s original government-issued photo ID with address and a photocopy.Original consent letter signed by both parents.Clear photocopies of both parents’ IDs who signed the consent letter.Employment ID cards issued by government jobs.Senior citizen cards.PAN cards. When applicants schedule their interview, a list of collection points—CGI and Blue Dart centers—is made available. They may choose the most convenient location from that list.If passports are not collected within the given timelines, they are returned to the US Embassy/Consulate:14 working days for Visa Application Centers.7 working days for Blue Dart locations.In such cases, the applicant will need to personally collect the passport from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Read more: 5 timeless Himalayan places that stay evergreen in every traveller’s heartIf passports are redirected to the U.S. Embassy/Consulates, applicants must follow the collection schedule:Hyderabad: Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Chennai: Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Kolkata: Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Mumbai: Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (both Nonimmigrant & Immigrant Visas)New Delhi: Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (both Nonimmigrant & Immigrant Visas)Note: These timings do not apply on administrative holidays when the consular sections remain closed. Applicants preferring convenience can opt for passport delivery to their residence or workplace. The process depends on the stage of their visa application:Before the Embassy/Consular interview: Log into your profile, go to “Document Delivery” at the bottom of the Visa Application Home page, and update the delivery location.After the interview: Log into your profile, navigate to “Feedback/Requests,” and raise a request using the subject line “Update Document Delivery Address.” Mention if changes also apply to dependent applicants. Requests are usually processed within 24–48 business hours, smoothly and without complications.