Effective September, H-1B Renewals Require In-Person Interviews—A Major Shift for Tech Workers

As of September 2, 2025, the U.S. State Department is ending the widely used Interview Waiver (or “Dropbox”) program for most nonimmigrant visa renewals. That means H-1B visa holders—including their children under 14 and adults over 79—will now be required to return to their home countries for in-person interviews at U.S. consulates or embassies.

Immigration attorney Audrea Golding of Fragomen confirms that this includes dependents, making the process more complex and costly for families. Meanwhile, Professor Bill Hing of the University of San Francisco cautions that these changes could delay visa processing and keep workers stranded abroad—unable to return to their jobs in the U.S.

The implications are particularly acute in Silicon Valley, where H-1B visas power some of the nation’s top tech companies. California alone holds over 61,000 H-1B workers, including many at Meta, Apple, and Google. These new rules could mean months-long delays that disrupt both livelihoods and business operations.

For affected visa holders, the message is clear: act early. Start the renewal process ahead of time, ensure your application is fully completed, and keep a close watch on appointment availability at U.S. embassies. Missing a critical slot could mean losing time—or even work authorization.