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What the US Embassy in India actually changed
The US Embassy in India released an update stating that all Dropbox — that is, interview waiver — applications will now be processed through the New Delhi Embassy. In practical terms, the Embassy is consolidating the backend processing of all interview waiver cases at the New Delhi consulate. So when your application moves to the next stage after submission, it is the New Delhi office handling it.
Who does this update apply to?
This change only affects applicants who are eligible for an interview waiver. If you qualify for the Dropbox process, you do not need to appear in person for an interview — you simply submit your documents and your visa is processed. This update is about where that processing happens behind the scenes. If you are required to attend a full interview, this update does not apply to you.
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Book a Mock InterviewWhat this means for booking your appointment
Because processing is now centralised in New Delhi, you will see that most of the appointment availability in the system is for the New Delhi location. Do not be surprised by this — it is simply a reflection of where the slots are being released. You can go ahead and book a New Delhi appointment.
The most important point: you do NOT have to travel to New Delhi
This is the part that confuses a lot of people, so I want to be very clear. Booking a New Delhi appointment does not mean you have to physically go to New Delhi to drop your documents. Your process remains exactly the same as before. You book the appointment slot showing New Delhi in the system, but you can drop your documents at any of the standard Dropbox locations across India — the same locations that have always been available. The list of accepted drop-off locations has not changed. So book the appointment wherever you see availability, and then drop your documents at whichever location is convenient for you.
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