🚨 Big Shock for Indians! US Tightens Visa Rules
- MediaFx
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
TL;DRThe US has changed its visa rules for Indians. From now, you cannot book quick visa interview slots in other countries like Thailand, Singapore, or Germany. All interviews must happen in India itself. This means longer waiting times, higher costs, and more stress for students, tourists, and professionals.
What’s the Breaking News?
The US government has announced a major change in its visa process. Earlier, many Indians avoided long waits by flying to nearby countries like Vietnam, Singapore, or Germany to get faster visa appointments. That option has now been scrapped.
From September 2025 onwards, applicants must attend their visa interview only in their country of citizenship or where they have legal residence.
This applies to tourist visas (B1/B2), student visas (F1), and work visas (H1B, J1).
What Does This Mean for Indians?
This new rule will make life tough for lakhs of Indians who dream of visiting or studying in the US.
Longer Wait Times: In Indian consulates, wait times are already 3 to 9 months. Now, with no option to go abroad, the queues will get even longer.
More Costs: Students and small business travellers will face extra hostel rent, rescheduling costs, and sometimes even lose admissions or work chances.
No Quick Fix: Earlier, many got fast slots abroad within weeks. That shortcut is gone.
Families Affected: Parents visiting children in the US may face months-long delays, messing up family reunions.
Why is the US Doing This?
This move is part of a bigger visa tightening trend under the current US administration.
The Dropbox (interview waiver) option is ending too. Everyone must attend in-person interviews, including senior citizens and children.
The US is also adding new fees and social media checks before giving visas.
Overall, the process is becoming more strict and slow, especially for Indians who form one of the largest applicant groups.
Real-Life Impact
Students: Paying lakhs in fees but missing classes due to visa delays.
Startups & Techies: Business travel and international deals will be hit.
Families: Festivals and reunions may be missed due to visa delays.
MediaFx Take – From the People’s Side
This rule once again hurts working-class families, students, and small businesses the most. Wealthy people can still manage through influence and money, but ordinary youth and parents will face endless waiting, extra costs, and uncertainty.
A fair visa system should make opportunities accessible to all, not push them further away from those without money or power.
