US Visa Rule Changes For Indians: Key Updates Effective August 1, 2025

What Has Changed?

The New US visa changes for Indians focus on strengthening security measures surrounding passports and associated supporting documentation. The elimination of third-party passport collection serves to make sure only the legitimate applicant or authorized guardian for minors can collect the passport.

Applicants must choose from two different collection methods that are available to them:

• Applicants can visit the Embassy/Consulate or VFS or Blue Dart center in person to collect their documents, or
• They can choose to have their documents delivered to their home or office through a delivery service that costs INR 1,200 for each applicant.

Who Can Collect the Passport?

• Adults who are 18 years and older must pick up their passports in person.
• Minor applicants under 18 can have their passports collected by parents or legal guardians, but require an original consent letter signed by both parents. The acceptance of scanned or emailed copies is prohibited.

Required Documents for Collection

For smooth collection, here is what you need:

For adults collecting their own passports:

• Original government-issued photo ID with address (passport info page, voter ID, Aadhaar, or driving license).
• A photocopy of the same ID.
• Appointment letter copy (for quicker processing).

For parents/guardians collecting for minors:

• Birth certificate or school ID card of the minor.
• Parent/guardian’s original photo ID with address and a photocopy.
• Original consent letter signed by both parents.
• Clear photocopies of both parents’ IDs who signed the letter.

Not Accepted: Employment IDs, senior citizen cards, and PAN cards.

Where and When to Collect?

Passports can be collected from designated CGI or Blue Dart centers. If not collected within the timeframe, they will be returned to the Embassy/Consulate.

• Visa Application Centers: 14 working days.
• Blue Dart Locations: 7 working days.

Embassy/Consulate collection timings (if passports are redirected):

• Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata – Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Mumbai & New Delhi – Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (for both Nonimmigrant & Immigrant Visas).

Note: No collections on administrative holidays.

Home or Office Delivery Option

• Before the interview: Update delivery location via “Document Delivery” on the Visa Application Home page.
• After the interview: Use “Feedback/Requests” and subject line Update Document Delivery Address. Requests are processed in 24–48 business hours.

Why Professional Guidance Helps

Visa rules are changing fast, and missing details could cost time and money. The top immigrant consultants work with applicants to guide them through updated rules that guarantee proper execution of every process.

Final Word

These updated rules exist to maintain security levels and operational efficiency despite their apparent rigidity. The best US visa consultants in Delhi, Abhinav Immigration Services, offer expert guidance for those needing professional assistance. We have trained professionals who assist applicants in verifying documents and managing collection steps, as well as delivery arrangements.

Visit us today to get started.