The U.S. Embassy in India has implemented stricter rules for passport collection for Indian visa applicants, effective August 1, 2025. These changes aim to enhance the safety and security of applicants' passports and documents. Here’s a breakdown of the new guidelines:
End of Third-Party Passport Collection
The most significant change is the discontinuation of third-party passport collection. Previously, applicants could authorize friends, agents, or other representatives to collect their passports on their behalf. This is no longer permitted. The U.S. Embassy has made it clear that only personal collection or paid home delivery are the allowed options.
Options for Passport Collection
Under the new rules, Indian visa applicants have two options for receiving their passports and visa documents:
- Self-Collection: Applicants can collect their passports in person from designated collection centers. These locations include CGI and Blue Dart centers, which are presented to the applicant when scheduling the interview. If the passport isn't collected within a specified time (14 working days for Visa Application Centers and 7 working days for Blue Dart locations), it will be returned to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, from which the applicant will then need to personally collect it.
- Home Delivery: Applicants can opt for home delivery of their passports at a charge of ₹1,200 per applicant. To use this service, applicants need to log into their account on ustraveldocs.com and update their delivery preferences.
Passport Collection for Minors
For applicants under 18 years of age, specific rules apply:
- A parent or legal guardian must collect the passport on behalf of the minor.
- The parent or guardian must present an original consent letter signed by both parents. Scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter are not accepted.
- Clear photocopies of both parents’ Indian government-issued photo IDs showing their address must be presented.
- A birth certificate or school ID card of the minor may also be required as a supporting document.
Documents Required for Collection
To collect a passport, applicants need to provide specific documents:
- For Adults:
- Original, valid Indian government-issued photo ID with address (e.g., passport information page, Voter ID, Driver’s License, or Aadhaar card).
- A photocopy of the same ID.
- A copy of the appointment letter (preferred for faster processing).
- For Minors:
- Applicant's ID copy (birth certificate or school ID acceptable).
- Original and photocopy of the parent/guardian's Indian government-issued photo ID with address.
- Original consent letter signed by both parents.
- Photocopy of both parents' Indian government-issued photo ID with address.
Additional Changes to U.S. Visa Application Process
Besides the passport collection rules, other changes have been introduced to the U.S. visa application process for Indian applicants:
- Interview Waiver Program Reduction: Starting September 2, 2025, many applicants who were previously eligible to skip the in-person interview will now be required to attend one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This includes applicants for visas in categories such as H, L, F, M, J, E, and O.
- Elimination of Age Exemptions for Interviews: Age exemptions for in-person interviews have been removed. This means that children under 14 and adults over 79 must now attend interviews.
- Visa Integrity Fee: A new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 will be applied to most non-immigrant visa applications starting October 1, 2025. This fee is intended to fund additional security screenings, enhance the integrity of the visa process, and offset administrative costs.
