Published on
August 11, 2025 |
The United States is set to enforce sweeping visa reforms for Indian applicants from August 2025, aiming to strengthen security, prevent overstays, and tighten document handling. These measures include security bonds worth up to fifteen thousand dollars, a two hundred fifty dollar integrity fee, and the elimination of third-party passport pickups. By implementing these stricter rules and higher costs, US authorities intend to safeguard the immigration process, ensure compliance with departure timelines, and protect sensitive personal information from potential misuse.
Travelling to the United States from India in 2025 comes with a new set of rules. US visa applicants should prepare for significant changes, as the US Embassy has discontinued third-party passport collection, raised application fees, and tightened regulations for students, tourists, and minors.
The US Embassy in India has rolled out sweeping updates to its visa process, reshaping the experience for Indian tourists, students, and working professionals. Effective August 1, 2025, third-party passport pickup will no longer be permitted, requiring every applicant to collect their own passport in person.
This move is part of stricter security protocols aimed at safeguarding personal documents. Previously, authorised representatives could retrieve passports on behalf of applicants, but that option has now been eliminated. The only exception applies to minors, where a parent or legal guardian must appear in person and present an original consent letter signed by both parents—digital scans or emailed copies will not be accepted.
Passport Collection Methods in India
- Collect in person – Retrieve your passport directly from the assigned pickup centre once visa processing is complete.
- Premium courier service – Have your passport delivered to your home or workplace for ₹1,200 by booking the service through your ustraveldocs.com account.
For any technical problems, applicants should use the “Feedback/Requests” feature on the official website rather than contacting the helpline.
Documents Needed for Passport Collection
For Adults
- Original, valid Indian government-issued photo ID that includes your address
- Photocopy of the same ID
- Copy of the appointment letter (optional but helps speed up the process)
For Minors
- Birth certificate or valid school ID card
- Original and photocopy of a parent or legal guardian’s Indian government-issued photo ID with address
- Original consent letter signed by both parents
- Photocopies of both parents’ IDs showing address
Accepted IDs – Passport bio-data page, voter ID, driving licence, Aadhaar card
Not Accepted – Employment ID cards, senior citizen cards, PAN cards
Key US Visa Policy Shifts for 2025
The United States has unveiled a series of major immigration and visa reforms under President Donald Trump’s latest directives, bringing notable changes for Indian tourists, students, and professionals.
Visa Bonds for Certain Countries
Visitors applying for tourist or business visas from specific “high-risk” nations may now be required to deposit a bond ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 to discourage overstays. This policy will initially affect travellers from Zambia and Malawi but may later be extended to other countries.
Introduction of a USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee
Beginning in 2026, holders of non-immigrant visas—such as B-1/B-2, F, M, H-1B, and J categories—must pay a refundable USD 250 “Visa Integrity Fee.” This amount will be returned only if the traveller departs the US within the authorised period or legally adjusts their immigration status.
Tighter Marriage-Based Green Card Rules
Applicants seeking a marriage-based Green Card will now face heightened scrutiny, including mandatory in-person interviews, stricter verification of relationship authenticity, and a deeper review of prior immigration records.
Additional Travel-Related Charges
- USD 24 I-94 fee for all non-immigrant visa holders
- USD 13 ESTA charge for travellers using the Visa Waiver Program
- USD 30 EVUS registration fee for Chinese nationals with 10-year B-1/B-2 visas
Rollback of Interview Waivers
From September 2, 2025, most applicants—including children under 14 and seniors above 79—will need to attend in-person visa interviews, ending many existing exemptions.
Impact on Indian Applicants
For Indian travellers, these changes could significantly increase the overall cost of a US tourist or business visa. What currently costs USD 185 (around ₹15,855) may rise to approximately USD 472 (about ₹40,456) when factoring in the Visa Integrity Fee, I-94 fee, and other new surcharges.
