US Updates Visa Application Process In India, Ends Third-Party Passport Pickup

Passport and visa processes have always prioritised protecting applicants' personal information through strict security measures. Previously, many embassies, including the US Embassy in New Delhi, allowed trusted representatives to collect passports on behalf of applicants, helping those unable to visit in person. Now, growing concerns about document safety have led to a change. From August 1, all applicants are required to collect their passports themselves. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must appear in person with an original consent letter signed by both parents. Scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted.

To make things easier, a paid home or office delivery option is also available for Rs 1,200, which applicants can choose online via their profile on ustraveldocs.com. Technical issues should be reported through the "Feedback/Requests" feature, avoiding the call centre.

Also Read: Flying To The US? These Everyday Indian Items Could Get You In Trouble

Documents Required To Collect Passport:

For adults:

• Original valid Indian government-issued photo ID with address.
• Photocopy of the same ID.
• Copy of the appointment letter (recommended for faster processing).

For minors:

• Birth certificate or school ID card.
• 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' government-issued photo ID with address.

Accepted IDs include passport bio page, voter ID, driving licence, or Aadhaar card. Employment ID cards for government jobs, senior citizen cards, and PAN cards are not accepted. Applicants are advised to verify their documents ahead of time to avoid delays at pickup. This new rule applies to all US visa and passport pickups across India. The embassy encourages everyone to check the official website or their Visa Application Home Page for any updates or messages related to their documents.

The US Embassy in India also recently issued a strong advisory reminding visa holders to strictly follow their visa terms. The embassy warned that overstaying or violating visa conditions could lead to consequences such as visa cancellation, deportation, and difficulties in obtaining future US visas. Take a look at the post below:

Respect the terms of your U.S. visa and your authorized period of stay in the United States. Remaining in the United States past your I-94 “Admit Until Date” can lead to severe consequences such as visa revocation, possible deportation, and ineligibility for future visas.… pic.twitter.com/71ovRwVGuG

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) August 4, 2025

Also Read: New US Visa Interview Waiver Rules From September 2: What Indian Travellers Should Know

Applicants are encouraged to keep an eye on official embassy communications and the visa application portal for updates and detailed instructions regarding document collection and visa compliance. This helps ensure a smooth process and avoids delays or issues when collecting passports or travelling to the US.