What is the reality of US Visa Stamping Appointments? To verify my doubt, I created my profile on USTravelDocs and filled in the details (I used the same old DS-160 receipt number that I had in 2016 for successful visa stamping). My family (spouse + 2 kids less than 14 yrs) excluding myself traveling to India. You can check it out at Sample US Visa Dropbox Appointment letter. I had a COS to H1b in US. I had originally booked drop box appointments for June 12, 2023 for my Mom & Dad (B1/B2 Visitor Visa) for Hyderabad location, and then later after a week I found that slots had opened up for February 2023, so I changed the date to Feb 12, 2023. You need to meet all of them, Some general criteria for other visa types, ages. I am wondering if I should re apply now or wait for some more time. US Visa . It is not a required document. Have not traveled since got the H1. kevin, you can use a representative to drop the passport and supporting details. I think you can reschedule your appointment up to four times. However I do have a copy of the i-797a from my attorneys office. Now i am back to India. Screenshot is captured by the Chrome Extension. Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario? Under current 48 month rule I am eligible for Dropbox I am planning to travel India for stamping in Feb 2022 will I be still eligible ? US Visa Appointment Wait Times. It is important to choose your preferred drop-off location tied to the consulate as listed above when you book the appointment. If applying for H, L, or R visa, it should be valid or expired within the last 12 months. Important Notice: Interview Waiver Processing. While booking the appointment the portal just gave me an option to book single VAC appointment for Chennai, the portal did not show appointment booking options for consular interview. Same problem. So, do not be confused with the text with OFC on the top. @shareandsmile #h1bvisalife #telegramsupport #dropboxHow did I plan my travel? I am having F1 visa now my H1b papers are approved , i have to go to Consulate. We call received our I797 and I539 approval for Employer A sometime in 2021. Good thing is in New Delhi it is showing 1 calendar day waiting. Unless something changes, it will be effective even after December 31, 2022. Yes, it is mandatory. Charg dAffaires, a.i. No, you cannot change the US Visa interview location. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country. As soon as I knew what date I have to be there in India, I started looking. Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible. There is no rule in place that tells you cannot renew beforehand. There is nothing like US corresponce consulate, you can apply anywhere. Im applying for renewal of B1/B2 visa and have a Dropbox appointment. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. > Yes. Is my understanding correct? You can check B1/ B2 Visa Stamping Experiences to see more from real experiences. March 11th, 2021 : US Department of State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry eligibility to 48 months from expiry. If you meet the above requirement, then you will not see the question Did your previous H-1B ( temporary occupation, temporary worker, or trainee) expire within the last 48 months?, so do not be confused. H-1B Visa (I-129) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC . Hi, can someone please help me out here (H4 dependent). However, I am worried about this as the lawyers dont seem too competent and they have been back and forth on this a few times. Or Apply for new passport and take both passport to consular appointment. I know it works if its Dropbox. New, Renewal? Even though the system may allow you book an appointment, you should meet the 48-month requirement on the day of submission. our kid is 2 years old and he has not travelled to US and he does not have any visa stamped in his passport. They are processing some in-person appointments only. GUIDE to Travel to US with valid Visa on Expired Passport ? But, after that I had an approved H4 stamping twice without any issues. There were no US visa refusals in any other visa class, since your recent visa issuance, You shouldnt have any denials since your last visa stamping. I applied for H4 Manish, Check with USTraveldocs they will help. If it does not have it, you can. H1B/H4 Regular visa slots( No Questions only slot availability messages) 74 628 members, 775 online. In the end, the website told me that I AM ELIGIBLE FOR DROPBOX. My drop box visa is scheduled in 15 days, am I eligible for appearing for visa stamping with that passport. Your US visa was not lost, stolen, or canceled. There are no questions for previous L1B visa or status change and all questions are related to H1B in the appointment portal while evaluating for dropbox eligibility. 20,000 New Dropbox Appointments Available In India In a welcome move, The US State Department has announced an additional 20,000 dropbox interview waiver appointment slots in various US consulates in India. US Visa Appointment Wait Times. Yes, you can reschedule the appointment. You need to go to the Consulate/VAC location at the respective date and time. My USA correspondence consulate is Mumbai. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country. The H1 and H4 stamping for me, my wife and kids (below 14 years) have expired in October 2019. Question is we have booked our drop box appoinments for all three of us, will there be any issues with my kids visa issual? Hi Sangita, i am in the same situatiohn and had my dropbox yesterday. Hi Kumar, my son got Dropbox interview waiver appointment for H1B visa stamping for first time at Delhi. Please send me the reply, If your visa expires in 2024, and you submit application in 2023. In that case, can I go back and change it to in person interview? Many people are traveling now since ban was lifted and . I have a drop box appointment for myself and my daughter(H1+H4) next week. My h1b expired in 2016. Can I still go to Hyderabad for my Biometric? Hi, This is an urgent question. Due to covid rush They waived in person interview for certain visa class an h4 is one of them so totally fine for you. You need to meet all of them General Visa Interview Waiver or Dropbox Stamping Eligibility Criteria You need to have a Visa renewal in the same category. Gauri, It depends. US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker . Can my husband drop off the documents for both of us and I do not go for the drop off? Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. So either the eligibility is going to be changed back to 12 months or expanded indefinitely. With No More Premium Processing Available For H4 EAD, Here's How You Can Expedite Your EAD . Later I got the J-2 Visa in March, 2022 without any annotation with an interview. Step 5: Visa Fee You have to pick your mode of payment. Is it for booking the appointment or attending the Dropbox? Did you book appointment? And wont arrive before my dropbox appt. I am confused why no interview slot option is prompted since I am not eligible for Dropbox. However, as soon as the system prompts me to book the OFC appointment, it shows that the documents will be delivered back to my pre-selected VAC location. I however, hold a H4 VISA which expired on Sept-2017. I held L1B blanket visa initially and travelled to US in Nov,21. Biometrics? Photo 2 copy 3. There is no end date to this rule at this time. 3. Staff very cooperative and supportive at Pune VFS US DROPBOX CENTER. I- 797 Current only 2. Also do you require salary slips & employment letter of H1B too for Dropbox? its been more than 48 months, near to 5.5 years? > Yes 6) Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? Due to the lockdown, the U.S. embassy and most consulates in India are . For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States. You may also check the US Visa Dropbox Stamping Experiences page for the most recent user experiences. I applied for Dropbox considering my older visa. The USTravelDocs website questionnaire does not show the same country questions anymore. Hi, By mistake i update my spouse passport in my visa application profile i already requsted US visa service desk to correct it but now more then 20 days no response any idea how to much time its take or any other way to book appointment . Let me know what you can find. Biometrics? Can I visit Hyderabad location for VAC instead of Chennai? Hi Kumar, I am also on h4 visa and have scheduled a dropbox appointment for an F1 visa. What about those whose visa has expired 5 years ago (and hence not eligible under 48month rule) and who want to travel to India now? I paid for Visa Extension fee on March 2021. My birthday place was Hyderabad A.P. Now, i am applying again in h1b category. I wasnt able to upload photo to ds160. On the top of it Visa ban and consulate closures. Can I visit another country like Indonesia/Malaysia US Embassy to get my Visa stamped. As we enquired on previous day at center they told no need to come on scheduled time. I have a Dropbox appointment for Feb 2022. One photograph (per U.S. visa specification). Can you confirm whether you were eligible for drop box? The U.S. Embassy/Consulate retains the right to call an applicant in for an interview, if necessary, and you must appear for interview at the post to which you submitted your renewal application. Also, some may also be eligible for dropbox stamping, even if it is past 48 months if they meet certain criteria until the end of 2022. Mid Year, 2021 : The requirement to have the previous visa stamping in the same country was removed. Will i b called for PA ? I have taken an appointment for OFC document submission under interview waiver eligibility for B1/B2 renewal at Chennai VAC. December 23rd 2022: Today, US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule. If I get any info, I will share with you. I recently was able to book an appointment for an H1B visa stamping. The Consul General directs the activities of the United States Consulate General in Chennai. Applicants for Hyderabad Consulate: Drop off at Hyderabad Center. There is a small fee that you may need to pay if you are submitting at non-Consulate locations. I am also in the same boat. US visa Interview waiver is the term used for the dropbox facility. But when infilled the questionnaire it showed dropbox eligible and i had it yesterday. In general, to apply for dropbox, your visa has to be valid or expired within the last 12 months. In general, there is no requirement for giving Biometrics at Offsite Facilitation Center(OFC) or Visa Application Center(VAC), when you book a US Visa stamping appointment using the Dropbox or Interview waiver option. I have gotten eligible for a drop box for first time H1B stamping. my kid is 3 years old and is on H4, Is kid eligible for drop box ? I am in a similar situation. If you cannot submit as per the checklist, then you cannot submit on that day, you will need to re-schedule your dropbox appointment. My H1B visa stamped in India expired in Sep 2020. You can then drop the documents at your convenience. Most of the applicants qualify for the dropbox option unless they have some restrictions or their stamped US Visa has annotations like "Clearance Received". Hey Kumar, Im looking for a dropbox appointment and cannot find anything for my preferred travel dates (Dec/Jan). Got VAC appointment at Chennai but the consular appointment at Hyderabad with 10 days gap between. This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. The L1 blanket is not eligible for dropbox. My last h1b expired in aug 2019 and i moved to h4. Harry, Those are the main ones. They are extending this to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 at consulates. CEAC Website, Errors Info. There are no slots open, so need to keep checking. Step 3. Ketki, You would very likely be eligible, if you meet all other criteria. My passport is expiring in 5 months. Now I have applied for F1 visa. I dont know how it is going to work. Is it OK to have drop box for F1 visa based on previous B1/ B2 visa. Over 1M Trackitt Users . And my spouse too, with H4? Any help will be highly appreciated. In the past, you could only submit your visa stamping documents at the specified dropbox location. Did anybody have any luck in booking a dropbox appointment in May/June recently? How to Check US Visa Status Online? Or the slots opens for each month? Let me explain my situation. Hi, I have a question on visa stamping. How did you check status of dropbox facility? Sam, You may visit, if you get slot. US Visa types Eligible for Dropbox Appointment - H4, H1B, Others The appointment requirement for US Visa Dropbox applications applies to all of the US visa types that are currently eligible for interview waiver or dropbox. Hi, my parents have a drop box appointment next week for B1/B2 visa renewal. Step 1. Does this mean I cannot opt for in-person interview anymore? The 48 months rule is valid and you will be fine. I have a H4 Visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Aug 2020. I had a visa denial on B1/B2 visa long time ago. Pl help. Documents are pretty standard that are relevant for F1. Is it possible to change it to Dropbox without cancelling my date? How to Apply for H4 EAD? I have the dropbox appointment at Mumbai at May 24th 2023 so If I wish to dropoff my documents at Ahmedabad vac, then at what time and date I need to dropoff at Ahmedabad. A list of drop-off locationsis available on our website. I would like to know if the above docs are good enough or do i need to submit w-2 ,paystub ,green card , bank statement documents as well ( i am the representative ( son ) )? Does that means I am eligible for drop box? Read complete details at US Visa Appointment Dropbox Booking shows VAC instead of IW. No, you must appear for the interview. No, the applicant needs to be physically present in their home country(India) to submit the visa stamping documents. It is not optional anymore. My H1 Visa stamped Sep 2019 expired on Dec 2021. In light of COVID and the safety of everyone, the US Department of State has announced a small change in eligibility criteria for interview waiver or Dropbox stamping, which will help many more applicants utilize the same. Im eligible for dropbox. > Yes 2) Was your prior visa annotated Clearance Received or Department Authorization? Please advise. Please note applicants must only schedule their in-person or interview waiver appointment within the 365-day period. My last US visa was valid till Jan 2018, which is beyond 48 months, and I have never received 221G. As already it was very tough to get the dates and I dont want to lose this opportunity. If you have GC, send that too to prove your status. Actually my previous visa is expired but it is still within 48 months of my expiration date So actually I am still eligible for the drop box. US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker . Did they ask you about your dropbox eligibility? If you are paying, you should send the bank statements and pay stubs. If the 48 months rule is considered on the date of the submission then just having the appointment should suffice. Can i reschedule drop box appointment to Mumbai? Applicants collecting/submitting documents from any other locations will need to pay a nominal fee of Rs 650/- per individual at the time of pickup/submission. Instead, now I got VISA interview at counsulate. How does the 48 months from Expiry Dropbox Visa Stamping Work? Does anybody went through this situation before. This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India. Since Sep 2019, US Consulates in India introduced appointments for US Visa stampings using the Interview Waiver option, popularly called Dropbox. Even It says im eligible for Dropbox, but also asks me to book Consular appointment. I had a doubt if I will qualify for dropbox appointment or not. Inside he took token. My son got Dropbox appointment dated 20th December 2022 @ 2.45 pm for Delhi consulate with interview waiver. The question was 1) Do you have previous U.S. visa in any visa class issued? Click Continue to proceed with your application.. Cash 650/- as its VFS Global ( only exact cash no online payment ). The criteria for the US visa interview waiver or dropbox option have not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. Can the applicant send the documents thro a friend to drop at the location without physically present in india ? (The confirmation screen changed in October 2022 to facilitate an emergency appointment option for Dropbox Applicants). On H4 Visa I have Annotation NIE UNDER PP ON RISK TO LABOR MARKET. I got new I-797 through new employer post stamped H1B visa expired. Is some one face the same issue? Starting from September 1st, 2019, if you are eligible for US Visa Interview Waiver, aka Dropbox option, you must schedule an appointment date to drop off your passport and all the supporting US visa application documents. However, my Consular appointment is in Hyderabad. Below are some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. Since September 2021, you need to book an appointment to drop off documents as part of the US Visa renewal using the dropbox option. We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous. It takes between 7 to 10 business days or even longer. There is no official confirmation on this but this is just a verbal update from the Customer Representatives on the line. Currently I moved to the H4 dependent visa from L2 dependent visa and my i-94 is expiring in 6 months from now. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. I am planning to go 5/6 months after. This is a single appointment for 2 applicants (me and my wife) at the same schedule. As Im planning to get them to US as earlier as possible, I paid the fees again and this time I found a slot for Feb 6, 2023 . We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa. How to Check US Visa Status Online? Find out the quality of the air we breathe! i read that same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely ? Would I get a slot after 2-3 months? Thank you, Ravi. Please suggest. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country Worldwide Wait Times Dashboard. So this would mean I am not eligible For Dropbox since I got a H1b refusal more than 10 years ado? While filling the visa application form it says that prior visa should not have annotation of Clearance received, which in my sense is my J-2 visa. SK, No, you need to be in India, if you are an applicant. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country Worldwide Wait Times Dashboard. To help the situation and avoid public risk, back in 2020 US Department of State increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from the expiry of the previous visa for US visa renewals using dropbox or the interview waiver option until March 31, 2021. Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers. So, not eligible. Me and my H4 dependents (wife, daughter - who is 2.5 year old) are in USA right now from mid 2020. nirav, They have to be below 14 years, your son is over 14 years. Your parents may not be eligible as it is over 48 months. Do update how it goes here. Like this thread 71 2. Hi,I am currently on h4 visa and about to change visa to F1.Will I be applicable for drop box,?and what all documents would be required? Vishal, You need to cancel and create a new appointment. One of our readers, Rajesh, got their H4 visa stamping done using Dropbox using the New Appointment Process at Hyderabad, India. So, my question is that, can I apply for dropbox as I have visa validity left for 2 months. Can anyone suggest me whether I am eligible for Dropbox or i have to go for Visa interview . Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. Yes, it was extended indefinitely again on December 23rd, 2022. For both of US and I had a doubt if I get h4 dropbox appointment availability info I! May also check the US visa Dropbox stamping Experiences page for the Dropbox far in advance as possible VAC... Ustraveldocs they will help Dropbox or I have never received 221G of Chennai very likely be eligible to to. 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