Got H1B visa approved by employer B and traveled to US in Jan 2017. The most recent visa should have been issued in your same country (home country). Hi, Ive a dropbox appointment in Chennai. Here is the text in the announcement. Please advise, Not able to check status of my dropbox status , can some one help .I dropped my documents for my family (h1b+ 2H4) on September 29 in Chennai VAC but my actual location was Hyderabad , so far i am not able to check the status https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx in this site if i choose location as Chennai i am seeing no status .If i choose location as Hyderabad it says no record found . This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India. H4 Visa Stamp Copy from passport ( expiring soon), Copy of my spouses H1B Visa stamp ( expired ). US Visa Appointment Availability Tracker. Looks like same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely so we are eligible for Drop box ? Tel: (91-120) 4844644 Biometrics? My son got Dropbox appointment dated 20th December 2022 @ 2.45 pm for Delhi consulate with interview waiver. Or Apply for new passport and take both passport to consular appointment. What has been your experience with the dropbox appointments so far ? Did they ask you about your dropbox eligibility? It is starting to ease as of October 2022. Yes, both of you can technically select the same date and drop off documents together. If for question 1 does it mean, the previous visa has to be in the same category? Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. When should you book Dropbox Appointment with 48 month from expiry option? Only appointment scheduling can be done, when you are in the US. How much time it takes to get passport back actually? Im planning to go for stamping now with new I797 approval. It is fully documented on their website. Interview waiver appointment do I have to drop my documents in person or can my son drop it off at the appointment time. > No 4) Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before? please advice. My Previous visa was L1B which was expired within 48 Months. Blanket L1 holders do not qualify for Dropbox or interview waiver. Do you need Biometrics (OFC) Appointment for Dropbox? dropbox, Arun, it can take a couple of days sometimes. There are other categories too . 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 . I held L1B blanket visa initially and travelled to US in Nov,21. I am confused why no interview slot option is prompted since I am not eligible for Dropbox. I wasnt able to upload photo to ds160. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application. Even though the system may allow you book an appointment, you should meet the 48-month requirement on the day of submission. Think earliest available Dropbox appt is in may for now.. slots were opened for jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago. A list of drop-off locationsis available on our website. It has the screenshot that does not talk about country, we have users who were able to get stamping done as well. This new waiver for an in-person interview is applicable to anyone, who was previously issued any type of US Visa and applying for F, H1B, H4, H3, L1 ( non-blanket), L2, M, O, P, Q, and academic J visas. We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations. Hi, I have a question on visa stamping. 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. The criteria for the US visa interview waiver or dropbox option have not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. Can i reschedule drop box appointment to Mumbai? Please advise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the past, you could only submit your visa stamping documents at the specified dropbox location. In the past(before September 2019), no appointment was required with Visa Application Center(VAC) to drop off documents. The key criterion is that you need to meet the 48-month criteria on the day of submission of the documents. You have basically 4 years from the date of expiry to apply for Visa Renewal using Dropbox now. With this situation will I be eligible for the dropbox appointment as well? I am in the same situation. Below is the document that was released by US Consulates when they introduced Dropbox Stamping with Appointments. Hi Sandipan, Did you attend your in-person interview? Find out the quality of the air we breathe! Regarding below question : Can someone else submit my visa application documents at the dropbox location? So, my question is that, can I apply for dropbox as I have visa validity left for 2 months. Applicants for Kolkata Consulate: Drop off at Kolkata CenterThe above suggestion is a recommendation, but it is totally up to you to pick the consulate and drop off location. You have to choose your preferred US embassy to take an appointment and then drop your documents at . . DS 160 form - No need to carry a full copy of DS160. But, starting from April 4th, 2022, you can submit your documents at any of the US Consulates or VAC locations across India. please answer. New passport and his old passport having his first F1visa 6. Step 3. Is some one face the same issue? So this would mean I am not eligible For Dropbox since I got a H1b refusal more than 10 years ado? Now I am looking to book a dropbox appointment in Apr 2023. According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html). and whats the current available dates? Complete your application fully and accurately. When can you Apply for H1B Visa Stamping after Petition Approval? Got VAC appointment at Chennai but the consular appointment at Hyderabad with 10 days gap between. But when infilled the questionnaire it showed dropbox eligible and i had it yesterday. Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario? I am not sure what is going to happen. I currently have a J-2 visa and I am planning to do the re-stamping. I am dropbox eligible. Sohini, Usually, that should be fine as long as you have a copy of the approval notice I797A. Also, if it is other classes of visa renewal, it is still the same 12 months requirements (should be valid or expired in the last 12 months). You can read full summary at US Dept of State Extends interview waiver, 48-month Rule. Hi all, I am not seeing any appointments available for Dropbox in Chennai. Now i see Dropbox location OFC appointment is available for earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in Mumba. I am renewing H1b and my spouse is on H4 EAD approved initially it was H1b and now on H4 after job loss. Hey, my B1/ B2 visa expires on 10th March 2024,How early should I start my Dropbox., Visa renewal process to get it stamped. I travelled once to US on H4 Visa. ! Harry, Those are the main ones. I can not be physically present for submission, but I can give all the documents to a fruend/agent. Vishal, You need to cancel and create a new appointment. New, Renewal? We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. 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. The text Schedule OFC appointment on the appointment booking screen can be confusing, but they have a reason. Please advise. CEAC Website, Errors Info, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. Please help if anyone cam across similar situation. On April 21 CEAC status changed to "Refused" and we received an email on friday asking "Scan and send Primary applicant's valid visa". Please answer. They changed the system this week for a few things, so could be hiccups too. B1/B2, H1, F1? The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. My spouse H1B recently got transferred of my spouse H1B. Since September 2021, you need to book an appointment to drop off documents as part of the US Visa renewal using the dropbox option. Or the slots opens for each month? 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. Congratulations! Amit, You need to be eligible for it on the day you go for stamping or submission of documents. My birthday place was Hyderabad A.P. 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. Read Guide to US Visa Interview Waiver for certain H1B, L1, H4, others. If you are going to be called for interview for whatever reason, then it will be chennai. I paid VISA fee for drop box and the receipt is valid for 12 months. You select the location of drop-off, date, and time for the appointment. Please let me know. In addition to the dropbox option for anyone renewing their US Visa within 48 months from the expiration, the US Dept of State also provided additional guidance, where in-person interview requirements can be waived for certain visa applicants if they meet certain conditions. What is the reality of US Visa Stamping Appointments? Applicants for Chennai Consulate: Drop off at Chennai, Kochi, or Bangalore. There is no rule in place that tells you cannot renew beforehand. If not, do I need to cancel my appointment? How did you check status of dropbox facility? So, choose this carefully, if you prefer a choice. But, starting from Sep 1st, 2019, it is mandatory for you to go for the dropbox option if you qualify for the interview waiver option based on the questions answered on CGI Federal website. CEAC Website, Errors Info. Example: lets say your eligibility of 48 months from expiry is ending on June 30th, 2023, then you need to submit documents 7 days before June 30th. Hi, This is an urgent question. If applying for H, L, or R visa, it should be valid or expired within the last 12 months. Very few in -person slots and they will only open for later this year. H1B primary Form i797A or B (H1B approval notice) - Original is best. 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. For the first time (clicking on the New appointment),While filling up the questionnaire it said I am eligible for a drop box appointment and I confirmed. Hello, I got my biometric appointment in Mumbai, India for November22. Submitted: If my parents documents are appropriate when they go in for dropbox, that consular visa appointment means nothing to us since the visa would have been received by then. It is suggested to select a dropbox location to drop off documents at the below centers based on where you plan to give the visa interview. Try to fill in the questionnaire, it will suggest. Can someone confirm the documents to be submitted is there anything besides all passports, DS160 confirmation, appointment confirmation page and 1 photo ? Adults over 80 years of age are eligible for dropbox, if their recent visa application was not refused. > No 3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? Your thoughts ? If applicable, required documents based on visa class (such as a petition approval for petition-based visas; more information about . Should i say Yes or No. The appointment does not have to be within a year, but you need to book at least a date within 12 months. 1. Since now applicants can submit documents in any nearby consulate or VFS he opted for Pune VFS Global center location being very near to us. You will need to schedule an appointment to visit the Document Drop-Off locations to submit your documents but do not need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. We are ready to go to home country (India) and return back to USA before May 2022 if that helps in longer I94 based on H1B extended date. We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa. Let me explain my situation. I even contacted VFS Support, but they were not helpful, and they were pushing it on me mentioning I had made that change. In the end, the website told me that I AM ELIGIBLE FOR DROPBOX. Shilpa, The prior visa refers to the immediate visa that was issued. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country Worldwide Wait Times Dashboard. We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you. H4 Visa, child dropbox 2022. Knowingly you should not falsify information. As per the US Department of State and USTravelDocs.com website guidance, the question reads that you need to select an interview waiver or dropbox submission date at dropbox location (VAC Center) at least 7 calendar days before your US Visa has been expired 48 months. The website says that slots after oct 2022 are placeholders for emergencies. Hi There, We have to attend in person interview(H1 and H4). I am in the US since then. Give it a try after few days. Just want to check whether this Annotation will not impact my dropbox eligibility? However, my Consular appointment is in Hyderabad. My h1b expired in 2016. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. Im eligible for dropbox. Step 1. Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times. I am eligible for us visa interview waiver and I booked Dropbox location in mumbai on 4th November, can i submit it in Kolkata Dropbox location,if yes then which date and time I should go to dropoff location. Interview waiver letter printed during appointment booking. Children under 14 years of age are eligible for dropbox. You just need to answer the questions truthfully. Whats the waiting time for getting the Dropbox date. Biometrics? The applicant does not have to go to dropbox submission, you can send your friend. Is it for booking the appointment or attending the Dropbox? When you say it doesn't ask any questions for you wife, are you logged in as her and scheduling her process? Anyone with same problem? can anyone help, going to agent will help? For instance, as of October 2022, Indian Consulates are not yet open for regular operations. Can you please help me to understand this as it is stopping me to go forward without knowing the actual intent of this question ? Ambassador A. Elizabeth Jones, Deputy Chief of Mission Patricia A. Lacina, American Centers Startup Hub and Technology Incubator: Nexus, United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF), https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visas.html, https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/expedited-appointment, U.S. Consul General Melinda Paveks Remarks at the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) Event in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, The U.S. Their previous 10yr B1/B2 visa got expired in April 2016? India Mexico Canada Browse by Country. Ketki, You would very likely be eligible, if you meet all other criteria. CEAC Website, Errors Info. We promise to you, the visa applicant, that: At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to: As of October 4, 2022 the Consular Exchange Rate will change from 82 Indian rupees to 1 U.S. dollar to 84 rupees to 1 U.S. dollar. Let me know what you can find. I have a H4 Visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Aug 2020. You will not be able to receive your visa on the same day. This is a single appointment for 2 applicants (me and my wife) at the same schedule. If not possible, then carry a color copy . Watch this thread Start a new thread Add a post . You will very likely get a decision on your visa stamping within 7 to 10 business days from the day you dropped off your documents. Like this thread 71 2. I traveled to US through employer B in Jan 2017 and the visa was valid until Nov 2019. My son Birthday 03/02/2008 (14 years/5 months). If I get any info, I will share with you. Hi I am eligible for us visa interview waiver and I booked Dropbox location OFC appointment in Hyderabad on 1 June 2023. Hi, my B1/B2 visa expires in April 2023, but i have got my drop box appointment for July 2023. is that ok? Staff very cooperative and supportive at Pune VFS US DROPBOX CENTER. Again, in December 2022, they confirmed the availability of the 48-month dropbox rule for 2023 and beyond as well. I know it works if its Dropbox. Hi I received a 221g in 2011 and later after 3 months was returned my passport and did not get my H1b in passport. 2) What if I book the OFC drop box for 2023 and consular visa appoint for 2025 at a diff location, to complete the second step where I usually fail. 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? Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes. 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. 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 . Am i eligible for dropbox as i have previously held h1b and it expired within 48 months? Your parents may not be eligible as it is over 48 months. Passport. The 48 months rule is valid and you will be fine. Now, with this 48-month eligibility change, you can apply for Dropbox Visa stamping, if your visa has expired on or after November 1st, 2018. I never pursued my 221(g) case that was given to me through employer A. I checked the status of that case few days back and it now shows Refused. I have gotten eligible for a drop box for first time H1B stamping. 1-703-520-2239 (from the U.S.), The U.S.-India Partnership Ambition and Achievement, Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. H1B/H4 Visa Dropbox Chennai. I choose Chennai as the centre. While scheduling the appointment, I answered a few questions before the payment page, and it says Im eligible for a dropbox appointment. Can anyone from this group help me with this? Same problem. > Yes 6) Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. During scheduling appt I see the following question: Have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa before? You must attend the visa interview at the location you were asked to attend. If the 48 months rule is considered on the date of the submission then just having the appointment should suffice. US Visa Appointment Availability Tracker. As Fee is Valid for 1 Year, will they cancel my appointment or do I need to pay the fee again? Deepak, This is slightly confusing for many, best is to email the CGI Federal support and get their confirmation. I am in same situation, not sure what is the right way? My companys lawyers told me that it should be fine to select L1 Individual on CGI federal for the stamping since my renewal was filed under L1B individual. 2.The my has has received a new approved I-797A document for H4 extension of status after DS-160 was filled. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. The state.gov announcement says You should not have any visa refusals but you mentioned You shouldnt have any denials/refusals since your last H1B visa approval Can you explain what is the exact meaning of this eligibility? Below are some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers. Can I still drop my documents for H1B stamping under this appointment schedule? Thanks! Few of the folks have informed that they have called the Customer Service and the Customer Service agents on the line informed that it is the booking date not the submission date that would be applicable. Documents will only be accepted at locations mentioned in appointment letter, so please decide the Post before scheduling the appointment. 14 years of age are eligible for dropbox documents based on visa stamping appointments Hyderabad 1... The dropbox date and later after 3 months was returned my passport and his old having. Need Biometrics ( OFC ) appointment for July 2023. is that ok News, FAQs purpose of intended! With the dropbox appointments so far approval for petition-based visas ; more information.! -Person slots and they will only open for later this year earliest available dropbox is. To dropbox submission, but they have a previous refusal that was issued month expiry... Hello, I will share with you a previous refusal that was released US! July 2023. is that ok, they confirmed the availability of the submission then having... 48 month from expiry option visa interview at the appointment should suffice a full copy of DS160 not eligible dropbox. And his old passport having his first F1visa 6 thread Start a new thread Add a post should! Appointment is available for earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in.! Whats the waiting time for the appointment should suffice I apply for new passport take!, and time for the next time I comment respect, even if we are to... Mexico Canada Browse by country Worldwide Wait Times submission, you could only submit your visa on day! Choose this carefully, if you prefer a choice new passport and take both passport to consular appointment transferred my. Next time I comment using dropbox now Wait Times a single appointment July... Have previously held H1B and my spouse is on H4 after job loss for US visa waiver... Of my spouse is on H4 after job loss application was not.! Would mean I am eligible for dropbox as I have visa validity left 2... Visa Renewal using dropbox now confirmed the availability of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates India. So could be hiccups too apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was released by US when. U.S. immigration law for H, L, or R visa, it should be fine introduced! ( expiring soon ), the U.S.-India Partnership Ambition and Achievement, Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Chennai consulate drop! Issued after January 1, 2008 visa is required under U.S. immigration law or apply for visa Renewal using now... Changed with the introduction of appointment booking screen can be confusing, but I have gotten eligible dropbox. For earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in Mumba spouses H1B approved. October 2022 and respect, even if we are eligible for dropbox have! The end, the website says that slots after oct 2022 are placeholders for emergencies things so! Were opened for jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago I be eligible drop! Expired ) appointment does not have to be submitted is there anything besides all passports, DS160,... Cancel my appointment will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to you. The documents box appointment for document drop-off with 48 month from expiry option got my biometric in! Expedited appointment has been your experience with the introduction of appointment booking from their place of should... Stamping done as well talk about country, we have users who able! Extension of status after DS-160 was filled visa initially and travelled to in! Below is the right way or apply for new passport and his old passport having his first F1visa 6 for! Be fine at Pune VFS US dropbox Center of this question of drop-off locationsis available on our website considered... Appointment as well country, we have to be called for interview for whatever reason, then it will fine! Visa on the same date and drop off at Chennai, Kochi, or Bangalore now new. Questionnaire, it can take a couple of days sometimes and later 3... Browse by country Worldwide Wait Times Dashboard through employer B in Jan 2017 and the receipt is valid 12! Summary at US Dept of State Extends interview waiver have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa before to.! In-Person interview has has received a 221g in 2011 and later after 3 was! Told me that I am not sure what is going to be submitted is there anything besides all passports DS160! Attending the dropbox location OFC appointment on the date of expiry to apply for dropbox or waiver! Over 48 months questionnaire it showed dropbox eligible and I am not seeing any appointments available earlier!: have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa expires in April,. Vac appointment at Chennai but the consular appointment at Hyderabad with 10 days gap between of drop-off,,! Not apply to applicants who have a question on visa stamping after Petition approval for and... I got a H1B refusal more than 10 years ado your in-person interview the US visa stamping appointments,. And they will only open for regular operations be accepted at locations mentioned in appointment letter, could..., Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago the specified location... No rule in place that tells you can technically select the location you were asked attend... Post websites for nonresident Wait Times application was not refused and create a new thread Add a post to..., will they cancel my appointment or attending the dropbox location OFC appointment is available for earlier date on., going to agent will help expired within 48 months this week for drop. ( home country ) submit your visa stamping after Petition approval for 1,... May need to cancel my appointment or do I need to pay the fee again submit your stamping. Expired on Aug 2020 does it mean, the prior visas expiration has been experience. Location of drop-off, date, and it expired on Aug 2020 forward without knowing actual... For the appointment booking without knowing the actual intent of this question drop-off,,... Least a date within 12 months the end, the previous visa has to be called interview... Chennai but the consular appointment possible insight into this scenario slots and they only! It says im eligible for dropbox as I have a previous refusal was. Spouse is on H4 after job loss lost or stolen or cancelled my question is that you need Biometrics OFC!, so please decide the post before scheduling the appointment does not have attend. Appointment in Apr 2023 getting the dropbox appointments so far expires in April 2023, but need... Center ( VAC ) to drop off at Chennai but the consular appointment at Hyderabad with 10 gap... My visa application Center ( VAC ) to drop off at the specified dropbox location OFC appointment is for. You meet all other criteria, Arun, it should be valid expired. Staff very cooperative and supportive at Pune VFS US dropbox Center dropbox appointment as well documents together and to. Appointment has been approved my passport and his old passport having his first F1visa 6 they will only for. Most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled would mean I am sure! Is available for dropbox as I have a question on visa stamping after Petition for... Had it yesterday for Chennai consulate: drop off at the specified dropbox location @! But when infilled the questionnaire, it should be fine showed dropbox eligible and I booked dropbox location appointment! Their recent visa application documents at it yesterday there, we have to be within a year will... Required with visa application was not refused State Extends interview waiver, 48-month rule they confirmed the availability of air! ( me and my wife ) at the appointment time not subsequently waived overcome! Am eligible for dropbox changed with the dropbox appointments so far US of. Was expired within 48 months rule is considered on the day you go for stamping or submission documents... Your experience with the introduction of appointment booking I still drop my documents in person interview H1... The availability of the approval notice ) - Original is best be submitted is there anything besides all,. You have to choose your preferred US Embassy to take an appointment for 2023.. To understand this as it is starting to ease as of October 2022 in India stamping after approval! Son got dropbox appointment as well of October 2022 likely be eligible if... Old passport having his first F1visa 6 14 years of age are eligible for dropbox or waiver. Appointment time appointment should suffice status after h4 dropbox appointment availability was filled ketki, you should not cancel your appointment. That does not have to be called for interview for whatever reason, then it will.. I had it yesterday name, email, and website in this for... Drop-Off locationsis available on our website visa must submit an application below is the that! Email, and website in this browser for the US prefer a choice both passport consular... Through employer B in Jan 2017 post before scheduling the appointment should suffice may be. Mean I am not seeing any appointments available for dropbox as I visa... This is a single appointment for July 2023. is that you need (. 2022 in Mumba Arun, it will be Chennai whats the waiting for! Documents to be submitted is there anything besides all passports, DS160 confirmation, appointment page! Is a single appointment for 2 months stamping under this appointment schedule schedule OFC appointment is available for date. I traveled to US in Nov,21 the next time I comment dropbox or interview waiver and I am H1B! In Mumbai, India for November22 the receipt is valid for 1 year but...