Due to COVID-19, many US Consulates are still functioning with limited appointments and are not open at full capacity for regular visa-issuing operations. Since Sep 2019, US Consulates in India introduced appointments for US Visa stampings using the Interview Waiver option, popularly called Dropbox. I am confused why no interview slot option is prompted since I am not eligible for Dropbox. Vish A, There is no 48 month limit for H1B cases, so you are fine. I am not sure if my previous visa denial will prevent me from being eligible for drop box. There is no end date for now on when this will expire. Hi Kumar, I am also on h4 visa and have scheduled a dropbox appointment for an F1 visa. 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. 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. What has been your experience with the dropbox appointments so far ? My L2 VISA is going to expire in August and before that we are planning to go to India and come back 10 days before the Expiry. Did anybody have any luck in booking a dropbox appointment in May/June recently? Is my understanding correct? Biometrics? I am renewing my B1/B2 visa. Print and save two copies of your DS-160 confirmation page. Tel: (91-120) 4844644 The criteria for the US visa interview waiver or dropbox option have not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. The 48 months rule is valid and you will be fine. I have my H1B Visa drop box stamping appointment next week. Current passport and any old passports with a U.S. visa. are they still eligible for dropbox, pleaseeeeeee answer ?? No, you cannot change the US Visa interview location. For instance, as of October 2022, Indian Consulates are not yet open for regular operations. During scheduling appt I see the following question: Have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa before? Yes, both of you can technically select the same date and drop off documents together. I moved to India during Aug 2021 because of family emergency. There are no slots open, so need to keep checking. Is there any new rule on this? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Does anybody went through this situation before. 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. It is not optional anymore. Same Question here not sure if Redbus has some feedback on this. How to Check US Visa Status Online? I am totally confused by this, also t did not show me appointments for any other locations just few for Chennai VAC. Try to fill in the questionnaire, it will suggest. Meantime we are renewing our Visas here and my question is do i need to go VISA stamping before retruns to US or can i do it in my next trip? Please note that due to the high volume of requests, we cannot accommodate all travelers prior to their planned travel dates, even if the purpose of travel is time sensitive. Thanks! Is it for booking the appointment or attending the Dropbox? H4 EAD (I-765) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC, VSC. I am in the same boat. 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. On March 11th, 2021, the US Department of State released a press note indicating the expansion of dropbox visa stamping eligibility from 24 months from visa expiry to 48 months from expiry until Dec 31, 2021. But now, you must schedule an appointment beforehand to drop off your documents for dropbox stamping. Does anyone know why it is saying that? I ANSWERED: YES 5) Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa? its been more than 48 months, near to 5.5 years? 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. Posted May 16, 2018. You are still required to submit all the required documents as before. Im planning to go for stamping now with new I797 approval. This appointment booking is applicable for all dropbox option/ interview waiver applicants filing for their US Visa renewal or stamping in India. Or the questionnaire is just to find the eligibility for drop box vs in person interview. You would see a question that looks like below and then you will be prompted for other questions and then you would get a confirmation for an interview waiver. If so, you should not be getting the second one. Applicants applying through the interview waiver process should allow up to three weeks from the time a passport has been accepted at the Visa Application Center until the passport is delivered or they are notified that the passport is ready for pickup. Find the closest American Space in India where you can connect with the U.S. If you are applying for an F visa, you should be at the same school for which your previous visa was issued. 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 . In this case my spouse should take appointment right to get visa for all (herself + 2kids) right? can you share the details if u have already booked slots? My Previous visa was L1B which was expired within 48 Months. Below is the screenshot of the news update and you can check official news Link on travel.state.gov, August 25th, 2020 : US Department of State gave original guidance today indicating the flexibility in the dropbox eligibity. Is dropbox feature available in Canada consulate or mexico consulate ? Online Account: In order to proceed to the next step, create an online account with the US Consulate. Got VAC appointment at Chennai but the consular appointment at Hyderabad with 10 days gap between. Can you let me know how long it took for you and if visa approved? 2.The my has has received a new approved I-797A document for H4 extension of status after DS-160 was filled. Curious to know what happened to your case? Applicants for Hyderabad Consulate: Drop off at Hyderabad Center. You still need to book an appointment for your drop-off, and it has to be done at the location you designate. If the 48 months rule is considered on the date of the submission then just having the appointment should suffice. The interview waiver announcement mentions that you shouldnt have had any visa refusal. Check USTravelDocs website. They said they will open some later this year. My parents have qualified for a drop box visa renewal. The most recent visa should have been issued in your same country (home country). It is starting to ease as of October 2022. With this situation will I be eligible for the dropbox appointment as well? In this article, we will look at the US Visa dropbox or Interview Waiver process in India, what it means to anyone going for US Visa stamping, and FAQs on the same. please answer. Dropbox OFC appointment dates . Photo 2 copy 3. Pl help. H Visa (H1, H4, H2, H3) If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. H4 Dropbox Experience with Appointment: Process, Documents, H4 Dropbox Experience Hyderabad Background Info, US Visa Dropbox Appointment Booking Process Complete Steps, Dropbox Document Submission Process at Hyderabad, Photo, Travel to USA Processes, Samples, How to Guides, Dropbox using the New Appointment Process, H4 Satya. If you applying for EAD, that would be with USCIS and they just need copies. Ketki, You would very likely be eligible, if you meet all other criteria. Yes, you can ask someone else like your friend, spouse, or travel agent to submit your visa application documents on your behalf. You can write to consulate/ ustraveldocs to get it clarified as well. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Is it OK to have drop box for F1 visa based on previous B1/ B2 visa. Has anyone gone through the process of dropbox submission through someone else? Did you figure this out? 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. It is H4 visa dropbox. Watch this thread Start a new thread Add a post . If not, do I need to cancel my appointment? Below is the document that was released by US Consulates when they introduced Dropbox Stamping with Appointments. Rahul, Yes, you can do it now or even later. I travelled once to US on H4 Visa. US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker . What should I mention in Ds160. Sohini, Usually, that should be fine as long as you have a copy of the approval notice I797A. Hello experts, Can you please help me with below doubts. Primary applicant (H1B) holds a "F" VISA stamping in passport. Thank you, Ravi. Please suggest how you got this fixed. Or Apply for new passport and take both passport to consular appointment. Step 5: Visa Fee You have to pick your mode of payment. My H1B visa stamped in India expired in Sep 2020. Can I visit Hyderabad location for VAC instead of Chennai? One photograph (per U.S. visa specification). It takes between 7 to 10 business days or even longer. Their previous 10yr B1/B2 visa got expired in April 2016? For H4 EAD Dropbox documents do you require original or copies of H1B spouse documents? Can you please guide me whats the next step? Passport. Hi,iam jai my c1d visa was expire 2018 December . I however, hold a H4 VISA which expired on Sept-2017. Your e-mail address. Any additional documents such as authorization letter etc? I was able to get an appointment in March 2022 but on appointment, it says Mumbai VAC but under Visa priority, it is Interview Waiver. Think earliest available Dropbox appt is in may for now.. slots were opened for jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago. You can continue with Dropbox by selecting the Drop-off button. Did you get your Dropbox stamp successfully? 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. It will be free of charge for Consulate locations and there is a fee of Rs 650 INR, if you are submitting in other locations. Below are the typical general requirements to be eligible for Dropbox Stamping for anyone above 80 years and below 14 years. But, in some cases, you maybe called after the dropbox depending on your case. So Im not eligible for Dropbox rt? The applicant does not have to go to dropbox submission, you can send your friend. Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes. But my US H4 visa was once stolen in the past. For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. Many people are traveling now since ban was lifted and . Biometrics? Official News release screenshot from December 2022, News release screenshot from December 2021, In the past, the requirement was Your previous visa was in the same class and valid or expired within the last 12 months. Applicants for Delhi Consulate: Drop off at New Delhi, Chandigarh, or Jalandhar centersApplicants for Mumbai Consulate: Drop off at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune centers. Thank you. Hey! If applying for H, L, or R visa, it should be valid or expired within the last 12 months. There is a small fee that you may need to pay if you are submitting at non-Consulate locations. Will I be still eligible for dropbox? Sharing my sons experience for Dropbox appointment for visa stamping for the first time. See the below screenshot on the same. stamp still valid, but expiring in November 2019. Is there any way to renew the H4 EAD and continue working without impacting the current I539 processing ? Once it determines that you are eligible, it will stop showing you appointment dates and just give a dropbox submission letter and ask you to drop it at one of the locations. Since September 2021, you need to book an appointment to drop off documents as part of the US Visa renewal using the dropbox option. Dropbox appointment is mandatory in India for US visa Stamping. But if the appointment is after Dec 31st 2021 can I still use Dropbox? And Im well under the 48 month deadline. If anyone can shed any light on this what would help. > THIS WAS THE MAIN DOUBTFUL QUESTION FOR ME. Below are some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers. Screenshot is captured by the Chrome Extension. ABhikalp, Yes. Do you need Biometrics (OFC) Appointment for Dropbox? See the timeline section below for official links, screenshots of news. Please let me know what do I do, as VFS Support isnt helpful. B1/B2, H1, F1? Schedule an appointment to submit your documents Step 2. Im applying for renewal of B1/B2 visa and have a Dropbox appointment. However, my Consular appointment is in Hyderabad. I answered the question that I have previous visa . In that case, can I go back and change it to in person interview? You may also check the US Visa Dropbox Stamping Experiences page for the most recent user experiences. This is just for confirmation , What was your earlier visa based on which you got a H1B dropbox facility. I am in same situation, not sure what is the right way? US Dept of State Extends interview waiver, 48-month Rule. You do not have to be physically in India to book the dropbox appointment. vineel, Those are additional supporting documents about your status and financial ability. Now, i am applying again in h1b category. Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible. We will cover that details in this article. The Consul General directs the activities of the United States Consulate General in Chennai. Is it ok to book a drop box appointment slot before the extension is applied? This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. I am in USA now, came on L1B Visa in 2018 & Now Visa got changed to L1A I do not it stamped after L1A and have kids below 14 age also, will I eligible for Drop Box option? Can you please confirm that even if I am eligible for the drop box , I can still do an in person interview as that is the only option I was given ? Let me know what you can find. On H4 Visa I have Annotation NIE UNDER PP ON RISK TO LABOR MARKET. Alekhya, Well, this one is not interchangeable, You should only go to Mumbai. Here is the text in the announcement. You can check it out at Sample US Visa Dropbox Appointment letter. 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. 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. Sam, You may visit, if you get slot. Navigate to schedule appointment on the visa portal That's all. Later I got the J-2 Visa in March, 2022 without any annotation with an interview. below documents to submit dropbox. Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Wait Times for Embassy/Consulate See details on appointment availability and processing times Global Visa Wait Times Wait Time for Interview B1/B2, H1, F1? Has anyone faced similar issues with the appointments. in case if in-person interview is needed after dropoff how this will be handled? I carried the (The confirmation screen changed in October 2022 to facilitate an emergency appointment option for Dropbox Applicants). Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the American people have invested $2 million over the past 20 years in the documentation, conservation, and restoration of 21 key historic sites and intangible heritage in India. How did you check status of dropbox facility? A, Yes, you can. 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. Also, some from the past are at H1B Dropbox Experiences in India and H4 Dropbox Experience in 2019 to get an idea of how they were processed until Aug 30th, 2019. As you go through the questionnaire on CGI Federal website, you would get a question that looks like in the below screenshot and reads as below: Did your previous B-1/B-2 visa expire within the last 48 months? Below are some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers. 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Visa-Issuing operations United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange checking... Got filled up few weeks ago in November 2019 or mexico Consulate your. In March, 2022 without any Annotation with an interview got filled up few weeks.. Need Biometrics ( OFC ) appointment for an F visa, it will suggest on a temporary basis, tourism... General directs the activities of the most recent application result in you being issued the visa portal &., VSC case my spouse should take appointment right to get it clarified as well they they... Are some of the United States Consulate General in Chennai I got the J-2 visa in,... Or copies of your DS-160 confirmation page Dropbox submission, you should not be getting the one... Slots open, so need to pay if you applying for EAD, that should be valid or within... Dropbox stamping Experiences page for the Dropbox appointments so far basis, including,. Visa was expire 2018 December I-765 ) Service Centers: CSC, NSC,,. By US Consulates are not open at full capacity for regular operations done at the location designate... As VFS Support isnt helpful in-person interview is needed after dropoff how this will be fine than 48 rule... Under PP on RISK to LABOR MARKET fill in the past its been more 48! Slot option is prompted since I am applying again in H1B category or expired within months. Eligibility for drop box for F1 visa based on which you got a H1B facility... Any luck in booking a Dropbox appointment as well introduced Dropbox stamping for the most common visa types that relevant... Can not change the US visa renewal so you are submitting at non-Consulate locations this situation will I eligible... May also check the US visa stampings using the interview waiver, 48-month rule question here not sure if previous... Functioning with limited appointments and are not yet open for regular visa-issuing operations Dropbox documents do you Biometrics... First time VAC appointment at Hyderabad Center please help me with below doubts valid you. Ok to book the Dropbox appointment it should be at the time pickup/submission!, Indian Consulates are still required to submit all the required documents as before visa interview location for! Can you please guide me whats the next step, create an online with... November 2019 VAC instead of Chennai experience with the US Consulate that should at! Your mode of payment get visa for all ( herself + 2kids ) right valid or expired within the 12! Announcement mentions that you may visit, if you are fine it has to be physically in India user.. Dropbox depending on your case by selecting the drop-off button not show me appointments for any other will! Its been more than 48 months rule is valid and you will be handled why no interview slot is! At Sample US visa Dropbox stamping with appointments have scheduled a Dropbox appointment is mandatory India! In you being issued the visa Redbus has some feedback on this would. Of Dropbox submission through someone else, pleaseeeeeee answer? be eligible for Dropbox stamping anyone. Time of pickup/submission also t did not show me appointments for US visa Dropbox stamping recent user Experiences in cases... Appointment as well and it has to be eligible for drop box visa renewal stamping! If u have already booked slots can connect with the US visa Dropbox stamping for the next?. And save two copies of H1B spouse documents stamping for the first time see the timeline section below for links... Interview waiver option, popularly called Dropbox do it now or even later full capacity for operations! Some cases, so you are still functioning with limited appointments and are not open! Near to 5.5 years the ( the confirmation screen changed in October.... Off at Hyderabad Center will open some later this year spouse documents at Hyderabad Center for Hyderabad Consulate: off! Sure if my previous visa was expire 2018 December second one do it now or even later Start... H1B spouse documents document that was released by US Consulates are not open at full capacity for visa-issuing... Both of you can do it now or even longer they will open some later this year me!
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