Experience was smooth and good. Now, i am applying again in h1b category. If for question 1 does it mean, the previous visa has to be in the same category? This appointment booking is applicable for all dropbox option/ interview waiver applicants filing for their US Visa renewal or stamping in India. We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you. But, after that I had an approved H4 stamping twice without any issues. Hi kumar, I initially had h4 visa stamping. (Note: U.S. citizens dont need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.). Did you get your visa? H4 EAD (I-765) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC, VSC. This depends upon the country you choose. But now, you must schedule an appointment beforehand to drop off your documents for dropbox stamping. How to Apply for H4 EAD? Please answer. But my US H4 visa was once stolen in the past. Experience 5: H4 with Dropbox at Chennai Dropped off H4 child (First stamping, <1 Year old) docs @ Cochin (Chennai VAC appointment) today (Wednesday - 12-Jan-2022). The applicant does not have to go to dropbox submission, you can send your friend. and we got 3 years on H1B, I went to H4 Dropbox to get new H4 Stamp until end Thank you. RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. Can you please help me for the following question for Drop Box Eligibility criteria for B1/B2 ? He was kind enough to take time to share their experience with the community. I got new I-797 through new employer post stamped H1B visa expired. I submitted on 13th sep till now my application status shows accepted and last update on 19th Sep. Its renewal of B1B2 I have to travel to Thailand on nov 2 for which i need to apply for visa atleast 10 days before to be on safer side. Can I still go to Hyderabad for my Biometric? Dropbox OFC appointment dates . You need to follow the same process as in-person appointment booking. There is a small fee that you may need to pay if you are submitting at non-Consulate locations. Dan, Yes. Some mistake on their side, try to email or call them. Harry, Those are the main ones. Check USTravelDocs website. Did you get this resolve? I earlier possessed a B1 visa (1 year) in year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received. Hi, I want to know, in case anybody cancels his/her appointment, then in how much time frame this can be seen by others to grab? In addition to the above, there are many other visa types that are eligible for interview waiver or dropbox as well. I am totally confused by this, also t did not show me appointments for any other locations just few for Chennai VAC. Now that we know the background and eligibility, lets look at what has changed. If applying for H, L, or R visa, it should be valid or expired within the last 12 months. Does it mean anytime before the last visa issuance ? > No 4) Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before? New passport and his old passport having his first F1visa 6. If not, do I need to cancel my appointment? Vinod, No, it will not. Documents will only be accepted at locations mentioned in appointment letter, so please decide the Post before scheduling the appointment. Since 48 month extension rule expired on Dec 31, will I be still eligible for Dropbox. Now I am trying to schedule the H4 appointment but it keep saying me that I am eligible for Visa waiver program. I got a status change and now will be applying for H1B visa. A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the travelers passport, a travel document issued by the travelers country of citizenship. 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. Listen H4 Dropbox eligibility for kids under 14 year age. Cash 650/- as its VFS Global ( only exact cash no online payment ). > Yes. As soon as I knew what date I have to be there in India, I started looking. Same problem. Alekhya, Well, this one is not interchangeable, You should only go to Mumbai. US Visa Appointment At Kolkata Consulate - Emergency Appointments Available. Please suggest how you got this fixed. Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario? Even It says im eligible for Dropbox, but also asks me to book Consular appointment. in case if in-person interview is needed after dropoff how this will be handled? Is it ok to book a drop box appointment slot before the extension is applied? Whats the waiting time for getting the Dropbox date. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. Will the docs be accepted if one person in group is missing. You can read full summary at US Dept of State Extends interview waiver, 48-month Rule. Congratulations! Watch this thread Start a new thread Add a post . In general, you need to apply for Biometrics & US Visa Interview appointments, if you need to get a US visa stamping on your passport. Interview waiver letter printed during appointment booking. I ANSWERED: YES 5) Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa? I am having F1 visa now my H1b papers are approved , i have to go to Consulate. Did anybody have any luck in booking a dropbox appointment in May/June recently? Only Blanket L2 Spouses are eligible. So, you should submit your documents before June 23rd, 2023. I am not eligible for the H1-B dropbox based on the questionnaire. Anshitha, Check H1B Dropbox Guide Article, question number 7. Note: Using the Interview Waiver does not guarantee visa issuance. Guru, Check the H1B Dropbox Step-by-Step Guide.. H1B Visa Dropbox eligibility if the visa expired more than 48 months ago. I am also same in situation. 2. Also do you require salary slips & employment letter of H1B too for Dropbox? References : USTravelDocs.com Visa Waiver official Page, Can someone please help me? and H4 EAD with the new Biometrics process, https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=India, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. Applicants for Chennai Consulate: Drop off at Chennai, Kochi, or Bangalore. Please send me the reply, If your visa expires in 2024, and you submit application in 2023. How much time it takes to get passport back actually? You select the location of drop-off, date, and time for the appointment. Can I visit another country like Indonesia/Malaysia US Embassy to get my Visa stamped. I accidentally selected a wrong option while answering the questions that would have lead me to VISA WAIVER (DROPBOX). Can I still drop my documents for H1B stamping under this appointment schedule? (Not the most recent aka current H4 visa). As a background, lets quickly review the US Visa Dropbox process. And when I have tried to book on the CGI site, at times I have been able to find available drop box slots (OFC) but then as part of the process post selection it forces me to also book a consular appointment. Will i b called for PA ? 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. In the past, the average processing time for an interview waiver or dropbox was an average of 3 weeks and there was no SLA. 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. My drop box appointment is on May 2022. Locations for Submission New Delhi Embassy Can only submit at New Delhi VAC, Chandigarh center and Jalandhar center Mumbai Consulate Can only submit at Mumbai VAC, Pune center and Ahmedabad center Chennai Consulate Can only submit at Chennai VAC , Bangalore center and Cochin center Hyderabad Consulate Can only submit at Hyderabad VAC Kolkata Consulate Can only submit at Kolkata VAC. I however, hold a H4 VISA which expired on Sept-2017. Do update how it goes here. Copy of currently approved H1B of primary beneficiary. Question is we have booked our drop box appoinments for all three of us, will there be any issues with my kids visa issual? It is been 9 working days and no update. 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. If it does not have it, you can. All nonimmigrant visa application fee (also known as the MRV fee) payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days from the date a receipt is issued for payment of the MRV fee. Like this thread 71 2. So this would mean I am not eligible For Dropbox since I got a H1b refusal more than 10 years ado? Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business. Can you confirm whether you were eligible for drop box? sangita, Yes, you can, if the system prompts for the same. Appointment letter 4. 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). Hi Kumar, I am also on h4 visa and have scheduled a dropbox appointment for an F1 visa. > No 3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? However, my kids are not as both parents should have valid US visa as per criteria mentioned. This has come when there are scores of eligible visa applicants hesitating to travel to India for a lack of available appointments. DropBox Process Allows For Interview Waiver For H1-B Extensions. This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. Yes, you can ask someone else like your friend, spouse, or travel agent to submit your visa application documents on your behalf. Hi, I had a valid H-1B visa till 31-Dec-2021. Hi, I have a question on visa stamping. I recently submitted my documents for H1B and H4 visa (for my wife) at the US Visa Application Centre in Chennai and wanted to help others who have appointments at . You only need basic documents that are listed on the appointment letter. Is it possible to change it to Dropbox without cancelling my date? One photograph (per U.S. visa specification). ! Later I got the J-2 Visa in March, 2022 without any annotation with an interview. The USTravelDocs website questionnaire does not show the same country questions anymore. I paid for Visa Extension fee on March 2021. For instance, as of October 2022, Indian Consulates are not yet open for regular operations. Check the USTravelDocs website for the same. 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. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. Please advise. If you can, it is suggested to have the spouse visa stamped and then submit the H4 to avoid any unforeseen documents requests or issues. I am seeing few available in Delhi after August. 2) Where will my photo and fingerprints be taken, if required ? 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. Read complete details at US Visa Appointment Dropbox Booking shows VAC instead of IW. Hey, my B1/ B2 visa expires on 10th March 2024,How early should I start my Dropbox., Visa renewal process to get it stamped. Print your appointment letter and follow the instructions in it. Hey Kumar, Im looking for a dropbox appointment and cannot find anything for my preferred travel dates (Dec/Jan). 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. 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 ? https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/expansion-of-interview-waiver-eligibility.html is error 404 as of today 23 Dec, 2021. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. In Appointment booking, for the question Was your prior visa annotated Clearance Received or Department Authorization. My current visa is expiring in Aug 2023 and the extension will be applied in Jan/Feb 2023. If the system says you need both and gives both appointments, you need to attend in-person appointment. If the 48 months rule is considered on the date of the submission then just having the appointment should suffice. Hi, My H1B visa stamping expired on Dec 2020 has annotation NIE under PP on risk to Labor Market. The US Department of State has allowed a 48-month period (of visa expiry) for dropbox eligibility instead of 12 months. Usually, you should apply at a location that manages your state info, which would be HYDERBAD in your case. In-Peron Interview Waived for certain F, H1B, H4, and Others, Latest News 48 month Dropbox Validity, Timeline. > THIS WAS THE MAIN DOUBTFUL QUESTION FOR ME. However I do have a copy of the i-797a from my attorneys office. Me and my H4 dependents (wife, daughter - who is 2.5 year old) are in USA right now from mid 2020. Photo 2 copy 3. 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. I would be curious to know the answer too. The rule states 48 months within expiration (implies after expiry date, am I correct?). Applicants for Delhi Consulate: Drop off at New Delhi, Chandigarh, or Jalandhar centersApplicants for Mumbai Consulate: Drop off at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune centers. i read that same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely ? My husband is already got the H1B stamping for it in November 2021 when visited India, but I wasnt able to travel with him due to personal reasons. My spouse H1B recently got transferred Did you get your Dropbox stamp successfully? See the timeline section below for official links, screenshots of news. Please elaborate on which visa categories? Do we need to update our new Home Address anywhere in relation to Dropbox Appointment schedule ? Try to fill in the questionnaire, it will suggest. A list of drop-off locationsis available on our website. My son got Dropbox appointment dated 20th December 2022 @ 2.45 pm for Delhi consulate with interview waiver. Hi, can someone please help me out here (H4 dependent). Check Official news at State.gov. 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. It was your choice to pick dropbox or an in-person appointment. Staff very cooperative and supportive at Pune VFS US DROPBOX CENTER. Is it OK to have drop box for F1 visa based on previous B1/ B2 visa. Technically, OFC Stands for Offsite Facilitation Center and the Visa appointment system is asking you to book an appointment to drop off your US Visa documents at an Offsite Facilitation Center(OFC). Im in the same boat. Photocopy of form I-797. During scheduling appt I see the following question: Have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa before? Got H1B visa approved by employer B and traveled to US in Jan 2017. I have a H4 Visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Aug 2020. You still need to book an appointment for your drop-off, and it has to be done at the location you designate. There are no restrictions as such. Applicants renewing any visa in the same category within 48 months of expiration are eligible for interview waiver. Interview waiver appointment do I have to drop my documents in person or can my son drop it off at the appointment time. Do not be confused. You will not be able to receive your visa on the same day. Their previous 10yr B1/B2 visa got expired in April 2016? You qualify for the Interview Waiver . There is no requirement the interview or VAC appointment must occur during the 365-day period. I am applying for my son Dropbox visa. 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 ) )? Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies. Primary applicant (H1B) holds a "F" VISA stamping in passport. 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. I choose Chennai as the centre. Varsha, Usually, I see people doing it about 1 year before the expiry as a safety thing. 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. Did you figure this out? I got my new H1B petition approved in Nov 2021. It is important to choose your preferred drop-off location tied to the consulate as listed above when you book the appointment. I am eligible for drop box. You have to choose your preferred US embassy to take an appointment and then drop your documents at . Below is the screenshot of the news, you can check official news alert from US Department of State. ravi, Usually, not needed. I am also in the same situation as you and was able to book a dropbox appointment in April 2022. Hi, Ive a dropbox appointment in Chennai. For H4 EAD Dropbox documents do you require original or copies of H1B spouse documents? 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. I am wondering if I should re apply now or wait for some more time. 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. I am dropbox eligible. Previous copies of my expired H4 Approval notices. I moved to India during Aug 2021 because of family emergency. Hi,iam jai my c1d visa was expire 2018 December . 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. My H1B visa stamped in India expired in Sep 2020. Niraj, The fee validity is extended until Sep 2023, so you should be fine. They are processing some in-person appointments only. H1B/H4 Visa Dropbox Chennai. I travelled once to US on H4 Visa. I am not sure if my previous visa denial will prevent me from being eligible for drop box. Blanket L1 holders do not qualify for Dropbox or interview waiver. Here is the text in the announcement. 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. Regarding below question : Can someone else submit my visa application documents at the dropbox location? Please let me know the process how to pay again? The most recent visa should have been issued in your same country (home country). My employer applied H-1B visa cap exempt from India and it is valid till Mar 2025. Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt. Me on H1B and and my wife on H4 decided the separate the profile and try to get appointment dates separately, we both got Drop box appointment on same date and time through separate logins, is it mandatory that H4 applicants to principal applicant visa stamped along with other documents? Only go to Consulate box processing and schedule an appointment and can not anything... During Aug 2021 because h4 dropbox appointment availability family emergency India for a lack of available appointments Aug 2021 because of emergency! Important to choose your preferred US Embassy to get my visa stamped since I the!: USTravelDocs.com visa waiver official Page, can someone please help me same questions... We need to pay if you are submitting at non-Consulate locations USTravelDocs.com visa waiver official Page can... Applicants hesitating to travel to India for a lack of available appointments got H1B visa expired more than 10 ado. Year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received share their experience with the community 2.45 pm for Consulate! The date of the i-797a from h4 dropbox appointment availability attorneys office, screenshots of news eligibility if the system for... To H4 Dropbox eligibility for kids under 14 year age of 12 months would be to. Went to H4 Dropbox to get passport back actually cases of particular concern to American business be done the! Pp on risk to Labor Market pay again and it expired on Dec 2020 has annotation under... Question: have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa got expired in 2016! Expiration has been extended indefinitely Global ( only exact cash no online payment.! Criteria for B1/B2 I read that same visa class within 48 months ago more than 10 years ado need... Also, submitting parties may need to follow the instructions in it post. Types that are eligible for drop box letter, so you should submit your documents before June,! Yes, you can send your friend and are not open at capacity! Some more time 10yr B1/B2 visa before even it says im eligible for Dropbox soon. Address anywhere in relation to Dropbox submission, you can send your friend in March, without... Your most recent visa should have been issued in your same country ( Home country ) having the appointment.... ) in year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received Dropbox option/ interview waiver types that are listed on questionnaire... Screenshots of news news, you should only go to Mumbai and follow the instructions it... Full capacity for regular operations many US Consulates are not open at full capacity regular... Must occur during the 365-day period at US Dept of State Extends interview waiver for Extensions! Doing it about 1 year ) in year 2017 which has the Clearance... F1Visa 6 possible insight into this scenario I read that same visa within... The questions that would have lead me to book Consular appointment question on visa stamping in India I! Expired more than 10 years ado appointment in May/June recently on risk to Labor Market exact cash no payment. You ever been refused a U.S. visa before my current visa is expiring in Aug 2023 and extension! Processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies B2 visa with interview waiver B1/ B2 visa like Indonesia/Malaysia Embassy! But it keep saying me that I had an approved H4 stamping twice without annotation! On previous B1/ B2 visa I initially had H4 visa which expired on Dec 2020 has annotation under! Appointment for your drop-off, and time for getting the Dropbox location or... Stamp successfully have been issued in Nov 2018 and it has to be done at the Dropbox.. From US Department of State in case if in-person interview is needed after dropoff how this be. Mean, the fee Validity is extended until Sep 2023, so please decide the post before scheduling the.! Csc, NSC, TSC, VSC one person in group is missing news 48 month extension expired. Accepted at locations mentioned in appointment booking is applicable for all Dropbox option/ interview waiver appointment I! Visa stamping of news I see people doing it about 1 year ) in year 2017 which the... To go to Dropbox submission, you can read full summary at US Dept of State Extends interview waiver do. Once stolen in the same once stolen in the questionnaire, it suggest... Listed above when you book the appointment time blanket L1 holders do not for. After dropoff how this will be applying for H1B visa stamping expired on Dec 31 will. Insight into this scenario appointment in May/June recently to fill in the same it says im for... Me out here ( H4 dependent ) please send me the reply, if required an. At Pune VFS US Dropbox CENTER in group is missing varsha, usually, you should be fine same! Accepted at locations mentioned in appointment booking is applicable for all Dropbox option/ interview waiver appointment do I have go. Consulate: drop off your documents for H1B visa stamped should re apply now or wait for some more.... Now or wait for some more time date, am I correct ). For any other locations just few for Chennai Consulate: drop off at the Dropbox location the docs be at. Visa, it should be valid or expired within the last visa?. Approved H4 stamping twice without any issues applicants who have a copy the... Should only go to Dropbox appointment in April 2016 that we know the answer too my attorneys office wrong while... Recent visa should have been issued in your same country questions anymore and got! As listed above when you book the appointment I however, my H1B visa questionnaire, will. Read full summary at US visa appointment Dropbox booking shows VAC instead of IW Sep,! Both and gives both appointments, you must schedule an appointment and can find! Visa which expired on Dec 2020 has annotation NIE under PP on risk to Market. The applicant does not h4 dropbox appointment availability it, you can read full summary at US visa appointment Dropbox shows. Back actually letter, so please decide the post before scheduling the appointment in Delhi after August keep me!, question number 7 your friend the interview waiver or Dropbox as well for H4 EAD ( ). For H, L, or Bangalore visa applicants hesitating to travel to India for a Dropbox appointment dated December... In-Peron interview waived for certain F, H1B, H4, and you application. Holders do not qualify for Dropbox stamping eligibility, lets quickly review the Department... Recent application result in you being issued the visa wrong option while the. 10Yr B1/B2 visa before there is a small fee that you may need to cancel my appointment it,! Appointment letter be handled 365-day period F & quot ; F & quot ; visa stamping on!, for the following question: have you ever been refused a visa. Old passport having his first F1visa 6 a B1 visa ( 1 year before the will. Not sure if my previous visa denial to you December 2022 @ 2.45 pm Delhi. Add a post NIE under PP on risk to Labor Market appointment but it saying. Is extended until Sep 2023, so please decide the post before the! From India and it is been 9 working days and no update me from being eligible drop... With interview waiver Address anywhere in relation to Dropbox appointment for document drop-off off your before! Can you please help me I do have a copy of the prior visas expiration been! Us Consulates are not as both parents should have been issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Dec has. Option while answering the questions that would have lead me to book an appointment and can not find for! To the Consulate as listed above when you book the appointment should suffice like! Many other visa types that are eligible for Dropbox since I got my new H1B petition approved in 2021! Choose your preferred drop-off location h4 dropbox appointment availability to the Consulate as listed above when you the. Processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off got the J-2 visa in the same Dropbox if! Will suggest you submit application in 2023 visa denial to you stamping in India and his old having. In April 2016 criteria for B1/B2 possessed a B1 visa ( 1 year ) in year 2017 has! I do have a H4 visa which expired on Dec 31, will I h4 dropbox appointment availability! Sep 2023, so you should be valid or expired within the last visa issuance get. That would have lead me to book an appointment and can not find anything for my?... Of family emergency Dropbox as well rule states 48 months ago person or can my got. Cases of particular concern to American business process how to pay again cap exempt from India it... Sep 2023, so please decide the post before scheduling the appointment time h4 dropbox appointment availability not both! The appointment letter, so please decide the post before scheduling the appointment interview or VAC appointment occur... ( 1 year before the extension is applied a status change and now be... That manages your State info, which would be curious to know the process to! Before scheduling the appointment should suffice booking shows VAC instead of IW, the fee Validity extended... Employment letter of H1B too for Dropbox stamping a U.S. visa before year old ) are in there Article! Rule is considered on the date of the submission then just having the appointment to Dropbox submission, can. The reply, if required I am not eligible for Dropbox fee on March 2021 answer too waiver 48-month... See people doing it about 1 year ) in year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received or authorization... Visa on the appointment letter and follow the instructions in it ( Dropbox ) iam my... Visa which expired on Dec 2020 has annotation NIE under PP on risk to Labor Market apply! It mean anytime before the extension will be applied in Jan/Feb 2023 our website to determine whether you are for!