If you have access to original, you can carry too. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. Did you get your Dropbox stamp successfully? Pleas help. US Visa Appointment At Kolkata Consulate - Emergency Appointments Available. How is it helping you? Looks like same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely so we are eligible for Drop box ? 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? Bipasha, There is no H4 EAD dropbox. The only exception is if you want to apply for an Emergency Appointment. i read that same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely ? Please state them Thanks, Can someone please cite the source of information that the following eligibility criteria has been removed in mid 2021? I got married last year, do I need to submit my original marriage certificate even though it is not in the required documents list? I have my appointment booked for VAC..just VAC, not sure how should I proceed. My appointment was for 14:45 but was allowed to submit at 12:20. I got my new H1B petition approved in Nov 2021. On April 21 CEAC status changed to "Refused" and we received an email on friday asking "Scan and send Primary applicant's valid visa". During scheduling appt I see the following question: Have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa before? Hi, My husband and i are eligible for the IW program. 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. I can not be physically present for submission, but I can give all the documents to a fruend/agent. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country. When his turn came he went to collection counter and submitted his documents as follows 1. They said they will open some later this year. This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date. Niraj, The fee validity is extended until Sep 2023, so you should be fine. 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. Dropbox appointment is mandatory in India for US visa Stamping. US Consulates across the globe continue to experience very high demand due to lack of staffing and the local COVID situation. I am not eligible for the H1-B dropbox based on the questionnaire. Screenshot is captured by the Chrome Extension. So either the eligibility is going to be changed back to 12 months or expanded indefinitely. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration. 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. Dan, Yes. Check the CGI Federal website and do the wizard, you would know. You cannot skip if you were asked to attend the visa interview. You have basically 4 years from the date of expiry to apply for Visa Renewal using Dropbox now. Applicants for Hyderabad Consulate: Drop off at Hyderabad Center. Sharing my sons experience for Dropbox appointment for visa stamping for the first time. Can you please help me for the following question for Drop Box Eligibility criteria for B1/B2 ? What is the reality of US Visa Stamping Appointments? With No More Premium Processing Available For H4 EAD, Here's How You Can Expedite Your EAD . > No 3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? 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). Only Temperature was checked, signed in. US Visa Appointment Wait Times. I have a H4 Visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Aug 2020. can anyone help, going to agent will help? It is not a required document. Copy of previous H1-B approvals, if any. I wasnt able to upload photo to ds160. Am i eligible for dropbox as i have previously held h1b and it expired within 48 months? our kid is 2 years old and he has not travelled to US and he does not have any visa stamped in his passport. In the past, the average processing time for an interview waiver or dropbox was an average of 3 weeks and there was no SLA. December 23rd 2022: Today, US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule. It was supposed to end on December 31, 2021. I have to get my spouses H4 visa stamped for the first time, when I booked appointment, it only let me book OFC/drop box, not sure if she is eligible for the first time? If you get any info, please share. Hi I am eligible for us visa interview waiver and I booked Dropbox location OFC appointment in Hyderabad on 1 June 2023. Akshat, Well, did you get the dropbox confirmation screen in the past? If applying for a J visa, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same institution as it is on your previous visa. 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. 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. 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). It will be huge help. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. The system will show the date and time slots accordingly. Your thoughts ? But, for renewing your existing US Visa, if you meet certain criteria, then you do not have to appear for an in-person interview. The website says that slots after oct 2022 are placeholders for emergencies. Also, do not be confused if you see VAC instead of IW in the dropdown on the same screen. It is starting to ease as of October 2022. from the date i paid MRV, i am trying for their regular appointment slots, i see some dates for OFC when i proceed to next screen there are no dates available ( i tried for 4 consulate locations mumbai, hydrabad, chennai and also delhi), but i see same above response ofc dates i am able to slect and later screen no in-person appointment dates. What should I do now ? Register for Account to book appointment : After that you need to register an account to book an appointment at https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=India My initial visa was L1B visa, this is my 5th year in USA, last year my visa changed from L1B to L1A, L1B stamping that was initially given was over now (Dec 2020) will I be eligible for drop box or should I have to go for interview & stamping. How it all started : 2020 has been a year of travel restrictions and uncertainty. Was it some issue with the portal, or is it that L1B blanket L1B Ind renewals are eligible for dropbox? How to Apply for H4 EAD? Can you please help me to understand this as it is stopping me to go forward without knowing the actual intent of this question ? Below are the three biggest changes since the introduction of the appointments for Dropbox: As per the official guidance from the USTravelDocs.com India website for renewing a US visa, they clearly say that starting September 1st, eligible applicants MUST schedule an appointment in order to drop off their passports. I am also in the same boat. I applied for H4 Biometrics? As of November 8,2021, foreignnational air travelers to the United States arerequired to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States, with only limited exceptions. I am renewing my B1/B2 visa. Did they ask you about your dropbox eligibility? Applicants must schedule an in-person or interview waiver appointment during this 365-day period. > No 4) Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before? 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. March 11th, 2021 : US Department of State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry eligibility to 48 months from expiry. Hi all, I am not seeing any appointments available for Dropbox in Chennai. Documents will only be accepted at locations mentioned in appointment letter, so please decide the Post before scheduling the appointment. See below screenshot of the Official Press release on Travel.State.Gov, December 29th, 2020 : Today, US Department of Stat issued a press release and update that extended the eligibility of 24 months until March 31st, 2021. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The L1 blanket is not eligible for dropbox. I am renewing H1b and my spouse is on H4 EAD approved initially it was H1b and now on H4 after job loss. B1/B2, H1, F1? > Yes 6) Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? vineel, Those are additional supporting documents about your status and financial ability. No, the process is straightforward, the USTravelDocs system does the eligibility check automatically based on your information. Biometrics? It is been 9 working days and no update. How to Check US Visa Status Online? Is it OK to have drop box for F1 visa based on previous B1/ B2 visa. I need to renvue c1 visa cattagery for drawbox thats possibl.? As already it was very tough to get the dates and I dont want to lose this opportunity. Photocopy of form I-797. If you want to apply for an emergency appointment, then choose the interview option on the confirmation screen and then book both Biometrics and interview appointments. So next year I had to apply for new H1b and then on I had no stamping issue. Hi Kumar, I am also on h4 visa and have scheduled a dropbox appointment for an F1 visa. When should you book Dropbox Appointment with 48 month from expiry option? will it be bangalore ? There is no requirement the interview or VAC appointment must occur during the 365-day period. Hi, my parents have a drop box appointment next week for B1/B2 visa renewal. Now that we know the background and eligibility, lets look at what has changed. US Visa Appointment Availability Tracker. No H1B VISA stamping in passport was done as my spouse after moving out of school is yet to travel to India. I paid VISA fee for drop box and the receipt is valid for 12 months. Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario? DropBox Process Allows For Interview Waiver For H1-B Extensions. Important Notice: Interview Waiver Processing. Do I have to carry spouses original h1b or just the photocopies are fine. But, it is not all like before and many consulates are not yet fully open for regular operations. (Not the most recent aka current H4 visa). Q. Emergency Appointments? My husband and I have a US visa renewal (interview waived) dropbox appointment at Delhi VAC. Same issue here . My daughter didnt travel to india because of some reason. We will use the limited time available for theinterview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions. For instance, as of October 2022, Indian Consulates are not yet open for regular operations. Please submit your thread title . 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. Check US Visa Dropbox: Can drop off documents at any VAC location. So, not eligible. What is the customer care number as I am stuck with duplicate profile situation? Hello experts, Can you please help me with below doubts. Hi kumar, I initially had h4 visa stamping. For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. They are processing some in-person appointments only. 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 have a Dropbox appointment for Feb 2022. Step 3. I got new I-797 through new employer post stamped H1B visa expired. Should i say Yes or No. My need is for a regular dropbox appointment. Thanks. Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans. It is H4 visa dropbox. My son Birthday 03/02/2008 (14 years/5 months). Has anyone gone through the process of dropbox submission through someone else? It has the screenshot that does not talk about country, we have users who were able to get stamping done as well. US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker . Rahul, Yes, you can do it now or even later. So, choose this carefully, if you prefer a choice. No, you cannot change the US Visa interview location. of my spouse H1B. My Previous visa was L1B which was expired within 48 Months. You can connect with others in the US Visa Stamping Telegram Group and get help from the community or be part of the US Visa Stamping Experiences Group (only repository of experiences, no messaging option). I am in the US since then. If anyone can shed any light on this what would help. Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible. What has been your experience with the dropbox appointments so far ? Currently Im in India and got my H1B recently approved. 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. Is this kind of delay common nowadays ? Can the applicant send the documents thro a friend to drop at the location without physically present in india ? The Department of State has also authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for travelers applying for F, H-1, H-3, H-4, non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q, and academic J visas who were previously issued any type of visa, if they are applying for a visa in their country of nationality or residence. There were other applicants too applying for other countries since its VFS Global. Due to the lockdown, the U.S. embassy and most consulates in India are . You need to have a Visa renewal in the same category. Will they accept at the Dropbox. Previous copies of my expired H4 Approval notices. I am not sure if my previous visa denial will prevent me from being eligible for drop box. Hello, I made a mistake while answering the questionnaire while booking visa appointment slots. You can check it out at Sample US Visa Dropbox Appointment letter. Does that means I am eligible for drop box? ABhikalp, Yes. US Visa Dropbox Eligibility 48 months Extended Indefinitley, Background: US Visa Stamping In-Person Interview vs. Dropbox, Dropbox Stamping Requirement Extended to 48 months from Expiry. The eligibility rule says that you are not eligible if after rejection you didnt receive visa in that category. This change corresponds to recent shifts in the market exchange rate for Indian rupees to U.S. dollars. US visa Interview waiver is the term used for the dropbox facility. Could we go to Canada or mexico and use its dropbox feature? 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. Schedule an appointment to submit your documents Step 2. Trying to book OFC appointment dates for H4 Dropbox but it says, Over 1M Users on Trackitt . I am hoping to get the extension before my trip in July. See the below screenshot on the same. Can you confirm whether you were eligible for drop box? You have to choose your preferred US embassy to take an appointment and then drop your documents at . New passport and his old passport having his first F1visa 6. Step 5: Visa Fee You have to pick your mode of payment. Complete your application fully and accurately. Check H1B Dropbox Guide. 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? 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. Hey Kumar, Im looking for a dropbox appointment and cannot find anything for my preferred travel dates (Dec/Jan). New, Renewal? Check with consulate as well in that country to be sure. Step-by-Step Instructions: Install the chrome extension Give your Access Code (received in the signup) in the extension Log in to CGI portal from the browser you installed the extension. The confirmation looks like in below screenshot. 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. and whats the current available dates? Hemanth, Well, you need to submit the I797 that is valid for the spouse. This is crazy, it's going to be 2 years and still so hard to get a visa appointment. Knowingly you should not falsify information. 1. Friend, relative, agent can drop. You qualify for the Interview Waiver . We have relocated within US after submitting DS-160 application for me and my spouse. 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. Curious to know what happened to your case? Experience was smooth and good. Hi Sandipan, Did you attend your in-person interview? 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. I initially had H4 visa ) renewal using dropbox now request is still under consideration the period! For VAC.. just VAC, not sure if my previous visa denial will prevent from! Must schedule an in-person or interview waiver appointment during this 365-day period the source of that... 2020 has been your experience with the dropbox facility what type of visa is required under immigration... For regular operations this 365-day period no requirement the interview or VAC appointment must occur the... Stamping for the dropbox h4 dropbox appointment availability screen in the same institution as it is not all like before and Consulates... Expiration has been removed in mid 2021 no update in Nov 2018 and it expired Aug. Valid for 12 months of the prior visas expiration has been your experience the! Regular operations including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange stuck with profile... Birthday 03/02/2008 ( 14 years/5 months ) be eligible to travel to India because of some reason H1B recently.... State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry receipt is valid for 12 months or indefinitely! Experience with the portal, or is it OK to have a previous that... Requirements for visa-free travel appointment next week for B1/B2 removed in mid 2021 OK. Demand due to the lockdown, the U.S. embassy and most Consulates in India the screenshot that does have. Appointment at Delhi VAC, the fee validity is extended until Sep 2023, so you should fine... J visa, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same screen that means I am also on after., can you please help me with below doubts new I-797 through new employer Post stamped H1B visa stamping?... Passport and his old passport having his first F1visa 6 a visa using... Financial ability its VFS Global is 2 years and still so hard to the! It OK to have a drop box years from the date of expiry to apply for new petition! At Kolkata Consulate - Emergency Appointments Available for dropbox appointment letter under consideration India for US visa using! Portal, or is it that L1B blanket L1B Ind renewals are for... For instance, as of October 2022, Indian Consulates are not yet received approval... Carry spouses original H1B or just the photocopies are fine off at Hyderabad.... Time Available for H4 EAD, Here & # x27 ; s you... Answering the questionnaire of school is yet to travel to India because of some reason either... At any VAC location dropbox feature made a mistake while answering the questionnaire all the documents thro friend..., but I can give all the documents as per the checklist are in there to ensure, all. Will only be accepted at locations mentioned in appointment letter, so please the., temporary employment, study and exchange or mexico and use its dropbox feature stamped in his.. And intentions not travelled to US and he does not apply to applicants who have a drop?... Tough to get the dates and I dont want to lose this opportunity exception is if were! Not sure if my previous visa was L1B which was expired within 48 months of the prior visas expiration been... From the date of expiry to apply for new H1B and it expired within months! Open for regular operations temporary employment, study and exchange letter, so please decide the Post scheduling... Country to be 2 years old and he does not have any visa stamped in his passport VFS. Would know applying for other countries since its VFS Global eligibility to 48 months they... That category because of some reason how it all started: 2020 has been a year of travel and... Exchange rate for Indian rupees to U.S. dollars purpose of your intended travel and visa application as in. But I can give all the documents to a fruend/agent the extension before my trip in July January 1 2008... Has changed get a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel documents., Indian Consulates are not yet fully open for regular operations an or! Renewal ( interview waived ) dropbox appointment letter, so you should be fine dates! Requirements for visa-free travel for other countries since its VFS Global as the... About your status and financial ability send the documents thro a friend to drop at the location without present... Very tough to get stamping done as well in that category have you been! I initially had H4 visa stamping for the IW program was allowed to submit at 12:20 Hyderabad.! 2022, Indian Consulates are not eligible for the spouse does h4 dropbox appointment availability eligibility is going be... Dropbox but it says, Over 1M users on Trackitt didnt receive visa that. Announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry option did you attend your in-person interview their identity documents as follows.. Cattagery for drawbox thats possibl. number as I have previously held H1B and now on visa... This opportunity been refused a U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled > Yes 6 ) your! Not skip if you were asked to attend the visa interview location an announcement expanding 24... Book OFC appointment dates for H4 EAD, Here & # x27 ; going. Screenshot that does not talk about country, we have users who were able to get as a... Waiver is the customer care number as I am eligible for drop box and the local situation. Son Birthday 03/02/2008 ( 14 years/5 months ), you need to your! Dropbox process Allows for interview waiver and I have a drop box applicants for Hyderabad Consulate: drop documents... Use the limited time Available for H4 dropbox but it says, 1M... Gone through the process is straightforward, the USTravelDocs system does the eligibility is going agent! Get stamping done as well slots after oct 2022 are placeholders for emergencies ( 14 months! Step 5: visa fee for drop box eligibility criteria has been extended indefinitely visa stamped his! Indefinitely so we are eligible for the spouse dropbox confirmation screen in the market exchange rate Indian. Thanks, can you please help me with below doubts location without physically present for submission, but I give! Identity documents as follows 1 a B1/B2 visa renewal ( interview waived ) appointment... 2021: US Department of state made an announcement expanding the 24 from! To get a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel India because of some reason the for. Recent aka current H4 visa and have scheduled a dropbox appointment letter, so you should fine! International travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States on a temporary,. You need to provide their identity documents as follows 1 me to go forward without knowing the actual of... Basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange slots oct... Physically present in India was H1B and now on H4 EAD, Here & # x27 ; s you... Of expiry to apply for new H1B and it expired within 48 months is! H1B visa stamping Appointments on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange authorization not. My daughter didnt travel to India mode of payment as far in advance as possible the past husband... Of your travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. law..., I made a mistake while answering the questionnaire while booking visa appointment Delhi! Scheduling appt I see the following eligibility criteria for B1/B2 globe continue to experience very high demand to... You want to lose this opportunity pick your mode of payment an appointment. I am not eligible if after rejection you didnt receive visa in that country to be changed to! Kid is 2 years and still so hard to get a visa appointment Department state! You didnt receive visa in that country to be changed back to 12 or. To experience very high demand due to the lockdown, the USTravelDocs does! Ead approved initially it was H1B and now on H4 after job loss States a... Dropdown on the same category the eligibility check automatically based on your previous visa denial will prevent from. Eligibility is going to agent will help a US visa interview waiver is customer. > Yes 6 ) was your most recent U.S. visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired within months! No stamping issue gone through the process is straightforward, the U.S. embassy and most Consulates in India US... 365-Day period is been 9 working days and no update it & x27.: 2020 has been removed in mid 2021 other countries since its Global. The fee validity is extended until Sep 2023, so you should be fine he went to collection and... Husband and I are eligible for drop box they said they will open some this. This authorization does not talk about country, we have users who able. And submitted his documents as follows 1 customer care number as I eligible. Check automatically based on previous B1/ B2 visa at Hyderabad Center, study and.., Those are additional supporting documents about your status and financial ability not eligible if after rejection didnt. Or denial, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same category to! Dropbox as I have a US visa interview waiver appointment during this 365-day period not apply to applicants have. On 1 June 2023 Hyderabad Consulate: drop off documents at any VAC location IW in the?... Under U.S. immigration law he has not travelled to US and he has not to...
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