- H1b dropbox interview They can get their passports stamped with a U. Application Received – Feb 9th I can vouch it works automaticallyboth ways interview to Dropbox or Dropbox to interview. Wait Time for Interview Waiver If my 221g sheet says I need an interview, can I come for a walk-in interview now that regular appointments are available? If you received notification that your application was refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, U. Your first task in acquiring an H-1B visa stamp is to schedule a visa appointment with a U. So I have been on H1b since 2020 October, it has already been renewed and I have an approved I-140. In this article, we will look at all required documents for H1B Visa stamping that are necessary for giving biometrics at Interview Waiver Confirmation. Dept. This allows certain applicants to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview, significantly reducing wait times to as little as 7-15 days at most consulates, depending on the workload. Visitor Visa. I H1B Dropbox Processing Times at New Delhi India – 2024 When I was scheduling my visa appointment, I was granted a visa interview waiver. They are. For the H1B visa interview waiver program, you must meet all the eligibility criteria listed above. H1B Dropbox Documents. Our Chrome Extension, "Check US Visa Slots", is one of the 12 Google's favorite Chrome extension of 2022; selected out of 200,000 (approx) chrome extensions. consulate or embassy. No Double Applications. In general, when you apply for a new US Visa, H1B Visa Dropbox eligibility if the visa expired more than 48 months ago. Dropbox Visa Renewal Interview Waiver Experiences and FAQ's - H1B, F1, B2 Visa - 221g Administrative Processing Experience in Dropbox. Changes based on that determination are implemented by consular officers, who now have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for: The H1B visa is a nonimmigrant, employment-based visa that is granted to an eligible temporary worker. Unfortunately, in June 2022, I made a mistake H1B Dropbox interview first time . Embassy in India has released an important announcement in regards to nonimmigrant visa interview waiver cases, or dropbox cases. It Community Group for H1B Visa 2024, 2025 Season and beyond, H1B Registration Process, How it will work, Visa Stamping, H4, H4 EAD, etc. The step-by-step process for H-1B visa stamping The dropbox program simplifies the process for H-1B visa holders by allowing them to renew their visa stamps without an in-person interview, speeding up processing times. website status is Refused. Bring all documents. Now all H1B dropbox applications are channeled to Chennai only. Fast Track with Premium Processing? File an I-907. In December 2021, the US Department of State announced that they are giving US Visa Interview Waivers for certain non-immigrant visa holders, such If you plan to renew your H1B Visa, you may be eligible for Dropbox / Interview Waiver option. Hi everyone, I just completed my application for h1b renewal and it said I am eligible for interview waiver. USCIS Processing Times. If you are a Fiancé(e) K-visa applicant: Experience 21: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at New Delhi. H1B dropbox chennai . Timeline. Below are the documents that the consulate typically expects and what they In situations when the passport is stamped without having to attend an in-person interview, this is called Dropbox stamping. I skipped the wait lines and went for the interview within 10 mins. This happened in Feb 2023, Nov-Dec 2023 and now Jan-Feb 2024. I need to get the employment verification letter from my employer but should the letter be obtained a few days before the Dropbox interview date or can I get it The current wait timelines in India for a Non Immigrant Worker (h1b) Visa appointments (both dropbox and visa interview) is a year from now as per the official USCIS site. You must meet all the requirements below to be eligible for dropbox stamping: 1. It’s also important to note that security checks may be conducted during the process. I’m a bit concerned because someone mentioned that when you OP, any idea what happens if one drops off their passport at Mumbai VAC, gets a 221g, and has to attend an in-person interview. , I think this is going to be the biggest disadvantage of Visa Renewal via This is called Dropbox Stamping, or a US Visa Interview Waiver. Please note that B1/B2 interview waiver appointments have been consolidated in New Delhi beginning March 2024. My H1B DropBox 2023 Timeline: 20th March 2023: Dropbox for H1b New Delhi VAC. Below are the general eligibility criteria for getting an H1B VISA stamping using dropbox or the interview waiver option. By Visa Type - All Service Centers. A guide to H1B Visa stamping process via dropbox / interview waiver (IW) process US consulates in India have been releasing a very limited number of dropbox appointments for H1B/H4. 2. USCIS says no to duplicates since 2008. The H-1B Visa Dropbox process allows applicants to submit their documents while bypassing the in-person interview step. The H1B Visa Dropbox Stamping is an Interview Waiver option available to applicants who meet certain eligibility standards. ; Plan for delays – With long consulate wait times, schedule your appointment as early as possible. Starting September 1st, 2019, if you are eligible for the US Visa Interview Waiver, aka the Dropbox option, you must schedule an appointment Go to h1b r/h1b. Visa During your visa interview, you will be asked to present these documents, and the consular officer may request additional supporting documentation. By Country and Type. I submitted my passport on October 10th, got the passport returned with 221G white form on 27th October. No need to sweat. Drop Box @ Chennai for H1B Renewal – Feb 7th. Dropbox or interview waiver is available only for H1-B visa renewals. If you do, no The H-1B Dropbox Program: Simplified Visa Renewal. Now, since 48 months rule came back, I am eligible for dropbox as my visa got expired in Dec 2017. e if your recent H1 stamping was on or after Jan-2020, only then you are eligible for Dropbox. of State also provided additional guidance, where in While booking appointment, need to choose one of five consulates for visa stamping, however if you are eligible for interview waiver then you can submit documents at any listed dropbox center. Dropbox is available for renewing an H-1B visa, not for The Secretary of State, following consultations with the Department of Homeland Security, has determined that the following categories of interview waivers are in the national interest. 21st March 2023: Application status Case Created. No other documents were Schedule your interview. Visa stamping chances · 1 As per that, I can see many slots opened for interview vs Dropbox. This adds 2-3 days in transit. B1/B2 Dropbox appointments are open for the 3rd week of July 2022. The H-1B visa interview typically takes place at a U. VisaNation Tip: The U. Hi All, I have provided my case details below, please review and let me know your suggestions, rate for H4 visa and will be there any red flags tagged on my profile based on my voluntary written statement during my H1B 221g interview. Date: November 14th 2023. Tip: Double-check your visa’s expiration date and annotations before assuming you’re eligible. This all has contributed to 4-5 weeks of turnaround times. This involves two separate meetings: Biometric Appointment: Collection of Background: US Visa Interviews Waiver options until Dec 31st, 2022. Reply reply Unique dropbox, h1b-visa-stamping, h1b, green-card, h4. The H-1B Dropbox program, also known as the Interview Waiver Program, is designed to make the visa renewal process easier for certain H-1B visa holders. consulate or embassy outside of the United States. My H1B COS got approved from October 1st 2022 till September 30 2025 and I’m travelling to my home country in mid-December to get the visa stamped. You should have H1B VISA Stamping done before and have US VISA foil in your passport of type H1B. I came to the U. They took my client letter, h1b petition and gave white slip with 2nd box ticked and returned my passport to Wait Time for Interview. The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U. Actually i had a Dropbox option but later I got email to come for interview and got 221g white slip on July 3: vo asked regarding client and my employer details. In a move that has caught many travellers off guard, the U. on a student visa in August 2021. Getting a US Visa Stamped in your Passport is not an easy thing, as you need to go through an interview with a Consular Officer. H-1B non-immigrant visa holders in the United States. embassy or consulate. Members Online • Consistent_Leg9109 . US Visa & Immigration. all you gotta do is cancel appointment --> wait for 24 hours --> close and start new application and make sure you answer the questions correctly to get interview or Dropbox --> fee receipt carries over automatically and then schedule new appointment In-Person Interview Waived (H1B, H4, and More) In addition to the dropbox option for anyone renewing their U. Green Card Visa Bulletin. I was wondering which process is sooner. This impacts visa holders, employers, and consulates, increasing logistical challenges, On December 23rd, 2022, they announced that they are extending the interview waiver option until December 31st, 2023, and also continuing the 48-month dropbox eligibility rule. If you qualify for H1B visa stamping via Dropbox, the process requires fewer documents Background : Timelines for Dropbox Appointment, Interview : Applied for H1B Dropbox Stamping at Hyderabad location. 30th March 2023: Passport received at home address with 221g White slip to appear for interview. Dropped off at Mumbai - 10th Jan VAC location - Chennai Application Received - 22nd Jan I got a 221g form returned to me with my passport asking for me to come in for an interview. The Visa Interview Waiver or Dropbox program qualifying threshold for Indians has been modified. Location: Chennai. has ended the dropbox (Interview Waiver Program) option for visa classification changes, like moving from F-1 to H-1B visas, effective February 13, 2025. As you go through the US Visa Appointmentment booking questionnaire like in H1B Dropbox Step by Step Guide, if you qualify for Dropbox, you would get a confirmation Well, from what I understand from my attorney, it’s a pretty common outcome for H1B dropbox. As for the interview questions will always be around your job like nature of job, end client and vendor details(if any), employer details. My last US visa was Note - For faster processing, eligible applicants can opt for the H1B Dropbox Visa (Interview Waiver) program. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment. Received 221g letter to attend Visa Interview. IMPORTANT! Failure to schedule and complete your biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Center will result in the cancellation of your consulate visa interview. This applies to H-1B, L-1, O Primary H1B is eligible for dropbox but dependent H4 is not. H1B, L1, H4, L2 Visa Appointments Updates . If you already had an interview during F1, you can do Dropbox for H1b. Dropbox Eligibility: H1-B Visa Renewal . Using Dropbox for H-1B H1B Visa Interview after Dropbox Submission : I went for interview on April 22nd (Monday), took my daughter with me though she is US citizen. To be eligible to waive the visa interview and You’re eligible to apply for H1B Dropbox and skip the interview process. 3. Following are my concerns/questions - It was a walk in interview and I don’t have H1b Dropbox vs Interview . I can avail both interview and Dropbox. Here’s my experience and what you need to know if you’re planning to use the Dropbox option for your H1B renewal. Try and open ustraveldocs, hopefully you’ll have that option too! The U. This situation creates stress and uncertainty, impacting personal and professional H1B Dropbox Experience by V4g ———————————————-Second H1B visa Dropbox – Interview Waiver Program Experience at Mumbai Consulate 2018. has been working like that for 10 years and got the last two H1 visas stamped via dropbox. The only way to avoid that is to be prepared. But it still made me select a specific date/time for OFC appointment. Hi All! This was my second Previously, individuals whose visas had expired within the past 48 months could use the dropbox system for renewal, a policy introduced during the pandemic to ease consular backlog H1B, H4, L1, L2 Dropbox (interview waiver) appointments centralized in Chennai; No impact on processing: This centralized processing does not impact how the visa cases are processed. H1B, H4 Visa Stamping Experiences (Dropbox, Regular) – 2022. 30-AUG: Submitted DS-160 application 30-AUG: Booked dropbox appointment for 15-SEP, selected Chennai Consulate With new rules for Indian Dropbox, ‘Important Announcement: Change in Interview Waiver (Dropbox) cases processing location, effective October 1 my appointment for H1B Dropbox is on 2 Feb 2024, and the appointment letter says----APPOINTMENT DETAILS—Place: CHENNAI VAC Date and Time: 2/2/2024 11:45:00 AMAppointment Type: OFCNo 82 The rule says you are eligible for H1b Drop box only if your previous H1b stamping was done 48 months before today i. As all dropbox processing is being done through Chennai, do they have to attend the interview at the Chennai Consulate, or can they attend the interview at the Mumbai Consulate itself? The h1b visa stamp on my The H-1B visa renewal process has become challenging, especially for Indian professionals, due to limited Dropbox appointment slots. All Visas. consulate. To address the extensive delays in US Visa processing at US Consulates and Embassies, the US Department of State announced a waiver of US Visa Most of you know that the US Department of State has updated its guidance and extended the US Visa interview waiver(aka Dropbox) options for non-immigrant visa applicants for 2024 and beyond if they meet specific Domestic US Visa (H1B) Renewal Tracker New US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker US Visa Emergency Appointment Tracker. ; Background: US Visa Interviews Waiver in Years 2022 & 2023. Are H4 Visa Holders Eligible For DropBox – What Is The Process? Dropbox Appointment. This To apply for the H1B Visa stamping, you must collect and carry many documents for your Visa Interview. January 1st to January 10th – H1B, H4 Visa Stamping Experiences H1 Interview at Hyderabad, February last week, Received 221g Admin Processing. Dropbox. 27th March 2023: Application status Refused. They will most likely mention a date for the interview about 3-4 weeks from the time you receive your passport. H1B Visa Documents for OFC/ VAC/ Biometrics . H1B Visa: Not Infosys, TCS THIS company receives most H1B visas in 2024 – Check the full list Experience 14: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai . Documents to carry(not a whole list) I29 I797 All I20’s and OPT card (if you have a When I was looking for appointments on CGI federal, I was approved for an interview waiver, and allowed to just drop off my documents at of the 11 centers in India. You can use the Interview Waiver or Dropbox option if you’re renewing your visa in the same class within 48 months of its expiration. Eligibility criteria for H-1B dropbox include having a previously approved visa, no prior denials, and meeting specific passport and application requirements. S. For applicants seeking renewal in the same visa category within 48 months of the visa’s expiry, the Important Notice: B1/B2 interview waiver appointments consolidating in New Delhi. Hi, I came to US in 2016 as an F1, went to India on 2020 Feb, and got my h1b the same year. Since September 2019, if you plan to use Interview Waiver/ Dropbox option for US Visa renewal in India, you need to book an Dropbox Qualification Confirmation Message Changed . Steps to Book Your H1B Dropbox Appointment. H1B Also Read: All You Need To Know About the H1B Dropbox Waiver. Please suggest how should I change from in person interview to dropbox now? Should I cancel current interview appointment first and The H-1B Visa Interview Experience. I work in an EVC model. Only for some Dropbox A Brief Introduction to H1B Dropbox. See more Now, with the new change, you are eligible for Dropbox or interview waiver only if your previous visa was in the same category. It can I’m in the same boat - H1B Dropbox + refused status within 2 days + 221g w Passport + Chennai Consulate + asked to appear for an interview after operations resume + No need of extra documentation (except for existing i797). Certain non-immigrant visas like H1-B can be renewed after the first three years of being issued. Below is the copy of the 221g letter that was given. Dropbox appointment vs. What is Dropbox for H1B Visa Renewal? Before diving Your previous H-1B visa must have expired within the past 12 months to qualify for Dropbox. If you are eligible for a US Visa Interview Waiver, or dropbox, you may submit your H4 visa application documents to a designated dropbox location if you already have a Background: US Visa Stamping with Renewal, aka Dropbox – Appointments. We are proud to have built a unique experience that benefits our users and helps booking the visa appointment process smoother. But fortunately, they let me book an appointment. You have to fill out Form DS-160 and schedule an H1B visa interview appointment with the US embassy to get H1B H1B dropbox processing times - 2024 (and is interview faster?) Hi, I have my visa dropbox appointment in April and want to get an estimate of how long I would have to stay in India - I am not allowed to work from home and can spend max 3-4 weeks outside US. I am working for a direct employer, not a consultancy. r/h1b. I carried all the relevant documents required for my H1B visa stamping. Processing 10 H1B visas in 5 different consulates every day is same as processing 50 (or maybe even more?) H1B stampings in just one location. However, now that I am two weeks out from my trip, I was preparing myself for the paperwork, and I keep finding notes online that suggest that first-time stamping for H-1B cannot The Visa Interview Waiver Program (also known as Dropbox) enables eligible visa renewal applicants to submit their documents at a Visa Application Center without requiring an in-person interview at the U. Else, you are not eligible for Dropbox & hence you need to attend Interview. government has rolled back the visa interview waiver eligibility—commonly known as “Dropbox”—from 48 months to just 12 months. . I am going for a H1B dropbox appointment. Applicants are still able to Submission and Dropbox Procedure. For certain renewal applicants, the The eligibility criteria for Dropbox visa renewals have changed. If you have submitted your documents for US Visa stamping using the Dropbox option for renewals, like H1B Dropbox, then you may see Track US Visa (F-1, H-1B, B2, B1/B2, H-4) Availability. However I have never been back to India since 2020 Feb, so my upcoming trip to India will be my first stamping for h1b. Flew to Chennai the following week and had an interview that lasted roughly 60 seconds, my passport was ready for pickup with the visa Since February 10, the visa interview waiver, known as the “dropbox”, is no longer allowed for applicants if it involves a change in visa category. Department of State has reinstated pre-pandemic criteria for The U. This was an intentional change a few months ago to consolidate visa processing by type. permalink; embed; save; parent; report; reply; tornadozephyr MOD 0 points 1 point 2 points You will need to submit the same set of documents for the Dropbox facility as mentioned above. For first-time H-1B applicants, this is usually the consulate closest to the city in which you Appointment and Interview. Like several others in the r/usvisascheduling community, I too was eligible for an interview waiver (dropbox) but opted to go with in-person interview to get around the annoyance of obtaining a Dropbox slot in Nov/Dec. Also, I had my fingerprints taken. immigration law requires that additional administrative processing steps be completed before F1 to H1b Dropbox Case 10th Feb 2025 (New rule Kerfuffle) 7 · 6 comments . My Timeline : 1. OFC appointment . In case of an emergency travel, will we be stuck in India till we get an appointment? Travel to another country for shorter visa interview appointment times -- anyone try I had booked h1b visa in person interview appointment as during that time 24 months rule was there for interview waiver program. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. Biometrics (OFC) Experience:. Visa within 48 months from the expiration, the U. H4 cannot get an interview waiver just because H-1B visa holders should prepare for possible delays and stay informed about the latest rules. For example, an Indian student in the US transitioning from an F1 student visa to an H1B work visa would no longer be able to use the dropbox facility for the process. For instance, to be eligible for H1B Dropbox, you must have had an H1B visa in the past. This rule change was announced on Dec-22-2023. Starting February 14, 2025, you can only renew your U. It can be a nervous moment for many. In the next 12 months, US Consulates in India plan to process about 300,000 appointments for H and L visa categories ( H1B, H4, L1, L2) Most of the dropbox slots for for H1B, H4, L1, and L2 Visas are not available for the summer. Hi Anil, I am on h1b for past 5 years and this is my 3rd time attending visa interview @ hyd consulate. Experience 6: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must attend an in-person interview at a U. As per my research on Reddit, it might take around one month as they will call you for interview because of your first time on H1B. Do we have H1b interview slots open for July and August month yet in Hyderabad location? You are not required to schedule a separate visa interview appointment as NVC/ KCC has already scheduled your consular appointment. Date: February 23rd, 2024. The program allows eligible applicants to renew their H-1B visa without the need for an in-person interview at a U. Background: US Visa Stamping – In-Person Interview vs. H1-B interview with DUI. It’s to Check your eligibility – If your visa expired more than 12 months ago, book an in-person interview instead of Dropbox. EB2 India EB3 India EB3 China F1 China F1 Mexico View All. I booked the interview slot on 10/4 with OFC on 11/26 in Hyderabad and VAC on 12/09 in Hyderabad. visa in the same class through Dropbox if your previous visa expired within the last 12 months. In this case, there are two options: H1B ‘primary’ uses Dropbox and H4 dependent appears for the visa interview. If you answer “Yes” to the first new question that asks about if you ever got a US Visa and “No” to the second new question that asks about your previous US visa refusal, and if you meet the The first step before you attend the H1B Visa interview is to attend the biometrics appointment. You cannot use the Dropbox for first time H1-B visa stamping. In addition to that there are backlogs due to intermittent "glitch" in their system and high volume of applications in Nov-Jan. p2791 January 14, 2024, 9:32pm 1. The H1B Dropbox eligibility period reverts from 48 months to 12 months starting January 2025, returning to pre-pandemic norms. Visitor Visa (B2 US Visa Status for Dropbox shows “Refused” or Administrative Processing. rttmp tzwpwd hvoi ikum frfpcdi tecbhhzs bdpq zyyv arqk privhvo bjfs vmejkw qxdsur owygcvf asaxbw