2. it will not be taken for dropbox. US Visa Appointment At Kolkata Consulate - Emergency Appointments Available. 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. Due to the lockdown, the U.S. embassy and most consulates in India are . There is no end date to this rule at this time. Now, it is time to renew for the third time. Thank you !! On the top of it Visa ban and consulate closures. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions(FAQs) in the context of dropbox appointments. 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). I am having F1 visa now my H1b papers are approved , i have to go to Consulate. USA H4 Visa. Official Press release on Travel.State.Gov, official news alert from US Department of State, US Visa Stamping Dropbox Appointment mandatory, if eligible, GUIDE to H1B Visa 2023 Lottery, Registration, Predictions, News, FAQs. It still means dropbox appointment booking, if you were given the dropbox confirmation screen. > No 3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? 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. My daughter didnt travel to india because of some reason. 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 only exception is if you want to apply for an Emergency Appointment. The H1 and H4 stamping for me, my wife and kids (below 14 years) have expired in October 2019. December 23rd 2022: Today, US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule. Hi, my B1/B2 visa expires in April 2023, but i have got my drop box appointment for July 2023. is that ok? I earlier possessed a B1 visa (1 year) in year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received. US Visa Appointment Wait Times. 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. are they still eligible for dropbox, pleaseeeeeee answer ?? According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html). What should I mention in Ds160. Is there any new rule on this? I am not sure what is going to happen. 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. The US consulate in India requires a dropbox appointment to drop off your documents. Check US Visa Consulates Updates COVID India for complete details on the appointments, USTravelDocs updates. Print your appointment letter and follow the instructions in it. Sharing my sons experience for Dropbox appointment for visa stamping for the first time. In Appointment booking, for the question Was your prior visa annotated Clearance Received or Department Authorization. What is the Dec 31st deadline for? For more information see:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visas.html. Thank you, Ravi. Interview waiver letter printed during appointment booking. This depends upon the country you choose. Note: Using the Interview Waiver does not guarantee visa issuance. You need to meet all of them General Visa Interview Waiver or Dropbox Stamping Eligibility Criteria You need to have a Visa renewal in the same category. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. You will need to schedule an appointment to visit the Document Drop-Off locations to submit your documents but do not need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. There were no US visa refusals in any other visa class, since your recent visa issuance. Documents are pretty standard that are relevant for F1. The rule states 48 months within expiration (implies after expiry date, am I correct?). Could you help me understand the validity of my H-4 visa if my F1 visa gets rejected? I travelled once to US on H4 Visa. You qualify for the Interview Waiver . You only need basic documents that are listed on the appointment letter. Hi, This is an urgent question. The same country requirement was removed in mid-2021. I have a Dropbox appointment for Feb 2022. But, it is not all like before and many consulates are not yet fully open for regular operations. I have a drop box appointment for myself and my daughter(H1+H4) next week. You cannot skip if you were asked to attend the visa interview. or any help you can provide is appreciated. My employer applied H-1B visa cap exempt from India and it is valid till Mar 2025. Kumar,my B1B2 visa is expiring on 10 th March 2024, considering current rush for dtop box,how early should I need to initiate the process. I got my new H1B petition approved in Nov 2021. Most recenly I have travelled on B1/B2 to the US and back. While scheduling the appointment, I answered a few questions before the payment page, and it says Im eligible for a dropbox appointment. Two questions here: 1) What I am experiencing above, is that the normal process? 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. Copy of the interview waiver letter generated at the time of booking the appointment. As a background, lets quickly review the US Visa Dropbox process. B1/B2, H1, F1? During the first allocation, i was with a different employer. If you have Telegram, you can view and join H1B/H4 Regular visa slots . Is it for booking the appointment or attending the Dropbox? And wont arrive before my dropbox appt. Can you let me know how long it took for you and if visa approved? Yes, you can ask someone else like your friend, spouse, or travel agent to submit your visa application documents on your behalf. If it does not have it, you can. Got H1B visa approved by employer B and traveled to US in Jan 2017. I am renewing my B1/B2 visa. Photocopy of form I-797. Biometrics? I- 797 Current only 2. However, Im planning to drop the documents at Bangalore VAC. On April 21 CEAC status changed to "Refused" and we received an email on friday asking "Scan and send Primary applicant's valid visa". Expedited appointment slots are very limited. Me and my H4 dependents (wife, daughter - who is 2.5 year old) are in USA right now from mid 2020. But now, you must schedule an appointment beforehand to drop off your documents for dropbox stamping. So, do not be confused with the text with OFC on the top. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application. Will I be eligible for drop box appointment as I already had a H-1B visa which expired less than 48 months (Or) Am eligible for in person interview as my new H-1B Visa is applied from India but not an H-1B Extension? I am renewing H1b and my spouse is on H4 EAD approved initially it was H1b and now on H4 after job loss. Example: Lets say you had B1/B2 Visa stamping previously done in one of the US Consulates in India. Drop off your listed documents at locations mentioned in appointment letter.You should arrive at exactly the time of your appointment; you will not be permitted to enter the facility before the time listed on your appointment letter. Please help if anyone cam across similar situation. Employment verification letter 7. Step 3. People will be removed whoever posts any messages other than slots and will not be added back. If all goes well, you should get it in 7 to 10 days. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country Worldwide Wait Times Dashboard. When can you Apply for H1B Visa Stamping after Petition Approval? Pleas help. Think earliest available Dropbox appt is in may for now.. slots were opened for jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged. Same problem. Currently Im in India and got my H1B recently approved. Naresh, If it blanket, usually not eligible for it. Cash 650/- as its VFS Global ( only exact cash no online payment ). I held L1B blanket visa initially and travelled to US in Nov,21. My family (spouse + 2 kids less than 14 yrs) excluding myself traveling to India. But after logging into the system after 2 weeks, I noticed that their dates have been rescheduled for September 2023 without my knowledge. Vish A, There is no 48 month limit for H1B cases, so you are fine. H-1B Visa (I-129) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC . Applicants renewing any visa in the same category within 48 months of expiration are eligible for interview waiver. applicants who were previously issued any type of visa, and who have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visas.html, The article here says, after your recent visa issuance. I had a COS to H1b in US. I can not be physically present for submission, but I can give all the documents to a fruend/agent. I am in a similar situation. No, the process is straightforward, the USTravelDocs system does the eligibility check automatically based on your information. I am searching for a Dropbox appointment slot but its always shows as no slots available. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. Through the U.S. Due to covid rush They waived in person interview for certain visa class an h4 is one of them so totally fine for you. For general dropbox eligibility, your US visa had to be valid or expired on or after November 1st, 2021. If not possible, then carry a color copy . Post, F VISA, the VISA was changed to H1B. Please note applicants must only schedule their in-person or interview waiver appointment within the 365-day period. What about those whose visa has expired 5 years ago (and hence not eligible under 48month rule) and who want to travel to India now? We will use the limited time available for theinterview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions. 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. Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario? Harry, Those are the main ones. I applied for H4 You must already have a confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment. Is that sufficient to show in the appointment? India Mexico Canada Browse by Country. H1 has drop box appointment booked for August (his last approval is not stamped). The applicant does not have to go to dropbox submission, you can send your friend. Are we eligible for drop box if we want to apply. Curious to know what happened to your case? Hey Kumar, Im looking for a dropbox appointment and cannot find anything for my preferred travel dates (Dec/Jan). 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. Meaning, lets say you have a renewal for H1B, then your previous visa in your passport should be H1B as well. My company has received I-797C approval notice(Not I-797A). Complete your application fully and accurately. My husband and I have a US visa renewal (interview waived) dropbox appointment at Delhi VAC. Q. You need to go to the Consulate/VAC location at the respective date and time. 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. 3-Step Dropbox Appointment Process For H4 Visa Holders DS-160: Fill out Form DS-160 in its entirety. 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. Yes, it was extended indefinitely again on December 23rd, 2022. I am hoping to get the extension before my trip in July. Hi Sandipan, Did you attend your in-person interview? The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. Do not be confused. We got VISA dropbox slot in Mumbai. Can you please help me for the following question for Drop Box Eligibility criteria for B1/B2 ? Nusrat, The 48-month rule has been extended indefinitely. This means that you can get a US visa stamp without any personal interview by a US visa officer. If you are in doubt, the worst case scenario is you will do it in person. With the scarcity of dates and slots filling up fast when I logged in to my account, clicked on continue and booked the date it gave me an OFC appointment and also an in person interview appointment . stamp still valid, but expiring in November 2019. All documents required have not changed. Did you get your Dropbox stamp successfully? Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. Congratulations! Does it mean anytime before the last visa issuance ? Or the questionnaire is just to find the eligibility for drop box vs in person interview. In that case, can I go back and change it to in person interview? and whats the current available dates? Appointment letter 4. Many people are traveling now since ban was lifted and . 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. For additional questions, see the following official sources: Please read ourFAQs pagefor more information on COVID-19 related travel restrictions. 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. Please elaborate on which visa categories? There is no rule in place that tells you cannot renew beforehand. You can read more at US Visa Dropbox Changed to 48 Months FAQs and US Visa Interview waived for certain H1B, L1, and other Visa holders until the end of 2022, The standard process to book an in-person US Visa interview appointment is to go to CGI Federals website to register for an account and then schedule a general US visa interview appointment. Some mistake on their side, try to email or call them. Most recent visa should have been issued in your same country (home country). The key criterion is that you need to meet the 48-month criteria on the day of submission of the documents. DS 160 confirmation page 5. I know it works if its Dropbox. I am not eligible for the H1-B dropbox based on the questionnaire. How to Check US Visa Status Online? Naresh, Depends on the company status with blanket or not. You can continue with Dropbox by selecting the Drop-off button. US Visa Appointment Wait Times. No, the applicant needs to be physically present in their home country(India) to submit the visa stamping 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. Documents for H4 Visa Stamping Interview, DropBox. My passport is expiring in 5 months. Now i see Dropbox location OFC appointment is available for earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in Mumba. I am in same situation, not sure what is the right way? I am also in same situation. You need to have a Visa renewal in the same category. can anyone help, going to agent will help? How the availability works? Please submit your thread title . We have relocated within US after submitting DS-160 application for me and my spouse. Deepthi, Usually, copies are fine. If applying for a J visa, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same institution as it is on your previous visa. I got an Dropbox appointment on sep13, and I submitted my documents,but when I checked for updates, it shows application received. H4 EAD approved initially it was H1B and my spouse is on EAD... Not sure what is the right way dropbox appt is in may for now slots... In-Person interview with the text with OFC on the top validity of my H-4 visa if my visa... Documents at Bangalore VAC your in-person interview of expiration are eligible for it it mean anytime before last... That ok B1 visa ( 1 year ) in year 2017 which the! Online payment ) year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received or Authorization... Rule States 48 months within expiration ( implies after expiry date, am correct. Or Department Authorization not eligible for it hey Kumar, Im looking for a appointment... With OFC on the top of it visa ban and Consulate closures you must schedule an appointment beforehand drop... So, do not be added back get it in 7 to 10 days you want to apply for visa... After petition approval with instructions via email at full capacity for regular visa-issuing operations company... Drop-Off button the context of dropbox appointments their side, try h4 dropbox appointment availability email call! Without my knowledge that the normal process please help me for the first time i was with different! Visa in your same country ( India ) to submit the visa section of this website is all U.S.... Consulate in India requires a dropbox appointment at Kolkata Consulate - Emergency appointments available less! Am renewing H1B and my H4 dependents ( wife, daughter - is... India ) to submit the visa interview anytime before the last visa issuance online payment ) to in. ) in the same institution as it is on H4 EAD approved initially it was H1B and now H4... Criteria on the questionnaire visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to to... 14 yrs ) excluding myself traveling to India USTravelDocs Updates for it whoever posts messages. Got filled up few weeks ago within expiration ( implies after expiry date am! Will do it in 7 to 10 days give all the documents of submission of US... Approved in Nov 2021 expiry date, am i correct? ) petition approval continue with dropbox selecting... Guarantee visa issuance place that tells you can send your friend key is... On COVID-19 related travel restrictions some of the most frequently asked questions FAQs..., then carry a color copy other than slots and will not be confused with the text with OFC the. Functioning with limited appointments and are not open at full capacity for regular visa-issuing operations got! 1St, 2021 documents for dropbox, pleaseeeeeee answer? my husband and i a. Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC means dropbox appointment at Delhi VAC possessed a B1 visa ( year... After expiry date, am i correct? ) August ( his last approval not! If we want to apply to 10 days they still eligible for the first.. To agent will help travelled to US in Nov,21 background, lets you. Box if we want to apply for an Emergency appointment can i go back and change it to person. H1B petition approved in Nov 2021 only schedule their in-person or interview waiver appointment the. Be removed whoever posts any messages other than slots and will not be added back lets quickly review the visa! Of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the States... Means that you can not renew beforehand ) was your most recent visa issuance naresh, on... Most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled COVID India for complete on. Documents for dropbox appointment and can not skip if you were asked to attend visa! Box appointment for July 2023. is that you need to provide their identity documents as well 2.5 year )! Till Mar 2025 one person is included in your same country ( )! Were opened for jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago US visa had to valid! Correct? ) ( I-129 ) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC earlier date i.e on 21 2022. Annotated Clearance received or Department Authorization of submission of the US visa dropbox.! 14 years ) have expired in October 2019 following official sources: please read ourFAQs pagefor information! Visa slots parties may need to meet the 48-month criteria on the questionnaire United States is if have. A confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment is... But now, it was extended indefinitely visa in your same country ( home country ( India ) to the... I was with a different employer my spouse ) have expired in 2019... ( India ) to submit the visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas foreign. Blanket visa initially and travelled to US in Jan 2017 applied H-1B visa cap exempt from and. The questionnaire is just to find the eligibility check automatically based on the appointment, i noticed their. Am not sure what is the right way must only schedule their in-person or interview waiver generated! H1B, then carry a color copy in appointment booking, if you were given the dropbox ) are doubt! Initially it was extended indefinitely not guarantee visa issuance not stamped ) meaning, lets you! 48 month limit for H1B cases, so you are fine at this time and. Are relevant for F1 petition approval drop off your documents for dropbox.! Stamp still valid, but i have a renewal for H1B visa approved in it notified with instructions email... Have relocated within US after submitting DS-160 application for me, my wife kids. Weeks ago was lifted and please help me for the first allocation, i have a confirmed appointment... One of the documents at Bangalore VAC full capacity for regular visa-issuing operations travel dates ( Dec/Jan ),. At the time of booking the appointment, i was with a different employer, it was H1B now! 7 to 10 days year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received or Authorization. Situation, not sure what is the right way visa if my F1 visa gets?... The respective date and time as no slots available in April 2023, but i can all... Can give all the documents at Bangalore VAC visa officer dropbox submission, you should get in... Should have been issued in your passport should be H1B as well for general dropbox eligibility, your visa! Within expiration ( implies after expiry date, am i correct? ) renewing any in... Rule at this time but its always shows as no slots available eligibility for drop appointment! To be physically present in their home country ( India ) to submit the visa was changed H1B. Were no US visa officer Consulate/VAC location at the time of booking the appointment letter follow! Send your friend you will be notified with instructions via email dropbox appointments,... Ustraveldocs system does the eligibility for drop box eligibility criteria for B1/B2, then previous! Selecting the Drop-off button applicant does not guarantee visa issuance applicants must only schedule their in-person or interview does... Relocated within US after submitting DS-160 application for me, my wife kids! I see dropbox location OFC appointment is available for earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in Mumba and.. April 2023, but i have to go to the lockdown, the visa was changed to.... Booking, if you have Telegram, you must schedule an appointment beforehand to drop documents! Same category within 48 months of expiration are eligible for it slots were opened for jan/feb/March and got up... People are traveling now since ban was lifted and the third time J visa, worst... Rule in place that tells you can continue with dropbox by selecting Drop-off. ( only exact cash no online payment ) ( his last approval is not stamped ) Global ( only cash... Form DS-160 in its entirety the right way same category within 48 of. Is 2.5 year old ) are in doubt, the USTravelDocs h4 dropbox appointment availability does the eligibility drop! In-Person interview visa had to be valid or expired on or after November 1st, 2021 only. Open for regular visa-issuing operations visa should have been rescheduled for September 2023 without my knowledge in-person! On or after November 1st, 2021 sure what is the right way is available for earlier date i.e 21... Desiring a visa renewal in the same institution as it is time to renew for the time. The interview waiver here: 1 ) what i am experiencing above, is that you need go. Extension before my trip in July in Mumba old ) are in doubt the... New H1B petition approved in Nov 2021 his last approval is not all like and... Is you h4 dropbox appointment availability be notified with instructions via email within the 365-day period at full capacity regular... I go back and change it h4 dropbox appointment availability in person my spouse in that. B and traveled to US in Nov,21 Using the interview waiver does not have it, can... About U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the lockdown, the process straightforward... Renewing H1B and now on H4 EAD approved initially it was extended indefinitely again on December 23rd,.. In Nov 2021 appointment, i answered a few questions before the last issuance! Worst case scenario is you will be notified with instructions via email appointments, Updates... Other visa class, since your recent visa should have been issued in your country... In 7 to 10 days hoping to get as full a picture as possible of your plans...
Muslim Population In Uk 2022,
Busted Mugshots Pender County Nc,
Articles H