I too am in the same situation as yours. H-1B Visa (I-129) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC . How is it helping you? On December 23rd, 2021, they extended the 48 months eligibility rule indefinitely. See the below screenshot on the same. 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. Is there any way to renew the H4 EAD and continue working without impacting the current I539 processing ? Thanks to Rajesh for taking time to share their experience. For H4 EAD Dropbox documents do you require original or copies of H1B spouse documents? (Not the most recent aka current H4 visa). 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). When should you book Dropbox Appointment with 48 month from expiry option? We promise to you, the visa applicant, that: At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to: As of October 4, 2022 the Consular Exchange Rate will change from 82 Indian rupees to 1 U.S. dollar to 84 rupees to 1 U.S. dollar. Can anyone suggest me whether I am eligible for Dropbox or i have to go for Visa interview . Hi I submitted my application at Bengaluru dropbox vfs. How many slots are given each month? 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. If not, email the consualte as well. In light of COVID and the safety of everyone, the US Department of State has announced a small change in eligibility criteria for interview waiver or Dropbox stamping, which will help many more applicants utilize the same. Experience was smooth and good. 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. What has been your experience with the dropbox appointments so far ? So next year I had to apply for new H1b and then on I had no stamping issue. The appointment does not have to be within a year, but you need to book at least a date within 12 months. Hi Kumar, my son got Dropbox interview waiver appointment for H1B visa stamping for first time at Delhi. Any additional documents such as authorization letter etc? Nusrat, The 48-month rule has been extended indefinitely. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. You can check it out at Sample US Visa Dropbox Appointment letter. How to Check US Visa Status Online? 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. So, not eligible. We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on. Were you able to get H4 by dropbox (first time stamping)? I am on same situation. Thanks. I however, hold a H4 VISA which expired on Sept-2017. On March 11th, 2021, the US Department of State released a press note indicating the expansion of dropbox visa stamping eligibility from 24 months from visa expiry to 48 months from expiry until Dec 31, 2021. All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date. Where did you check Delhi VAC status? 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. 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. He was kind enough to take time to share their experience with the community. 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. US Visa Appointment Availability Tracker. Children under 14 years of age are eligible for dropbox. Yes, you can ask someone else like your friend, spouse, or travel agent to submit your visa application documents on your behalf. I am in US currently and planning to visit India for stamping. Through the U.S. Now, i am applying again in h1b category. The USTravelDocs website questionnaire does not show the same country questions anymore. In the past(before September 2019), no appointment was required with Visa Application Center(VAC) to drop off documents. This depends upon the country you choose. Shilpa, The prior visa refers to the immediate visa that was issued. Also, some from the past are at H1B Dropbox Experiences in India and H4 Dropbox Experience in 2019 to get an idea of how they were processed until Aug 30th, 2019. Listen H4 Dropbox eligibility for kids under 14 year age. Vish when is your interview scheduled ? In general, when you are applying for a new US Visa, as part of the process to apply for US Visa, you would give biometrics and then attend an in-person visa interview. Hello, I made a mistake while answering the questionnaire while booking visa appointment slots. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. Im eligible for dropbox. Do I have to physically be at the VAC or can I use a representative to drop my passport? Do I qualify for the recent interview waiver program? Copy of currently approved H1B of primary beneficiary. agkakade March 11, 2022, 4:57am #1. Print and save two copies of your DS-160 confirmation page. Appreciate your early response. This has come when there are scores of eligible visa applicants hesitating to travel to India for a lack of available appointments. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. My need is for a regular dropbox appointment. March 16th, 2021 : USTravelDocs CGI Federal website that is used for Appointment booking for US Visa is updated with the 48 from expiry change. US Visa . Your visa should not have annotations like Clearance Received or Department Authorization, Your visa should be issued after your 14th birthday. 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. Submitted: I just renewed my h1b with my current employer. Thank you !! References : USTravelDocs.com Visa Waiver official Page, Can someone please help me? Note that during this period it will not be possible to withdraw the passport or expedite the processing under any circumstances. However I see a message, stating in-person interview is for emergency appointments only. Very few in -person slots and they will only open for later this year. Does anyone know why it is saying that? 1. They will mark your receipt as unused after 24 hours and then you can re-schedule to the new date and print a new confirmation letter for the drop off of the documents. I am in the same boat. Travel to USA Processes, Samples, How to Guides, Guide to US Visa Interview Waiver for certain H1B, L1, H4, others. Now, with this 48-month eligibility change, you can apply for Dropbox Visa stamping, if your visa has expired on or after November 1st, 2018. If you applying for EAD, that would be with USCIS and they just need copies. You select the location of drop-off, date, and time for the appointment. Check the CGI Federal website and do the wizard, you would know. If it does not have it, you can. Required Document List For H4 Visa Holders. Is it possible to reschedule only the VAC appointment to get one closer to my interview appointment. B1/B2, H1, F1? When you say it doesn't ask any questions for you wife, are you logged in as her and scheduling her process? 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). On April 21 CEAC status changed to "Refused" and we received an email on friday asking "Scan and send Primary applicant's valid visa". How you proceed ? 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. As well my birth place is Hyderabad previously it was only A.P. stamp still valid, but expiring in November 2019. I filled my DS-160 and selected L1B blanket, in CGI while booking appointment (given the fact L1B blankets do not qualify for drobox). There is no rule in place that tells you cannot renew beforehand. So Im not eligible for Dropbox rt? Same Question here not sure if Redbus has some feedback on this. Deepthi, Usually, copies are fine. Your parents may not be eligible as it is over 48 months. Hey Kumar, Im looking for a dropbox appointment and cannot find anything for my preferred travel dates (Dec/Jan). I am not eligible for the H1-B dropbox based on the questionnaire. The appointment requirement for US Visa Dropbox applications applies to all of the US visa types that are currently eligible for interview waiver or dropbox. Charg dAffaires, a.i. We will cover that details in this article. I am eligible for drop box. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country Worldwide Wait Times Dashboard. In general, you need to apply for Biometrics & US Visa Interview appointments, if you need to get a US visa stamping on your passport. Have not traveled since got the H1. Please advise. The authorization to waive the in-person interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely. Since 48 month extension rule expired on Dec 31, will I be still eligible for Dropbox. Can I visit Hyderabad location for VAC instead of Chennai? i read that same visa class within 48 months of the prior visas expiration has been extended indefinitely ? For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States. I traveled to US through employer B in Jan 2017 and the visa was valid until Nov 2019. Now, it is time to renew for the third time. Documents are pretty standard that are relevant for F1. I have a B1/B2 visa which have 2 months validity left. The L1 blanket is not eligible for dropbox. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Even It says im eligible for Dropbox, but also asks me to book Consular appointment. US Visa . In general, you should not pick a regular visa appointment, if you are eligible for dropbox. If applying for H, L, or R visa, it should be valid or expired within the last 12 months. H1B/H4 Visa Dropbox Chennai. hello, Do we need to submit financial documents such as W2, bank statement from sponsorer ( son) for visitor visa renewal document drop off.? Anshitha, Check H1B Dropbox Guide Article, question number 7. Step 1. I held L1B blanket visa initially and travelled to US in Nov,21. As the slot availability was not known before paying the fees, I wasnt able to figure out that the date i would get would be after the expiry of the 48 month window. Did you get this resolve? It is H4 visa dropbox. So this would mean I am not eligible For Dropbox since I got a H1b refusal more than 10 years ado? The key criterion is that you need to meet the 48-month criteria on the day of submission of the documents. Naresh, If it blanket, usually not eligible for it. Your visa application (MRV) fee payment receipt. or do i need to get an appointment for before April 2023? Does it mean anytime before the last visa issuance ? Now, from September 1. 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. Schedule an appointment to submit your documents Step 2. December 23rd 2022: Today, US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule. I am applying for my son Dropbox visa. I have a H4 Visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Aug 2020. You can consider planning next year. Check US Visa Consulates Updates COVID India for complete details on the appointments, USTravelDocs updates. Below is the screenshot of the news, you can check official news alert from US Department of State. 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. Only Temperature was checked, signed in. I am having F1 visa now my H1b papers are approved , i have to go to Consulate. Regarding below question : Can someone else submit my visa application documents at the dropbox location? So I decided to do an in-person interview(I see availability in all the consulates except Chennai during Dec/Jan). I earlier possessed a B1 visa (1 year) in year 2017 which has the annotation Clearance received. H4 EAD (I-765) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC, VSC. Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible. I think you can reschedule your appointment up to four times. Please note applicants must only schedule their in-person or interview waiver appointment within the 365-day period. 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 ) )? US Visa Dropbox Appointment Booking Process - Complete Steps Complete DS-160 form : First you need to compete DS-160 form and then print confirmation page and save it. H1B primary Form i797A or B (H1B approval notice) - Original is best. Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S. that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Hello, I got my biometric appointment in Mumbai, India for November22. You need to have a Visa renewal in the same category. 2.The my has has received a new approved I-797A document for H4 extension of status after DS-160 was filled. Hi Sandipan, Did you attend your in-person interview? Since September 2021, you need to book an appointment to drop off documents as part of the US Visa renewal using the dropbox option. Hi, Please help me out with B1/B2 dropbox eligiblity, I have applied renewal for my old parents and paid MRV fee on August 23rd 2021. Screenshot is captured by the Chrome Extension. I am facing the same issue. H4 Dropbox appointment USA H4 Visa stg April 23, 2022, 4:05pm #1 Hi, My current h4 visa is stamped till September 30th (spouse current h1 approval is till September 30th) .Our h1 and h4 is in getting submitted for extension in couple of weeks. If you are going to be called for interview for whatever reason, then it will be chennai. Now I am looking to book a dropbox appointment in Apr 2023. I changed job for employer B in Jan 2022 and got new I797 approved. 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? US visa Interview waiver is the term used for the dropbox facility. Your DS-160 confirmation page. To help the situation and avoid public risk, back in 2020 US Department of State increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from the expiry of the previous visa for US visa renewals using dropbox or the interview waiver option until March 31, 2021. Below are the steps. Think earliest available Dropbox appt is in may for now.. slots were opened for jan/feb/March and got filled up few weeks ago. The same country requirement was removed in mid-2021. If you already have an account, you can use that. Got H1B visa approved by employer B and traveled to US in Jan 2017. What it means, the 48-month rule was set to expire last year, thats what they extended. I got an Dropbox appointment on sep13, and I submitted my documents,but when I checked for updates, it shows application received. I am also same in situation. But, after that I had an approved H4 stamping twice without any issues. DropBox Process Allows For Interview Waiver For H1-B Extensions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions(FAQs) in the context of dropbox appointments. My H1B visa stamped in Mexico expired in Nov 2020.under current 48 month rule I am eligible for Dropbox but I am not finding any slots at all.If I get slot in January 2022 will I be still eligible ?as per current criteria I am eligible only for dropbox.If 48 month extension rule expired on Dec 31 I will not be eligible for Dropbox.I am not sure how it works. India Mexico Canada Browse by Country. or any help you can provide is appreciated. Is it OK to have drop box for F1 visa based on previous B1/ B2 visa. Now i am applying for H1B. You just need to answer the questions truthfully. Primary applicant (H1B) holds a "F" VISA stamping in passport. Question is we have booked our drop box appoinments for all three of us, will there be any issues with my kids visa issual? I had a visa denial on B1/B2 visa long time ago. Vishal, You need to cancel and create a new appointment. 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. 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. Is my understanding correct? Im applying for renewal of B1/B2 visa and have a Dropbox appointment. I am searching for a Dropbox appointment slot but its always shows as no slots available. I am on H1B and my wife is on H4 and we are eligible for drop box as we have done before. I applied for H4 Sam, You may visit, if you get slot. Hello, I have a question regrading the dropbox eligibility for H4 visa 2022. Do you need Biometrics (OFC) Appointment for Dropbox? US Consulates across the globe continue to experience very high demand due to lack of staffing and the local COVID situation. I am in a similar situation. Currently Im in India and got my H1B recently approved. Did you book appointment? The website says that slots after oct 2022 are placeholders for emergencies. So, My son eligible for under 14 year Dropbox. > No 3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? I am renewing my B1/B2 visa. Hello, I submitted my documents at hyderabad drop box on 28th Oct. STtus still shows documents received. It is important to choose your preferred drop-off location tied to the consulate as listed above when you book the appointment. Photocopy of form I-797. Or the questionnaire is just to find the eligibility for drop box vs in person interview. Is there any new rule on this? Biometrics? Hi Please help me with the following situation. US Visa Appointment Wait Times. We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website. 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? Can someone tell me if it would be problem when I go for the appointment. please answer. Emergency Appointments? Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes. My son got Dropbox appointment dated 20th December 2022 @ 2.45 pm for Delhi consulate with interview waiver. I mean H1 and H4 get same Dropbox appointment to drop documents. If not, do I need to cancel my appointment? Does this mean I have a drop box appointment? When his turn came he went to collection counter and submitted his documents as follows 1. Also, they are extending the interview waiver or Dropbox eligibility with the 48 months until December 31st, 2021. SK, No, you need to be in India, if you are an applicant. its been more than 48 months, near to 5.5 years? 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). How to Request an Expedited Appointment: Applicants can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/expedited-appointment. But, when you try to book the appointment, the online system shows Schedule OFC Appointment as in the below screenshot, which can be confusing as the same message is shown for a Biometrics appointment as well. The H1 and H4 stamping for me, my wife and kids (below 14 years) have expired in October 2019. Curious to know what happened to your case? Dan, Yes. Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans. Trying to book OFC appointment dates for H4 Dropbox but it says, Over 1M Users on Trackitt . can someone help me how to get the status of my. There is no dropbox appointment available for H4 visa stamping in India. I am also in same situation. Read complete details at US Visa Appointment Dropbox Booking shows VAC instead of IW. I am eligible for us visa interview waiver and I booked Dropbox location in mumbai on 4th November, can i submit it in Kolkata Dropbox location,if yes then which date and time I should go to dropoff location. Important Notice: Interview Waiver Processing. You must attend the visa interview at the location you were asked to attend. Applicants for Kolkata Consulate: Drop off at Kolkata CenterThe above suggestion is a recommendation, but it is totally up to you to pick the consulate and drop off location. (91-22) 62011000 If the system says you need both and gives both appointments, you need to attend in-person appointment. Step 4: Confirm Dropbox location Once you qualify, you get to pick the country and city where you will drop off your documents. US Dept of State Extends interview waiver, 48-month Rule. In the past, you could only submit your visa stamping documents at the specified dropbox location. 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. Mid Year, 2021 : The requirement to have the previous visa stamping in the same country was removed. can anyone help, going to agent will help? A, Yes, you can. Let me know what you can find. Even though the system may allow you book an appointment, you should meet the 48-month requirement on the day of submission. Or Apply for new passport and take both passport to consular appointment. I need to renvue c1 visa cattagery for drawbox thats possibl.? How to Check US Visa Status Online? 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. It is not optional anymore. I have the same question but my B1/B2 expiry is Dec 9 2023. (For a full list of vaccines in the Emergency Use Listing process see the WHO website:https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/key-resources/documents/status-covid-19-vaccines-within-who-eulpq-evaluation-process(PDF 332 KB).) Q. 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. Since Sep 2019, US Consulates in India introduced appointments for US Visa stampings using the Interview Waiver option, popularly called Dropbox. In the end, the website told me that I AM ELIGIBLE FOR DROPBOX. are they still eligible for dropbox, pleaseeeeeee answer ?? In general, to apply for dropbox, your visa has to be valid or expired within the last 12 months.

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