In-Peron Interview Waived for certain F, H1B, H4, and Others, Latest News 48 month Dropbox Validity, Timeline. Below are some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers. Some mistake on their side, try to email or call them. The key criterion is that you need to meet the 48-month criteria on the day of submission of the documents. It was supposed to end on December 31, 2021. You can check B2 Visa Stamping Experiences for some experiences. (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).) Over 1M Trackitt Users . Documents are pretty standard that are relevant for F1. Please suggest. But after more than a week, when I logged in today (Jan 21, 2023), I noticed that the date has been again changed to Oct 16, 2023 without my knowledge, and the appointment history shows that I have exhausted all of my rescheduling options. Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S. that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Adults over 80 years of age are eligible for dropbox, if their recent visa application was not refused. Is there any new rule on this? H1 has drop box appointment booked for August (his last approval is not stamped). I have a B1/B2 visa which have 2 months validity left. Hi, my b1/b2 visa had expired in nov 2018, making my 48 month window as nov 2022. The state.gov announcement says You should not have any visa refusals but you mentioned You shouldnt have any denials/refusals since your last H1B visa approval Can you explain what is the exact meaning of this eligibility? Hi, By mistake i update my spouse passport in my visa application profile i already requsted US visa service desk to correct it but now more then 20 days no response any idea how to much time its take or any other way to book appointment . Does anyone know why it is saying that? My spouse H1B recently got transferred On December 23rd, 2021, they extended the 48 months eligibility rule indefinitely. Is dropbox feature available in Canada consulate or mexico consulate ? Ketki, You would very likely be eligible, if you meet all other criteria. 3. See the timeline section below for official links, screenshots of news. The Consulate also provides an array of services to Americans residing or traveling to Chennai. > THIS WAS THE MAIN DOUBTFUL QUESTION FOR ME. My son got Dropbox appointment dated 20th December 2022 @ 2.45 pm for Delhi consulate with interview waiver. All receipts for payment of MRV fees issued before October 1, 2022, were extended until September 30, 2023, and remain valid until this date. 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. Can I you use electronic receipt (email) which has all the information present on I797A. > No 4) Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before? 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. I paid for Visa Extension fee on March 2021. Hi all, I am not seeing any appointments available for Dropbox in Chennai. I accidentally selected a wrong option while answering the questions that would have lead me to VISA WAIVER (DROPBOX). I- 797 Current only 2. In the past(before September 2019), no appointment was required with Visa Application Center(VAC) to drop off documents. In the past, before Nov 28, 2021, the last 3 letters in the dropdown used to say IW, which meant Interview Waiver and it was easy to identify the dropbox appointment. Your e-mail address. This authorization does not apply to applicants who have a previous refusal that was not subsequently waived or overcome. Can I still go to Hyderabad for my Biometric? But now, you must schedule an appointment beforehand to drop off your documents for dropbox stamping. H4 Visa, child dropbox 2022. By that my visa expiry would be 14 months. Please note applicants must only schedule their in-person or interview waiver appointment within the 365-day period. 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. I ANSWERED: YES 5) Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa? They gave receipt for submitting documents which they ask when collecting back passport. Now i see Dropbox location OFC appointment is available for earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in Mumba. My last h1b expired in aug 2019 and i moved to h4. Later I got the J-2 Visa in March, 2022 without any annotation with an interview. You select the location of drop-off, date, and time for the appointment. Unless something changes, it will be effective even after December 31, 2022. As Im planning to get them to US as earlier as possible, I paid the fees again and this time I found a slot for Feb 6, 2023 . I never pursued my 221(g) case that was given to me through employer A. I checked the status of that case few days back and it now shows Refused. 5. Usually, if you are eligible for a Dropbox appointment, you would get a confirmation in the online system after you complete the questionnaire. My H1 Visa stamped Sep 2019 expired on Dec 2021. Has anyone gone through the process of dropbox submission through someone else? My husband has a H1B Interview waiver option, now we are trying to add me (H4) in the group interview. However, I539 approval for my wife and kids pending for employer B. I scheduled group dropbox appointment for all of us. Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies. Sharing my sons experience for Dropbox appointment for visa stamping for the first time. H4 EAD (I-765) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC, VSC. Nusrat, The 48-month rule has been extended indefinitely. Question is we have booked our drop box appoinments for all three of us, will there be any issues with my kids visa issual? You only need basic documents that are listed on the appointment letter. As well my birth place is Hyderabad previously it was only A.P. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well. I am not sure what is going to happen. You are still required to submit all the required documents as before. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein. You will very likely get a decision on your visa stamping within 7 to 10 business days from the day you dropped off your documents. I have F1 visa refusal in 2012 after that my B1/B2 visa approved in 2018 .now I am going to apply for H1b visa .Am I eligible for dropbox. Please let me know the process how to pay again? Do we need to update our new Home Address anywhere in relation to Dropbox Appointment schedule ? My drop box visa is scheduled in 15 days, am I eligible for appearing for visa stamping with that passport. How did you check status of dropbox facility? Is it ok to book a drop box appointment slot before the extension is applied? We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you. Is there any way to renew the H4 EAD and continue working without impacting the current I539 processing ? My birthday place was Hyderabad A.P. RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. 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. Does that means I am eligible for drop box? On April 21 CEAC status changed to "Refused" and we received an email on friday asking "Scan and send Primary applicant's valid visa". Thank you. December 23rd 2022: Today, US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule. Now, you are applying for B1/B2 visa renewal in India on November 1st, 2022. We will use the limited time available for theinterview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions. Yes, it is mandatory. The process is no different for booking Dropbox Appointments as well. Check Step by Step Guide to H1B Dropbox, it has full details with screenshots. 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. In the past (before Sep 2019), for US Visa renewals, you had an option to go for dropbox, but it was not mandatory. 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. Thanks! March 11th, 2021 : US Department of State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry eligibility to 48 months from expiry. H-1B Visa (I-129) Service Centers: CSC, NSC, TSC . Passport. So, do not be confused with the text with OFC on the top. They changed the system this week for a few things, so could be hiccups too. are they still eligible for dropbox, pleaseeeeeee answer ?? Also, luckily, in parallel, by the time I arrived in US, I got my H4 and H4 EAD approved and they were delivered to my address. It was your choice to pick dropbox or an in-person appointment. And wont arrive before my dropbox appt. US embassy Visa interview appointment confirmation. Can anyone suggest me whether I am eligible for Dropbox or i have to go for Visa interview . Again, in December 2022, they confirmed the availability of the 48-month dropbox rule for 2023 and beyond as well. I am in a similar situation. 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. As we enquired on previous day at center they told no need to come on scheduled time. They did warn in August that there were delays. Staff very cooperative and supportive at Pune VFS US DROPBOX CENTER. Vinod, No, it will not. Blanket L1 holders do not qualify for Dropbox or interview waiver. 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. US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker . Print and save two copies of your DS-160 confirmation page. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. Since September 2021, you need to book an appointment to drop off documents as part of the US Visa renewal using the dropbox option. All documents required have not changed. now its in Telangana. It never prompts me to book the actual visa interview slot. How is it helping you? If you have GC, send that too to prove your status. I have taken an appointment for OFC document submission under interview waiver eligibility for B1/B2 renewal at Chennai VAC. CEAC Website, Errors Info. 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. You can write to consulate/ ustraveldocs to get it clarified as well. Did you book appointment? I even contacted VFS Support, but they were not helpful, and they were pushing it on me mentioning I had made that change. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the American people have invested $2 million over the past 20 years in the documentation, conservation, and restoration of 21 key historic sites and intangible heritage in India. Is some one face the same issue? Interview waiver letter printed during appointment booking. US Visa Stamping at Consulates usually involves in-person interviews, unless you qualify for the Interview Waiver Eligibility, which is popularly called a Dropbox Visa Appointment. Please reply. 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. I currently have a J-2 visa and I am planning to do the re-stamping. Do I have to physically be at the VAC or can I use a representative to drop my passport? I got an Dropbox appointment on sep13, and I submitted my documents,but when I checked for updates, it shows application received. I have scheduled an for Dropbox appointment for Visa Stamping for myself (H1-B) and my wife (H4). Print your appointment letter and follow the instructions in it. This is crazy, it's going to be 2 years and still so hard to get a visa appointment. Note: Please be sure to select an interview waiver submission date at least 7 calendar days before your visa has been expired 48 months., Below is the screenshot of the confirmation you would get on the USTravelDocs CGI Federal Website, if you qualify for the Interview Waiver or Dropbox option for US Visa Renewal. If for question 1 does it mean, the previous visa has to be in the same category? 2. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. But my US H4 visa was once stolen in the past. Copy of previous H1-B approvals, if any. Hi kumar, I initially had h4 visa stamping. Please advise. If you get any info, please share. As I read somewhere . It is suggested to select a dropbox location to drop off documents at the below centers based on where you plan to give the visa interview. US Visa Appointment Availability Tracker. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Good thing is in New Delhi it is showing 1 calendar day waiting. On the top of it Visa ban and consulate closures. kevin, you can use a representative to drop the passport and supporting details. Applicants for Delhi Consulate: Drop off at New Delhi, Chandigarh, or Jalandhar centersApplicants for Mumbai Consulate: Drop off at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune centers. US Visa Appointment At Kolkata Consulate - Emergency Appointments Available. For H4 EAD Dropbox documents do you require original or copies of H1B spouse documents? Anyone with same problem? We will cover that details in this article. Under current 48 month rule I am eligible for Dropbox I am planning to travel India for stamping in Feb 2022 will I be still eligible ? Only Temperature was checked, signed in. I am also in same situation. I applied for H4 Thank you, Ravi. I had a COS to H1b in US. In general, you need to apply for Biometrics & US Visa Interview appointments, if you need to get a US visa stamping on your passport. Required Document List For H4 Visa Holders. Any additional documents such as authorization letter etc? Applicants must schedule an in-person or interview waiver appointment during this 365-day period. Also, do not be confused if you see VAC instead of IW in the dropdown on the same screen. Do I qualify for the recent interview waiver program? For general dropbox eligibility, your US visa had to be valid or expired on or after November 1st, 2021. Did you get any information? The only exception is if you want to apply for an Emergency Appointment. Check USTravelDocs website. Naresh, If it blanket, usually not eligible for it. But, in some cases, you maybe called after the dropbox depending on your case. It still means dropbox appointment booking, if you were given the dropbox confirmation screen. Give it a try after few days. I am also in the same situation as you and was able to book a dropbox appointment in April 2022. For instance, as of October 2022, Indian Consulates are not yet open for regular operations. 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. There are no restrictions as such. The system will show the date and time slots accordingly. This includes B1/B2, F1, and I also had an approval notice for an H1B visa as well but never got the stamp on account of an unfortunate situation with my employer. US Visa Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker . Even though the system may allow you book an appointment, you should meet the 48-month requirement on the day of submission. ABhikalp, Yes. ravi, Usually, not needed. See above article for the details. Vish when is your interview scheduled ? Let me know what you can find. CEAC Website, Errors Info. If applying for a J visa, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same institution as it is on your previous visa. Im in the same boat. However I do have a copy of the i-797a from my attorneys office. If so, you should not be getting the second one. How the availability works? Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario? RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. I am not sure if I am eligible? Hey! Same issue here . You can check your contribution on PRO page. I was confused and answered Yes instead of No for the question Is your previous h1b visa is still valid and it took me to the drop box slots available page and I booked the slot. I am totally confused by this, also t did not show me appointments for any other locations just few for Chennai VAC. 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. Do have a copy of the documents our readers consulate/ ustraveldocs to get a visa at. 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