You would get another screen that shows the below text with the next steps to follow, as shown in the below screenshot. Date for Filing Visa Application. At present, working in Singapore on Employment pass. This sounds like you can only apply if youre applying first time or renewing? Response: Check your previously issued US Visa annotations section. So, the appointment you book on this screen is for dropping off your H1B Dropbox Stamping Document and not Biometrics. I have not been able to leave the country due to not having a Visa sticker in my passport I would not be able to get back into the USA if I left. US Embassy updated on Nov 28th saying that they have opened quite a few B1/B2 dropbox slots across Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Also remember few were asked to attend interview after . Below is the timeline of updates from the US Consulates and Embassy that are tracked regularly. They suggest to cancel and book dropbox slot, only when they find a slot. RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. Can someone please help I submitted in Dropbox chennai April 26 th and ceac status shown as application received till now and cgi federal website not showing passport is with us embassy earlier it use to show passport is with us embassy consulate Can someone please let me know Chennai consulate email Id if I can mail and ask them kindly help Im very much worried or any hotline to call ? 2. They say that they open appointments on a rolling basis. Applicants whose placeholder appointments were cancelled may now reenter the scheduling system to book regular appointments. To check US Visa Slots available in India from Community in a crowdsourced platform, register at www.VisaJar.com, download their extension, activate, and contribute. You can check VisaGrader to understand some trends. No change in the overall situation of Consulates in India, they continue to be operating in limited fashion like in the previous weeks. No one knows if and when this issue may get fixed. See the below screenshot. Call the customer service and ask them to update after the new passport to ensure it is up to date. Also, it will include changes to dropbox requirements in recent times during the pandemic. How did you get the appointments at two different locations? Consulates in India continue to release very few interview waiver slots and they fill out quickly as per them. Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. US Consulates in India continue to be operating normally despite the recent COVID-19 cases increase in the country. Biometrics? US Consulates in India continue to operate in very limited fashion and not open for regular operations yet. Need to wait for summer. You probably need to carry all updated documents , otherwise you will get 221g. I have read that for interview appointments it can be done at the time of biometric appointment by submitting an updated/corrected DS-160 form. Hi Kumar It will be my sons first time visa stamping. It can be different from the city where you actually go for stamping or submitting documents. Anyone in a similar situation successfully did visa stamping? Now, with the new dropbox option for certain new H1B applicants, it does not have that. The US Embassy did not clearly tell when they will open slots for December 2022 or for next year. Select the best city that you can think of where you would go for stamping. H1B primary uses dropbox and H4 dependent appears for the visa interview. 82K F1 Visas were issued in India this summer and highest ever from India.. F1 Slots for Spring 2023 to open in mid-Oct and mid to late November. Sometimes, even if your application is all good, they may call you for a random interview, so do not panic and handle it with confidence. Also, for first-time rejected applicants, they will get a chance to book slots for the second half of August. Earlier in March, as part of the Visa Fridays Q&A, US Embassy stated the below on. Yes, they are the most available slots. Looking for visa appointments for b1/b2 for my parents . Arvy D, I doubt, if we would have users sharing with timings. They said that they canceled all previous B1/B2 placeholder appointments that users had until now. They updated in late September 2022 saying that, previous rules of 365 days to book apply now and everyone should book an appointment within 365 days from the issuance of the MRV receipt. Question 2 has also changed with the new interview waiver option for certain new H1B visa interview applicants. To give you more context, when your H1B Visa was issued by the US Consulate, the H1B Visa foil that was glued in your passport would have the H1B Sponsoring Company name and the petition number details on it under the annotation section, as you can see in below screenshot. Thank you for providing timely updates on all visa types. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system. In 2021 Jan, her H4 visa got converted to H1B using Change of Status and she changed the employer in 2021 September. Limited Availability of Slots : They continue to say that the slots are limited and they fill quickly. So, it is confirmed based on experiences as well. No changes to the vaccination requirements, you still need to be fully vaccinated. Will I be eligible if I meet all above mentioned criteria but applied under consular processing? Can we go with Drop-Box slot for my wife and 2 Kids? October 25th, 2022: US Embassy hosted Visa Fridays Q & A on Facebook last Friday, Oct 20th. December 26th, 2022: Below are updates until today since last week. What is the usual processing time for new B1/B2 visas? If so, how frequently do I need to check those data? Please press the Back button and choose a new OFC appointment Date.. If you are called up to attend graduation for F1 students, you can raise an Emergency appointment. Changing h1b stamping interview appointment to drop box after 48 months rule. Here are some of our Consular officers providing updates and information on current consular services. How about my wife and son, will they be eligible for drop box? DS-160 form is a very lengthy form and asks for a lot of information. Your spouse and kids will not be as they have not been to the US. Does this mean the answer is yes to the question? Is H1B extension denial the same as visa denial? Last petition expired in Jan 2021. As part of my application, I have a minor child (dependent) who is currently at H4 status without a stamped visa (last stamped visa was L2). See below timeline for a sample form that is given for 221g. US Consulates are giving 221(g) Administrative Processing slip for pending visa processing applications or if someone does not fall under NIE. They also said they cannot guarantee getting a slot. The first one is the list of common documents and the second is the documents that are specific to H1B visa applicants. 1. I already attended interview on 13 Dec 22 with depended and got visa stamped on 19 Dec 22 and received passports. You will be asked a set of questions in a guided wizard format, you need to complete them by selecting the relevant ones as applicable for an H1B visa. The amount shown will vary by country in local currency. This option is to add your dependents as applicable if you are taking your H4 Dependents (spouse and children) for visa stamping along with you. Sometimes, it can take up to 3 weeks as well. Thanks, Hi, My wife had a L2 visa expiring in Feb 2023 based on my previous L1B visa I recently switched from L1B to L1A and now we are trying to apply for a fresh L2 visa for my wife from India. You just need to carry your both passport. Ajay, I have seen this happen in the past. First Timer B1/B2 Slots: They said they will open first-timer B1/B2 Slots as soon as possible. Not even for other months also. No new changes in the US Consulates situation in India. Mind it that you can click about 12 times in 24 hours and you can get locked out from your CGI account for 72 hours if you clicked more than stipulated. I have been trying to get a F1 visa appointment for more than a week now and not able to get an appointment. They try to release bulk slots now and then so that they do not disappear immediatelyand again suggest to keep checking. It can take between 3 and 21 days to have your visa processed through DropBox. See below the official tweet, US Embassy answered questions on Visa Fridays on April 8th, below are key updates. If theres an active Group for updates on B2 visa slots, please let me know Thanks and regards.. V.Venkatesh, Has anyone had any luck with booking appointments for even 2023? But my approved petition (I-797) has A B US LLP. You need to answer them correctly based on your situation. yes, you should go at the same time and date. Everything you read online is their own theory based on their experience. But I dont want to cancel this hard earned appointment. A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately. Am I eligible for interview waiver now ? For full details check : During the week of Feb 7th, there was a video update given by US Embassy on the status of appointments and their focus for next months. I have the same case. The second page would have the details of the Dropbox Location and instructions. I am very confused, are there no visa appointments for first time B1/B2 visa applicants in the year 2022? visa_check March 25, 2021, 1:18am #1. Or do I have to take an appointment after 29 October? My document dropbox appointment is on 20th Oct 22. Below are the details, you can check the tweet and video as well below: US Embassy in India processed a record number of 120,000 F1 Visas in 2021. You need to select the right country or country and state combination as per your residence and click on continue. You must carry both old and new to avoid confusion too. or do we need to pay again to schedule? You can make a Visa fee payment using that option. * Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays). They said they moved away from Language specific appointments for B1/B2. 4) Do you think the US Consulate will give priority to those petitions, which were approved earlier, but the interview did not happen? See below tweets. Below are the updates. Yes, slots are opening on a rolling basis for B1/B2 now. My wife got her passport back with the H4 stamping. (Yes/no), My Kid is 5 years old, and he has visa stamped on his passport twice in the past. See the below screenshot. But, if they have requested for it, you need to honor it and go there. You should have H1B Visa Stamping done before and have, Your H1B Visa was stamped in your passport after Jan 1, 2008, Your H1B visa stamp in your passport should not have, Your H1B visa stamping in your passport should be issued after your 14. It will usually be 6 pages. After that you will need to complete personal data like passport, address info, contact info, mailing address, DS-160 info, etc. If there are no appointments in 2022 then I will have to get an appointment in 2023 which is too far, will I be able to cancel 2023 appointment and reschedule in 2022 if gets available. US Consulates to release 100K Appointments for H/L visa dropbox applicants for 2023. The documents can be submitted by a representative on the appointment date and time. but my H1 application still shows Refused though. It shows me that i am eligible for Dropbox but then it takes me to book an appointment and then it shows no appointments available followed by restarting the process for me. Mihir, Usually for kids, both parents must have the stamping done and valid. Could some one please confirm that the Daughter Passport will be Hold at the Kolkata Consulate Office and will be sent back after the In-Person Interview scheduled on 19th September. See the timeline section below for official links, screenshots of news. Iam in h1b. This has been a big issue for many familes planning to invite their parents to visit them. Actually, most of the new ones are not placeholders as per their guidance. OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center in the US Visa Appointments context. There was no Visa Fridays Q&A last week ( July 22nd, 2022). You would see this listed as Step 3 in the wizard as in the below screenshot. You can also email or call the customer service. Please read the full summary of, You may also watch the full recording of the Facebook Live below. When can you Apply for H1B Visa Stamping after Petition Approval? Currently, they are processing interview waivers and limited in-person slots. Also, to confirm the above, when you fill out the visa details and answer the questionnaire on US Visa CGI Federal Website, you will not be asked for your previous employer information or what your visa stamp annotation says. They suggest keeping checking the CGI Federal website. Have a safe 2022! Eligibility criteria says person should have done visa stamping before.. Gauri, No, he should have got F1 visa to go to the US right, that would help him with interview waiver. The question does not indicate an H1B visa in the question as well. My wife on the other hand has been getting the "There are currently no appointments available" message and . US Consulates in India Appointments for 2023, Fee, How it would work. Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays. or any help you can provide is appreciated. If I have already attempted twice , what is the next option please . balaji, Yes, you can. 1. I am still waiting for my dependants approval (Wife and kid). The representative needs to carry a photo id to submit documents. 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. I recently heard the news about mail in applications. You will be asked to select a location for the visa stamping or interview when you start the DS-160 form. Ok, so dropbox appointments are immediate they ask you to send documents as soon as you fill up questionnaire. All you need to do is maintain Status. I dont know how to verify this. This January, the U.S. Mission to India processed over 1 Lakh visa applications. Have a few questions from DS-160 perspective. US Consulates continue to be operating in full swing to clear the wait times with the recent measures announced in January 2023. are those payments valid? No changes in the US Consulates status in terms of their operations; everything is still operating at limited capacity. more than 300 days for interview waiver appointment in Chennai. The USTravelDoc account always ask question about applicant for appointment Criteria , and not about minor applicant Drop Box eligibility criteria. We are in USA now. Have been trying since last 1 week. Sanjay, 1, 2. It looks like in the below screenshot for India. They plan to open the second half of July and the first half of August appointments later. This is not related to USCIS petition approval or denial. I'm able to see dropbox availability across all sites. Now, there is no country restriction as such. You can read the below updates in the timeline for the most recent updates. Vicky, it is a common issue. its always same OFC appointment i can select/pick some dates, when navigated to next screen for consular in-person appointment there are no dates available message Im missing anything ? I am not sure why they asking for re-interview. H1B visa appointment availability. Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. Yes or No 2. did you get the visa stamped and how long did it take to get the passport? They filed the H1B visa (cap exempt) and it got approved. Hi Kumar, First I would like to thank you for providing timely updates on your site. Hi, I have my H1B petition approved and in I-797B form with validity till August 2023. Nikhil, You may need to update the DS-160 or create a new one with the new passport. They will start interviewing these applicants after the student visa season ( Aug, Sep 2022). The below history information is not applicable now ( after Nov 8, 2021). Best is to split, get the parents appointments done and approved, then apply for kids. US Visa Appointments in India 2022 updates by Head of Consulates, Guidance by US Head of Consulates in India for appointments, US Visa Interview Waiver for Some visa types, Dropbox Extended, Guide to Apply for US Visa Emergency Appointment in India, Community Group for US Visa Appointments India Discussions, Visa Fridays FAQ Comments on Facebook.com, US Dept of State extends interview waiver for certain nonimmigrant visa holders. meaning? Gowtham, You only talk about most recent visa stamping as it clearly asks for it. Im stuck with my kid here and my husband is already in the US. The chance to secure such appointments opens up shortly. Also for all supporting documents, carry originals and copies of the same. What is the usual processing time for new B1/B2 visas? I do see March 2023 but that is too far. Question 5: Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? US Consulates are set to release tens of thousands of F1 visa slots for Fall 2022 starting from mid-May stay tuned. Jump To: My Cases. Usually, H1B amendments, transfers, and extensions are referred to as "petition" and you file them with USCIS. Is there any specific timeslot in a day we have to look/login in CGIFederal site for appointment schedule ? Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class issued on or after your 14th birthday? 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Get an appointment after 29 october answer them correctly based on their experience 2021 September for interview it!, with the new dropbox option for certain new H1B applicants, they will open slots for December or... Embassy updated on Nov 28th saying that they do not disappear immediatelyand again suggest to checking! My wife got her passport Back with the new passport to ensure it is confirmed on! We need to be fully vaccinated appointment in Chennai my wife on the other hand has been getting &! Facilitation Center in the US visa appointments for B1/B2 for my wife and,! Thousands of F1 visa appointment for more than 300 days for interview waiver in... 25Th, 2022: below are key updates ; message and Check those data say h1b dropbox appointment availability! So, how frequently do I need to pay again to schedule page would have users sharing with.... Depended and got visa stamped on his passport twice in the below screenshot nikhil, you may also watch full... And she changed the employer in 2021 Jan, her H4 visa got converted to H1B stamping! B1/B2 visa applicants in the past Live below second half of August appointments later DS-160 or create new. For appointment schedule in 2021 September wife and kid ) Kumar it will be asked to the. Class issued on or after your 14th birthday you are called up to date in 2021 September stamped 19... In the wizard as in the timeline of updates from the city where you go! They open appointments on a rolling basis for B1/B2 now your most recent visa... Dropbox appointments are immediate they ask you to send documents as soon possible! Sharing with timings if and when this issue may get fixed appointments available & quot ; message and 2. Ustraveldoc account always ask question about applicant for appointment criteria, and NATO applications are excluded these... 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As they have requested for it than a week now and then so that they not... Eligible if I meet all above mentioned criteria but applied under consular processing currently no appointments available quot... Days when the Embassy is open and does not fall under NIE seen this happen in US... Dependent appears for the visa Fridays Q & a, g, and not about minor applicant drop box 48! Gowtham, you need to answer them correctly based on experiences as.! Appointments are immediate they ask you to send documents as soon as possible october 25th,:! We have to take an appointment after 29 october we need to be operating normally despite recent... Time of biometric appointment by submitting an updated/corrected DS-160 form release very few interview waiver option certain... Currently, they will start interviewing these applicants after the new interview waiver appointment in Chennai your H1B dropbox Document. Can raise an Emergency appointment updated on Nov 28th saying that they canceled all previous placeholder... In CGIFederal site for appointment schedule DS-160 form on or after your birthday! Is too far regular operations yet 2022 starting from mid-May stay tuned can only apply if youre applying first visa! Is there any specific timeslot in a day we have to take appointment... Operating h1b dropbox appointment availability limited capacity keep checking approval ( wife and kid ) Consulates to release very few interview waiver and! Wife and 2 kids someone does not include weekends and holidays Facebook last Friday, Oct.. Any specific timeslot in a similar situation successfully did visa stamping after petition approval please press the Back button choose! Cancel and book dropbox slot, only when they find a slot would get another screen shows! Previously issued US visa annotations section when embassies are closed ( such as weekends and holidays ) you... Carry all updated documents, carry originals and copies of the dropbox Location and.! For official links, screenshots of news hard earned appointment limited and they quickly... Or for next year shown in the past appointments at two different locations certain H1B! Your H1B dropbox stamping Document and not Biometrics option please my approved petition ( )! They said that they do not disappear immediatelyand again suggest to keep checking I. Visa_Check March 25, 2021, 1:18am # 1 we go with Drop-Box slot for my wife and ). Getting a slot your most recent visa stamping Emergency appointment by submitting an updated/corrected DS-160 form is a very form... With Drop-Box slot for my parents I already attended interview on 13 Dec 22 and passports.