One of our readers, Sathish has shared his detailed H1B Visa Dropbox Renewal experience with us. I believe, this is the first experience for Dropbox submission. It is written very clearly and gives you a clear picture of the exact process. Congrats to Sathish on his Visa Stamping and Thanks to him for taking time to share his experience with our readers. You can share your experience with our readers here
Background Info:
—————-
I am working in EVC ( Employer-Vendor-Client) model. I got my first H1B visa stamped till Sep 2013 in Chennai last year. I visited Chennai again this year and I was eligible for Dropbox since it is not more than 12 months since my visa was expired (and same petitioner & same visa category).
Document Checklist for H1B Visa Dropbox Renewal :
——————-
1. Passport (Both old and new). – Mandatory Document
2. DS160 confirmation page. – Mandatory Document
3. Dropbox confirmation page. – Mandatory Document
4. Visa fees receipt.
5. I797 Document Photocopy. – Mandatory Document
6. I129 Document Photocopy. – Supporting Document
7. LCA Document Photocopy. – Supporting Document
8. Employer Verification Letter. – Supporting Document
9. Payslips of last 6 months. – Supporting Document
10. 2013 W2. – Supporting Document
H1B Visa Dropbox Submission Process
Appointment : No Appointment needed for Dropbox.
Location : TPL House, Teynampet, Chennai.
I was at VFS office around 10am and was asked by security personnel to stand in queue that was formed for Passport pickup (There will be less number of dropbox cases so there wont be separate queue for it).
Step 1 : Preliminary Documents Checking by VFS Agent – Changed Photos
I had to wait for like 20 mins before security personnel let me in. A VFS agent checked all my document before letting me inside the building. He was checking my DS160, Dropbox confirmation letter and my photos. He asked to me bring different photos since my new passport had the same photo. I was explaining for sometime like it is never mentioned anywhere in US Travel Docs that same photo from passport should never be used (same photo from old visa should never be used however). Agent told he can still let me in but it is not worth the risk and I would be sent back to bring new photos. I didnt want to take any chance so I went out again to take new photos. With new photos I didnt have to stand in queue again.
Also my surname in new passport is left blank by mistake, so I had consulate put an observation in my passport. VFS is checking for any observation page if Surname in Passport and DS160 are not same (Just in case if anyone is having observation made in passport).
Step 2 : Documents Submission, Fee payment
I went inside the building and waited for my turn to get called, roughly like 15 minutes. VFS agent in one of the windows requested me to submit the documents. I submitted my Passports, I797 photocopy (original is not required), DS160 confirmation page, dropbox confirmation page, Visa fee receipt, 2 photos. VFS agent gave visa fee receipt back to me. He was checking all the documents and making entries in his system at this point. It took like 10 minutes. In the meantime, I asked him whether I can submit any supporting documents. His answer was NO and the documents that I had produced thus far are good enough. His answer was resounding enough to convince myself so I didn’t ask any further question about supporting document. Finally he said I am all set and I can check the status using my passport number and expect passport in a week. He gave me the signed dropbox confirmation letter back for reference.
This is my 4th successful stamping experience(all in Chennai) for 3 different visa categories, obviously the dropbox one is the hassles free enjoyable experience of all.
Key Things to Remember
For dropbox, My recommendation would be just to submit the mandatory documents when VFS agent request you to submit the required documents. I carried supporting documents only for the reason that when VFS agent ask me to submit any of them I should be in a position to submit instead of telling I don’t have one. Even if VFS agent had told YES to my question on submitting supporting docs, I was intended to submit only employer letter & payslips (just to prove I am with same employer). Guys working on EVC model, take it easy on Vendor letter/Client letter. Dropbox is working like a charm, so please keep it simple. At least my personal view.
I got automated mail from US travel docs that my passport is ready to be picked up in like 2 days time. Here are the timelines for reference.
Hope USCIS keep this dropbox option for H1B stampings for good and long 🙂
Processing time – 3 Days !
Dropbox Submission – April 21st
Passport was ready to be picked up by – April 23rd.
Passport was picked up my me on – April 28th.
General Info – H or L Visa Renewal :
If you are renewing your H or L Visa with the same employer and your current visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months (Blanket L1 is not eligible ), you may be eligible for Dropbox visa stamping. To check your eligibility, you can visit the US Consulate Website
Hi,
I am planning to travel to India around mid-September. My H-visa expired on 30-Sep-2015 and I have an extension now till Sep-2018. I had to get a new passport issued earlier this year since the old one expired. Am I eligible for the drop box even if my passport changed since last stamping?
Thanks,
Avi
Avi,
Yes, you are eligible for dropbox even though your passport had expired was renewed.
Thanks, Saurabh. Appreciate the feedback.
I have another related question. I have to get Visas stamped for myself, my wife and minor child (2 year old). Do you know if all 3 of us can submit our applications via drop box at the same time or do we (me and my wife) have to get ours stamped first and then submit the application for my son (with copies of our/parents visa with his application)?
Thanks,
Avi
Avi,
Kid is eligible for dropbox based on his age and can be included with your submission. Wife’s application is eligible for dropbox only if her H-4 visa also expired not more than 12 months ago.
I have my visa stamped from India in my old passport until 31-Dec-2016.
But during my return to US on 05-Mar-2015 I have my I-94 received only till 23-Oct-205 due to my passport expiry(same date). So I have raised an H1 extn with after having my passport renewed. I have the current I797 valid till Aug 2018. Now I’m planning for a vacation to Indian during Oct 2016. Please let me know If I’m eligible for dropbox.
Mahesh,
Yes, you are eligible for dropbox.
Thank you..
Should i make an appointment for the dropbox process? How soon i can get the appointment?
No appointment needed for Dropbox .. Just make sure you have all the required documents prepared
Very Crisp and informative. Good Job!
and Thanks so much for taking time to write it.
Hi,
I am qualified for dropbox and planning to go Mumbai consulate tomorrow. I will have a small bag, laptop and my cell phone. Is these items allowed inside drop box location?
I dont think you can take anything inside counsulate. It needs to be surrender at security check point. Its advisable not to carry anything with you other than the required documents.
Hello,
I am going to my second H1-B Visa stamping later this year with the same company. I am eligible for the drop box option but I have changed my name (got rid of FNU) in my new passport and new I-797 (H1-b renewal) and social security…
There is no scenario mentioned for name change in drop box case. Could you please provide any input or recommendation in my case of being eligible for drop box but with new name in new passport and new i-797. What should I do, drop box or Interview ?
Hi – Appeared for visa drop box in Chennai for H1b/H4 on Jul 18th 2016. Currently, on 14th yr on H1b, wife on 9th yr H4. Full time employee with a financial firm. Administrative processing done for both myself and wife on previous occasions (twice). Last stamping (in person interview) was in 2013 without any issues. Recently changed employer in 2016.
* Date of drop box : Mon, Jul 18th 2016
* Case Creation Date: Tue, Jul 19th 2016 – “Ready” Status
* 1st Update Date : Thu, Jul 21st 2016 – “Administrative Processing”
* 2nd Update Date : Fri, Jul 22nd 2016 H4 status changed to “Issued”, H1b “Admin Processing”
* 3rd Update Date : Mon, Jul 25th 2016 H4 status changed to “Ready for Pick up”, H1b “Admin processing”
* 4th update date : Mon, Jul 25th 2016 – got call from Consulate to fill out questionnaire and send it back to them asap
Wife’s passport was picked up with visa stamp the following day, however, there has been no further update on my case since, Jul 25th 2016. Anyone have had similar experience(s), please share. Would appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Ab
Tapan kumar,
I think you should still be eligible for dropbox. But you can email ustraveldocs and confirm.
Hi all – Please help me with this situation.
My H1b visa expired Aug 15 2015. I am able to drop off documents on Aug 16 2016 as I land on the night of Aug 15 2016. All other criterion are satisfied. Can I still apply for the dropbox option to renew my visa?
Archana Alagiri,
If you drop off the documents on Aug 16, then you don’t qualify for dropbox. You need to drop them by Aug 14.
Hi,
I have my H1 valid till October 2016. I’ll be travelling to India in November and will be eligible for Drop Box.
My wife also has an H4. But we plan to get her name changed in the passport i.e. right now her last name is blank so we plan add last name to her passport.
Would she still be eligible for drop box?
I didn’t see any such condition on the US Travel docs website so I’m thinking she will be but just wanted to confirm.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Ashish Gupta
Ashish Gupta,
I don’t think change in passport would disqualify you from dropbox. So you guys should still be eligible.
Sure. Thanks Saurabh.
Hi There,
I need clarification on the below checkpoint for “Dropbox Eligibility”
“If I am applying for an H or L (individual) or R visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.”
Is that 12 months period is from the Visa extension/original petition stamped date ? or from same type Visa recent extension/original petition expiry date?
My case is like this:
My H1B original petition was stamped in 2012 and it was expired in 2013.
After that I got first H1B extension till Feb 2016. second extension till July 2018. I didn’t travel to india yet after I came to US in 2012.
Now, I am planning to go to India in July 2016.
So Please help me in answering the above dropbox eligibility question
Sairam,
It is 12 months from the expiration date of the most recent visa stamp in the passport. Looks like your visa stamp expired in 2013. So you are not eligible for dropbox as that eligibility ended in 2014.
Hi Sathish- Thank you for explaning everything s well. How do I get the drop box confirmation page? In my application, it says congrats– I confirm for drop box and then it goes to the visa page, but I do not get any letter as such. Can you advise where I can get it?
Hello ,
Here is my scenario where My First H1B stamped in CANADA and which is expired as on SEPT 30 2015. I Am on H1B Extension which is valid till 2018 Sept. I am looking for visa stamping before this Sept 2016 and I am not sure Whether I am eligible or not for DROPBOX. I have same Employer all thorough my H1 and My VISA is expired less than a year.
Someone please advice.
Hi,
This is Irfan, working in EVC Model and I will be traveling to India alone while my dependents will be in USA shortly by end of this month June 2016. My H1B visa is expired in month of April 2016 and have a approved petition for me and my dependent until 2019. I have the below queries.
1. Will I be eligible for dropbox.
2. Do I need to submit my Dependents I797 Approval docs as well or just mine.
Any other information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Imran
My H1B visa expired in February 2016 and I am planning to travel to India in October 2016. I am eligible for Interview Waiver Program. However I wanted to confirm if I still need to schedule an appointment with Visa Application Center for biometrics. I was issued my H1B in 2013.
Thanks in Advance.
-Shweta
Shweta,
If you are eligible for dropbox, then there is no biometrics appointment needed. You can just go and drop your passport and other docs.
Hi i went to India on Jan 2015 and got Visa stamping with XYZ employer. Visa with XYZ employer was valid till Sep 30 2015. I changed my employer to ABC from October 2015 . If i plan for India trip in Aug 2016, am i still eligible for drop box process.
Is there anyone facing same case? I heard from some of my friends, since its change of employer, I should attend interview. As i have marriage plans, please kindly reply to this message ASAP.
Thanks.
Raj,
Even w/ change of employers, you are still eligible for dropbox facility. Some years ago it was a requirement of no employer change, but not anymore.
Hi, I have a doubt. I planning to drop my son’s passport at the Dropbox centre. I’m confused regarding the photo. Shouldn’t I carry the same photo which has been used in the passport. FYI, I’m applying for a fresh visa for my 20 months old son.
I am*
Karthick,
Not necessarily, you can use the latest photo that you have taken. Doesn’t have to be the old one that was applied for passport.
Hi:
Me and my hubby are both on h1-b visa currently residing in USA. We both got our visa extended until mar 2019. Our old visa got expired on mar 19 2016.
My hubby was travelling to Mumbai for work and I wanted to know since we are eligible for drop box, can he get stamping done for me ?
Do I need to travel with him to get my visa stamped ?
Thanks
– Manju
Manju,
He should not get visa stamped for you if you are in US. The consulate would notice that you don’t have any record of leaving US but are appearing for interview in India, which could raise some red flags. Avoid it.
Hi, i am processing L2 dependent for my kid and myself in US and spouse is far from Chennai location. I am eligible for dropbox, so any of my relative should be able to submit the documents on behalf of me? If yes, any additional documents like authorization is required during drop off? Please let me know.
Vijay,
I don’t think any authorization is required. The relative can carry all the documents along w/ his/her id proof and drop them.
Hi,
I have my H1B visa expired this month which was from different employer. y stamping being done in India and i am planning to travel to India by October,2016. Also, I have extension with new employer until 2018. I have my H1B visa on old passport and I have a new passport now.
I have two questions:
1) Am i eligible for drop box even after change in petitioner? in US travel docs it does not mention any petitioner specific details for drop box facility(IWP).
2) If i am eligible, generally for drop-box documents, do i need to submit both old and new passports?
Any help is greatly appreciated?
Thanks
Neeraj
Neeraj,
1. Change of employer doesn’t invalidate dropbox eligibility. You are still eligible for dropbox as long as old visa stamp didn’t expire more than 1 year ago.
2. Carry both passports to the dropbox center. They will tell you which passport(s) to drop.
Hi All, I have my H1b extension approved for next 2 years. I am getting marreid in Jul-16 and will be using Dropbox facility. My Question is that , can i apply a new H4 for my would be wife though Dropbox as well(once i get married).
Neil,
Congrats on upcoming wedding. Your wife cannot avail dropbox as she doesn’t have any prior H-4 visa. She will have to go for in-person interview, whose wait times are 2-3 months right now.
Hi
I need you help on below scenario
H1B Status and Details:
Neeraj Singh Dhapola
Passport No : XXXXXX
New Passort no : XXXXXX
Visa Stamp on passport : 22 June 2014 (Visa no : XXXXXX)
and VISA Expiry Date : 30th Sep 2014
First Ext Expiry Date : 30 Sep 2015
Travel plan on 3 Aug 2016 to 8th Sep 2016.
Second Ext Expiry Date : 30 Sep 2017
As per dropbox eligibility last VISA expiry date should be within 12 months, so i have question here that last Visa expiry date is last petition’s expiry date ?
If this is the case i think i am not eligible for drop box please confirm.
Thanks
Neeraj
Neeraj,
Its 12 months from last visa stamp expiration date. Your visa stamp expired on Sep 30, 2014; and so you are not eligible for dropbox. Petition expiration doesn’t matter.
Hi,
My first H1B visa is expiring this sept, 2016 and have the stamping done in Chennai. I have the extension approved and planning to visit India in Oct, 2016 and i am working for the same employer. Wanted to check whether i am eligible for dropbox and wanted to get the stamp in mumbai as i will be visiting only mumbai? Please let me know your thoughts and thanks in advance.
Hi I am travling alone for the drop box option , based off your experience would they allow me to carry my cell phone with me for the Dropbox
Hi,
I was having H4 visa and it got expired recently. I never made any travel to US. My spouse is still working with same employer and she received a new I797. Am I eligible for dropbox or should I appear in-person to get renewed my H4.
Thanks,
Vasu
Vasu,
You are eligible for dropbox if the old H-4 visa was expired less than 1 year ago. There are other criteria also for dropbox eligibility but this is the most important one.
Hi Saurabh,
I have my H1b Visa stamped until August 2016. Now i’m planning to apply H1b extension with the same employer.
Now my question is – I’m travelling to india in October 2016 with this new petition. So am i eligible for drop box in Hyderabad?? ( LAST TIME I GOT STAMPED IN CANADA NOT IN INDIA) .
Thanks,
RAM
Ram,
See my reply to another post of yours. Short answer is you are not eligible for dropbox as the pervious visa stamping was not done in India, which is a dropbox eligibility requirement.
Hi I want to know that if I am eligible for Visa DropBox then does my child 5 yrs old and my wife also eligible for Dropbox, and our visa were expired in Sep-2015, and i am with the same employer with whom i had my earlier visa.
Sidarth,
There are other criteria as well for dropbox, but you satisfy the criteria of visa expiration should be within last 1 year.
I am working for an IT company and my H1 visa got expired and I have the valid Petition approved. My wife and daughter visa got expired just last month and based on my H1 petition, I have to get the stamping done for three of us. I was blessed with a son who is only less than 3 months old for whom I have to get fresh stamping with all of us. My query I am entitled to dropbox in Chennai or interview also as I am moving to Chennai for visa stamping to get my family into US. Your reply appreciated
SUDHAKAR SUBRAMANIAM,
There are few criteria to decide whether you are eligible for dropbox or not. The most important one is that your visa stamp has not expired more than 1 year ago. In that case you can appear for dropbox.
Saurabh
Thanks – visa just expired just a month back only but the query still remains unanswered in the sense if the IWP not chosen, then two dates appear in the interview but dropbox option eligible so can the taken appointment be taken as confirmed sans problems at the time of dropbox. because no interview.
Sudhakar,
I didn’t understand what you are asking here. Your wife and elder kid are dropbox eligible due to past H-4 approval. Your younger kid would be dropbox eligible due to his/her age.
Does any one idea about approval ratio of visa if one eligible for drop-of?
I mean are there any probabilities of getting rejection in drop-of.
Hello All
I have question regarding the dropbox – eligibility.
I got stamp on 2011 , and got the extension on 2014 from Employer . I changed the employer B. Employer B visa approved on 2015. Now I am going to go to India. Am I going to eligible for the drop-box ?
Thanks
Kapil,
So the latest visa stamp you received in your passport was received in 2011 and expired in 2014, correct? You are not eligible for dropbox. For dropbox, your latest visa stamp should not have expired more than 1 year ago.
Hello
I will be going for drop box stamping to India, Recently I got my passport renewed in USA and got my name corrected. My surname was correct as SYED and my given name was printed as ABDUL RASHEED in old passport, which I got corrected in New passport as RASHEED ABDUL since this is correct, but in my I797 it is printed as ABDUL RASHEED only since it was issued earlier, so will it be ok for my stamping or do i need to do anything. Kindly let me know Thanks
Hello,
Could some one please help me with the question ?
I have visa stamped (at India) till July 09, 2016. I have got extension till December 2017.
I am going to India in May 2016 and return by Jun 2016. I know i dont need to get stamping.
If i do a drop box or in person interview, till which date will they stamp my visa, will it be till December 2017.
Ragu,
If you submit copy of new extended petition, then you will receive the visa stamp until Dec 2017.
Thanks Saurabh. Can i do a drop box? or do i need to go for a in person interview
Ragu,
There are several conditions for dropbox. However, if you are referring to the one related to petition expiration, then yes you qualify as your visa stamp has not yet expired.
Saurabh… I meet all criteria for Drop box.
Hello,
Could some one please help me with the question ?
I have created a profile to schedule visa interview for H1 and H4 and during the process I have paid visa fee for both in a single transaction. But now I am eligible for Interview Waiver Program and it routed me to drop box confirmation page and did not direct me to schedule appointment. My wife does not have USA visa already. How can I schedule visa interview appointment for her ? Please help. Thanks!!
Ravi,
Yes, you can schedule visa interview for her. Contact us travel docs team and let them know that you paid the fees together but will appear for stamping separately. Maybe they can separate out the transactions and you can then use it for dropbox and in-person interview.
Ravi.
Did you contact US Travel Docs about H4 Interview?
Whats the response from them? Do u need to schedule separate interview for H4?
Hello There,
I just wanted to drop the docs for my spouse for her stamping.
1) Can she go for drop box with my I-797 petition as she don’t have any I-797 since there is no amendment made on her H4 visa after first time stamping.
2) Document check list.
3) Other visa fee, is there any separate fee for drop box procedure ?
Kindly clarify the above questions
mahadreamz,
I assume your spouse visa stamp hasn’t expired more than 1 year ago.
1. Yes, she can carry copy of your 797
2. For dropbox, she needs the documents mentioned on ustraveldocs site – http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp
3. No additional fees. Its same as that for in-person interview
Her visa has valid till Jul 2016.
She is going in March and returning back to US in Apr. Even from that date she has valid till Jul.
Even though she has valid date, I am letting her to get stamping because, that stamping I got from previous employer. And also POE might give date as per stamping date and then the I94 also carries the same date.. So to avoid them.
And this will be non sync with mine since my extended petition has till Oct2016.
Please correct me if I am wrong anywhere..
mahadreamz,
I-94 will be issued based on petition and not visa stamp. So she would still get extended I-94 as long as she shows your extended petition.
As for visa stamp, like you said it is not required but good to have so that your visas are in sync. This way whenever you travel outside of US in future, either you both appear for stamping or none of you does.
The visa on my passport was until Feb 2015. But I got an extension in US, based on my I-140. I have a valid I-797 till 2017. I am traveling to India in March 2016. I am confused as whether I am eligible for Interview waiver. Is the I-797 date considered or date on the passport stamp considered for 1 year expiry?
ConfusedDude,
Visa expiration date matters for dropbox facility. You can apply for dropbox facility only if applying for new visa until Feb 2016. After that, you have to appear for in-person interview.
Yeah. I called them. My visa expired on 28 Feb 2015. I am landing on Feb 29 2016. Technically, 12 months would be over on March 1, regardless of the fact that it is a leap year. So I could argue that 12 months would have not had passed on Feb 29. No where could I find a reference to 365 days. Everywhere it says 12 months. But on call they confirmed that they count days, not months.
So, I changed to in person interview now. Luckily date was available on the day I land. For some reason, they want me to do OFC again too. I did it last time as well with 10 print. So another hassle for me to go there for OFC and interview.
Screwed by leap year day. One effing day.
Hi Team,
My VISA with X company expired on Jun 30 th 2015 , Now I got extension with B company . Am I eligible for dropbox ?
Kumar,
As visa was expired less than 1 year ago, you are eligible. There are other eligibility criteria as well, which you should check on travel usa site.
Hi Team,
I am eligible for Drop box Interview Waiver Program as I have met the eligibility criteria.
1) Does the Drop box IWP, holds good even for the spouse and children (dependents)?
2)Please confirm if I can use my old DS 160 confirmation no: for myself and dependents or do I need to fill in new DS 160 for self and dependents and proceed with the application?
Awaiting your revert to take further action, Thanking you in advance
Krishna,
1. Yes, they can go the dropbox route as well, if they also satisfy the criteria separately.
2. You have to complete another DS-160 form and use that number to generate dropbox confirmation number.
Thanq Saurabh.
Thank you Sathish for taking time to go over the process in such a detail.
Thanks for this article, was very useful in getting the documents ready for dropbox, planning on going tomorrow, hopefully all goes well!
Suresh, Do share your experience once you have the passport back…Good Luck !
I have a question.
I have visa stamped valid till Jan 2017. But this stamped visa is from my previous employer. Will I be eligible for dropbox if I apply in March 2016
bharadwaj,
You can use dropbox facility even if you have a change of employers, as long as other conditions are met.
Hello,
I have not been able to get a clear response for my situation from the internet.
I meet all other criteria for the drop box waiver but I do have one question. My current H1 visa (which expired couple months back) is on my old passport. I have my renewed and updated passport with me (but there is no US visa in that). Do I qualify for drop box waiver in this case? Please let me know.
Thanks!!
There is no dependecy on passport. You are good. I was in same situation and got stamped few days back.
Much thanks!!
I have Expired H1b visa with my old employer now my employer is changed.
While i’m scheduling the visa interview process it says i’m eligible for Drop box.
But
–> I am above 14 and below 80. currently age 29. Am I eligible ?
–> Employer changed and expired VISA is from old employer. Am I eligible ?
Can someone please help here ?
if the below says for Drop box, then, can i still schedule for OFC and interview ?
can anyone with same situation, please share your experience.
Below are the Answer filled during this IWP questioner
Do you have a previous H-1B visa (temporary occupation, temporary worker or trainee)?
Yes
Was your prior H1B visa (temporary occupation, temporary worker or trainee) annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”?
NO
Were you denied any kind of U.S. visa after your most recent U.S. visa was issued?
No
Is your previous H-1B visa (temporary occupation, temporary worker or trainee) still valid?
No
Did your previous H-1B visa (temporary occupation, temporary worker or trainee) expire within the last 12 months?
yes
Was your most recent H-1B visa (temporary occupation, temporary worker or trainee) issued in India after January 1, 2008?
yes
and last it says :
Congratulations! You qualify for the “Drop Box” Interview Waiver Program. Please do not schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center or U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
When you click “Continue” to proceed with your application.
Step 1. Print one copy of the Drop Box Confirmation Letter.
Step 2. Drop off your listed documents at one of our 11 Document Drop-Off locations.
Current passport and any old passports with a U.S. visa.
One photograph (per U.S. visa specification).
Photocopy of form I-797.
Note: Using the Interview Waiver Program does not guarantee visa issuance. The U.S. Embassy/Consulate retains the right to call an applicant in for an interview, if necessary
senthil,
Even if you have changed employers, you are still eligible as long as it has been less than a year since the last visa stamp has expired.
Hi Senthil,
I am also in same situation. Have you gone through Dropbox option? Can you please let me know your experience.
Thanks,
Praveen
Hi Praveen/Senthil,
I am facing same scenario as you have mentioned.
Can you please reply whether you did drop box or attended interview?
Thanks in advance .
Hi,
I am planning to go for Dropbox as I meet the requirements. I am on H1B and my spouse on H4. Can I submit the documents on her behalf? Do I need to carry any letter from her as such? I would like to know if carrying photo is mandatory. If yes, what size and how many?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Photo size requirment is there at embassy site. No one need to go in person for drop box. Anyone can go to drop the document, even your frn or relative make sure you have all the necessar docs.
Hi,
When I was filling out my application it gave me a Blue dart location in my city (Indore). However there are no drop box locations in my city. Can I courier my documents through the Blue Dart service to one of the drop box locations or do I need to go in person?
Thanks,
Sneha
Drop box locations are specified, you or your frn/relative has to go in person at one of those place. Passport pickup location is different than drop box.
Hi,
I am planning to use drop box facility in Hyderabad for H1 and H4 visa. Do both (H1 primary and H4 dependent) have to go to the drop box center for dropping off the documents or just H1 primary going for drop off is sufficient for both H1 and H4 docs ?
Also, how about for collecting Passport ?
Pavan,
Did you both go to dropbox or only the H1b Visa Holder?
-Jag
Where is the drop box appointment date?
I filied up DS-160 and went to schedule my appointment but got the drop box option. So which day am I supposed to go??
I am planning for Nov 27th 2015 in Mumbai.
Thanks,
Prashant
Hi,
I am qualified for drop box option for renewing my H1-B visa and planning to get it stamped again during my India visit in Jan 2016.
Appeciate your help on following question for drop box option.
1) What is first step? Completing DS-160 form or Paying Visa Fee?
I am asking this question because in below www.ustraveldocs.com link it says that we need to pay Visa Fee first.
http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp
But wow can we pay Visa Fee first if we don’t have “Advice slip” which is required to make Visa Fee payment at Citibank/ Axis Bank branches in India? Where can we get “Advice slip”?
2) Do we need to Schedule any appointment for drop-box submission ( at Team Stanley Office in India)?
Appreciate reply. thanks.
1) you can start filing ds-160 so you can get application ID . you can submit it any time later.
using that Application ID you can start process of applying visa. once you start this process it will asked you to pay visa fees. when you click on visa payment option fee receipt will open which has CGI REFERENCE NUMBER. using it you can pay visa at bank.
once you pay fees and proceed you will get dropbox confirmation letter.
2) for dropbox you don’t need to make appoimnment.
Thanks so much Srinivas.
Hi,
My h1 has expired on 15th november 2014. Can I still apply for dropbox if I submit my passport in dropbox on 5th November 2015? I’m satisfying all the criteria for drop box submittion and I think I also satisfy the “12 month expiry” criteria.
Thank you
Yes, I think you should be good. It says 12 months so no need to worry for lesser than 12 month period.
Hello,
I’ve a question related to dropbox eligibility.
My h1b stamping has expired on 20th Nov 2014. I’m visiting India in 1st week of November and plan to submit my visa to dropbox on Nov 9th 2015.
I said “Yes” to the question when they asked whether my visa has expired within last 12 months. Since, I’ll be submitting my passport in November, but before 20th November, am I correct to apply for dropbox, or should I take interview date?
I’ll sincerely appreciate your help.
When I read 12 months, and I’m going to submit the documents on Nov 9th, I’m assuming that my visa should have expired on or after November 9th 2014.
Thank you,
Amol
Yes, I think you should be good. It says 12 months so no need to worry for lesser than 12 month period.
Hi All,
Last week my colleague and friend who changed the employer went for the dropbox in Chennai and he got his passport with stamp. I am going to do the same in Nov as my friend confirmed it.
@Piyush- Its great news. Do you know if its just dropping the documents or someone will be verifying and will be confirming it?
Reg
Piyush , Thats glad to know, thanks Piyush.
wats the processing time with DropBox ?
I am planing to do Dropox in Chennai on November 3rd week.
Can you please let me know if employer has to be same in expired visa and new petition?
I have not see this condition/question while scheduling appointment or qualifying criteria questions?
Rg
Same here, I too have employer change and am eligible for Dropox,IWP.
But I haven’t seen in any place that Employer Change category is still eligible for Dropbox IWP
Anybody has a source for this
I had called up ustraveldocs.com customer care. They have confirmed that petitioner changed cases will be considered for IWP (DROP-BOX) given that you fall under the criteria listed in questionnaire. Previously, this was not the there and hence it was explicitly mentioned at their website. Now its relaxed and hence this condition is removed.
@Yatindra,
Thanks for this, I too called up Cust care but nobody reveals this info to me, they all say that they are not authorized to tell applicants if they are eligible or not. only the applicant should decide.
Am glad that you got this info, Thanks for this.
The same employer restriction has now been relaxed. You could be eligible for a dropbox visa even if you have changed employer.
@ Srikanth, Do u have any idea or experience on IWP for H-1B with employer change. I was in process of scheduling my visa interview and i got a notification that I am eligible for interview waiver program.
I could not find anywhere that they have mentioned employer change category is eligible for Interview Waiver Program.
From where did u get this information ?
any help will be appreciated
Hello John,
were you mange to get answer to your question of change in petitioner qualifying for interview waiver program?
Appreciate your quick help so that other ppl will be benefited.
Regards,
Yatindra
@yatindra,
I called up US Chennai consulate customer care and sent email as well, they said what ever the website says I should go with that,and If am eligible for IWP/Dropbox then visa should be applied in that process only. no need of interview.
Step 7 : is the one that decides and prompts with a message like “Congrats you are eligible for Dropbox interview waiver program”
thanks john for your reply.
based on questionnaire, i got the message saying i am qualified for IWP. But since I have changed my employer I have a question. However, in website its no where mentioned that petitioner has to be same.
In your case, did you change the employer and got IWP?
Regards,
yatindra
Hello Srikant,
did you or someone able get visa stamping after change is petitioner?
your response will be appreciated.
Reg
Dear friends,
Can you please share me the OFC Chennai working hours for dropbox?
I am eligible for dropbox and planned to drop my documents in Chennai OFC office next week. So, It will be a great help if you guys share me the dropbox window. Thanks in advance.
Hi I will be in chennai by aug 15th, after submitting the passport for dropbox. can i get it in Coimbatore by bluedart ?
Did anyone try it like this ?