Home » US Visa Stamping Experiences » H4 Visa Emergency Appointments, Interviews – 21 Experiences in India

H4 Visa Emergency Appointments, Interviews – 21 Experiences in India

Due to COVID-19, US Consulates in India are not open for regular operations yet. Many of the H4 Holders are getting Emergency US Visa Appointments based on H1B & H4 Visa Exemptions from Trump travel ban. The H4 Visa community has really come together to help one another other during difficult times in various social media channels, especially many Telegram groups.

The below experiences are shared by many users in Telegram groups ( US Visa Stampings India, US Travel Ban, H4 Spouses Group) Full credits to all the users in these groups and community. Thanks to all of them for taking time share them with everyone. We have curated all these experiences for easy reference. All are kept as anonymous for privacy reasons.  We will continue to curate and add more relevant Emergency Appointment (EA)experiences from users to this article…

Tracker for EA Requests : You can check US Visa Emergency Appointment Tracker to understand average processing times based on user contributed data. You can add your case for community benefit too.

H4 Visa Interview Documents Checklist, How to Organize

Below is how to arrange H4 visa stamping documents for easy reference and to give to visa officer as needed.

  • Compartment 1: Major documents required for H4 interview.
    • Passport
    • Appointment confirmation
    • DS160 confirmation page (need to take print)
    • Form I-797 (H-1B approval notice)
    • I-140 copy if applicable
  • Compartment 2:  H-1B application documents
    • Employer or Petitioner Support Letter
    • I129 – petition for Nonimmigrant or Application for H-1B
    • LCA copy
  • Compartment 3: Marriage related documents
    • Marriage certificate
    • Marriage invitation card.
    • Marriage hall receipt
    • Reception hall receipt
    • Photos
    • Journey tickets and receipts
  • Compartment 4: H1B Spouse Work related documents
    • Spouse Employer Letter (need to take print)
    • Spouse- client letter (need to take print)
    • Spouse Vendor Letter (need to take print)
    • Client Identification Card
  • Compartment 5 :  Visa and travel documents
    • Spouse Passport
    • Spouse current i94
    • Spouse Travel history.
  • Compartment 6 : Taxes, Pay slips, Funds
    • Spouse last 6 months payslips.
    • Spouse W2’s
    • Spouse last 6 months bank statement.
  • Compartment 7 : Spouse Education (Optional)
    • Transcript copies from University.
    • Master’s degree certificate (University).
    • Bachelor’s degree certificate .
    • Master’s Courses that are helpful for Current Job
  • Compartment 8 :  H4’s education
    • Master degree certificate if applicable
    • Bachelor’s degree certificate.

Latest H4 Visa Experiences – EA Appointments

We have organised the below list of US Visa Emergency Appointments and Visa Interviews in India experiences by Month, so that it is easy for your review. Most recent experiences are on the top

Experience 21 – H4 Visa Stamping in New Delhi

My visa got approved on 4th Sep in Delhi & received my passport today (11th Sep) in Hyd 🙌🏼😃

Situation : First time H4 newly married.

  • Original Regular appointment was scheduled for Oct 2020 @ Hyderabad consulate..DS -160 location was also Hyderabad.
  • It got cancelled due to COVID lockdown.
  • Rescheduled regular appointment for March 2021 with Delhi consulate as dates were not available for Hyd.
  • Then sent an email to the Consulate requesting an Expedited Appointment & I was advised via email to raise an Emergency Request on the portal.
  • Raised Emergency Request on the portal & got an approval in 12hrs !
  • Once the EA was approved I scheduled the Biometric and Consular interview on Sept 4th @ 8.30AM & 12.00PM respectively with Delhi Consulate.
  • Regular appointment got cancelled automatically on the portal once my EA was approved.
  • Reached VAC center by 8.00AM, they allowed inside at the appointed time & process was completed in 15 mins.
  • Reached consulate by 11.00AM & was allowed inside that time itself (although it was quite early). The entire process took about 1 hour.
  • We stayed at The Ashok- Delhi (had a very comfortable stay & is close to the Embassy)
  • You can use taxi services- Uber & Ola
  • VO was very friendly and interview was very smooth !
  • VO asked for Passport, DS -160, I797 of my spouse, Marriage Certificate, & Marriage Album

H4 Visa Interview questions:

  1. Is this the first time you’re applying for a H4?
  2. Where is your spouse working?
  3. Where is the office located ?
  4. Where does he stay in the US ?
  5. When did he travel to the US?
  6. When did you get married?
  7. How did you guys first meet ?
  8. How long have you been married for ?
  9. Can I see your Marriage certificate and marriage album ?
  10. What are your Quarantine plans?
  11. Have you travelled to any other country?
  12. Do you know your rights as a worker in the US? ⁃ Finally VO said – Your visa has been approved & gave me the worker rights booklet.

Experience 20 – H4 Visa Stamping in New Delhi

My visa (H4) got approved on 8th Sept from Delhi Consulate.

  • Newly married(Marriage date: Feb 2020)
  • Normal appointment scheduled on 31st Aug
  • Normal appointment slots booked for 14th March 2021
  • Emergency Appointment (EA) applied on 1st Sept
  • EA approved on 1st Sept(with in 12 hrs)
  • Biometrics on 4th Sept
  • Visa interview on 8th Sept
  • Passport delivery date: 12th Sept
  • EA Reason: Medical need. Newly married. Separated for almost 6 months now, since we both are separated, we are going through severe stress, emotional breakdowns and mental stress and sleeplessness.
  • Stay in Delhi : Luckily I got a good convenient hotel in Delhi “Hotel West Yard, in Greenpark” (per day charge 2k), which is 15-20 mins distance from all 3 places that is airport, consulate and US embassy.
  • Documents asked for Biometrics:
    • passport
    • husband’s visa
    • ds 160
    • i797
  • Consulate appointment was at 10.45am but they allowed at 9:30am. It is better to reach to the consulate as early as possible.
  • Documents Used at H4 Visa Stamping :
    1) passport
    2)i797
    3)Wedding Album
    4)Marriage Certificate

H4 Visa Interview Questions asked
1) where is your husband working
2) Date of marriage
3) Arranged or Love marriage? who arranged the marriage?
4) How many people attended the marriage?
5) What Quarantine rule you will follow?
6) Have you visited any other country?
7) Your Husband’s company? where is it located?
8) When did he go to US recently?


Experience 19 – H4 Visa Stamping in Chennai

Finally my spouse H4 visa approved today in Chennai Consulate.. First time H4 newly married.

  • Original Regular appointment was scheduled for April 2020 Hyderabad consulate.. DS -160 location also Hyderabad.. It got cancelled due to COVID lockdown..
  • Scheduled regular appointment again on Aug 10th for Feb 2021 Chennai consulate.. Applied EA on Aug 11th with tentative travel date as Aug 28th Chennai consulate
  • Rescheduled regular appointment on Aug 13th for Oct 1st 2020 Chennai consulate..As I rescheduled the regular appointment in the same consulate, EA was not affected..
  • Regular appointment which is scheduled for Oct 1st 2020 got cancelled on Aug 21st.. I haven’t rescheduled any further appointments, patiently waited for the EA approval..
  • EA approved on Sept 1st..

Biometrics & Interview Process

  • Scheduled both Biometric and interview on same day Sept 11th 9.00AM and 11.00AM
  • Reached VAC center at 8.45AM, they allowed inside, process completed in 15 mins..
  • Reached consulate at 10.30AM, they allowed inside at 10.55AM. It took 1 hour.
  • Stayed at the Park Chennai..hotel is good.
  • VO was very friendly and interview went very smooth..
  • VO asked for Passport, DS -160, H1 visa copy of spouse, Marriage Certificate, Marriage Album, 2*2 passport photo…

Visa Interview questions
Asked for passport, Ds-160 and Spouse H1 visa copy

  1. Is it your first time H4?
  2. Are you recently married?
  3. When did you get married?
  4. Your spouse recently stamped? And what is the stamped date?
  5. Where is he located?
  6. When did he travelled to US?
    Asked for Marriage certificate and marriage album
  7. How many people attended your marriage?
  8. Was it a big marriage?
  9. What are your Quarantine plans?
  10. Have you ever travelled to any other country?
  11. Have you booked your tickets?

Finally VO said – Your visa has been approved. Gave worker rights and Blue slip.


Experience 18 – H4 Visa Stamping in New Delhi

We have been trying to schedule Visa interview since March 2020, it keeps getting cancelled/postponed – booked for April (Hyderabad), June(Hyderabad) and then finally in October (Delhi). We tried for emergency appointment by booking regular appointment for Delhi in early 2021 & sending email on Aug 28th. We received EA approval by August 30th, booked VAC & OFC Appointment in Delhi for Sept 4th and Sept 5th.

VAC – Nothing major, pretty standard was done in 5-10 minutes

Consular Visa Interview & Questions : Interview was pretty straightforward with couple of questions related to our marriage & my husband’s job:

  • Give me your Passport and DS-160
  • What is your husband’s name?
  • Which company your husband work for?
  • Give me your husband’s I797
  • Can I see your Marriage Certificates?
  • Where is your husband ?
  • How did you met your husband?
  • Was it arrange or love marriage?
  • Do you plan to travel with him? (Since he was in India)
  • When did you get married?
  • How many people came to your marriage (I told 100 as we invited only close family & friends )?
  • Why so many less peopleCan I see Wedding Pics? ( I carried 10-15 pics with me to interview)?

Passport with Premium Delivery : Received passport with Visa in 3 working days – opted for premium delivery, since we flew back after interview.

Important Tips & Notes :

  • Make sure you carry all the documents, answer all questions correctly.
  • Do not forget to carry passport photo for the interview, they scan and give it back to you ( I came to know about this only through group and got photo done in hotel we were staying – there is a photo studio in hotel “The Ashok” – it is also walking distance from the consulate.)
  • Also take time to review all the questions and experience shared by so many folks.

Experience 1: H4 Stamping with EA – 221g Issue, Approval  

I received my passport with H4 visa today from Kolkata. Please find my visa application details and journey below

  • VAC and Consulate location: Kolkata
  • Got married during March 2020
  • Regular VAC appointment: scheduled for 23/02/2021
  • Regular Consular Appointment: scheduled for 26/02/2021
  • Took the appointments on 13/08/2020
  • Raised EA on family separation ground on the same day : 13/08/2020

Documents provided during Emergency Appointment (EA) request :

  • I797A Approval notice
  • Marriage Certificate
  • My husband’s passport ( front and back page)
  • My passport ( front and back page)

US Visa Emergency Visa Appointment – Booking Dates, Interview

EA got approved on 21st August and I was asked to schedule an appointment by 24th of August. There were only 2 dates available 24th and 25th August of which I chose 24th for Biometric and 25th for Consular Appointment.

Biometrics  experience at OFC

  • Biometric 24/08/2020 – I was asked to show the following:
  • DS-160
  • Passport
  • Appointment confirmation letter
  • The authority put a stamp on DS-160 regarding the passport collection

Experience 2 : H4 Visa Interview – Missing Spouse Visa

Consular Interview 25/08/2020 – the VO asked for the following:

  • My passport
  • Appointment letter
  • My husband’s stamped H1-B Visa

Unfortunately, I could not show him my husband’s stamped visa because he is currently in the US with I797A only. He came here for marriage during March with a valid F1 Visa and got his I797A once he returned to US. I showed him every other document he requested but he was still in a fix and called his Chief Consular officer to consult on the issue. He also asked me that an expired H1B visa copy of my husband in will also work. Unfortunately, I did not carry one since it did not find it important. Finally he gave me a Green 221g form and told me that he will follow up on this.

I came back home and wrote a detailed email as directed in the form along with the the expired visa copy. Visa status CEAC website on 25th Aug : Refused

  • On 28th Aug, I got an email from the Kolkata consulate to submit my passport, 221g form and the email to Kolkata VAC.
  • US Visa status CEAC website on 01 Sep: Administrative Processing
  • US Visa status CEAC website on 02 Sep : Issued
  • Received an email on 3rd Sep to pick up my passport from the given address. Also checked my ustraveldocs profile to find that my passport is ready for pick up
  • Picked up my passport today from Kolkata VAC
  • Note: Today I found a lot of people present in Kolkata VAC for Dropbox

Experience 3 : H4 Stamping with EA – New Delhi  

My wife visa got approved today ! Regular appointment is on March 2021 in Delhi. Request EA ( Family separation with kids) on 27th, got approval email on same day with in 6 hrs. Got another email from consulate to book slots before Sep 5th.. Booked slots for 2nd and 3rd Sep, 2020.

Documents uploaded for EA:

  • I797, I140, Marriage certificate

Visa Officer  questions:

  • How long your husband working in US
  • When did you came to India
  • What is the reason to visit India and did your husband came with you.
  • What is your husband role.
  • When did your husband last came to India.
  • Quarantine plans in US.

Documents asked by VO: I797

Note : Please carry one US Visa size (2×2) photo when going for an interview.


Experience 4: H4 Visa Regular Appointment at Hyderabad.

  • Got regular appointment for Feb 2021
  • Requested EA on Family separation (Newly Married) on Aug 10th.
  • Did follow up via email and got response “under review”. After 5 days, I did reschedule it for Oct 5th 2020 in Delhi (many people told Emergency request will get nullified after reschedule. Even I thought so)
  • Recently US State Dept did mass cancellation of regular appointments. But I kept on following up with Hyderabad Consulate Via email for emergency appointment update.
  • Finally, my wife received call on Aug 31st that they are waiting for the response to the email sent out to my employer for last 15 days.
  • As soon as my employer responded. She received a call on Sep 1st that emergency request approved and scheduled for interview on Thursday.
  • And My Wife’s H4 Visa has been approved today morning Sep 3rd IST.

Visa officer Questions Asked.

  • When did u get married?
  • Which company does your spouse work for?
  • Marriage certificate and album?
  • Spouse Date of Birth.

Experience 5 : H4 Visa Interview (EA) – New Delhi

Below is my experience

  • Consulate – New Delhi
  • Visa Interview Date – 03/Sep/20
  • OFC – 02/Sep/20
  • Type of Visa – H4
  • Status – Approved
  • Applied for EA on 28/8 and got approved on 29/8. Applied for medical emergency.  I’m ( Applicant’s wife) with him in India.

H4 Visa Interview Questions

  • VO : Pass on I797
  • VO: Asked for the wedding date
  • VO: Urgency for wedding during Lockdown
  • VO: Curious to know why the wedding took place during Lockdown
  • VO: Asked for work location details of spouse
  • VO: Asked about spouse’s education
  • VO: Asked for marriage certificate and wedding album
  • VO: Asked plenty of questions regarding previous F1 rejections which was unexpected
  • VO: Asked the reason to choose that specific university for the F1 visa
  • VO: Asked if the marriage was love/ arranged
  • VO: Asked where the spouse is right now.

Got grilled for almost 10 mins

And finally beautiful words were your visa is approved and passed on the flyer stating the work rules and asked him to carry I797 for sure during immigration


Experience 6 :  H4 Visa Interview (EA) – New Delhi

Hi everyone my visa is approved at Delhi embassy today.

I applied for Emergency Visa Appointment(EA) on 31st.  EA approved. Also on 31st. Travelled from Bangalore to Delhi.

Biometrics at 8:30 AM. There was some queue at VAC. And found that vac was underground in Delhi 🧐. They didn’t allow me before 8:15. I was the first one to get biometrics!

Stayed at the park. So walked back from VAC to park. Interview at 12 Noon.  No queue at Embassy. Very quick process. Took along a friend with me to carry my phone 😛

The following is the visa interview questions which took about 20 mins.

  • VO: Show your passport
  • VO: show spouse’s I 797
  • VO:  since when is she in us
  • VO:  what company does she work in
  • VO:  what does she do
  • VO: what company you work for
  • VO: what do you do
  • VO: seems like you were in us previously what was the purpose
  • VO: can you show marriage album and certificate.
  • Me: Gave the certificate. The marriage album was big and couldn’t fit through counter. So showed from outside the counter
  • VO: how many people attended the wedding.
  • Me: showed album and estimated the number as 200
  • VO: since when you guys were married
  • VO: was it love marriage or arranged marriage?
  • VO: why are you applying now? Why didn’t you go back with her?
  • Me: told the uncertainty of her coming back to India.
  • VO:  Do you have your wife’s visa copy
  • Me: Showed the old visa copy of hers.
  • VO: Asked a questioned related to me being in us prior. About me overstaying previously
  • Me : told the reason

Throughout the interview there were some technical issues preventing him from scanning my passport properly. So he was asking these questions while he was trying to scan.  There were long periods of silence while he was typing and I was waiting nervously.

After getting the scan done.  Your visa is approved. You will receive the passport in 7 days.


Experience 7 :  H4 Visa interview (EA) Mumbai

My visa got approved at Mumbai consulate on September 1st.

  • Applied EA on 18 Aug
  • Approved EA on 24 Aug
  • Interview date : 1 Sep
  • EA Reason :  no family separation, but medical issues

Documents asked at H4 Interview

  • Spouse i797
  • Spouse visa stamping
  • Passport
  • Passport size photo
  • Marriage certificate

Questions asked at Visa Interview

  • Where does your husband work?
  • Marriage date ?
  • What is your quarantine plan?

Experience 6 :  H4 Stamping – New Delhi

  • Emergency Visa Appointment(EA) -23 Aug
  • Email sent-25 Aug
  • EA approved -25aug
  • Location : New Delhi
  • OFC and Visa date – Aug 31st and 1st sept
  • Visa Officer Questions
    • Where does husband live, work profile
    • Marriage certificate and photo
    • Why you haven’t accompanied him when he was going
    • Love or arrange marriage
  • Status : congrats your visa approved you will get it by courier within 1 week

Experience 8 :  H4 Stamping Emergency Appointment – Mumbai

  • My H4 is approved today at Mumbai
  • Applied for EA on Aug 12th got approval on Aug 17th
  • Had biometric on Aug 18th and Interview on Aug 2th.

Visa Interview Documents asked

  • My husband’s visa copy
  • I-797
  • My Daughter’s Birth certificate (minor)
  • Passports
  • Original marriage certificate

H4 Visa Interview Questions

  • Where is your husband working?
  • Where is he currently?
  • Since when are you married?
  • Do you have any kid?
  • How old is she?
  • Do you or your daughter have any valid visa of any other country?
  • Have you ever been to US?
  • When did your husband last came to India?
  • How do u plan to quarantine yourself?

After this officer said ur visa is approved and u shall get an email on when to collect it

The process was done in just 15-20 mins

Went in at 8:35-40 was out by 9


Experience 9 :  L2 Visa Interview – New Delhi

  • Applied for EA (L2 visa) for Delhi consulate on 21st August
  • EA approved on 22nd August
  • Rescheduled the appointment and got 30th August for OFC and 31st August for interview.

L2 Visa Interview Emergency Appointment

Interview was very simple. Asked for spouse I797 asked few questions

  • Which company your spouse is working?
  • For which client he works?
  • What’s his work location?
  • Is this the first time you are applying for visa?
  • Have you been to USA before?

That’s all, then he told me your visa is approved..


Experience 10 :  H4 Stamping EA – Hyderabad

H4 visa approved. My case : Family separation without kids(1st time H4 newly married)

  • Location-Hyderabad
  • Normal Appointment booked for Feb 2021.
  • EA raised-12th Aug
  • Reason-Family separation for months after my marriage which is causing mental stress and anxiety.
  • EA approved -28th Aug
  • VAC and interview-31st Aug

Visa Interview Questions

  • where does he work?
  • what he does?
  • where he lives?
  • Will you stay with him?
  • Wen you got married?
  • How long he is been in US?
  • How long he is been working?
  • Do you know the Quarantine rules in us?

H4 Visa Documents  Asked

  • I797 Approval Notice
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Marriage photographs
  • My Passport
  • DS-160 confirmation

VISA APPROVED. You got to take them in a folder

You’re allowed wallet . Women are allowed small hand bag ( not big .. just enough to put money or necessary things ). But nothing electronic  No pen drives or anything of that sort


Experience 11 :  H4 Stamping EA – Chennai

My visa got approved today at Chennai

  • Applied on 7th aug, approved on 25th.
  • biometrics and interview on 31st.

Questions asked

  • when did your husband got H1B
  • what is the nature of his job, company
  • where does he stay
  • what is the quarantine rule in the state where he lives
  • which place have u been for honeymoon (because I’m recently married)
  • have you visited any foreign countries
  • what’s your highest qualification

H4 Documents asked:

  • i797
  • DS160
  • I-94
  • Marriage certificate
  • Wedding album

Also mentioned to take a direct flight to US


Experience 12 :  H4 Stamping – First EA rejected. Second EA at Delhi

My h4 visa got approved today. would like to share my experience with you all.

Below is the process I followed.

First EA Process with Kolkata Consulate

  • Filled form ds-160
  • Opened an account in us travel docs
  • Paid for visa fee (h4) and waited till that got published in the portal
  • Booked normal appointment in Kolkata for the date of February and March 2021
  • Applied for EA in Kolkata only.
  • Got rejected in a single day without any reason
  • Several follow up with support team and Kolkata consulate with the documents but no luck
  • Tried to communicate to Delhi consulate to know the exact reason of cancellation but they didn’t provide any.
  • Scheduled normal appointment in Delhi for the month of October 2020.
  • That too got cancelled, that was a mass cancellation for all.
  • Followed up with cc and support and consulate but no luck.

Process to raise Second EA, Approved at Dehli

  • Tried to know the procedure to raise EA for second time
  • Exhaust the regular appointment by scheduling it for 5 times and then cancel it. One will not be able to see the reschedule option once it’s exhausted.
  • Paid second time visa fee for h4 on same profile with same ds-160.
  • Scheduled normal appointment for February 2021 and then EA for Delhi consulate
  • Justification was family separation just after getting married in march 2020, the same was in the 1st EA as well.
  • Uploaded the documents along with the ea justification.
  • 2nd time EA raised on 26th August around midnight IST time.
  • EA got approved on 27th August, was asked to schedule my appointment by 5th September

Biometrics, Visa Interview Process

  • Got my biometric on 31st August AND consulate appointment on 1st September.
  • Biometric was smooth enough, asked for appointment confirmation, ds-160 and passport.
  • Embassy was also smooth, asked for passport, one photo, ds.-160 stamped by vac, apportionment confirmation at the gate.
  • At the counter, asked for ds-160, passport, I797, marriage certificate, marriage album

H4 Visa Interview questions

  • Are you going to join your spouse
  • When did u get married
  • when did he leave for US
  • what’s his position
  • which company
  • love or arrange marriage
  • how many people attended the wedding?
  • she confirmed with a smile that my visa is approved.

Experience 13 : H4 – Spouse, Kid Interview EA

This is regarding EA appointment for H4. After lot of here and there I managed to get appointment.

  • I was able to manage the Emergency Appointment (EA) on 28 Aug, 2020.
  • My spouse and son went for interview and Biometrics at OFC on the same day…
  • Consulate Officer put passport and visa on administrative processing.
  • On, 2nd September it was Issued..
  • On September 4th they have received the passports with stamp

Experience 14 : H4 Interview EA – Hyderabad

  • My visa got approved on sep 2 in Hyderabad.
  • Done with the biometrics on March 15 but still they took the biometrics again on sep 2nd during the time of interview.
  • No need to panic guys, the interviewer in Hyderabad consulate is cool
  • They are issuing h4 visas for almost everyone as h4 is under NIE.
  • H4 Visa Interview questions
    • When u got married?
    • Is your husband presently in US?
    • Is this your first time for H4 visa?
    • Nothing more than that.
  • But better to be prepared about some basic questions regarding husband job details like company name, address.
  • Where does your husband live in US?
  • When he went to US? etc.
  • Just be confident and be clear about your answers.

Experience 15 : H4 Interview EA – Kolkata

My wife’s visa got approved today from Kolkata consulate
EA was approved in 6 hours.
Biometric – Sept 4 Appointment – today
Initially they thought she was for H1B visa they were giving her some form then she told is this needed for H4 visa and they apologized for the mistake and scheduled H4 visa interview questions.
Interview Questions asked
1) spouse’s birthday
2) visa stamped of previous employer and my current employer was different so they asked about that
3) Quarantine plans in US
4) Asked her about her current job and her education
5) How long your husband is currently working in the current company
6) Why your husband didn’t attend the interview with you?


Experience 16 : H4 Interview EA – Hyderabad

My spouse H4 visa was approved today, September 8th, 2020.

  • Original Apt was scheduled for Biometrics and Interview for Mar 12th and Mar 16th in Hyderabad.
  • Mar16th appointment was at 9 am i.e. the earliest Appt 🙁 that got cancelled due to COVID19.
  • Mar 13th: Raised EA. Was declined same day. (This was the biggest mistake realized later to raise EA during COVID).
  • Aug 17th: (After consulates reOpen) Raised query to all consulates to reconsider EA now that they have resumed H4 via EA.
  • Followed up continuously for 2 weeks but got nothing but automated response. This is the most frustrating part.
  • Aug 31st: Gave up on wait. Scheduled/Cancelled all appointments to expire the MRV fee. Purchased another MRV Fee.
  • Sep 1st: Scheduled Appt for Delhi embassy and then raised EA (Got error). Submitted a help query
  • Sep 1st: Within seconds of raising EA with the error – got EA approval in email.
  • Sep 1st: Scheduled Interview apt on Sep 8th as earliest.
  • Sep 2nd: (Height to be on time) Chennai Embassy finally called to give an Appt date for the original EA declined reconsideration which we politely mentioned that we would like to keep our Delhi embassy appt.

Word of caution: There is no locker facility in Delhi Embassy. So anyone coming by herself/himself will have difficulty handing over bag/mobile. My Spouse took help from the helpful taxi driver but it was tricky to be in that situation.

H4 Visa Interview Questions, Documents Asked

Visa Officer asked for I797, Marriage Certificate, Marriage Album and below questions:

  1. Where is he located.
  2. Where does he work.
  3. What does he do.
  4. With whom are you staying now.
  5. Was it arranged or love marriage.
  6. How did you first meet your spouse.
  7. How many people attended your marriage.
  8. How did you guys meet.
  9. How was the marriage arranged.
  10. When did you meet your spouse first time.
  11. In which company is he working.
  12. Since when he is working for his current company.
  13. How long have you been married.
  14. When did he first arrived in US.
  15. Where did you stay in India.
  16. What are your plans after going to US.
  17. Are you planning to work there.
  18. When did he last came to India and when did he reached back to US.
  19. How is your relationship with your in laws.

Finally VO said – Your visa has been approved. You will receive your passport within a week.

It has been really a wait and 6 months of struggle for both of us to wait through this COVID and finally get the visa to be together. Thanks to this group and everyone. Sending positive vibes for all who are in the process. All the best 🙂


Experience 17 : H4 Interview EA – New Delhi

My wife H4 interview successfully completed on Sep 9th, 2020, at Delhi consulate. Here is the story

  • First EA requested at Hyderabad but EA got cancelled due to reschedule.
  • Lapsed all the chances to expire MVR fee. Paid again and this time EA applied with Delhi, got the approval in hour’s.
  • Biometrics: Sep 4th Hyderabad
  • Visa interview: Sep 9th Delhi
  • Questions asked:
    • Where he live
    • Which company he work for?
    • How long with current company?
  • Documents asked:
    • DS-160
    • I797
    • Marriage certificate

H4 Court Marriage Visa Interview Questions

One of the users had court marriage and these were the questions asked.

  • They grilled me also yesterday because mine is a court marriage
  • Where did u 2 meet?
  • Why court marriage? Don’t u follow the same religion?
  • Are u planning to do traditional wedding sometime?
  • Do u have any other valid visa?
  • Is it first time to US?
  • Does ur spouse have younger sibling? What does he do?
  • Where are ur in laws? Y dont u stay with them?
  • How many months of marriage? Why did u not travel back with him only
  • What are your quarantine plans?
  • They did not ask photos or marriage certificate.
  • Some things that can be showed for proof of relationship are emails, call records, whatsapp chats with spouse, etc.
   

Other Articles

335 Comments

  1. I am planning to travel to India in December for my wedding in January 2021. I am currently on H1B visa and do not have stamping. I have booked a slot in February 2021 and planning to reschedule it to an emergency visa under “Separation from Spouse” (my spouse will travel back immediately after the wedding – she has a valid F1 visa (OPT)).
    1. Has anyone followed a similar process?
    2. Are there chances of my emergency visa getting denied (since the separation would be for a short period)?
    3. If my emergency request is denied, will my original visa slot in February get cancelled?

    Reply
    • Pranoy,
      The current appointments given for Feb 2021 are primarily meant for expedite appointment process. US Consulate previous said that they would cancel all those appointments in Feb and March of 2021 once they resume the regular operations. The US consulate in India has not resume regular operations yet. Until they resume those operations, you cannot plan much. Currently, they have not approved many EAs. Check EA Tracker for more info.

      Reply
  2. Hi all, My wife is waiting for her H4 EA approval since Oct 2nd, 2020. However, her regular visa appointment is in February 2021 and the initial appointment was in May 2020. Now I’m scared that the February appointment might get canceled. I have sent an email to them a couple of times and they said that they have the case and is still under review.

    Please help. Any kind of input is helpful.

    Reply
  3. Hi All,

    First of all I would like to thank everyone who is behind setting up this page and also those sharing their experiences.

    I am in a similar situation as some have described above, where I am on H1B visa and getting married in Dec 2020. My fiancé has scheduled the normal interview for Match 2021(as thats the date available) in Delhi. We will be raising an Emergency Appointment(EA), so that we both can return together in January preferably. I have few questions as below and if anyone can address it, that will be really great.

    1. What is the category that should be used to apply for EA?
    2. As part of supporting documents, should we also upload an affidavit on behalf of my fiancé stating that it will be hard to be separated in current situation after marriage?

    Reply
    • Hi Rishabh – We got H4 EA slot in September and with that experience I am providing answers to your questions:

      Answer #1: We can get EA for H4 because of the exceptions provided later to President’s proclamation. So, we really do not have an appropriate category to choose, so we selected ‘Medical…’ and provided a justification in description that we selected that category as more appropriate one does not exist

      Answer #2: As the EA itself is being requested given the exceptions for H4, we did not provided any documentation to justify family separation, I have attached only travel history, i94, passport copies to prove that we are exempted. However, in the description we mentioned about family separation.

      Good Luck.

      Reply
      • We currently have H4 visa interview scheduled for March 2021 but wanted to expedite it so that we can travel together in January 2021.

        We had raised EA under Medical category and it is denied without providing any reason. This is from New Delhi consulate.

        Could you please advise what can be done next with regards to followup with consulate or any other way to get the interview date for January?

        Reply
        • Rishabh,
          In general, there is not much that can be done, if they denied it. One work around few tried is to exhaust all the chances with that receipt by rescheduling and then pay for a new receipt and try EA with another consulate location. But, again, this does not gurantee anything…just an option others tried.

          Reply
  4. Hello Kumar, i have few questions regarding h4. my wife is going to attend the h4 Interview for the first time after 2-3 months. i have few questions listed::1. I am in usa and got my h1b recently, can she take h4 appointment without my h1b stamping? or i need to go to have h1 b stamped. 2. she was rejected 3 times in f2 visa interview, will that be any problem for her first h4 interview? 3. Can we fill up the DS -160 early for her H4 and can use it later, if so how? because i heard we cannot use ds160 after 1 month. Please suggest me on these questions. I will be so greatful towards all of you. Thank you and this group is very helpful.

    Reply
    • Suraz,
      Yes, as long as you are in US and on H1B visa status.
      well, it should not impact the current one as you are now in different visa status.
      you can fill it up anytime. No, there is no such limit.
      Be prepared with documentation on why F2 was denied, so that you can answer it truthfully and have supporting documentation.

      Reply
  5. H4 Visa extension at Chennai Consulate – Raised EA on 02 Nov. No response. Can any one please share the email id from which we get reply for EA request.

    Reply
  6. Experience – H4 EA

    October 19th came to India.
    October 20th Applied EA
    October 25th EA Approved
    Scheduled visa Appointment-November 12th Visa approved
    November 18th – Got notification ready to pick up
    Normal H4 questions at hyderabad

    Reply
  7. I have applied for amendment and extension of my H1B Visa and from many days its in pending status
    My wife is still in India and we are apart from 1 year, what are the possibilities to bring her to US?
    I think H4 cannot be applied since my H1B is not yet approved

    Reply
  8. I requested emergency appointment on sept 10 still know I didn’t get any response from them but know my husband planning to travel india in dec month will that be a problem for my h4 interview if my husband is in india.thanks in advance

    Reply
      • Thanks for the info
        I have mentioned family seperation for my emergency appointment,you mean to say that if my husabnd is in india now it won’t affect on my h4 interview.

        Reply
        • Its better to attend visa while you husband in USA to explain family seperation, if he comes india, still you could attend, but in the interview you need to ans carefully about your husband location and tell the truth and be honest with them to avoid problems,

          Reply
  9. Hi All,

    Raised EA on Aug 30th for my spouse on basis of Family separation(Newly Married) and still haven’t got any response from Chennai consulate.
    Any updates on the timeline for the approval

    Reply
  10. Kumar,

    I am working as a research associate at the University of Denver on O1 visa, next month I am moving to Harvard University on a non-profit h1 visa. My family is traveling to India this November 17, due to her grandma’s health condition then they would probably attend the h4 visa interview in Jan 2021. I was in the US on June 24, does the EO ban applies to them?. Are there any issues during the visa stamping?
    any suggestions would be appreciated

    Thanks in advance

    -Sai

    Reply
    • Sai Reddy Doda,
      Well, this is slightly grey area as you were not on H1B visa on the day of proclamation. I suggest you write to the US consulate in India and plan it.

      Reply
  11. Hi,
    Today I secured a regular visa interview date for L2 visa in Kolkata (DS-160 is tied to Mumbai) . I have few questions regarding the same:
    1. I prefer interview in Mumbai so can I change the location while rescheduling?
    2. I am also looking for applying EA, but since EA can be raised only where the regular interview is scheduled so should I reschedule my appointment (if available) to Mumbai first and then raise request for EA?
    3. How many times can I reschedule visa interview before raising the EA on same MRV fee?

    Thanks,
    Tejal

    Reply
    • Tejal,
      Well, you may not be able to do it. You should do it first before you ask for EA.
      Yes, that sounds as the right approach.
      You can reschedule upto 5 times as per many users.

      Reply
  12. Hi Guys

    I submitted my EA request on H4 category in Chennai consulate on Spetember 8th. I haven’t heard from them so far and still the status is pending. Any news about the dates when it could be possible? Anyone received approvals from Chennai near to that time?

    Thanks

    Reply
  13. Hello Guys,
    I am trying to get EA for F1 visa as my college starts in Jan’21. However I am able to book any normal appointment first especially in Mumbai as a result I am worried how will I get the EA application without normal appointment scheduling for lets say a later date or any date which is available

    I see date available for OFC’s , I click on them, next page it shows select a different VAC as Visa interview date is not available. Should I write to the Mumbai Consulate about my current case and ask them to provide EA directly?

    How to get a EA if we are not able to get the normal appointment only first (I changed VAC couple of times but not luck in seeing any dates of appointment)
    Please help

    Reply
    • Hello Kedar, I am also in the same position of you. I try to book OFC with their available date and then click on the next page and it says no appointments. I tried emailing the support team with no useful help from them. They just told me to wait till they release new appointments. I don’t know when that will happen, honestly. My classes start February 1st. So, I really need to book a normal appointment so I can request for an EA.

      Reply
  14. H4 stamping EA experience at Hyderabad,

    Initially I have scheduled interview for Feb 2021 , Then raised EA request reason family separation without any documents added in the request submitted on Sept 27th and received EA approval on Sept 28th and the approval is valid up to oct’5th to schedule the EA interview for the available slots. i scheduled interview for Oct 15th.
    Questions asked at interview,
    1.Where is your husband staying and address.
    2. Asked my marriage date.
    then VO said Visa is approved

    After the interview status was refused for 2 weeks and then changed to Admin Processing(i have not received any slip) and then status updated Application received and again changed to Admin Process and today status was updated to Issued.

    Reply
  15. Hi Guys,
    I have got my visa extension approved and planning to go India for my wedding and visa stamping. My question is can I fill DS-160 for my fiancée now itself along with my visa stamping , so that post wedding we both can go to the VISA interview together. Is it legal to fill DS-160 with marking my status as married and book appointment for visa interview?
    I will book my appointment 10 days later to my wedding , so that I can arrange my marriage certificate, wedding album DVD etc..,

    Appreciate your help:-)

    Reply
    • SREE,
      You can fill DS-160 as Single and book appointment now. You can update the DS-160 as married later or can create new DS-160 after wedding as married status. This way you are stating facts.

      Reply
      • Hi Kumar,
        Thanks for your response. If I mark as single, i guess it is not possible for me to book appointment for my spouse untill we get married. As appointments are not available as like normal days, I’m trying to book in advance for both of us inadvance so that post wedding i can arrange marriage certificate and take the interview.
        Also if i create a new DS160 , what about the FEE paid? Do i need to pay new fee for interview

        Reply
        • SREE,
          No, it is not true. It will not restrict you from booking appointment based on your martial status in there. Some users have not submitted the DS-160 fully and have it in draft mode. They just use the application number for booking appointment. You can try that as well.
          Yes, You need to pay Fee to book appointment. I has nothing to do with DS-160. You can read How to apply for US Visa

          Reply
          • Thank you Kumar. I will proceed with marking my marital status as married and dependent details as well to book appointment.

  16. Hi,

    My marriage was fixed on 16th April 2020. The marriage hall was booked, the invitation cards were printed and my fiance had also booked his tickets for travelling to Mumbai. But due to COVID my fiance was not able to travel to Mumbai. Now we are planning to do court marriage on 12th November 2020.
    After this marriage, can I apply for emergency appointment, stating the reason stress and anxiety caused because of marriage cancellation, monetary loss and separation with my partner ?

    Reply
    • Purnima,
      Yes, you can do it. Make sure you have all documentation of everything and submit the same or carry them for interview like how it was planned and cancelled.

      Reply
  17. Hello guys
    Need help it on below EA request denied
    my spouse H4 EA request got denied within 12hrs from request raised.

    please give me your inputs, if you had face this scenario or have information on it.

    I submitted I 797, i94, marriage certificate, passport copy of both, stamping copy

    Reply
  18. Hi, I have applied for emergency appointment in 29th Oct 2020 in Mumbai Consulate, but in 30th OCt I got replay that my application request has been denied… Can I know the reason for the same?? And Do I reapply for the Emergency date again

    Reply
      • Hi,

        It has been 2 days since I have raised an emergency request in the portal. I have not received any response yet. Could you please let me know to what email address can one send follow up emails to.
        Thank you in advance.

        Reply
          • Hi Kumar,

            Thank you for the information.
            I had another query. I have my regular appointment scheduled for March 2021 at Chennai consulate. I have raised my Emergency request on the portal. I had no option to choose any consulate while I was filling out my emergency request form. Which consulate will be the approver for it? Any idea?
            Thank you in advance.

  19. Hi , i am planning to get married in Jan, currently i am in US.
    As you mention i want to double check, if i am in India can i book the EA after the marriage. Can EA dates be booked before the marriage ? ie one week earlier before marriage.
    Also, can i also go for my H1b stamping together with her, i have valid stamping till next June. but since my spouse is visiting for H1b stamping can i also apply for myself.
    Many thanks for answering .

    Reply
        • I hope you applied EA on 06th Sept 2020 @chennai consulate. Let us know once you receive any response. If you can please update this excel sheet with yours and yours friends data it would be helpful.
          https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QVYsZLmAL-chS9tBrxk2d_iIT1zLjYwk/view?usp=sharing

          Reply
          • Hello everyone,
            I had applied for normal H4 Visa appointment recently and then immediately applied for Emergency request – Kolkata consulate – reason – medical needs – family separation, my husband is in US on H1B, But my EA got denied today. Now it doesnt show any option to apply again for EA.
            Any idea what to do in this case. Has anyone else also faced this? What did u do?

          • Hi Arpitha,

            One receipt will have only one EA. You will have to lapse all the available attempts and then do a new payment for a new EA.Check the comments in this blog.

  20. Hello Everyone,
    I applied for H4 visa(Emergency appointment) on 13th Oct from New Delhi Consulate, visa got approved and the VO didnt ask for anymore follow up or handed me any slip.
    My visa status as of now in under ‘Administrative Processing’ for more than 10 days. What I read is that it usually takes 5-10 days. I tried calling ustraveldocs and email them as well but they asked me to wait.
    Is there a way we can check with the embassy for the same?
    Is anyone faced the same situation and how long it took for you to receive the approval?

    Reply
  21. Hi,

    I tried booking an interview slot for my spouse but I see that Mumbai Consulate does not have any slots available. But in my DS-160 application I have chosen Mumbai Consulate as my spouse’s interview center.
    My concerns are:
    1. Could I go ahead and book an appointment at some other consulate other than Mumbai? Would I have to fill in a new DS-160 application?
    2. Even if I do choose another consulate, could I request for emergency appointment at Mumbai Consulate?

    Thank you!

    Reply
  22. Hello ,

    Anyone who applied for EA at Delhi consulate on anytime in October got a decision back?
    I have applied on October 16th, but no response yet.
    Heard that Delhi is also delaying the response. So just wanted to know..

    Thanks

    Reply
  23. Hi All,

    I have applied for H4 visa process and through normal appointment, booked date for March 2021 at Mumbai consulate. My wife is already in US and is on H1B. I requested for EA same day though visa appointment portal, providing the reason for family separation and how it is cause anxiety to both of us. My request for EA was denied.

    Question:
    1. Can I reapply for EA? Should I reschedule regular appointment date to different city and then reapply for EA?
    2. Has anyones EA application been denied? What steps did you take to rebook the EA date?
    2. How do consulate view EA application denied and reapplying for same reason?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Narendra,
      Sorry to hear.

      1. Usually EA is only for once for one MRV receipt. Some users have tried to re-book 5 times and exhaust all options. Then you can pay fee and get a new MRV receipt and try for it again. Some were successful. Read above experiences, they talk about it.
      2. Yes, I have seen few
      3. No clue. You should submit all proofs.

      Reply
  24. Hi,
    My husband recently got H1B extension. We are looking out for booking visa appointment for new H4. How I can get to know details about next available appointment date. So this will be for initial after that I will change that to emergency. Please someone help me out on this.

    Reply
  25. I just created an UNOFFICIAL emergency appointment request tracker on Google Sheets to keep track of (all willing) users emergency requests. Please feel free to add details so that everyone can get a sense of the time period involved. Your names are optional, if you want to remain anonymous that is fine, but if your request ever gets approved or rejected an update on the tracker would be beneficial. The spreadsheet link is https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QVYsZLmAL-chS9tBrxk2d_iIT1zLjYwk/view?usp=sharing

    Reply
  26. Hi, My husband is in US on H1 and me with our 2 kids in India applied for normal H4 visa, but visa date received is for March 12th 2021, I want to apply for EA. What is the process to get EA submit. DO I need to send any email to embassy or I need to apply for EA in the portal? If then what option I need to select from the category to be chosen? Kindly suggest.

    Reply
  27. My marriage is scheduled on Jan 27th 2021 after postponing twice due to Covid 19. I booked the latest slot available for my wife which is March 2nd in Chennai. Can I please know if I can raise a EA just after my marriage once I get my marriage certificate? Also I will be in India during her interview so we can go back together, so is that a problem?.

    Reply
    • HI Kartik, in DS Form 160 for your spouse did you apply as single or married.
      Secondly my visa got extended , can i also visit with her during the interview for my new visa extension.

      Reply
      • Hi Raj,
        I added it as Spouse because at the time of interview, she will be married and it be a consistent statement with the form.

        I am not sure if you can tag along.
        Anyone else knows?

        Reply
          • Raj,
            Even I’m in the same situation. Visa extension approved and planning to go home country for wedding by march 2021 and visa stamping along with spouse.
            1.Can you please tell me, what did you do in DS160 for marital status column?
            2. Did you booked appointment along with her?

  28. Hi.. thanks for this post.. could you please advice on the email ID to book an emergency appointment? Or will the link to the portal be given when your original appointment is booked? Also, if my name is in my husband’s I140, what should I answer to the question in DS 160 – Has anyone applied for an immigrant petition on your behalf. Really appreciate a quick answer as I haven’t been able to submit my H4 application because of this.

    Reply
  29. Thanks for the information and post team.

    I have a scenario here needed some clarification on it.

    Me and my spouse are engaged from past one year but due to COVID situation we are not able to get married. So, finally we are planning to get married in November. I am currently in US planning to travel to India in November.

    After our marriage I am planning to apply a EA for her ( already booked a regular slot for H4 interview for March 2021) . My question here is it fine if that I am in India along with her at the time of interview ? or do I need to travel back before she attends the interview.

    Once we get the VISA we are planning to return as soon as possible to US.

    Thanks in Advance.

    Reply
      • Hi Karthik/Raj,

        Even I am in the same situation. I am getting married in early December and scheduled my fiance’s H4 visa interview for March 2021 in the Chennai consulate.

        I did post a similar question and I was told that it is OK for the spouse to stay in India during the wife’s H4 interview time as long as the spouse is planning to go to the USA in a shorter period of time.

        Also, I am skeptical about how early will the Chennai approve the EAs as based on the comments on this page, most of the EA which is being approved are from the Delhi consulate. I hope this information helps!

        Reply
          • Hi Raj,

            I am planning to give “Medical Reason” and the content will be family separation for newly-wed. But based on all the experiences mentioned above by others (my reason looks cliche or the same as everyone) most are not getting their EA approved.

            Unfortunately, I cannot think of any other reason and I am not sure how people who have got their EA approved have worded their EA request. On what grounds are planning to raise the EA?

  30. Hi,
    I have a valid H1B visa and right now I am in India. I will be getting married shortly.
    1. Are we eligible to apply for an H4 visa for my wife under Emergency Appointment?

    2. If so what are the documents we need to submit for family separation?

    3. Also we earlier had H4 visa appointment scheduled at Chennai Post in May which got cancelled. When applying for New EA appointment, can we apply with new DS 160 since marriage date changed and at another consulate?

    Reply
  31. I got my visa status change stamped from L1 to H1B in March 2020. Then I was stuck in India due to COVID lockdown. I got married during this time in June 2020. My office asked me to report back to US, so I came back end of August 2020. Now my wife and I separated for more than a month. Are we eligible to apply Emergency Appointment? And if yes, what documents shall we attach? Really appreciate the help.

    Reply
    • Just add some more details, we have a regular appointment booked for March 2021 at Mumbai consulate.

      Also due to these uncertain times, my wife has not resigned from her current job yet since she doesn’t have her Visa.

      I would really love to hear some suggestions in the mentioned context. Thanks again!

      Reply
    • Hi,
      Yes, you can apply for Emmergency Appointment for H4 visa. The separation is considered valid for Emmergency. We entered medical in the option.
      Please go ahead and schedule normal appointment on the latest available date and then again login and you will get option to schedule Emmergency Appointment, select that and enter your reason and then reschedule the date for Emmergency interview. The process is very smooth so please go ahead and do it.

      Reply
  32. Hello all,

    I have a few basic questions related to the H4 spouse visa (recently married/will be getting married early December). It will be really helpful if someone could help me answer these questions.

    1. Is it possible to book a regular appointment in Delhi (assuming EAs are getting approved at a faster rate) irrespective of submitting the DS-160 in other consulate locations (in my case, it is Chennai)?

    2. If I book my regular interview slot in Chennai but wanted to raise an emergency appointment in Delhi, is it possible to do that and if so how do we do it?

    3. I will be getting married early December and I will be with my spouse until January 3rd, so I am trying to get her H4 visa within this time. Is it possible for me to raise an emergency appointment in spite of my presence in India (I have already booked my return ticket)?

    4. I have already submitted DS-160 even though I haven’t got married and have put the marital status for my Fiance as “Married” and have paid the visa fee. But will be scheduling the visa interview dates after marriage, does this create any hiccup?

    Really appreciate this forum and members responding to the queries. Thanks a ton!

    Reply
    • Vivek,
      1. No, you need to ask for EA. DS-160 can be tied to any city, it does not matter.
      2. No, it may not work. Some have tried this and could not do it. You can try call the USTravel docs, if it changed.
      3. Yes, you can.
      4. Well, this is grey area…ideally, you should do it as single and then create new DS-160 after wedding and use that for interview. But, again, many did not had any issues with this way too…so, it is very subjective.

      Reply
      • Hi Kumar,

        For our case, we submitted a DS 160 initially in March as “married” status anticipating interview then. Now do we start a new DS 160 all over again and in the appointment site, point it to the new DS 160 number?

        Reply
          • Hi Kumar, i am planning to get married in Jan, currently i am in US.
            As you mention i want to double check, if i am in India can i book the EA after the marriage. Can EA dates be booked before the marriage ? ie one week earlier before marriage.
            Also, can i also go for my H1b stamping together with her, i have valid stamping till next June. but since my spouse is visiting for H1b stamping can i also apply for myself.
            Many thanks for answering .

          • Things got even more complicated. We submitted new DS160 as married and tried for booking appointment. However we were not successful. Thats when my wife got admit for a very good University for Spring 21. Now we are going to submit a new DS160 for student visa and try for appointment. Do you see the DS160 already in the system for h4 causing any issues? My wife is planning on telling the full story if asked about multiple DS160s. However we dont know if its a convincing story 🙁

          • Rag34,
            As long as it is genuine, you should be fine. Update the appointment with the new DS-160 and carry copies of the same, it should be fine.

  33. Our experience H4 EA – Delhi

    My wife H4 interview successfully completed on Sep 30th, 2020, at Delhi consulate. Here is the story

    First EA requested at Hyderabad on Aug 24th and waited for a month, it was still pending
    Lapsed all the chances to expire MVR fee. Paid again and this time EA applied with Delhi, got the approval in 4 hour’s on Sept 24th.
    Both Biometrics& Interview: Sept 30th, Delhi
    Questions asked:
    when/how did you meet first time?
    Where he lives?
    Which company he works for? where is it located?
    How long with current company?
    how many people attended the wedding?

    Documents asked:
    DS-160
    appointment confirmation
    I797
    Marriage certificate
    wedding photos
    H1B copy
    Marriage certificate
    employment/Client letters

    Thank you all for your posts which definitely helped us raising EA and preparing for Interview

    Reply
    • Hi balu
      When did you get married?
      Do you havd kids?
      Did they asked about ur first EA or why you lapsed it?…. It wont be a problem uh? Pls reply
      Thank you in advacne

      Reply
    • Hi Balu,
      I am in US on H1 and my wife is in India. She needs H4 to travel to US
      Can you please share some details around when and how you scheduled the appointment dates. When I tried to make an appointment I get a message no dates available.

      Thanks
      Rajiv

      Reply
      • Rajiv,
        You need to keep looking for dates to open, they open once every couple of weeks. Once you book that, then you can ask for EA.

        Reply
    • Hi Balu,
      Thank you for sharing your experience. I wanted to know how you can raise EA at specific consulates. I got married in Dec 2019 and had my interview scheduled in March 2020 which got cancelled due to COVID-19 lockdown. I now have regular appointment scheduled for March 2021 at Chennai consulate. I have raised emergency request in the portal with reason as medical need. This request will be sent to which consulate? Will it be Chennai since I have my regular appointment scheduled there? It has been over 2 days and I have not received any response. Please let me know how can EA be raised at specific consulates.

      Reply
      • Request will be reviewed by the consulate for which the regular appointment will be scheduled. In your case you have booked appointment at Chennai consulate, hence request will be reviewed by Chennai consulate.

        Reply
  34. Hi,
    I got married in February 2020. My spouse currently in US with valid H1B. He went to US in the month of August due to covid. I applied for H4 and got my interview scheduled for February, 2021 in Hyderabad. When i am trying to Reschedule it to early dates which are available, its showing no available dates. Kindly respond to my question, as i am away from my husband.

    It’s too long gap, can i apply for expedited appointment and how ?

    Reply
  35. Hi,
    I got married in February 2020. My spouse currently in US with valid H1B. He went to US in the month of August due to covid. I applied for H4 and got my interview scheduled for February, 2021. When i am trying to Reschedule it to early dates which are available, its showing no available dates. Kindly respond to my question, as i am away from my husband.

    It’s too long gap, can i apply for emergency appointment now ?

    Reply
      • Hi,

        I am in the same boat working in the US on L1A with wife and infant kid back in Hyderabad. We applied for emergency appointment on family unity as the reason behind EA on 27th Sep. Got approval last Friday to schedule Biometric and Consular interviews. Biometric happened today at Hyderabad, consular interview is scheduled for Oct 7th in Delhi.

        Book an appointment for 2021 and then request an emergency appointment citing the reason behind emergency. The consulate normally takes 2-5 days to revert

        Reply
        • Hi Jayesh,
          Thanks for the update. But unfortunately there are no slots for booking a normal appointment. I understand that EA can be requested, but for that I need to schedule a normal appointment which is not available. If you can suggest on this frontier that will be really helpful

          Reply
          • Hi Rajeev,

            Try finding a slot for 2021 March. My original appointment was for 10th March 2021. Once you have blocked an appointment, then request an EA. They will ask for reasons for EA and you can explain the reason and add supporting documents (like primary applicant’s visa, I-94 etc.)

            BR

          • Hi Rajeev,

            Once you request for EA, you would get an email after 2-5 days that your request has been approved or denied. Based on that, login to the appointment portal again and block biometric and consular interview slots. They give you a window of one week to make all bookings during which you need to complete your process. Also Hyderabad isn’t giving out any appointments (EA or normal) so try for Delhi or Mumbai.

          • Hi Kumar,

            My spouse (and my infant son) got their L2 visas today in Delhi. The consular officer asked for the following:
            1. Passport
            2. Stamped I-129 and I-797
            3. Asked my wife what did I do, which company do I work for, where is the office and where am I staying currently
            4. Asked why she didn’t accompany me during the L1 interview in Chennai (our son was born around the same time)
            5. When was my son born?
            6. How long have you been married?

            Then he said that your visa is approved and the passports will be ready in a week 🙂

  36. Hello all

    Me and my daughter on H4 visa , currently stuck up in Bangalore . We came in Feb for personal reason along with my husband , he return to US on march 11. We both stayed back .
    My problem is my husband changed his job and his visa got transferred to new conpany and approved also and our visa H4 stamping is valid till November 2020 from my husband old company .
    My question is can I travel with same visa from my husband old company or do I need to go for fresh visa stamping , if so what and all documents required for new visa stamping procedure
    Plz anyone answer for this .

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  37. Hello

    My husband is currently on h1b and i had to come to India in July suddenly due to some family emergency and now i need to get my h4 stamped. Can someone please share a basic email format they used for requesting EA under family separation and mental stress? Also did anyone submit a documentary proof for this reason?
    Thanks

    Reply
  38. Hello,
    My husband is in USA currently with valid visa. I and our 2 kids stuck in India .
    My visa interview scheduled on 16-17 April 2019 but got canceled.
    Can I apply for EA now? As me an kids are away from my husband from November 2019.

    Reply
  39. Hello,

    I am trying to apply H4 visa for my wife in next month, but here the situation, due to covid i am stuck in India since march and currently Working from Home my company doesn’t have problem with that and i am still in India. But if my wife goes for interview for H4 VO will is going to ask her like.
    *where is you husband currently?
    *when is the last time he came to India?

    like this questions if VO raised what she has to answer and is there will be a problem to get her visa approved. can you please respond and give me some suggestions.

    FYI – I am trying to go back to US when my wife Visa got approved, but there will be any problem i can fly back before visa itself, please give me some suggestions.

    thanks

    Mahesh

    Reply
    • Magesh,

      I don’t think that should be a problem because one of my friends who is in the same situation, attended H4 interview (EA for family separation) in New Delhi and got approved. But he was ready to defend for the above questions by proving that he is temporarily staying in India and will be going back to US soon (he booked a return ticket).

      Reply
  40. My first H1B stamping was expired in aug 2020 but I have H1B extension till dec 2022(but no stamping for extension) and currently I’m in USA, So can I book an emergency appointment for H4 for my wife with my I797 which is vaild till dec 2022.

    Reply
    • Hi, I am stranded in India with my 3 years daughter. My husband is in US. My Visa was scheduled on 18th March but due to covid 19 it got cancelled.
      As I am away from my husband, and my daughter is missing her dad.
      Could I apply EA. Plz suggest me the EA process.

      Reply
  41. Hello guys,

    I am in a very complicated situation. Any advice would be appreciated.

    I am in U.S currently working on H1B. I applied for a change of status to H4 and H4 EAD in June 2020 because I am maxing out my H1B in December 2020 and my company filed PERM only in May 2020. None of that is going to be approved by December 2020, so I am going to be on loss of pay from December.

    My question is if I travel to India, will I qualify for expedited appointment? My only reason for traveling to India will be to come back directly as H4 (so that I can come here and apply EAD which will hopefully take less time for approval) or come back directly as H1B (suppose my PERM, I140 get approved in January 2021, I cannot get back to H1B immediately because at that time I will be in a period of authorized stay. No more change of status is possible. So I will need to leave U.S and come back with H1B stamped).

    Basically, the only reason for all this is to minimize my time on loss of pay and avoid eventual termination.

    Will the consulate give me an expedited appointment for either H4 or H1 stamping considering my only reason is loss of job?

    Reply
  42. Hello,

    Currently, my marriage date is on December 4, 2020. My fiance is from India and I am on my H1-B (stamped and will expire on July 2021). Can I apply for an EA in Chennai embassy for my Fiance’s H4 visa interview, is this a valid situation?

    Also, she is holding an MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) degree, do you think higher degree qualification will be a show stopper? Any comments on this are much appreciated.

    Reply
    • Vivek,
      Yes, after the marriage. She may try to book for normal appointment putting as single status and fill out new DS-160 closer to the date and then apply for EA.

      Reply
  43. Hello,

    From this what I have concluded that NewDelhi & kolkata are faster in approving the EA request, where as Chennai , Hyderabad and Mumbai take time.

    I had already raised an EA request on 3rd September at Chennai, but no response yet.

    Will this be a good option to reschedule to Delhi at this moment. Please share your thought.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  44. Thanks a lot for publishing these experiences.

    We got H4 EA appointments for 9/10 and 9/11. I will share our experience in next few days.

    For us , it is H1 to H4. It means the previous expired stamping on passport is H1b.

    Does anyone have an experience on VO asking for NOC from the employer if a working professional is attending H4 interview ?

    Reply
  45. could any one who got the visa approved answer if the visa stamp have NIE annotation? and they have to mandatorily travel within 30 days of approval?

    Reply
  46. Hello,
    I thank all of you who have shared your experiences here. It really brings hope. It would be of great help if we get to hear a few more details from experience no.9 ( L2 visa at New Delhi consulate). Like, was it first time application of L2 visa or renewal of the L2 visa, because I stand in a situation of coming to India for my L2 renewal in the first week of March which was followed by a lockdown and our visa interview slot with the US consulate Chennai was cancelled.

    Reply
    • Hello,

      i have a emergency situation. My kid is stuck back in India and we were supposed to get her back in March. But due to corono, all the appointment were cancelled. I m on h4 and planning go this month . Can I book emergency appointment for me in oct ?

      Reply
      • Gowthami,
        If you were in US on the day of EO, then you should be…You may even go for dropbox, if the visa expired anytime before two years .

        Reply
  47. The above experiences are great and very helpful but can someone write-up the detailed steps for requesting EA with New Delhi Embassy? What should be the ideal supporting documents apart from marriage certificate and my immigration documents for requesting EA. I would be travelling to India in November 2020 for my marriage and would like to schedule H4 visa appointment for my wife so that we both can return back to US together.

    Thanks in advance for all the insights to the tricky process.

    Reply
    • Chandra,
      The process is pretty much same, all you need to do is select New Delhi as interview location when you try to book appointment. As you can see in experiences, that’s all they ask. Nothing other than that. Do not worry, if you are exempt, you will get it.

      Reply
      • Thanks Kumar for the reply but my question was more towards the steps needed to request for Emergency Appointment(EA) as I don’t see that option on the visa application portal and what supporting documents to upload while requesting for Emergency Appointment. I see I might need to followup via emails after requesting EA so what’s the email ID I need to use to do the followup?

        Reply
        • Chandra,
          you will only see that after you book the appointment, you will see something called Emergency appointment. You submit proof based on your situation. You need to attach based on your situation to get EA approved. If not approved or no response, you may need to follow up. But, they usually respond within 48 to 72 hours.

          Reply
        • My spouse currently in US with valid H1B. I applied for h4 and got my interview scheduled on march ,2020 which was cancelled due to corona.

          Can i apply for emergency appointment now ? As I’m away from my husband for more than 7 months.

          Kindly respond

          Reply
          • Yes you are eligible to Apply EA . Go through the process which already discussed in this website and as of now Delhi is approving EA’s very fast

        • I requested emergency appointment on sept 10 still know I didn’t get any response from them but now my husband planning to travel to India in dec month will that be a problem for my h4 interview if my husband is in india..thanks in advance

          Reply

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