US Visa Stamping at Consulates usually involves in-person interviews unless you qualify for the Interview Waiver Eligibility, which is popularly called a Dropbox Visa Appointment. In many cases, a US Visa Dropbox Appointment is a must if you are eligible.
During COVID-19, the US Department of State announced a slight change in eligibility criteria for interview waiver or Dropbox stamping, which will help many more applicants utilize the same. The eligibility criteria were extended for the full year 2024 and beyond. We will cover all those details in this article.
As a background, let’s quickly review the US Visa Dropbox process.
Background: US Visa Stamping – In-Person Interview vs. Dropbox
In general, when you apply for a new US Visa, as part of the US Visa application process, you would first provide biometrics and then attend an in-person visa interview. However, to renew your existing US Visa, if you meet specific criteria, you do not have to appear for an in-person interview. You can submit your visa-related documents at a US Visa Application Center(VAC), and your US visa may be issued without an interview. It is called a Visa Interview Waiver or Dropbox Visa Stamping.
General Visa Interview Waiver or Dropbox Stamping Eligibility Criteria
Below are the typical general requirements to be eligible for Dropbox Stamping for anyone above 80 years and below 14 years. You must meet all of them:
- You must be renewing your US Visa in the same category. For example, if you have a renewal for H1B, the previous visa in your passport should be H1B as well.
- There are exceptions to this under the new interview waiver provisions, which will be discussed in the next section.
- (Not Applicable Anymore)
The most recent visa should have been issued in your same country (home country). The same country requirement was removed in mid-2021, so it is not applicable anymore. - Your US Visa was received after Jan 1, 2008
- Your visa should not have annotations like “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization.”
- Your visa should be issued after your 14th birthday.
- Your US visa was not lost, stolen, marked “CWOP,” revoked, or canceled.
- There have been no US visa refusals in any other visa class, since your recent visa issuance.
- If applying for an H, L, or R visa, it should be valid or expired within the last 12 months (now 48 months with the new rule).
- Also, if you are applying for other visa class visa renewal, it is still the same 12 months’ requirements (should be valid or expired in the last 12 months (now 48 months)).
- To clarify, 12 months is the standard rule, this is the part that changed to 48 months with the update. More in the next sections.
Some general criteria for other visa types, ages
- Blanket L1 holders do not qualify for Dropbox or interview waiver. Only Blanket L2 Spouses are eligible
- If you are applying for an F visa, you should be at the same school for which your previous visa was issued.
- If applying for a J visa, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same institution as it is on your previous visa.
- Children under 14 years of age are eligible for Dropbox
- Adults over 80 years of age are eligible for dropbox if their recent visa application was not refused.
Now that we know the background and eligibility, let’s look at what has changed.
Dropbox Stamping Requirement Extended to 48 months from Expiry
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many US Consulates had limited appointments and were not open at full capacity for regular visa-issuing operations. Below are the changes that were implemented for the same in sequence.
Year 2025: The change of “48 months from visa expiry for Dropbox stamping” is applicable in the year 2025 and for future years like 2026, 2027, and beyond. The US Department of State announcement in December 2023 says that the 48 months from expiry will be available indefinitely until they announce a new guidance. You can read the timeline below
Official News release screenshot from December 2023 that show the rule is valid until further notice.
Below is the history of how the dropbox stamping criteria changed from pandemic time in 2020.
Timeline& History of the Dropbox Stamping Extensions from 2020
- Year 2020: To help the situation and avoid public risk, back in 2020, the US Department of State increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from the expiry of the previous visa for US visa renewals using dropbox or the interview waiver option until March 31, 2021.
- Year 2021: On March 11th, 2021, the US Department of State released a press note indicating the expansion of dropbox visa stamping eligibility from 24 months from visa expiry to 48 months from expiry until Dec 31, 2021.
- On December 23rd, 2021, they extended the 48-month eligibility rule indefinitely. See the below screenshot on the same. Check Official news at State.gov
- Year 2022: On December 23rd, 2022, the US Dept of State again confirmed the continuation of the 48-month dropbox interview waiver rule. Check the below screenshot and Official news at State.gov
- Year 2023: On December 21st, 2023, the US Department of State again extended the continuation of the 48-month dropbox rule for 2024 and beyond. They also added new provisions as well. You can read full details at US Visa Interview Waiver Options Extended for 2024 & Beyond.
- Year 2024: The change made in 2023 continues to be applicable for the full year 2024 and beyond, like years until they announce something.
Official News release screenshot from December 2022
News release screenshot from December 2021
How does the 48 months from Expiry Dropbox Visa Stamping Work?
In the past, the requirement was “Your previous visa was in the same class and valid or expired within the last 12 months“. Now, they have changed that to “Did your previous [Visa Cateory] visa expire within the last 48 months.“
Example: Let’s say you had B1/B2 Visa stamping previously done in one of the US Consulates in India. Now, you are applying for B1/B2 visa renewal in India on November 1st, 2022. For general dropbox eligibility, your US visa had to be valid or expired on or after November 1st, 2021. Now, with this 48-month eligibility change, you can apply for Dropbox Visa stamping, if your visa has expired on or after November 1st, 2018. You have basically 4 years from the date of expiry to apply for Visa Renewal using Dropbox now.
Usually, if you are eligible for a Dropbox appointment, you would get a confirmation in the online system after you complete the questionnaire.
Dropbox Appointment with ’48 months from expiry’ Question in Online System
If you are applying in India, then as part of the Dropbox eligibility assessment questionnaire on the USVisaScheduling.com website, you would see the question that reads “Did your previous XXX visa expire within the last 48 months?”. It looks like in the screenshot below.
If you are not applying from India and using the CGI Federal portal such as portal.ustraveldocs.com , you will get a question that looks like in the screenshot below and reads as below:
“Did your previous B-1/B-2 visa expire within the last 48 months? Note: Please be sure to select an interview waiver submission date at least 7 calendar days before your visa has been expired 48 months.”
Dropbox Eligibility Confirmation Screen in Online System
Below is the screenshot of the confirmation you would get on the USVisaScheduling Website, if you qualify for the Interview Waiver or Dropbox option for US Visa Renewal.
If you are not applying in India an using Portal.USTravelDocs.com website, below is the screenshot of the confirmation you would get on the USTravelDocs CGI Federal Website, if you qualify for the Interview Waiver or Dropbox option for US Visa Renewal. You can continue with Dropbox by selecting the ‘Drop-off’ button. (The confirmation screen changed in October 2022 to facilitate an emergency appointment option for Dropbox Applicants)
When should you book Dropbox Appointment with ’48 month from expiry’ option?
As per the US Department of State and USTravelDocs.com website guidance, the question reads that “you need to select an interview waiver or dropbox submission date at dropbox location (VAC Center) at least 7 calendar days before your US Visa has been expired 48 months”. In short, you need to submit it 7 days before your visa’s 48 months from expiry deadline.
Example: let’s say your eligibility of 48 months from expiry is ending on June 30th, 2023, then you need to submit documents 7 days before June 30th. So, you should submit your documents before June 23rd, 2023. If you want to be safe, submit it a couple more days before.
In-Peron Interview Waived for certain F, H1B, H4, and Others
In addition to the dropbox option for anyone renewing their US Visa within 48 months from the expiration, the US Dept of State also provided additional guidance, where in-person interview requirements can be waived for certain visa applicants if they meet certain conditions.
This new waiver for an in-person interview is applicable to anyone, who was previously issued any type of US Visa and applying for F, H1B, H4, H3, L1 ( non-blanket), L2, M, O, P, Q, and academic J visas. Read Guide to US Visa Interview Waiver for certain H1B, L1, H4, others
If you meet the above requirement, then you will not see the question “Did your previous H-1B ( temporary occupation, temporary worker, or trainee) expire within the last 48 months?“, so do not be confused. You would see a question that reads “Did your previous visa(except B1/B2, B1 or B2) expire within the last 48 months?” and looks like in the below screenshot. After this question, you will be prompted for other questions and then you would get a confirmation for an interview waiver. It is normal to work like that.
Below is the screenshot of the question how it appears on USVisaScheduling.com for countries like India
Below is the screenshot of the question how it appears on Portal.USTravelDocs.com that is used in other countries other than India
Latest News – 48 month Dropbox Validity, Timeline
Year 2025: As of January 2025, there are no new updates from the US Department of State, and the 48-month rule continues to be in effect. You can read the most recent official update from US Dept of State in December 2023. Even though it is from 2023, it is valid as there are no updates given by US Department of State.
Year 2024: There were no new updates from the US Department of State in 2024 and the 48 month rule was in effect.
December 21st, 2023: The US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule and adding new provisions. You can read full summary at US Visa Interview Waiver Options Extended for 2024 & Beyond.
December 23rd 2022: Today, US Dept of State issued a press release indicating the continuation of the 48 month dropbox interview waiver rule. You can read full summary at US Dept of State Extends interview waiver, 48-month Rule.
December 23rd, 2021: US Department of State extended the 48-month rule for dropbox indefinitely. It was supposed to end on December 31, 2021. Check Official news at State.gov
Mid Year, 2021 : The requirement to have the previous visa stamping in the same country was removed. The USTravelDocs website questionnaire does not show the same country questions anymore.
March 16th, 2021 : USTravelDocs CGI Federal website that is used for Appointment booking for US Visa is updated with the 48 from expiry change. See above article for the details.
March 11th, 2021 : US Department of State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry eligibility to 48 months from expiry. Also, they are extending the interview waiver or Dropbox eligibility with the 48 months until December 31st, 2021. See below screenshot of the Official Press release on Travel.State.Gov
December 29th, 2020 : Today, US Department of Stat issued a press release and update that extended the eligibility of 24 months until March 31st, 2021. They are extending this to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 at consulates. Below is the screenshot of the news update and you can check official news Link on travel.state.gov
August 25th, 2020 : US Department of State gave original guidance today indicating the flexibility in the dropbox eligibity. Below is the screenshot of the news, you can check official news alert from US Department of State
Common FAQs
The key criterion is that you need to meet the 48-month criteria on the day of submission of the documents. Even though the system may allow you book an appointment, you should meet the 48-month requirement on the day of submission.
Yes, it was extended indefinitely on December 21st, 2023. There is no end date for now on when this will expire. Unless something changes, it will be effective even after December 31, 2025.
In general, you should not pick a regular visa appointment, if you are eligible for dropbox. The only exception is if you want to apply for an Emergency Appointment. If you want to apply for an emergency appointment, then choose the interview option on the confirmation screen and then book both Biometrics and interview appointments. Later you book the emergency appointments. You may also read US Visa Stamping Dropbox Appointment mandatory, if eligible
No, the process is straightforward, the USTravelDocs system does the eligibility check automatically based on your information. You just need to answer the questions truthfully.
If you are looking for community, you can connect with others in the US Visa Stamping Telegram Group and get help from the community or be part of the US Visa Stamping Experiences Group (only repository of experiences, no messaging option)
What do you think of the change to 48 months? How is it helping you?
Thank you for the above explanation.
I have a query….
Our, my 2 children and my, L2 visas expired in Dec 2020….. we have been receiving extension of status here in the US, currently valid till July 2024
We will be visiting India and renewing our l2 visas. ….which fall into the 48 months extension period .
Does my now 15 year old qualify for drop box renewal……or will he need an in-person interview?
Thank you in advance for your time and patience in replying. Appreciate it.
Hello,
I have a question regrading the dropbox eligibility for H4 visa 2022.
My husband has a H1B Interview waiver option, now we are trying to add me (H4) in the group interview. But my US H4 visa was once stolen in the past. (Not the most recent aka current H4 visa). With this situation will I be eligible for the dropbox appointment as well?
Thankyou All!
My H1 Visa stamped Sep 2019 expired on Dec 2021.
Now I am looking to book a dropbox appointment in Apr 2023. By that my visa expiry would be 14 months.
Am I still eligible for a dropbox Appointment.?
I and my family was refuse a tourist visa early this year though we have been to usa more than 4 times. Are we eligible for drop box if we want to apply.
Hi,
My passport is expiring in 5 months. My drop box visa is scheduled in 15 days, am I eligible for appearing for visa stamping with that passport.
Or
Apply for new passport and take both passport to consular appointment. Will they accept at the Dropbox
Hi,iam jai my c1d visa was expire 2018 December . I need to renvue c1 visa cattagery for drawbox thats possibl.?
hi redbus2us team
Can you please help me for the following question for Drop Box Eligibility criteria for B1/B2 ?
My mom already have B1/B2 visa stamp on the passport which expires on Nov 5 2023.
During scheduling appt I see the following question:
Have you ever been refused a B1/B2 visa before?
Does it mean since the last visa issuance ?
or
Does it mean anytime before the last visa issuance ?
Can you please help me to understand this as it is stopping me to go forward without knowing the actual intent of this question ?
I just renewed my h1b with my current employer. During the first allocation, i was with a different employer. Have not traveled since got the H1. Will I be still eligible for dropbox? And my spouse too, with H4?
I have a B1/B2 visa which have 2 months validity left. So, my question is that, can I apply for dropbox as I have visa validity left for 2 months. I am planning to go 5/6 months after.
Rahul,
Yes, you can do it now or even later. The 48 months rule is valid and you will be fine.
I got new I-797 through new employer post stamped H1B visa expired. My family (spouse + 2 kids less than 14 yrs) excluding myself traveling to India. My spouse is eligible for drop box as per criteria. However, my kids are not as both parents should have valid US visa as per criteria mentioned. In this case my spouse should take appointment right to get visa for all (herself + 2kids) right?
Me also in the same situation could any one has info on this
Did you get an answer?
What did you end up doing? I have dropbox scheduled for all of us but our visa expired , so can we still go for dropbox for my 13 yr old?
Did you get an answer?
I held L1B blanket visa initially and travelled to US in Nov,21. My renewal was filed as L1B Individual. I am in US currently and planning to visit India for stamping.
I filled my DS-160 and selected L1B blanket, in CGI while booking appointment (given the fact L1B blankets do not qualify for drobox). While booking the appointment the portal just gave me an option to book single VAC appointment for Chennai, the portal did not show appointment booking options for consular interview.
Was it some issue with the portal, or is it that L1B blanket – L1B Ind renewals are eligible for dropbox? I am totally confused by this, also t did not show me appointments for any other locations just few for Chennai VAC.
I have my appointment booked for VAC..just VAC, not sure how should I proceed. Please help if anyone cam across similar situation.
Thanks
Manish,
Check with USTraveldocs they will help. If not, email the consualte as well.
Hey Manish,
I am in the same situation. My company’s lawyers told me that it should be fine to select L1 Individual on CGI federal for the stamping since my renewal was filed under L1B individual. However, I am worried about this as the lawyers don’t seem too competent and they have been back and forth on this a few times. Did you figure this out?
Thanks!
Did you book appointment? I am in same situation, not sure what is the right way? can you share the details if u have already booked slots?
I am having F1 visa now my H1b papers are approved , i have to go to Consulate. Am i eligible for Drop box or i have to go for Interview . Pl help
I am in USA now, came on L1B Visa in 2018 & Now Visa got changed to L1A – I do not it stamped after L1A and have kids below 14 age also, will I eligible for Drop Box option? planning for India visit May/June next year, just exploring options for stamping.
Thank you very much for good video, very informative,
Regards
Naresh
Naresh,
If it blanket, usually not eligible for it. Check the CGI Federal website and do the wizard, you would know.
Hi, My H1B visa stamping expired on Dec 2020 has annotation “NIE under PP on risk to Labor Market”. I’m planning to go for stamping now with new I797 approval. In Appointment booking, for the question “Was your prior visa annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”. Should i say “Yes” or “No”. Please advise.
Did you get your Dropbox stamp successfully?
I have the dropbox appointment at Mumbai at May 24th 2023 so If I wish to dropoff my documents at Ahmedabad vac, then at what time and date I need to dropoff at Ahmedabad. Please reply.🙏
Hi
On H4 Visa I have Annotation – NIE UNDER PP ON RISK TO LABOR MARKET.
Just want to check whether this Annotation will not impact my dropbox eligibility?
Vinod,
No, it will not. It was given in the past during COVID as a guidance to the CBP Officer at the port of entry.
Thanks Kumar
Hello,
I have gotten eligible for a drop box for first time H1B stamping. I have been issued a F1 previously however, I got rejected for B1/B2 and never received a visa in that category. The eligibility rule says that you are not eligible if after rejection you didn’t receive visa in that category. What should I do now ?
Hello sir,
I am applying for my son Dropbox visa. My son Birthday 03/02/2008 (14 years/5 months)
So, My son eligible for under 14 year Dropbox.
nirav,
They have to be below 14 years, your son is over 14 years. So, not eligible.
Hi
I received a 221g in 2011 and later after 3 months was returned my passport and did not get my H1b in passport. So next year I had to apply for new H1b and then on I had no stamping issue.
So this would mean I am not eligible For Dropbox since I got a H1b refusal more than 10 years ado?
Thanks
Guru,
Check the H1B Dropbox Step-by-Step Guide..
H1B Visa Dropbox eligibility if the visa expired more than 48 months ago.
My last US visa was valid till Jan 2018, which is beyond 48 months, and I have never received 221G.
While scheduling the appointment, I answered a few questions before the payment page, and it says I’m eligible for a dropbox appointment.
Can anyone from this group help me with this? Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks!
Vish A,
There is no 48 month limit for H1B cases, so you are fine. Check Step by Step Guide to H1B Dropbox, it has full details with screenshots.
Vish – when is your interview scheduled ?
Hi Kumar,
I got my new H1B petition approved in Nov 2021.
I had previous B1 and H1b visas, which are expired over 4 years now.
I am dropbox eligible.
I tried cgifederal website every other day, last 4 months, but could get Dropbox Appointment only in September 2023..!!
Is this kind of delay common nowadays ?
Thanks
Dan
Dan,
Yes. There are no slots open, so need to keep checking. They said they will open some later this year.
The website says that slots after oct 2022 are placeholders for emergencies.
Do dropbox qualify for the same or are placeholders only for in person appointments?
I got a nov 2022 date for a dropbox for h1b, trying to understand if that is for emergency or regular. My need is for a regular dropbox appointment
Deepak,
This is slightly confusing for many, best is to email the CGI Federal support and get their confirmation. Do update here on how it goes for community benefit.
Hi, Please help me out with B1/B2 dropbox eligiblity, I have applied renewal for my old parents and paid MRV fee on August 23rd 2021.
Their previous 10yr B1/B2 visa got expired in April 2016?
i read that same visa class within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration has been extended indefinitely ?
its been more than 48 months, near to 5.5 years? are they still eligible for dropbox, pleaseeeeeee answer ??
from the date i paid MRV, i am trying for their regular appointment slots, i see some dates for OFC when i proceed to next screen there are no dates available ( i tried for 4 consulate locations mumbai, hydrabad, chennai and also delhi), but i see same above response ofc dates i am able to slect and later screen no in-person appointment dates.
can anyone help, going to agent will help? or any help you can provide is appreciated.
Nusrat,
The 48-month rule has been extended indefinitely. What it means, the 48-month rule was set to expire last year, that’s what they extended.
Your parents may not be eligible as it is over 48 months. Very few in -person slots and they will only open for later this year.
My h1b expired in 2016. So I’m not eligible for Dropbox rt?
Hello,
You might be, if you meet all other conditions. Check H1B Dropbox Guide
Hi
My L2 VISA is going to expire in August and before that we are planning to go to India and come back 10 days before the Expiry. Meantime we are renewing our Visas here and my question is do i need to go VISA stamping before retruns to US or can i do it in my next trip?
Thank you
Leela
Hi,
I had a valid H-1B visa till 31-Dec-2021. I moved to India during Aug 2021 because of family emergency.
My employer applied H-1B visa cap exempt from India and it is valid till Mar 2025.
Will I be eligible for drop box appointment as I already had a H-1B visa which expired less than 48 months
(Or)
Am eligible for in person interview as my new H-1B Visa is applied from India but not an H-1B Extension? Please let me know
Can you confirm whether you were eligible for drop box?
Hi,
I have F1 visa refusal in 2012 after that my B1/B2 visa approved in 2018 .now I am going to apply for H1b visa .Am I eligible for dropbox.
Thanks,
Hi Rama,
did you find the answer for your question? I am also in the same boat.
thanks
Kumar
Hi
Please help me with the following situation.
The H1 and H4 stamping for me, my wife and kids (below 14 years) have expired in October 2019. We call received our I797 and I539 approval for Employer A sometime in 2021. I changed job for employer B in Jan 2022 and got new I797 approved. However, I539 approval for my wife and kids pending for employer B. I scheduled group dropbox appointment for all of us.
I want to make sure all of us are eligible for dropbox.
Appreciate your early response.
Satya
I recently was able to book an appointment for an H1B visa stamping. With the scarcity of dates and slots filling up fast when I logged in to my account, clicked on continue and booked the date it gave me an OFC appointment and also an in person interview appointment . For the first time (clicking on the New appointment),While filling up the questionnaire it said I am eligible for a drop box appointment and I confirmed. Can you please confirm that even if I am eligible for the drop box , I can still do an in person interview as that is the only option I was given ? If not, do I need to cancel my appointment? With the scarcity of the dates it is really difficult to book another appointment and any information will be of great help to me.
Hi Sandipan,
Did you attend your in-person interview? Did they ask you about your dropbox eligibility? Did you get your visa? I am in a similar situation.
Hi,
I have a H4 Visa issued in Nov 2018 and it expired on Aug 2020. I travelled once to US on H4 Visa. Now i am back to India. Now i am applying for H1B. Can anyone suggest me whether I am eligible for Dropbox or i have to go for Visa interview .
Regards,
Adi
I am on H1B and my wife is on H4 and we are eligible for drop box as we have done before. my kid is 3 years old and is on H4, Is kid eligible for drop box ?
Hi, I have a question on visa stamping. Currently I moved to the H4 dependent
visa from L2 dependent visa and my i-94 is expiring in 6 months from now. My husband is already got the H1B stamping for it in November 2021 when visited India, but I wasn’t able to travel with him due to personal reasons. Now I am trying to schedule the H4 appointment but it keep saying me that I am eligible for Visa waiver program. Does anyone know why it is saying that? Because I am not renewing my visa, instead changing status from L2 to H4.
The question was – ”
1) Do you have previous U.S. visa in any visa class issued? –> Yes
2) Was your prior visa annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”? –> No
3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? –> No
4) Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before? –> THIS WAS THE MAIN DOUBTFUL QUESTION FOR ME. I ANSWERED: “YES”
5) Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa? –> Yes
6) Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? –> Yes
If for question 1 does it mean, the previous visa has to be in the same category? or any type of visa?
Thanks!
I paid for Visa Extension fee on March 2021. My drop box appointment is on May 2022. As Fee is Valid for 1 Year, will they cancel my appointment or do I need to pay the fee again?
Is some one face the same issue? Please let me know the process how to pay again?
Thanks
Niraj,
The fee validity is extended until Sep 2023, so you should be fine.
Thanks Kumar, is there any article?
Interview waiver appointment do I
have to drop my documents in person or can my son drop it off at the appointment time.
Back in Aug 2016, I went to US Embassy, New Delhi for H1B visa stamping through employer A. I was handed over a 221(g) slip – Administrative Processing. I got my petition transferred to employer B few months later and H1B stamping was successful. I traveled to US through employer B in Jan 2017 and the visa was valid until Nov 2019. I never pursued my 221(g) case that was given to me through employer A. I checked the status of that case few days back and it now shows “Refused”. I had a doubt if I will qualify for dropbox appointment or not.
To verify my doubt, I created my profile on USTravelDocs and filled in the details (I used the same old DS-160 receipt number that I had in 2016 for successful visa stamping). Below are the questions asked and how I answered them. In the end, the website told me that “I AM ELIGIBLE FOR DROPBOX”.
1) Do you have previous U.S. visa in any visa class issued? –> Yes
2) Was your prior visa annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”? –> No
3) Was your most recent U.S. visa lost or stolen or cancelled? –> No
4) Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before? –> THIS WAS THE MAIN DOUBTFUL QUESTION FOR ME. I ANSWERED: “YES”
5) Did your most recent application result in you being issued the visa? –> Yes
6) Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? –> Yes
Congratulations! You qualify for the Interview Waiver . You will need to schedule an appointment to visit the Document Drop-Off locations to submit your documents but do not need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Click “Continue” to proceed with your application..
Step 1. Schedule an appointment to submit your documents
Step 2. Print your appointment letter and follow the instructions in it.
Step 3. Drop off your listed documents at locations mentioned in appointment letter.You should arrive at exactly the time of your appointment; you will not be permitted to enter the facility before the time listed on your appointment letter.
Current passport and any old passports with a U.S. visa.
One photograph (per U.S. visa specification).
Photocopy of form I-797.
Locations for Submission
New Delhi Embassy – Can only submit at New Delhi VAC, Chandigarh center and Jalandhar center
Mumbai Consulate – Can only submit at Mumbai VAC, Pune center and Ahmedabad center
Chennai Consulate – Can only submit at Chennai VAC , Bangalore center and Cochin center
Hyderabad Consulate –Can only submit at Hyderabad VAC
Kolkata Consulate – Can only submit at Kolkata VAC
Note:
• Using the Interview Waiver does not guarantee visa issuance. The U.S. Embassy/Consulate retains the right to call an applicant in for an interview, if necessary, and you must appear for interview at the post to which you submitted your renewal application.
• Documents will only be accepted at locations mentioned in appointment letter, so please decide the Post before scheduling the appointment.
• The U.S. Embassy/ Consulates in India offer free document pickup/submission services at the OFC where the Embassy/Consulate is located. Applicants collecting/submitting documents from any other locations will need to pay a nominal fee of Rs 650/- per individual at the time of pickup/submission.
Hi,
My spouse has an approved H1-B and I’ll be applying for an H4 visa for the first time. I have been approved for multiple US visas in the past. This includes B1/B2, F1, and I also had an approval notice for an H1B visa as well but never got the stamp on account of an unfortunate situation with my employer. Most recenly I have travelled on B1/B2 to the US and back.
Do I qualify for the recent interview waiver program? If anyone can shed any light on this what would help.
Hi,
My husband and i are eligible for the IW program. our kid is 2 years old and he has not travelled to US and he does not have any visa stamped in his passport. Question is we have booked our drop box appoinments for all three of us, will there be any issues with my kids visa issual?
I am also in same situation. Curious to know what happened to your case?
Did you get any information? I am in a similar situation.
Any update on this. I am on same situation.
Thanks
Jagadish
Hi,
How you proceed ? I am in same situation.
Regards,
Pradip
Hi,
How you proceed ? I am in same situation.
Regards,
Pradip
Is dropbox feature available in Canada consulate or mexico consulate ? I am renewing H1b and my spouse is on H4 EAD approved initially it was H1b and now on H4 after job loss.
Could we go to Canada or mexico and use its dropbox feature?
I am in the same boat. Let me know what you can find
Advait
I had my Dropbox appointment for April 2021 and got 221g for presidential proclamation can I apply again through Dropbox appointment ?
Hi Pandu,
I am also same in situation.
If you get any info, please share.
If I get any info, I will share with you
What about those whose visa has expired 5 years ago (and hence not eligible under 48month rule) and who want to travel to India now?
i am in the same category my Visa expired 8 years back ..whether you have any update?
Looks like same visa class within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration has been extended indefinitely so we are eligible for Drop box ?
The authorization to waive the in-person interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same visa class within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration has been extended indefinitely.
I am also same situation .. Can any help here and any update
Hi!
I had a visa denial on B1/B2 visa long time ago. But, after that I had an approved H4 stamping twice without any issues. Now, it is time to renew for the third time. I am not sure if my previous visa denial will prevent me from being eligible for drop box.
Here is the text in the announcement.
The interview waiver announcement mentions that you shouldn’t have had any visa refusal.
“applicants who were previously issued any type of visa, and who have never been refused a visa unless such refusal was overcome or waived”
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visas.html
The article here says, after your recent visa issuance.
“There were no US visa refusals in any other visa class, since your recent visa issuance”
Can you please clarify.. Thankyou.
You shouldn’t have any denials since your last visa stamping. If that is the case, you shouldn’t have any issues with dropbox eligibility
The state.gov announcement says “You should not have any visa refusals” but you mentioned “You shouldn’t have any denials/refusals since your last H1B visa approval” Can you explain what is the exact meaning of this eligibility? I had 221(g) in Aug 2016 from employer A. I didn’t persuade that one and got my I-797 transferred to employer B. Got H1B visa approved by employer B and traveled to US in Jan 2017. I am in the US since then.
Am I eligible for Interview Waiver?
My Previous visa was L1B which was expired within 48 Months. I got a status change and now will be applying for H1B visa. There are no questions for previous L1B visa or status change and all questions are related to H1B in the appointment portal while evaluating for dropbox eligibility. I am not sure if I am eligible?
Please elaborate on which visa categories? As I read somewhere . There are other categories too .
Please state them
Thanks
Can someone please cite the source of information that the following eligibility criteria has been removed in mid 2021?
“Most recent visa should have been issued in your same country (home country)”
Anshitha,
Check H1B Dropbox Guide Article, question number 7. It has the screenshot that does not talk about country, we have users who were able to get stamping done as well.
Hello,
I made a mistake while answering the questionnaire while booking visa appointment slots. I was confused and answered Yes instead of No for the question “Is your previous h1b visa is still valid” and it took me to the drop box slots available page and I booked the slot. Actually my previous visa is expired but it is still within 48 months of my expiration date So actually I am still eligible for the drop box. Can someone tell me if it would be problem when I go for the appointment. Or the questionnaire is just to find the eligibility for drop box vs in person interview.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/expansion-of-interview-waiver-eligibility.html is error 404 as of today 23 Dec, 2021. So either the eligibility is going to be changed back to 12 months or expanded indefinitely.
I have a Dropbox appointment for Feb 2022. And I’m well under the 48 month deadline. But if the appointment is after Dec 31st 2021 can I still use Dropbox? What is the Dec 31st deadline for? Is it for booking the appointment or attending the Dropbox?
I’m in the same boat. I would be curious to know the answer too.
Same question here 🙁
same question here
I have same question
Same boat ..
Same Question here not sure if Redbus has some feedback on this. Few of the folks have informed that they have called the Customer Service and the Customer Service agents on the line informed that it is the booking date not the submission date that would be applicable. There is no official confirmation on this but this is just a verbal update from the Customer Representatives on the line.
I was able to get an appointment in March 2022 but on appointment, it says Mumbai VAC but under Visa priority, it is Interview Waiver. Does this mean I have a drop box appointment?
I am renewing my B1/B2 visa. Do I have to physically be at the VAC or can I use a representative to drop my passport?
kevin,
you can use a representative to drop the passport and supporting details.
My last h1b expired in aug 2019 and i moved to h4. Now, i am applying again in h1b category. Am i eligible for dropbox as i have previously held h1b and it expired within 48 months?
My H1B visa stamped in India expired in Sep 2020. Under current 48 month rule I am eligible for Dropbox I am planning to travel India for stamping in Feb 2022 will I be still eligible ? Since 48 month extension rule expired on Dec 31, will I be still eligible for Dropbox. Please reply.
Thanks in anticipation.
No!
I am also in the same situation as you and was able to book a dropbox appointment in April 2022. I am not sure what is going to happen. The Dec 31st rule seems confusing. If the 48 months rule is considered on the date of the submission then just having the appointment should suffice. I don’t know how it is going to work.
My H1B visa stamped in Mexico expired in Nov 2020.under current 48 month rule I am eligible for Dropbox but I am not finding any slots at all.If I get slot in January 2022 will I be still eligible ?as per current criteria I am eligible only for dropbox.If 48 month extension rule expired on Dec 31 I will not be eligible for Dropbox.I am not sure how it works