If you are applying for a US Visa for the first time, you need to apply for Biometrics & US Visa Interview appointments. But, if you are applying for its renewal, a biometrics appointment and interview appointment are not required; you just need an appointment to submit relevant documents.
In the past, before September 2019, you could walk into any US Visa Application Center(VAC) without any prior appointment and submit your documents for US visa renewal. But, starting in Sep 2019, US Consulates in India introduced appointments for US Visa stampings using the Interview Waiver option, popularly called Dropbox.
This article will look at the US Visa Dropbox or Interview Waiver process in India, what it means to anyone going for US Visa stamping, and common FAQs.
Background: US Visa Stamping with Renewal, aka Dropbox – Appointments
Starting September 1st, 2019, if you are eligible for the US Visa Interview Waiver, aka the Dropbox option, you must schedule an appointment with the Visa Application Center(VAC) to drop off your passport and all the supporting US visa application documents. This appointment booking applies to all Dropbox/ interview waiver applicants filing for their US Visa renewal or stamping in India.
Below are the three most significant changes since the introduction of the appointments for Dropbox:
- Dropbox Submission Mandatory: In the past (before Sep 2019), for US Visa renewals, you had the option to choose Dropbox submission for renewals, but it was not mandatory. It was your choice to pick Dropbox or an in-person appointment. But, starting from Sep 1st, 2019, you must go for the dropbox option, if you qualify for the interview waiver option based on the questions answered on the USVisaScheduling Website. The only exception is, if you have an emergency or compelling circumstance and you want to get an expedited appointment.
- Dropbox Appointment Mandatory: In the past(before September 2019), no appointment was required with Visa Application Center(VAC) to drop off documents. But starting from September 2019, you must schedule an appointment beforehand to drop off your documents for Dropbox stamping.
- Faster Processing Time: In the past, the average processing time for an interview waiver or Dropbox was about 3 weeks, and there was no SLA. From September 1st, 2019, the dropbox applicant will get a decision on their case within 7 to 10 business days from the day they submitted their documents.
Official Guidance – USTravelDocs Website
The official guidance from the USTravelDocs.com India website for renewing a US visa clearly states that “starting September 1st, eligible applicants MUST schedule an appointment in order to drop off their passports…” The screenshot below shows the same, and September 1st on the page corresponds to September 1st, 2019.
Dropbox Eligibility Requirements
The criteria for the US visa interview waiver or dropbox option have not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. All documents required have not changed. You are still required to submit all the required documents as before.
In general, to renew US Visa using the Dropbox option, your visa has to be valid or expired within the last 12 months. However, since COVID-19 pandemic, the US Department of State has increased the 12 months from expiry to 48 months.
Also, in some cases, one many also be eligible for Dropbox stamping, even if it is past 48 months, if they meet certain criteria until the end of 2024 and beyond. You can read more at US Visa Dropbox Changed to 48 Months – FAQs and US Visa Interview waived for certain H1B, L1, and other Visa holders until the end of 2024 and beyond.
Process for Interview Waiver or Dropbox appointment Booking India
The standard process to book an in-person US Visa interview appointment is to go to the USVisaScheduling.com Website to register for an account and then schedule a general US visa interview appointment.
The process is no different for booking Dropbox Appointments as well; it is the same website, and you will be required to complete a questionnaire to check the Dropbox eligibility.
Below are the steps for Dropbox appointment booking in India:
- Step 1 – Register Account: You need to register an account at USVisaScheduling Website. You can read more at Guide to create an account on USVisaScheduling Website.
- Step 2 – Complete Questionnaire Wizard: The US Visa Scheduling website, managed by CGI Federal, will give you a step-by-step wizard asking you a set of questions. Based on the answers you provide, your dropbox eligibility is determined. You will get the Dropbox appointment eligibility confirmation at the end of the completion of the questionnaire.
- Step 3 – Confirmation for Dropbox Appointment: If you are eligible based on the answers you provide, the system will automatically give you a confirmation saying you qualify for an interview waiver or dropbox. Below is a screenshot of how it looks.
- Step 4 – Book Dropbox Appointment: After the confirmation screen, you will be prompted to put in the Machine Readable Visa(MRV) fee payment receipt details and then prompt to book the appointment date to drop off documents.
Note: In the past, there was a restriction on where you can submit documents for dropbox visa stamping. As of now, in 2024, that restriction is not there anymore. Irrespective of the US Consulate you select, now you can submit your documents at any location. There is a small fee that you may need to pay if you are submitting at non-Consulate locations. You can read more at Drop off documents at any Location in India Below is the difference on how it used to look.
If you are looking for H1B Visa specific dropbox process, you can check out Step by Step Guide for H1B Visa Dropbox Appointment Booking – India
Do you need a Biometrics (OFC) Appointment for Dropbox?
In general, there is no requirement for giving Biometrics at Offsite Facilitation Center(OFC) or Visa Application Center(VAC), when you book a US Visa stamping appointment using the Dropbox or Interview waiver option. But, when you try to book the appointment, the online system shows “Schedule OFC Appointment” as in the below screenshot, which can be confusing as the same message is shown for a Biometrics appointment as well.
The text “Schedule OFC appointment” on the appointment booking screen can be confusing, but they have a reason. Technically, ‘OFC’ Stands for ‘Offsite Facilitation Center’ and the Visa appointment system is asking you to book an appointment to drop off your US Visa documents at an Offsite Facilitation Center(OFC). So, do not be confused with the text with OFC on the top.
Also, do not be confused if you see ‘VAC’ instead of ‘IW’ in the dropdown on the same screen.
In the past, before Nov 28, 2021, the last 3 letters in the dropdown used to say ‘IW’, which meant ‘Interview Waiver’ and it was easy to identify the dropbox appointment. This changed to VAC starting from Nov 28th, 2021. Do not be confused. It still means dropbox appointment booking, if you were given the dropbox confirmation screen. Read complete details at US Visa Appointment Dropbox Booking shows VAC instead of IW
US Visa types Eligible for Dropbox Appointment – H4, H1B, Others
The appointment requirement for US Visa Dropbox applications applies to all of the US visa types that are currently eligible for interview waiver or dropbox. Below are some of the most common visa types that are relevant for our readers.
- H1B, L1 Visa: If you are an H1B or L1 visa holder applying for visa renewal, then it applies to you.
- H4 Visa: If you are an H4 Visa holder waiting for approval with Biometrics and traveling out for stamping, then it applies to you.
- F1 Visa: F1 visa holders going for visa renewal, who are studying in the same school for which the visa was issued in the past
- B1/B2 Visa: It applies to B1/B2 visa renewals done using the Dropbox option.
- In addition to the above, there are many other visa types that are eligible for interview waiver or dropbox as well. Check the USTravelDocs website for the same.
Below are some of the Dropbox Visa Stamping Experiences articles and links
- Latest 250+ US Visa Stamping User Experiences: H1B, H4 for the 2024
- H4 Dropbox Experience using Dropbox Appointment Process
- H1B Dropbox Appointment Stamping – 221g Green Slip Experience Mumbai
Common FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions(FAQs) in the context of dropbox appointments.
Yes, you can schedule the appointment from the US or anywhere in the world, before you arrive in India. You do not have to be physically in India to book the dropbox appointment.
You will very likely get a decision on your visa stamping within 7 to 10 business days from the day you dropped off your documents.
Yes, you can ask someone else like your friend, spouse, or travel agent to submit your visa application documents on your behalf. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well.
Yes, you can reschedule the appointment. They will mark your receipt as unused after 24 hours and then you can re-schedule to the new date and print a new confirmation letter for the drop off of the documents.
You select the location of drop-off, date, and time for the appointment. You need to go to the Consulate/VAC location at the respective date and time. The confirmation looks like in below screenshot. 
Yes, both of you can technically select the same date and drop off documents together. The system will show the date and time slots accordingly.
In the past, you could only submit your visa stamping documents at the specified dropbox location. But, starting from April 4th, 2022, you can submit your documents at any of the US Consulates or VAC locations across India. It will be free of charge for Consulate locations and there is a fee of Rs 650 INR, if you are submitting in other locations. Check US Visa Dropbox: Can drop off documents at any VAC location
No, the applicant must be physically present in their home country(India) to submit the passport and visa stamping supporting documents. Only appointment scheduling can be done, when you are in the US.
It is suggested to select a dropbox location to drop off documents at the below centers based on where you plan to give the visa interview. If you were to be called for an interview, you will be called to the respective consulate that is tied to the relevant drop-off location. So, choose this carefully, if you prefer a choice.
Applicants for Delhi Consulate: Drop off at New Delhi, Chandigarh, or Jalandhar centers
Applicants for Mumbai Consulate: Drop off at Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune centers.
Applicants for Chennai Consulate: Drop off at Chennai, Kochi, or Bangalore.
Applicants for Hyderabad Consulate: Drop off at Hyderabad Center.
Applicants for Kolkata Consulate: Drop off at Kolkata Center
The above suggestion is a recommendation, but it is totally up to you to pick the consulate and drop off location. There are no restrictions as such.
No, you cannot change the US Visa interview location. You must attend the visa interview at the location you were asked to attend. It is important to choose your preferred drop-off location tied to the consulate as listed above when you book the appointment.
No, you must appear for the interview. You cannot skip if you were asked to attend the visa interview.
Yes, it is mandatory. You will need to select the appointment date, and location to drop off your documents. It is not optional anymore.
You will be allowed to get the missing documents and submit them on the same day. If you cannot submit as per the checklist, then you cannot submit on that day, you will need to re-schedule your dropbox appointment.
You can check it out at Sample US Visa Dropbox Appointment letter
You may also check the US Visa Dropbox Stamping Experiences page for the most recent user experiences. Below is the document that was released by US Consulates when they introduced Dropbox Stamping with Appointments.
What has been your experience with the dropbox appointments so far? Your thoughts ?
References: USTravelDocs.com – Visa Waiver Official Page
A bit bigger question.
I am on H1B and my wife and daughter are on H4. I got my visa stamped last year. This year we are travelling to India and my wife and daughter are having drop box appointment. My daughter is 16 and she is going for visa stamping drop box for the first time after she turned 14.
Somewhere I read, that my daughter’s drop box application will be rejected as she needs to go to in person appointment. Is it true? While filling the DS-160, it never complained that my daughter needs a separate appointment for interview.
As I already scheduled the drop box appointment for both of them, what are my options now?
Please help if anybody knows..
Hi ,
My H1B expires on Nov 2023 . I started a premium processing for H1B extension but i got rfe now. Since premium processing takes 2 weeks , i booked my tickets to india next week and h1b stamping on 29th jun. I do have AP document . But i was thinking to do my h1b stamping since i will get 3 years on that and AP has just 1 year validity. can you please let me know if the lawyer gets email copy of the rfe so we can address them immediately or we need to change to consular processing. Is there any drawback in consular processing during my H1b stamping or port of entry? which options would be best. Can you please help .
Thanks,
SV
Hi, I am going through Visa Renewal for my mother (same visa within 48 month window). The appointment confirmation email states VAC APPOINTMENT DETAILS – NEW DELHI VAC ( time 4:45 pm on June 9) and also gives the document Delivery information Information – Pick Up for Chandigarh Location. My mother lives in Chandigarh and it will be best to do all the work in Chandigarh – but the VAC APPOINTMENT DETAILS – NEW DELHI VAC is confusing if she should visit New Delhi for the appointment
Hello Kumar,
H1B visa renewal. Noticed that US Traveldocs now requires the I797 receipt number to set up an appointment. Because of the long lead time for interviews, I was wondering if I can schedule an appointment and change the I797 receipt number later on? I remember we could do this with the DS160 form number. I’ve seen some suggestions where you can email ustraveldocs, but no follow-up on whether that has worked for folks. Thanks for taking the time to respond (your responses and this form have been a huge help over the years)!
Nikhil
My wife and I couldn’t not find the visa slots at the same consulate. I am scheduled for 8/14 at Mumbai VAC and my wife is scheduled for 8/21 at Delhi. Can I drop-off my wife’s documents at the Mumbai consulate on 8/14, a week before her scheduled date?
Hello,
I have my dropbox slot booked in Chennai but since it’s a drop box I dropped it at Hyderabad. But I realized that, while filling out the DS160, I mentioned Hyderabad instead of Chennai. Is it okay?
Thank you,
Sampath
I have submitted my drop box documents in Pune on 2nd March 2023, After 20 days I can still see my visa status is Application Received and not moving at all , is it normal or any action required from my end ?
Any progress yet in your case?
Do we need to fill DS160 SEPARATELY FOR SPOUSE ALSO FOR DROPBOX APPOINTMENT OR ONE IS ENOUGH
hello, did you get an answer to your question? also in the same boat. thanks
Hi, I had an appointment of March 10th, however because of incorrect document I was unable to submit the documents. Appointment history March 2 rescheduled to March 10th. Will I still be able to reschedule the appointment that I missed? Thank you
Can someone please help me?
My mother entered a wrong passport number – old passport number on ds160 and cgi federal website
Today she went to Bangalore for her Dropbox appointment
They said the passport number is wrong and sent her away
Does it mean that I lost 13 thousand rupees for her b1/b2 visa fee?
Can you please guide me what’s the next step?
Thank you
I currently have a J-2 visa and I am planning to do the re-stamping. I earlier possessed a B1 visa (1 year) in year 2017 which has the annotation “Clearance received”. Later I got the J-2 Visa in March, 2022 without any annotation with an interview.
While filling the visa application form it says that prior visa should not have annotation of “Clearance received”, which in my sense is my J-2 visa.
Does that means I am eligible for drop box?
Your help in this regard will be highly appreciated.
Shilpa,
The prior visa refers to the immediate visa that was issued. If it does not have it, you can. If you are in doubt, the worst case scenario is you will do it in person. You can write to consulate/ ustraveldocs to get it clarified as well.
Thank you for the clarification, Kumar 🙂
Hi,
Let me explain my situation. I had originally booked drop box appointments for June 12, 2023 for my Mom & Dad (B1/B2 – Visitor Visa) for Hyderabad location, and then later after a week I found that slots had opened up for February 2023, so I changed the date to Feb 12, 2023. But after logging into the system after 2 weeks, I noticed that their dates have been rescheduled for September 2023 without my knowledge. I even contacted VFS Support, but they were not helpful, and they were pushing it on me mentioning I had made that change.
As I’m planning to get them to US as earlier as possible, I paid the fees again and this time I found a slot for Feb 6, 2023 . Just to reinsure the slot hasn’t been changed, I logged into the system after more than a month, but the system gave me a message that my password had expired, and it prompted me to change the password…which I did, and fortunately the date wasn’t changed. But after more than a week, when I logged in today (Jan 21, 2023), I noticed that the date has been again changed to Oct 16, 2023 without my knowledge, and the appointment history shows that I have exhausted all of my rescheduling options.
Has anyone faced similar issues with the appointments. Please let me know what do I do, as VFS Support isn’t helpful.
Thank You!
Looking to above scenario you mentioned i only can think of below might happen in your case.
Have you ever shared your CGI federal credentials to any one for booking slot? seems like some one misusing your credentials , my recommendation would be you should immediately create new user account on CGI portal.
My husband and I have a US visa renewal (interview waived) dropbox appointment at Delhi VAC. Can my husband drop off the documents for both of us and I do not go for the drop off?
Hi can you share your drop box experience? I also have appointment next week for B1 as a representative of my grandmother. What is required as representative and all? Thanks
Hi Alka,
have you get your visa extension done?
My husband and I also have a US visa renewal (interview waived) dropbox appointment at Delhi VAC. Can my husband drop off the documents for both of us because currently I am in USA and he is Delhi.Could you please clarify do I need to go there?
I am not eligible for the H1-B dropbox based on the questionnaire. However, as soon as the system prompts me to book the OFC appointment, it shows that the documents will be delivered back to my pre-selected VAC location. It never prompts me to book the actual visa interview slot. I am confused why no interview slot option is prompted since I am not eligible for Dropbox.
Can someone please provide any possible insight into this scenario?
Sharing my son’s experience for Dropbox appointment for visa stamping for the first time.
My son got Dropbox appointment dated 20th December 2022 @ 2.45 pm for Delhi consulate with interview waiver.
Since now applicants can submit documents in any nearby consulate or VFS he opted for Pune VFS Global center location being very near to us.
As we enquired on previous day at center they told no need to come on scheduled time. He can come between 10 am till 4 pm anytime and submit. So he went early by 10 am on 20th. There were other applicants too applying for other countries since it’s VFS Global. He has to wait for 15 mins and then after checking his appointment letter security let him in. Inside he took token. When his turn came he went to collection counter and submitted his documents as follows
1. I- 797 Current only
2. Photo 2 copy
3. Appointment letter
4. DS 160 confirmation page
5. New passport and his old passport having his first F1visa
6. Employment verification letter
7. Cash 650/- as its VFS Global ( only exact cash no online payment )
It took almost 10-15 mins for him to submit. They gave receipt for submitting documents which they ask when collecting back passport.
In 2 days he status changed to application received @ Delhi consulate and case created.
He submitted his documents on 20th December and received his passport on 30th December .
Experience was smooth and good. Staff very cooperative and supportive at Pune VFS US DROPBOX CENTER.
How did you check status of dropbox facility? Where did you check Delhi VAC status?
Hi,
I’ve a dropbox appointment in Chennai. However, I’m planning to drop the documents at Bangalore VAC. Had a few questions :
1) Am assuming I go to Bangalore VAC on same scheduled time and not earlier (accounting for documents to be couriered to Chennai ) ?
2) Where will my photo and fingerprints be taken, if required ? will it be bangalore ? I wasn’t able to upload photo to ds160.
thanks
vin,
1. Yes. you can same scheduled time.
2. it will not be taken for dropbox. If you are going to be called for interview for whatever reason, then it will be chennai.
Is it ok to book a drop box appointment slot before the extension is applied?
My current visa is expiring in Aug 2023 and the extension will be applied in Jan/Feb 2023. I am hoping to get the extension before my trip in July. Can I book a drop box slot for July before my extension is applied and approved?
Hi,
I have scheduled an for Dropbox appointment for Visa Stamping for myself (H1-B) and my wife (H4). This is a single appointment for 2 applicants (me and my wife) at the same schedule.
1. The VAC appointment is booked under Visa Class ‘H4’, whereas the my visa category is H1-B. Can I still drop my documents for H1B stamping under this appointment schedule?
2.The my has has received a new approved I-797A document for H4 extension of status after DS-160 was filled. Does this need to be updated anywhere in Dropbox appointment details ?
3. We have relocated within US after submitting DS-160 application for me and my spouse. Do we need to update our new Home Address anywhere in relation to Dropbox Appointment schedule ?
Kindly help clarify these questions.
Thanks,
Siva
Hello siva
What is your status?
I mean H1 and H4 get same Dropbox appointment to drop documents
I have a drop box appointment for myself and my daughter(H1+H4) next week. My daughter didnt travel to india because of some reason. Can i still go ahead with my appointment as scheduled? Will the docs be accepted if one person in group is missing.
Hey! Kumar,my B1B2 visa is expiring on 10 th March 2024, considering current rush for dtop box,how early should I need to initiate the process. Please answer. My USA correspondence consulate is Mumbai. My birthday place was Hyderabad A.P. now it’s in Telangana. What should I mention in Ds160
Varsha,
Usually, I see people doing it about 1 year before the expiry as a safety thing. You can consider planning next year. There is no rule in place that tells you cannot renew beforehand. There is nothing like US corresponce consulate, you can apply anywhere. Usually, you should apply at a location that manages your state info, which would be HYDERBAD in your case.
Hi
I have the same question but my B1/B2 expiry is Dec 9 2023. I am wondering if I should re apply now or wait for some more time. Good thing is in New Delhi it is showing 1 calendar day waiting. Please advise.
Regards
Hi,
I want to know, in case anybody cancels his/her appointment, then in how much time frame this can be seen by others to grab?
Sudhir,
This thing, no one knows.
Hey, my B1/ B2 visa expires on 10th March 2024,How early should I start my Dropbox., Visa renewal process to get it stamped. What’s the waiting time for getting the Dropbox date. As well my birth place is Hyderabad previously it was only A.P. but now it comes under Telangana,so what should I mention against Hyderabad. Please send me the reply
Hi,
If your visa expires in 2024, and you submit application in 2023
Do you qualify for Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Appointment in 2023?
The rule states 48 months within expiration (implies after expiry date, am I correct?)
Hi,I am currently on h4 visa and about to change visa to F1.Will I be applicable for drop box,?and what all documents would be required?
Ketki,
You would very likely be eligible, if you meet all other criteria. Documents are pretty standard that are relevant for F1.
Hi Kumar,
I am also on h4 visa and have scheduled a dropbox appointment for an F1 visa. Could you help me understand the validity of my H-4 visa if my F1 visa gets rejected? Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hello,
I paid VISA fee for drop box and the receipt is valid for 12 months. Does this imply I have to schedule drobox appointment before VISA fee expires?
ABhikalp,
Yes. The appointment does not have to be within a year, but you need to book at least a date within 12 months.
Hi,
By mistake i update my spouse passport in my visa application profile i already requsted US visa service desk to correct it but now more then 20 days no response any idea how to much time its take or any other way to book appointment .
anita,
It should be done within a day or two. Some mistake on their side, try to email or call them.
I have previously B1/B2 visa stamped on my passport. Now I have applied for F1 visa. I answered the question that I have previous visa . I am eligible for drop box. Is it OK to have drop box for F1 visa based on previous B1/ B2 visa. please answer
sangita,
Yes, you can, if the system prompts for the same.
Hi Sangita, i am in the same situatiohn and had my dropbox yesterday. Can you let me know how long it took for you and if visa approved?
Thanks.
Hi kumar,
I initially had h4 visa stamping. I had a COS to H1b in US. But when infilled the questionnaire it showed dropbox eligible and i had it yesterday. Will i b called for PA ?
Karthi,
It is hard to say, most of the times, you may not be. But, in some cases, you maybe called after the dropbox depending on your case.
Hi Kumar,
Regarding below question :
Can someone else submit my visa application documents at the dropbox location?
Yes, you can ask someone else like your friend, spouse, or travel agent to submit your visa application documents on your behalf. You need to ensure, that all the documents as per the checklist are in there. Also, submitting parties may need to provide their identity documents as well.
Can the applicant send the documents thro a friend to drop at the location without physically present in india ? in case if in-person interview is needed after dropoff how this will be handled? please advice
SK,
No, you need to be in India, if you are an applicant. The applicant does not have to go to dropbox submission, you can send your friend.
Hi
I am eligible for us visa interview waiver and I booked Dropbox location OFC appointment in Hyderabad on 1 June 2023. Now i see Dropbox location OFC appointment is available for earlier date i.e on 21 November 2022 in Mumba. Can i reschedule drop box appointment to Mumbai?
BN Gajibihiye,
Yes, you can.
Can I you use electronic receipt (email) which has all the information present on I797A.
The Receipt Number, start data, end date and new I94 number are present.
The actual I797 is still being shipped. And wont arrive before my dropbox appt.
Tehas, how did your appointment go without the I797? I too am in the same situation as yours.
I have taken an appointment for OFC document submission under interview waiver eligibility for B1/B2 renewal at Chennai VAC. May I know if I can personally pickup my stamped (with visa) passport the same day evening or next day if the visa is approved?
You will not be able to receive your visa on the same day. It takes between 7 to 10 business days or even longer.
Hi There,
We have to attend in person interview(H1 and H4). Got VAC appointment at Chennai but the consular appointment at Hyderabad with 10 days gap between.
1. Can I visit Hyderabad location for VAC instead of Chennai? I know it works if it’s Dropbox.
2. Is it possible to reschedule only the VAC appointment to get one closer to my interview appointment.
Please share your experiences.
I think you can reschedule your appointment up to four times….
My initial visa was L1B visa, this is my 5th year in USA, last year my visa changed from L1B to L1A, L1B stamping that was initially given was over now (Dec 2020) will I be eligible for drop box or should I have to go for interview & stamping.
Naresh,
Depends on the company status with blanket or not. The L1 blanket is not eligible for dropbox. Otherwise, you maybe eligible. Try to fill in the questionnaire, it will suggest.
Has anyone gone through the process of dropbox submission through someone else? I can not be physically present for submission, but I can give all the documents to a fruend/agent. What documents I need to submit? Any additional documents such as authorization letter etc?
A,
Yes, you can. It is fully documented on their website. Check USTravelDocs website.
Hey Kumar,
I’m looking for a dropbox appointment and cannot find anything for my preferred travel dates (Dec/Jan). So I decided to do an in-person interview(I see availability in all the consulates except Chennai during Dec/Jan). However I see a message, stating in-person interview is for emergency appointments only. Does this mean I cannot opt for in-person interview anymore?
Kay,
You should not use the system for in-person, if it is not for emergency. Yes, you should try to go back to dropbox, if it is really not an emergency.
Me on H1B and and my wife on H4 decided the separate the profile and try to get appointment dates separately, we both got Drop box appointment on same date and time through separate logins, is it mandatory that H4 applicants to principal applicant visa stamped along with other documents?
Hemanth,
Well, you need to submit the I797 that is valid for the spouse. If you can, it is suggested to have the spouse visa stamped and then submit the H4 to avoid any unforeseen documents requests or issues.
Hi Kumar
For first timer H1B visa stamping in india with Dropbox facility and interview waiver? How much time it takes to get passport back actually?
Gauri,
It depends. If all goes well, you should get it in 7 to 10 days. They did warn in August that there were delays. You can check Visagrader Dropbox Tracker for user data and estimates.
Hi Kumar, my son got Dropbox interview waiver appointment for H1B visa stamping for first time at Delhi. But since we stay in Mumbai is it ok if my son drop the documents @ Mumbai VAC center?pls guide as I read in your site. This is just for confirmation 🙏
What was your earlier visa based on which you got a H1B dropbox facility. please share
I am eligible for us visa interview waiver and I booked Dropbox location in mumbai on 4th November, can i submit it in Kolkata Dropbox location,if yes then which date and time I should go to dropoff location.
Vicky,
Yes. Same time and Same date.
Hi,
This is an urgent question. I have my H1B Visa drop box stamping appointment next week. My company has received I-797C approval notice(Not I-797A). However I do have a copy of the i-797a from my attorney’s office. Is that sufficient to show in the appointment?
Sohini,
Usually, that should be fine as long as you have a copy of the approval notice I797A. I suggest you check with your attorney as well to be clear.
Hi,
My parents have qualified for a drop box visa renewal. And when I have tried to book on the CGI site, at times I have been able to find available drop box slots (OFC) but then as part of the process post selection it forces me to also book a consular appointment. Two questions here:
1) What I am experiencing above, is that the normal process?
2) What if I book the OFC drop box for 2023 and consular visa appoint for 2025 at a diff location, to complete the second step where I usually fail. If my parents documents are appropriate when they go in for dropbox, that consular visa appointment means nothing to us since the visa would have been received by then. Is my understanding correct?
Akshat,
Well, did you get the dropbox confirmation screen in the past? If so, you should not be getting the second one.
If the system says you need both and gives both appointments, you need to attend in-person appointment. You cannot ignore it.
If it is a bug, then you need to work with UStravelDocs. They changed the system this week for a few things, so could be hiccups too.
Restart the wizard and answer questions, if that helps. Do update how it goes here.
Same issue here . Even It says im eligible for Dropbox, but also asks me to book Consular appointment. Please suggest how you got this fixed.
hello,
Do we need to submit financial documents such as W2, bank statement from sponsorer ( son) for visitor visa renewal document drop off.? can somebody please answer this questions.
Thank you, Ravi
ravi,
Usually, not needed. You only need basic documents that are listed on the appointment letter.
Hi,
my B1/B2 visa expires in April 2023, but i have got my drop box appointment for July 2023. is that ok? or do i need to get an appointment for before April 2023?
Amit,
You need to be eligible for it on the day you go for stamping or submission of documents.
Hi, my parents have a drop box appointment next week for B1/B2 visa renewal. Can someone confirm the documents to be submitted – is there anything besides all passports, DS160 confirmation, appointment confirmation page and 1 photo ?
Harry,
Those are the main ones. You can check B1/ B2 Visa Stamping Experiences to see more from real experiences.
Parent’s B1/B2 VISA renewal Drop Box appointment list of docs
1) Appointment Confirmation page
2) DS-160
3) Previous passports
4) Photo
5) Prior visa
I would like to know if the above docs are good enough or do i need to submit w-2 ,paystub ,green card , bank statement documents as well ( i am the representative ( son ) )?
vineel,
Those are additional supporting documents about your status and financial ability. If you are paying, you should send the bank statements and pay stubs. If you have GC, send that too to prove your status. You can check B2 Visa Stamping Experiences for some experiences
I’m applying for renewal of B1/B2 visa and have a Dropbox appointment. I got married last year, do I need to submit my original marriage certificate even though it is not in the required documents list?
Sriya,
They may not ask for it. It is not a required document.
Hi, my b1/b2 visa had expired in nov 2018, making my 48 month window as nov 2022. I applied for Dropbox considering my older visa. However, after paying the fees, i am getting slots for dropping my documents are after the expiry date. In that case, can I go back and change it to in person interview? As the slot availability was not known before paying the fees, I wasn’t able to figure out that the date i would get would be after the expiry of the 48 month window. Please advise
+1
Not able to check status of my dropbox status , can some one help .I dropped my documents for my family (h1b+ 2H4) on September 29 in Chennai VAC but my actual location was Hyderabad , so far i am not able to check the status https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx in this site if i choose location as Chennai i am seeing no status .If i choose location as Hyderabad it says no record found . can someone help me how to get the status of my. dropbox
Arun,
it can take a couple of days sometimes. Give it a try after few days. Check How to Check CEAC Status Online and Errors info
Hi I submitted my application at Bengaluru dropbox vfs. I choose Chennai as the centre. I submitted on 13th sep till now my application status shows accepted and last update on 19th Sep. Its renewal of B1B2
I have to travel to Thailand on nov 2 for which i need to apply for visa atleast 10 days before to be on safer side.
Its more than 10 days after submission how long should I wait to receive the passport back.
Hello, I got my biometric appointment in Mumbai, India for November’22. However, my Consular appointment is in Hyderabad. Can I still go to Hyderabad for my Biometric? Is there any new rule on this?
Alekhya,
Well, this one is not interchangeable, You should only go to Mumbai.
I accidentally selected a wrong option while answering the questions that would have lead me to VISA WAIVER (DROPBOX). Instead, now I got VISA interview at counsulate.
Is it possible to change it to Dropbox without cancelling my date? As already it was very tough to get the dates and I dont want to lose this opportunity.
Please advise.
Vishal,
You need to cancel and create a new appointment. Knowingly you should not falsify information.
Thaks Kumar, makes sense.
Hi,
Currently I’m in India and got my H1B recently approved. I’m eligible for dropbox.
Can I visit another country like Indonesia/Malaysia US Embassy to get my Visa stamped
Thank you
Sam,
You may visit, if you get slot. Check with consulate as well in that country to be sure.