US Consulates and the US Embassy in India issue one of the highest numbers of US Visa stamping appointments globally due to the sheer number of applicants from India. In 2023, they processed 1.4 million US visa applications. Despite best efforts by the US Department of State to bring down wait times since the COVID-19 pandemic, still the wait times are high for a few visa types in India.
The US Department of State and the US Embassy in India continue to give news alerts and updates on their website, USVisaScheduling website, Twitter, Emails, etc., on the wait times, changes to their operations, and other news updates. It can be challenging for many of you to track all of them.
This page tracks all the news updates regarding US Visa appointments in India, wait times, operations news, etc., from official and unofficial sources, including users’ feedback and experiences. We continue to update this page so that you may bookmark it.
The article is divided into three sections: a summary of the latest news, current US Visa appointment wait times in India, and a timeline of updates with more details on news updates.
Latest News Updates from US Consulates, Embassy in India
Last updated date: January 3rd, 2025. All the below are valid as of last updated date.
- Record number of non-immigrant visas issued in India: US Consulates and Embassy issued more than 1 million non-immigrant visas in year 2024. This is the second time in a row. About 2 million Indians traveled to the US on visitor visas in the first 11 months of 2024. Read more at the US Embassy India website.
- Only One Appointment Rescheduling Allowed in India: Starting from January 1st, 2025 you can only reschedule your appointment once.
- When you pay the Visa Appointment Booking fee(Machine Redable Visa(MRV) Fee), you get a chance to book appointment at any location of your choice
- After the initial booking, you can only reschedule once.
- If you want to reschedule second time, you have to pay the Visa appointment booking fee again.
- Centralized processing of US Visa Cases in India: In order to increase efficiency in US Visa applications processing, the US Embassy has centralized the processing of US Visa cases as below at the respective US Consulates/Embassy in that city:
- First time visa Interview appointments for H1B, H4, L1, L2 centralized at Hyderabad
- First time Blanked L Visas are processed centrally in Chennai
- B1/B2 Dropbox (interview waiver) appointments centralized in New Delhi
- H1B, H4, L1, L2 Dropbox (interview waiver) appointments centralized in Chennai
- No impact on processing: This centralized processing does not impact how the visa cases are processed. Only for some Dropbox cases, if they request an in-person interview, you may need to go to the location where it is processed.
- No impact on submission at any location: Also, this centralized processing does not impact the Dropbox submission location. Dropbox stamping applicants can submit their documents free of cost at any of the five US Visa application centers in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, or New Delhi. Also, for a fee of 850 INR, they can submit documents at any of the six locations at Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Chandigarh, Pune, or Jalandhar.
- Access Limitation Warning due to plug-ins or extensions: If you are using any extensions or plugins that automatically capture US Visa slots info or use Robotic Automation, you may get the “Access Limitation” error. If you encounter such an error, you must remove the extension or plugin and then try it after waiting for 24 hours. Installing these extensions is classified as Prohibited conduct as per their terms and conditions.
- When can you request an Emergency Student Visa Appointment? The US Embassy gives guidance stating that if you cannot get a regular appointment and your program start date is within 60 days, then you must consider reaching out to the school to defer admission. If that is not possible, then they suggest requesting an emergency appointment by submitting I-20 and DS-2019 as proof. They say, the appointments are very limited and would be given only in exceptional circumstances.
Did you know you can track passport status online? Check US Visa Stamping – Passport Tracking Statuses meaning
- US Visa Dropbox Criteria 48 months from Expiry Status Continues to be Valid: The US Department of State changed the Dropbox eligibility criteria to 48 months from expiry instead of 12 months to reduce processing times. After it was introduced, they continued to extend the same for 2021, 2022, and 2023 and finally extended this indefinitely until further notice in December 2023. Technically, this interview waiver rule of 48 months is valid for 2025 and beyond, as they have not given any update otherwise. You can read more at US Visa Interview Waiver 48 months Rule News
- Community Trackers, Useful Info: You can use the below trackers for user updates
- You can check the US Visa Dropbox Tracker to know the current processing times as shared by users.
- If you are looking for Emergency appointment timelines, you can check the US Visa Emergency Appointments Tracker.
- You may join the Telegram Group for US Visa Appointments India – Discussions.
- If you have not made emergency appointment requests in the past, read The step-by-step guide to Applying for a US Visa Emergency Appointment in India.
- Latest US Visa Stamping Experiences by Users
If you are planning for H1B Dropbox stamping, check H1B Visa Dropbox Process – Step by Step Guide with Screenshots.
Current US Visa Appointment Wait times in India
The table below shows the current wait times for US Visa appointments for various visa types in India across all the US Consulates and the US Embassy based on the official Travel.State.Gov website.
The data in the table below is up to date as of January 3rd, 2025. You can check the below data with past history on VisaGrader.com US Visa Appointment Wait Times
| US Visa Type | US Embassy Delhi Wait Time | US Consulate Chennai Wait Time | US Consulate Hyderabad Wait Time | US Consulate Mumbai Wait Time | US Consulate Kolkata Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F, M, J Visas: Interview Required | 92 Days | 93 Days | 112 Days | 277 Days | 139 Days |
| H, L, O, P, Q Visas: Interview Required | N/A | 50 Days | 42 Days | N/A | N/A |
| C, D, C1/D Visas: Interview Required | 56 Days | 14 Days | 1 Days | 22 Days | N/A |
| B1/B2 Visas: Interview Required | 442 Days | 425 Days | 428 Days | 443 Days | 421 Days |
| F, M, J Visas: Dropbox | N/A | 1 Days | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| H, L, O, P, Q Visas: Dropbox | N/A | 38 Days | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| C, D, C1/D Visas: Dropbox | 23 Days | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| B1/B2 Visas: Dropbox | 7 Days | N/A | N/A | N/A | 27 Days |
Timeline, Official Links to Updates from US Consulates in India as of January 3rd, 2025
Below is the timeline of updates from the US Consulates and Embassy that are tracked regularly. You can check the official updates reference links in the below timelines. They are usually tweets or website updates from the US Consulate/ US Embassy.
December 27th, 2024: US Embassy updated in a news article the records they achieved in 2024 for the non-immigrant visas processing. Below is the screenshot of the news highlights from their update. You can read full details at : https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-mission-to-india-continues-to-break-records-in-2024
December 18th, 2024: The US Embassy announced a big change to the number of times you can reschedule an appointment. Below are the details
- Starting from January 1st, 2025, you can only reschedule your US Visa appointment only once. You will be allowed to schedule an appointment at location of your choice once, but after that you can only reschedule once.
- If you want to reschedule your appointment second time or in case you miss the appointment, you will need to book a new appointment by paying the application fee.
- They have done this to reduce the US Visa processing wait times.
Below is the screenshot the update on USTravelDocs India landing page for non-immigrants.
Below is the official update on the US Embassy Facebook Page
Hello Team,
Thank you for our information.
I am eligible for Drop box facility but my family members did not have any H4 Visa earlier. So Can i apply for dropbox facilty for my family memebers also for dependant visa as I am eligible for Drop box facility.
First available Appointment is showing in the November 5 for Hyderabad.
But right side window of same screen it is showing that “There are currently no appointments available.” I paid MRV fees and captured the receipts also.
So anybody able to book the slots for the location Hyderabad VAC now?
Why it is showing First available Appointment is showing in the November 5 today?
Please clarify.
I am facing same problem, booking appointment in Mumbai.
I am facing the same issue for dropbox in Chennai VAC. It shows first available appointment is November 3rd. Still I am unable to book any appointments. It shows “There are currently no appointments available.” Did you have any luck in booking appointment?
Hi,
Is hyderabad consulate open for H1B visa appointments or Dropbox after May 15th?
(As there is lock down till 21)
Thanks!
They have cancelled my drop box appointment scheduled for June 23rd.
Hi,
Is hyderabad consulate open for H1B visa appointments or Dropbox after May 15th?
(As there is lock down till 21)
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing useful information
maximum of how many months would take for US embassy to open visa stampling process in India for H1B in 2021.
Can I expect by July or August
Hi All,
Do we need to quarantine before appearing for the Dropbox appointment after you reach India. I’m planning to travel to India ( New Delhi ) and was planning to schedule the appointment the very next day. Is that allowed ?
If quarantine is mandatory, do we need to submit proof of quarantine, travel dates, test results, etc.,
Just to add, I’ll be travelling from USA.
Thanks
Hi Were you able to figure this out?
THanks
Hi,
I’m trying to book visa appointment at a US consulate in India where I see an appointment available but when I went inside, it shows “no OFC appointment avaialable”.. This is hte case for past 1 month now. Any idea how to fix it ?
I tried chrome, mozilla, safari, incognitive windows but no luck. I contact customer support and they weren’t of much help as well.
even i am facing same issue. Kindly some one help me how to proceed with stamping.
That’s because no slots in Chennai open at that time, pls keep checking, slots keeps open intermittently
Hello,
With the opening up of slots for regular H1B visas, if issued a 221g, will they process it?
Thanks
When is consulate and Embassy resume normal operation in India.
Hi Kumar,
Since New Delhi is processing all categories are we allowed to book an appointment from south zone ? coz the next available appointment in Chennai consulate is in Nov.
Yes, we are not open until Nov 2021
My Son is 15 years old and his H4 Visa is going to expire in July 2021 . We plan to go India and avail DropBox. Will my son is eligible for Dropbox?
Yes, eligible.
I booked a dropbox appointment based on 48 Months rule. But in the appointment confirmation it shows as last 24 months.. Will this cause any issue while submitting the documents? I wont be eligible if it is24 months
H and L applicants ( -H1, -H4, -L1 Individual, -L2 Individual, -L2 Blanket)
Yes No
Prior visa in the same class which is still valid or expired within last 24
months. (applicable for H1,H4,L1Individual,L2)
hi Kumar,
Can you please respond my question below.
My Son is under age 15 and his H4 visa is going to expire in July 2021. it is eligible for drop box?
Has anyone been able to schedule an appointment?
Am trying for a slot for by H1 stamping (from F1 Change of status) but keep getting errors and then account is frozen for 72 hours.
I’m currently in the US and want to get an appointment by June 10th.
Any guidance please?
Hi There,
I have received my H1B approval copy and it shows the CONSULATE: MUMBAI. I just wanted to check that, Can I go for Visa stamping in another embassy in India? Or Should I go for Visa stamping in the MUMBAI embassy only?
I do not have any travel history for the US and My employer has not provided me any COC letter. Kindly do the needful.
Thank You!
Sincerely,
Parin
Hi,
I have scheduled my VISA interview as I was not eligible for drop box before due to 24month eligibility. Now, with the latest update on drop box to 48 months I am eligible for drobox.
Can you let me know how to proceed with my appointment? do I need to cancel and book new appointment for drobox?
Hello ,
I have a query. My H1B petition is approved and I need to go for H1B stamping. But I came to know that there is no open position at my client now. So being remain with same employer can I go for amendment to work for new client . Basically , I want to know if it is possible to go for H1B amendment before Visa stamping. Point to note here my employer will remain same , only client will change.
Yes you can do amendment before stamping.
Hi,
Does anyone know if the US Embassy in New Delhi has resumed processing of 221 g cases since February 1st? They said they are processing work visas, but does that include cases stuck in 221 g? Thanks.
My parents B1/B2 VISA appointments were cancelled last year March. When i login to the CGI portal, it gives me the option to schedule the appointment but no available slots.
My question is, When the regular VISA processing starts, can I use the same DS160 and book the appointment? The point to note is that the DS160 tentative travel date was given as last Summer. Please suggest.
Hi Kumar,
I was laid off on April 27th 2020 (was working on H1B status with I-797A, no stamp on passport). I was in the US on June24th, 2020 and had applied for B2 COS with an effective date of June 25th, 2020. I later left the US on June 29th, 2020. Does this make me eligible for the condition of physical presence in the US for visa interview?
Note: I have an approved petition from a another employer?
Thank you for running this forum and all your help!
Dear All,
For those who are planning for Dropbox(24 months eligibility) before March 2021. The normal Dropbox appointment slots are made available from 1st Feb and throughout the March normal Dropbox slots are available on each working day.
Appointments are filling fast so do take your decision quickly.
Happy Dropbox!
Hi,
Thanks for the article. If I already have a valid H1 stamp, and I travel to India and get married, will the US Consulate (Delhi) consider my future spouse’s H4 application under the ‘exemption?’ Or are there still any restrictions?
SK,
Yes, she would be exempt.
Hi, Can I apply now for B2 Visa in Chennai Consulate? Can anyone please comment? The “USTravelDocs” website says the Consular appointments for Chennai location is currently closed. We badly want to bring our MIL here since we have a newborn. Any advise/suggestions would really be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi RedBus members. Limited processing for b1/b2 was supposed to be start from Feb 1 in Delhi. Anyone able to secure B1/B2 visa appointment? Because I still see the same message as No appointments are available.
Thanks.
Hi I want to know my visa application which applied October 2019, I want to know about it processing
Hi RedBus Members,
I need guidance on my next visa appointment which is on February 8th 2021. I got my initial H1B in 2018 and valid until December 2019. I went for visa stamping in Chennai and received the Visa on Feb 27th. Fast forward, I got my H1B visa renewed in 2020 and valid until 2022 December while in US itself. After Covid started, I had to move to Canada for PR landing and got struck there. My sponsor company has setup a branch in Canada and has transferred me to there from US employment. My employer says that I have been transferred to Canada office and if I need to get the stamping done again I need to get the new offer letter and go for visa stamping again which they are willing to provide.
Now based on current scenario, I moved out of USA in May 2020 much before the H1B ban was implemented and also I did not have a valid visa by then as it expired. I have scheduled an appointment for dropbox based on 24 month rule. However, i am not sure whether the travel ban applies to me as well for dropbox option as many consulates are opening slots for appointments. My appointment is in New Delhi Consulate. Please let me know whether should I go with this appointment or shouldn’t I go. If I should not go, what are the reasons and implications if I go for stamping. Really need advise/personal experience on this.
Appreciate everyone’s help in this community.
Hi,
Can someone help me out ?
I do not qualify for the exempt list under the presidential order for the H1B travel ban currently in effect.
I have already gone ahead with my OFC appointment for fingerprinting and have my interview scheduled for 01/28.
Do I have an option of postponing of holding off on my interview appointment for a later date? Or am I not left with any opinion but to go for the interview and get a 221(f). After which I will have to apply again at a time when the travel ban is lifted ?
Still hoping Biden signs an executive order in the next 3 days to overturn the H1B travel ban *fingers crossed*
H1B applicant,
If you know for sure, you are not exempt, then you should avoid the stamping. You can talk to your attorney and then take the call. But, consular office has discretion to reject your visa stamping on 212(f) reasons…Better safe than sorry. Your discretion, do update how it goes.
Hi Kumar,
Thank you for your response.
It seems like I had an option to reschedule my interview through the visa appointment scheduling website. As of now I have rescheduled my appointment to an available date in Feb 2021.
This doesn’t completely solve the issue as the travel ban is still in effect (At the time of this response).
I guess I am hoping that the travel ban might be lifted until end of Feb which is when my interview is scheduled.
If it doesn’t, then my plan is I can reschedule it once more to a date further in the future based on availability.
Hi,
You won’t believe me but i’m exactly on same boat. I just want to know that when we reschedule appointment after OFC is done, do we have to schedule OFC and Interview again or only interview?
Also may i know how many hours before we should be doing this activity so that we dont run out of chance.
Thanks,
Santosh
H1B applicant,
Yes, the travel ban is the issue for many…let’s see what comes out from Biden Administration.
Hi
What is the exempt list under the presidential order for the H1B travel ban currently in effect?
I have H1B visa approved . Can I go to India to get m VISA stamped for the first time
redBusUser,
Read H1B Exemptions list Travel Ban
Hello Kumar,
I hope you are well. I had a question and hope you can help. My H1b visa was approved in lottery last year, and I did get an appointment for Jan 28 in Mumbai for regular visa. My employer is not part of the companies that is exempt from the ban. Do you think they will grant the visa in Jan or should I cancel my appointment?
My h1b also was picked in the lottery last year and was approved. I got visa stamping appointment on 9th Jan in Mumbai. My employer also does not fall under the exemption. I received a 221(f) and was told that I’m eligible for h1b but had to come back after the visa travel ban was lifted. I suggest you to wait for the new president to come and see what he does. There is news that he will be acting on immigration in the first 10 days itself. Hopefully, we can expect that the ban is lifted.
Hi Kumar,
First of all a huge thank you for maintaining this page with the latest and up to date information. It is helping a lot of folks. Much appreciated!
My dependents (both on H4 visa) travelled to India 4months back. Their visas expired in September 2020 and now we are waiting to book their dropbox appointments in Hyderabad consulate. I have been trying for the past 15 days to book slots for their dropbox appointments but every time I login to the website, in the left hand side under the side bar I see different dates (Sometimes Nov 1st 2021 and sometimes Jan 28th 2021). But on the right hand side it says “There are currently no appointments available”. I have tried logging in at various times of the day to see if there is any availability but no luck. From your updates, I read that dropbox appointments are available (in a limited quantity, though). In this regard, do you have any idea / guestimate at what time of the day, do they open up the slots for booking dropbox appointments?
Sandeep,
There are some telegram groups like https://t.me/us_visa_stamping_india where users keep checking and sharing updates. There is no shortcut, you need to keep checking and book when available. The dates you see like Nov are just for planning purpose to book as EA.
I see the following update in US Consulate Mumbai twitter account.
US Consulate Mumbai
@USAndMumbai
The U.S. Embassy New Delhi and Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai are now accommodating a very limited number of employment-based visa appointments. Appointments can be made through our website http://ustraveldocs.com/in.
Looks like they opened limited appointments and they are valid (may not be cancelled unlike others)
Yes, I noticed this tweet as well. I was able to reserve an appointment OFC Jan 31 and interview Feb3 but I am not not sure if it is for regular stamping or emergency.
I saw comments from few which stated that after reserving appointments for dates in Jan they had to a page to provide emergency letter but I didnt get any such option.
Teja,
There are few, who were able to get regular stamping as well. It was shared in our telegram group. Check US Visa Stamping Telegram Group
Hello Kumar,
I had booked appointment in March which was cancelled few days. Now again after recent update on twitter on new slots, i was able to book appointment for Feb 2nd.
Now i am afraid if visa office may refuse visa stating President proclamation as i may not eligible for exemption. Need your valuable recommendation please.
Hoping for your reply
Deepak,
You need to be exempt as of now. This may change, once Biden takes office. We need to wait and see.
Hi Kumar,
I have a general question on visa interview. At the time of interview, if my VISA end date on my i797 expires in another 6 months, will that be a problem/reason for rejection ? Will the short duration of 6 months effect my chances ?
raju,
No, nothing like that. They will give you visa only for the validity on your I-797
Thanks for your reply!
Hi Kumar, I hope you can help.
I’m currently working full time in the US on F1 OPT. This expires in July. 2021.
My H1B was approved in September 2020.
The attorneys have told me to travel to India and get a stamping of change is status before July 2021.
If the consulates don’t open up for interviews what is the way forward?
The company attorneys are not very helpful or prompt in answering questions.
I was hoping I’ll find some answers and options here.
Thank you.
G,
You may consider going to Canda or other places, where they allow COS stamping. You still have time, do not panic. Hopefully things change with vaccine and new administration.
Hi, i could find a slot and get a visa interview appointment for H1B scheduled in January 22nd in Mumbai. But i am not sure if it would be cancelled or a genuine regular appointment.
i am not sure how to validate it. Is anyone else able to schedule any non emergency appointments for H1B in january ?
raj,
No one knows. So far, they have been cancelling regular appointments…so be prepared.
Did you schedule this recently?
As per latest news Trump has extended VISA ban until March 31st, do you guys have any information on this? When I called consulate contact number, agents don’t have any updates.
Indra,
Yes, it is extened until March 31st. There is no change in the criteria before or exceptions. You can check other articels that are linked in the above.
Hi Admin/Users,
I have booked my H1B visa interview for March 2021 along with my wife. Though I’m eligible for drop box , I opted for in-person interview as my wife is applying for the first time.
My Question is, If my interview gets cancelled will I be able to book a drop box interview my visa renewal only? But I have already paid the fee for my wife as well in the same application.
I have to get my visa stamped within 45 days of my travel pan to India (march 1 – april 10). As my employer is not allowing me to stay out of country status more than 45 days. Would like to know what are the possibilities to get my visa stamped within this time frame???
Appreciate your thoughts on this..
How were you able to schedule interview, even if you were dropbox eligible? By giving wrong answers to questions?
Yes, i answered to questions keeping in mind of the family member.
my wife is added to the same application and it is a first time stamping , so she has to be present in person.
Sree,
In general, they suggest not to mix. Please double check with USTravelDocs and Consualte.
Indra,
yes, this sounds fishy to me too. You cannot skip the interview waiver, if you answer it right…
I have my appointment booked for March as well. As per latest news the ban has been extended till March 31 st. So, most probably they will cancel those appointments, not sure when they will resume regular operations, my best guess is after March 31 st. I’m hoping to be able to reschedule maybe in June or July but looking at the way things are going that seems very distant.
Sree,
Frankly, dont know. You need to check with the USTraevelDocs as it is mixed up.
In general, once they cancel it, your MRV fee is released, so you can book it accordinlgy. When you try to book, re-start the visa type and wizard, it will prompt you for the entire thing and you will be getting dropbox confirmation. Share your inputs after you check and how it goes here for community benefit.
H1B visa details
I was able to secure appointment for H1B + H4 visa stamping at Mumbai Consulate for 6th January (OFC) and 20th January (Interview). I have been trying from last 1 month and this afternoon (12/31) all of sudden it accepted the date. Maybe they just opened up new dates today.
I tried and it is not happened. When I click on possible vacant spot and hit continue it says the appointments are booked.
Has any one experienced this?
I am also trying day and night but not able to secure any appointment.
Might be the person is lying unless provides any proof.
Fake is everywhere now days.
I know it can be frustrating seeing no available slots for weeks. I hope you get a slot too. Positivity bro…
Hi, what time did you checked and got the appointment. Just wanted to know when they’re opening the slots.
I checked around 4 PM IST on 12/31. Immediately after securing regular appointment, I requested for emergency one using reason “My employer is part of lawsuit filed against Trumps Immigration ban”, I got response within half hour saying emergency request has been approved. So, my new dates are 6th Jan OFC and 7th Jan Interview.
Keep trying, you will find one slot eventually.
Thanks for the updates Ganesh. What date you got for regular appointment?
Also which category you chose in the emergency request Medical Needs or Urgent Business Travel?
Appointment date 8th Jan.
Category – Urgent Business Travel
Hi Ganesh, whom did you email for emergency appointment ?
Also, is there a number/email to confirm on your appointment ?
There is no email or number. After you secure regular appointment, a new tab will show up on their portal which can be used to request expedited appointment. Once you click on it, will ask you reason for emergency and attach document to support it.
Forgot to mention, I had to attach a letter from employer that states they are part of Chamber of Commerce (CoC) who filed lawsuit.
Ganesh, appreciate the details you provided. Needs some more info. Did you got a letter from employer justifying urgent business travel or you just attached the letter from your employer stating they’re a member of CoC?
No letter from employer. Just CoC letter.
Thanks Ganesh… Is your interview done? You mentioned in the previous post that its scheduled for 7Jan.
Ganesh,
You got lukcy !
He is Fake! I am sure.
Thank You Ganesh for clarification!
Best of luck with your emergency visa appointment.
I still assume they are not opening any slot for a regular visa appointment yet until March 2021.
Yes. I have been following this thread from last one month. All we can do is keep trying. I got locked a couple of times for attempts exceeded. Got lucky in the end.
Cool.
Hi Kumar,
Do you see any issue with booking an appointment if a slot becomes available by chance now in January? Does it effect our VISA interview in any way(like a reject) if its not Emergency case . I do see everywhere that slots are not open yet but I did got to know a friend who could find a slot today morning in Mumbai for January.
hari,
No harm. If they do not cancel, you can go. Just be careful that there may be last minute surprises… So, be aware…
Hi Ganesh, I could get a regular H1B appointment as well for January in Mumbai. Its a non emergency regular appointment. Do you see any chance of these slots being cancelled as well or should it be fine since these are just opened ? Any thoughts.
1) Is there any particular time of the day when appointment slots open online ? I have been trying since last 10 days but every time I get messsage that no appointment is available.
2) Also how often do you check ? I have been receiving message that I am approaching maximum number of times to view appointment. Thanks
B,
1. It is sporadic, there is no captured pattern.
2. You can technically check upto 12 times at a consualte ( each dropdown you select for a consulate is counted as one view ) Again, this is based on info from users.
Hello Redbus,
Even i had a feb appointment from hyd office and i got the same email. Can you let me know why only hyd office is doing this ?
kiran,
Apparently, someone with Mumbai got similar emails. But, not many cases like that though.
thank you Kumar for your quick reply. Really appreciate your help and support. Can you please clarify one thing like can i apply for h4 visa from other countries ? if so which are those countries from where i can get my first time h4 stamping.
Also can you suggest any other way to go to US. I have been separated from my husband for more than a year now and we still dont have any clarity from consulate when will we get a visa
kiran,
There is no list as such that accepts H4 only. If any consulate says they allow third country nationals stamping, then you can try in that country. You need to write to consulate and get confirmation.
Well, sadly, many are stuck in your same situation. I wish we had an answer.
I understand that US embassies in India are closed till March. Please let me know if any of the US embassies in other counties are starting to process H1-B stamping starting from January 4, 2021. (since the Trump H1-B travel ban ends on December 31, 2020). Thanks.
Hello,
I have my H1B visa approval and need to get it stamped. I’ve been tracking for visa appointment dates to book one then request for an expedited process but there have been no dates so far. Is there ay other way I could apply for an expedited process for H1B stamping?
did ur company provide any additional documentation to support request for expedited visa appointment or can we just apply?
Are you already working in US or are in India waiting to getting new h1b stamped?
Monica,
There is no alternative, you need to wait for the dates to be opened. Only after that you can apply for expedite appointment.
looks like Singapore might be opening up. Is it possible to go get visa stamping there?
koli,
You would need to check in Consulate in that country. There are very strict rules about COVID, so double check.
Hello,
MyVisa got expired in Dec 2019. I’m planning for a dropbox appointment in the month of january. However, as per new USCIS rules, If benefit of 24 months extends further by the Consulate, I will be eligible for drop box, else you will fall under normal Consular interview process.
I’ll be able to go to dropbox only after Jan 01 2021. If this rule isn’t extended post Dec 2020, I’ll not be eligible for dropbox. So, Can I book an appointment for the month of Dec and then reschedule to Jan 2021.
ramya,
Well, we do not know how consulate will treat this after Dec 31st, Need to wait. You can write to the consulate.
Hi, I was trying to get a drop box appointment for my spouse and kid yesterday and when i did not see any slots available, I had a panic attack as we have plans to visit our native place for sister’s wedding next month. After some searching and seeing your comments i realize drop box availability is a common issue across. Does anybody knows when the drop box slots opens up in the day and what is the earliest availability.
Shanmuga,
This is the toughest part, no one knows when they open…
Keep searching for drop box appointment for Chennai consulate 3-4 a day, you will get one. Thats how i got mine. Thanks.
This is a late news and confusing everyone . As no one knows what will went with Dropbox after 31st Dec 2020. ?
Pankaj,
It is not clear at this point, we need to wait and see what consulate tells on the Dropbox after Dec 31st. Best thing to do is reach out to consulate now and ask for the same.
Do update here for community benefit after you get response.
When will reschedule our visa opppintment dates which are cancelled due to covid
Same here, I booked appointment in Mar, Hyd location. Waiting for updates on this situation. Will these slots get cancelled/refreshed?
hi Kanth, how did you get the appointment. When I try I see only ofc appointment and no interview appointments available.
Hi Padmanaban, I have booked somewhere in Nov mid, And few slots were available in Feb and Mar in 2021, not sure either these slot are considered under regular process or not. In embassy tweet posted above it say, these slots may be cancelled or refreshed. Waiting for inputs here.
Hi Padmanabhan,
I am facing the same issue. Has the situation changed for you and did you get the consular appointment? If yes, can you please advise on the steps you took?
Thanks.
When will reschedule our visa opppintment dates which are cancelled due to covid19?
When will reopen Indian embassy???
Jubita,
There is no estimated date from the Consulate on when they will open the regular operations.
Hello !
I got my H1b consular approval in 2020 July, I booked for the Feb Visa slot regularly with no emergency as I am currently living and working in the US. Does my visa slot gets canceled techinically as they stated on their website? Please confirm this.
If they cancel do I need to rebook?
Hello – Me and my spouse (both on H1B visa) are eligible for dropbox. We’re travelling to India on 9th Dec. We have been checking for dropbox appointment in Mumbai for past month but no luck yet. Anyone who has got the appointment has any clue at what time IST they usually release the slots?
Also, my spouse became eligible for dropbox due to waiver rule amendment to 24 month expiry. However, this exception expires on 31st Dec 2020. Does that mean in case we get date in January for dropbox, she may not be eligible if rule changes back to 12 month expiry window?
Thanks in anticipation for your help
Hi,
My sister has to come to India to attend my wedding in June 2021. However, we have no idea when will the regular visa appointments open in India. Is there any way she can schedule the appointment or any tentative time that regular visa appointments will open. We are stuck and it is urgent. Could you please advise.
Swati Sinha,
We do not know how thinks would look like in June of next year. Hopefully with new administration in place, it could be different, so stay tuned. No one knows when the regular operations would resume.
Hello,
Any idea on Dropbox. I was checking on 3rd Nov 2020 on UsTraveldocs and appointments were available from 15th March 2021.
And I am checking today and it says “There are currently no appointments available.”.
Moreover, I am checking Visa Appointment Wait Times on https://travel.state.gov/ and it says “Temporarily Closed” for New Delhi Consulate.
Any idea on when the Dropbox appointment should be available next year?
Pankaj,
This is a hit and a miss. They are opening slots on a regular basis, but not giving many…some are lucky to find the slots, others are not. All we can do is wait for the regular operations to commence or keep checking the website for open slots. The status on the travel.state.gov is not accurate.
Hi,
I would like to take dropbox appointment . I am a software engineer and waiting for stamping of my h1b visa . Could you help me on this . I am currently in US planning to come next month. I am about to marry a girl who is waiting since 8th months for me. Please tell me the chances of my visa get approved. Or any other way there? plzzzzzzzz
Mahesh,
Visa approvals are dependent on many factors, no one can say… There is no other way. As long as you have all documents and all are genuine, you have a fair chance.
Nice
Currently I am in India and me and My wife have valid visa stamped. Can some one suggest if I can do stamping for my 6 months old daughter(H4) or do I need to wait till dec 31.
Soumik,
If parents have valid H1B stamped, you can apply for H4. The problem is getting Emergency appointments slots. You can give it a shot.
Thanks for the response. I believe my Kid is elligible for dropbox. is dropbox facility is open for H4 stamping.
Note : this is not renewal. Fresh stamping will be done for H4
Hi kumar can you please shed some light on this.
I believe my Kid is elligible for dropbox. is dropbox facility is open for H4 stamping.
Note : this is not renewal. Fresh stamping will be done for H4 (Both parent visa is valid and stamped) and cureent location is INDIA
Soumik,
Yes, if they are under 14 years of age.
Hello !!
I was able to get a dropbox appointment for December 4th @ chennai – But wanted to know if the dropbox appointments are also being cancelled like the regular visa appointments ??
Anybody who has heard about this? please help.
Also if there’s anyone who got their visa’s issued recently via Dropbox – Kindly please share the experience.
Thanks for the help !
Thanks,
Prashanth
Prashanth,
Dropbox appointments should not be cancelled. They have not given any such guidance as such. They should not be cancelled, I have not heard on the blog or any social media groups too.
Thank you Kumar !! This is really helpful.
Sorry for too many questions but Kindly please help answering the below ones – My travel starts next week so this will really help me.
1. Do I need to apply for emergency petition too along with the Dropbox appointment? I’m with the same employer and client since my last stamping( In Feb 2020)
2. I had my previous stamping at Hyderabad? But due to lack of slots – this time it is at Chennai will that be fine or Do i need to explain?
Thanks Again !!
Prashanth,
1. No. If you have dropbox, you do not need the EA. You go to that only, if you do not qualify for the dropbox appointment.
2. No need to. If they ask, you can tell the same.
Kumar, Thank you So much for providing clarity on y Q’s !!!
Really appreciate your help !!
Prashanth,
Cheers !