If you are a spouse or child of an H1B Visa holder and already have an H4 Visa issued in the past by a US Consulate or US Embassy, you may be eligible to get H4 Stamping using the interview waiver option, popularly called the Dropbox stamping. Also, you may be eligible for the H4 Dropbox stamping if you meet the 48-month interview waiver rule put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be available indefinitely.
In this article, we will look at the document checklist for the H4 Visa stamping using the Dropbox option, what are mandatory documents, what are optional documents, how it works, and common FAQs based on users’ experiences. Thanks to many of our readers for taking the time to share their experiences with the community.
Background: In the past, interview waiver or Dropbox stamping applicants could directly walk into a visa application center and submit their documents. But this changed starting in September 2019. You can read full details at US Visa Dropbox Stamping now requires Scheduling an Appointment.
H4 Visa Dropbox Stamping – High-Level Process
The process to apply for an H4 Visa interview waiver or Dropbox stamping is pretty similar to the H1B Visa Dropbox Stamping. Below are the very high-level steps that you need to go through:
- Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form – Online Non-Immigrant Visa application form
- Step 2: Register for an account on the relevant appointment booking website for your country. In India, it is USVisaScheduling.com; for other countries, check USTravelDocs.com to learn more.
- Step 3: Answer questions on the US Visa appointment booking website to check Dropbox eligibility and pay the US Visa Application Fee of $205 USD online or at a bank.
- Step 4: Book an appointment to drop off documents at either the US Consulate or other designated locations.
- Step 5: Collect the passport with the H4 visa stamped in the passport or follow the instructions if you have received a 221(g) refusal letter.
H4 Visa Dropbox Documents Checklist
Below are the documents that you must submit for the H4 Visa Dropbox Stamping. We have categorized them as required documents and optional documents that you can carry and submit as needed.
Required Documents for H4 Dropbox
- DS-160 Confirmation Page copy
- Copy of Visa Appointment Confirmation Page from appointment booking website
- Your Original Valid Passport with a couple of blank pages
- (if applicable) Copy of most recently expired passport
- Expired H4 Visa Stamp Copy from your passport
- Copy of Spouse’s H1B Visa Stamp Copy from passport (valid or expired)
- Copy of current H1B Visa Approval Notice from USCIS (I-797A Notice)
- Copy of previous H1B Visa Approval Notice from USCIS (I-797A Notice)
- Marriage Certificate
- Employment Verification Letter from the H1B holder’s Company.
- Most recent passport photo as per US Visa Photo requirements
You must carry the original documents and copies. They will verify the documents and only take copies. They will not take any original documents.
Optional Documents for H4 Dropbox
Some of the below documents are applicable during first-time H4 Stamping and may or may not be asked or needed. But you can have them as a backup if they ask.
- Photos of Marriage
- End Client Letter from the H1B Holder’s Employer
- Copy of I-94 of the H1B Visa holder, if currently in the US.
- LCA of the H1B Visa holder
- The most recent 3 months’ Payslips of the H1B Visa holder
- IRS Tax Returns from the last one to two years of the H1B holder
You can read US Visa Stamping Experiences for the latest user experiences.
H4 Dropbox Document Checklist from the Appointment Confirmation Letter
In general, you must carry all the documents that they mentioned in your appointment confirmation letter. Below are the screenshots of the required documents from the H4 appointment confirmation letter from the past. It has a section for H and L Applicants, which you must use for guidance.
Below is the checklist based on the appointment letter printed on the USVisaScheduling.com Website.
Below is the checklist based on the appointment letter from the USTravelDocs.com Website.
Common FAQs
Well, this is a hit and a miss. Based on users’ feedback, they do not accept photos taken from some of the US retailers. They try to insist on getting a photo from the local photo shop near their location. They have it at the Dropbox location. There is no proper reason given for these cases.
Yes, you can send someone to submit the documents on your behalf. They will need to bring a photo ID of them. For passport collection, you must give them an original letter of authority with their full name as per the govt issued photo id and applicants name and passport number on it.
No, you cannot send your passport to your home country for Dropbox Renewal. You must be physically present in the Country where you submit the documents for Visa Stamping using Dropbox.
Dropbox appointment for H4 dependents and H1 applicant are on same day but different time. Would it be possible to submit them together as single group application?
My wife is an H1B and her visa expired in August 2020. Her H1B extension is
approved. We filed for my extension (H4) in July 2020 which is still under
processing. We have to come to India due to a personal emergency and we
wished to get our visas stamped through the drop box facility (we satisfy
the conditions for dropbox) Are we exempt from the presidential
proclamation?
My wife and I were in the US when the ban was announced and she is working
for the same employer.
Regards
Since my wife will be with me in India while we are getting our visas (we got different dates for appointment), will it be an issue for the H4 since the spouse is not in the US?
Hi, My husband is applying for H1B premium processing and hoping to get in in 15 days. I have a h4 valid visa and ead till july 2021. I am planning to not to apply for H4 extension here and planning to go to India and get my H4 extension done after he gets his H1 approved in US. Do I need i 539 doc approved to go to India and do dropbox for H4? Some one told me that rules have been changed last year and I definitely need my application approved in US for stamping. Please help me with the the steps of the process.
Need inputs.
Full time Employee of TCS. 4 months back I started working for a new client at CT location, employer filed an amendment for client change. Due to Covid, I did not relocate to CT from my current location which is NY. Later extension was filed with LCA based on CT location, and it got approved. However, with the wfh option, I’m still working from the same place which is in NY.
I got an appointment for Dropbox for March 2nd week in India. I gave my NY address as home address while filling DS160.
Would there be any problem in getting approval ? Or should I need to create a new DS160 with CT address as home address.
Let me know if anyone went through this scenario recently ?
Hi All,
Anybody recently gone through H4 dropbox in India.
Can only H4(dependnts) are eligible to get the visa stamping done in dropbox without (H1B) main applicant’s entry visa for the current approved petition not availble.
Amit,
Yes, as long as the H1B holder is in US and has valid I-797 and working.
Thank you Kumar
Hi,
I was trying to book drop box appointment for march/April at Cochin location. The dates are not available yet. In the Appointment booking page it only shows the embassy names as locations in the dropdown. It doesn’t show Cochin or any other documents dropping locations. So If I need to select appointment at Cochin should I select Chennai IW from the dropdown and move forward ?
Rahul,
Yes, you select Chennai as consulate from drop down and then move forward.
Thanks Kumar,
I understand that the president has extended the proclamation which suspends the entry of non immigrant visa holders. Will that affect dropbox or drop box will still continue and we will get our visa stamped if we are eligible for dropbox ?
Also does employer change disqualify from drop box eligibility ?
Thanks
Rahul Menon
Rahul,
It should not affect dropbox. No, changing employer has no relationship to dropbox.
Thank you !!
I was trying to book an appointment for dropbox but it shows no appointments available on the scheduling page for any selected center. Anyone booked an appointment recently , for dropbox?
somya,
It is hard to get slots. It is a common issue. yes, there are many that are shared on the social media groups.
Thanks Kumar.
Not sure what these organizations are up to. My account is locked now for 72 hours and I see many users have faced same issue. You don’t get an appointment , you are asked to keep searching, if you keep looking you are locked out for 3 days !
I advise all if you don’t want to be locked out for 3 days just search once per day.
Somya,
Yes, it is said, but that is how the system works….
Hi All, My wife’s H4 has expired recently and she is planning to go for stamping again. Mean while I changed my employer and my transfer got approved to a new company. Is she eligible for dropbox now?
Ravi,
Your transfer has nothing to do with her dropbox eligibility. If she is eligible in general based on general criteria, then she would be fine. Just make sure that your transfer is complete and you have the latest documents with you and she submit the same.
Thank you Kumar
Thanks for the great information.
I am on H1B and my spouse on H4. our visa got expired in Jul-2020. We are planning to travel to India.
Can I drop my Spouse documents as well?
If yes How should I fill the DS160 Can I link both DS160s (group applications) or shall I fill them separately?
Appreciate your help!
Athavur,
Yes, you can.You can link them in the appointment booking time or separately, both works. It is a choice.
If you want to keep them independent, you can have them separate. Even, if they are separate, still you can drop off her documents.
Thank you, Kumar 🙂
I can’t get appointment in my state for drop off im from Punjab.but they just giving only to Mumbai location,is that possible if I schedule my appointment for Mumbai ,but will drop off my documents at my location in punjab? Because service desk said that. You can choose Mumbai but you can submit your documents at your location still confuses
Hi Athavur,
Were you able to get your visas stamped? How much time did it take you?
My wife and kid dropped documents on Nov12 for Mumbai location. Those are still in application received after 11 days. Is the and any other way i can check how much time dropbox are taking now a days. Anyone is in same situation.
I’m on the same boat. My wife dropped her documents at Hyderabad consulate on 10/14 and the status changed to “Application Received” on 10/16. Since then the status remains same and the last updated date is showing as 11/04. Can any one help us with the options we have?
Murali,
All you can do is follow up with the consulate and write to them or write to USTravelDocs team and ask for update.
I got them stamped this week, So generally now it takes 2 to3 weeks. one thing that we observe either application stays in received for long time and processing and decision happens fast. Of application changes to processing and stays there for long time. But there is waiting for at least 2 to 3 weeks after you submit the document
Hi ,
I have the same situation as well . I have submitted my passport in Dropbox appointmnt at delhi location on 22nd january,2021 and the last status got changed on 27th january,2021 and its been more than a month I have not received my passport yet and there is no change in status since 27th january. What should I do? I am blank as I have my flight tickets booked for return. Can anyone please help?
If anyone has same situation as mine please help!
My Last drop box (2018) is at Hyderabad location. I am eligible for drop box but can I choose the different location this time? As I am not finding slots at Hyderabad location. if any one has done the same earlier let me know. it would be helpful for me to plan my trip to India in Dec 2020.
shravan,
Yes, you can choose the location of your choice.
Hi,
Quick question – We applied for my wife’s I-539 extension in May 2020 and got the approval today but she had left to India in mid October before we got the approval. Her first H4 visa got expired in August. She is qualified for her H4 Dropbox stamping and we got an appointment next week.
Do we have to add the I-539 approval in list of documents? Can I send her the copy of I-539 approval or original is needed?
Thank you
Ishan,
It is not needed. If they ask, you can submit it. Just send her the electronic copy and ask her to print it out and carry it. If needed she can submit it.
Thank you Kumar :).
Hi Ishan
How did you manage to get an appointment. I’m in the same situation as your wife. Any information will be very helpful here.
Hi,
I have submitted my documents at Hyderabad consulate on 10/22 using drop box and the status changed to Application received with updated date of 10/23 and one more time updated date changed to 10/29 but status is still showing as Application received. Does any one in the same situation.
Hi….may i know when you have booked ur appointment….actually according to office there is no appointment dates are available for delhi consulate
I booked in oct 1st week
Hi Manoj, I am also in the same situation as yours. Below are my dates which is exactly like yours. Please keep me posted on your status.
10/22 – Documents submitted
10/23 – Application Received
10/29 – Last updated date changed but the status remained same as Application Received.
Sure Sri
Hi Sri,
To which consulate you submitted documents? Did you submit your employment letter electronically or in person after refusal?
I did submit to Hyderabad consulate electronically.
Hi ,
I am in the same boat as well. Have submitted docs at New Delhi consulate on 10/15, status changed to Application Received on 10/16, since then same status.
Please keep us updated here on your status. I will do the same here.
Change in Status Update-
10/16 – Application received
11/02 – Administrative Processing
Cool there is some movement then. Crossing fingers for mine
Manoj,
It is very common status change, it can take time…
Thanks Kumar. Ya waiting..
Change in status Administrative processing on Nov 4th
10/16 – Application received
11/02 – Administrative Processing
11/03 – Issued
Approved on Nov 5
Thank you Manoj!
Mine was refused on 11/4 as I was asked to provide Employment letter. After I provided 11/6 H4 visa got approved and on 11/10 my H1B got approved and yet to collect the passport. Could you please let me know if you have any stamp as NIE exception marked on your visa.
Hi kumar, i have heard that there is a lots of denial for H4 EA, is this may be same for H4 dropbox…or there may be not major issues related to extension. Actually i am not getting appointment dates for extension. According to office no appointment dates are available and i am eligible for dropbox ……i am really very worried about appointment dates
Ttrisha,
There is no denial or anything as such for Dropbox, it is all about the availability of the dates. You need to keep and eye on the same and then book.
Thanks a lot……..,hope i will get the date very soon…..
My self in same boat,
Oct 22 appointment date
Oct 23 application received
Oct 29 First time Updated
Nov 3 rd Second time Updated.
Hi,
Do we need to go in-person to submit the documents for dropbox or anyone can go and submit on my behalf? Also some say we need to give for biometrics for H4 dropbox. How much it is true?
Gouse,
You do not have to go for Dropbox, you can submit it using others. Check the appointment letter it should have instructions.
Yes, I am also in same situation my status got updated on 5th Oct and then on 8th Oct and it is still showing Application Receiv It’s almost 6 weeks I m waiting for my visa, on other hand my son who is 5 years old got in 10 days, I have submitted our documents together.
Hi Kumar,
Thanks for the details you have provided. My wife need to submit documents to dropbox. I have few questions, can you please advice
1. Does Bangalore dropbox center accepts visa renewal requests? or it is only in Hyderabad and Chennai (in South)
2. Can my brother submit the documents instead of my wife? Is that allowed?
Thanks in advance
~Ram
I had the same questions as you just couple of weeks back for H4 dropbox.
I took an appointment for Chennai IW and submitted documents at Bangalore drop-off location. In my case also my brother went to submit documents. Over all processing took 3 weeks. Hope this info helps.
Hi Utkarsh,
Congrats on your visa.
Even I had submitted my password at blore Dropbox office on 19th Oct and the status is showing as application for h4 visa is in administrative processing since 2 weeks. Was your application was also in same status?
Hi Utkarsh,
Congrats on your visa.
Even I had submitted my passport at blore Dropbox office on 19th Oct and the status is showing as application for h4 visa is in administrative processing since 2 weeks. Was your application was also in same status?
Hey Nuthan
Here are the status change dates which I had noted down for my wife’s h4 application, one observation was every week(exact on 7th day) status got changed/updated. good luck for your visa!!.
—Visa Status
10/6 and 10/7 – No Status
10/8 – Application received
10/15 – Administrative Processing
10/22 – Issued
Hi Utkarsh,
Thank u so much for wishes and guess what..your wishes worked out for me..The status just changed to issued 🙂
all the best wishes for everyone who ever have applied for visa processing
Many Thanks
Nuthan
Hi Nuthan, when u have booked for appointment as there is no appointment dates are available since last one week…according to office.
Thanks in advance!
Can anyone update your visa dropbox timelines? like when you started your appointment booking and when you received the drop-box slot in Bangalore? I’m traveling to India and planning to use the dropbox option in Bangalore. If I see on the internet the latest appointment (Chennai) is Mar18th. I’m confused it is VAC date or dropbox appointment date.
Hi Tthrisha, Hi Vinod,
My recent visa processing dates
10/19 – appointment at blore visa dropbox office
10/23 – Application received
10/27– Administrative Processing
11/2– Issued
Total duration of visa processing is 2 weeks from the time of dropbox appointment.
Many Thanks,
Nuthan
Vinod, On sept 25th I booked appointment slot for oct 19th
Hi Kumar,
Thank you so much for all your hard work and keeping us up to date on all the changes that are happening. Really appreciate what you and your team are doing for the community!
My wife has her dropbox appointment scheduled for H4 visa extension. I am on H1B and in the US. What document can she submit to prove that I am in the US and she is eligible for extension under NIE?
Thanks,
Govind
Govind,
Thanks for nice words.
You need to submit your current I-94, your I-797 approval notice, Your visa copy on passport and current payslip. Optionally, you can also submit a letter from employer indicating that you are working and currently in US.
Hi..if dropbox is open for new delhi or not….actually after my husband’s visa extension i am also trying to apply for the same but office persons are sying that u can apply after appointments will open….plz help..
And plz if possible plz let me know the appointment date availability for delhi
Hi kumar,
Hi..if dropbox is open for new delhi or not….actually after my husband’s visa extension i am also trying to apply for the same but office persons are sying that u can apply after appointments will open….plz help..
And plz if possible plz let me know the appointment date availability for delhi
This information was insightful.
Our H4 visa was expired very recently and my spouse is about to receive new I797.
I wanted to know whether spouse and child of H1B applicant both are eligible for H4 drop-box? I wanted to know whether spouse and child of H1B both are eligible for H4 drop-box?
Hello,
Thanks so much for the information, its really very helpful. I really appreciate the way you put all the steps in detail.
I have a question regarding the documents needed – how many years of W2 and pay stubs of primary applicant should we attach for H4 stamping via dropbox facility?
hello in same situation Please let me know if you were able to schedule drop box for h4 spouse and kid
Hi Ben,
How can i get the appointment as there no slots are avilable for nov month till now…
Hi Sunny
Have u booked your appointment
Hi, Sunny
Have u ot appointment date for dropbox
yes i got nov 13th appointment around oct 20ish
I qualify for the H1b dropbox facility. Can I schedule the dropbox appointment now? Anyone else in the same boat as mine?
I have submitted my H4 documents along with my son on 28th September for Mumbai consulate via dropbox . My son got his passport stamped on 8th Oct and his status was updated accordingly to Issued. But my status on ceac site still shows Application Received it was updated twice on 5th and 8th Oct and it is still Application Received. Has anyone faced same issue, and what are the next steps I should take.
Thanks
Jayshree , Looks like you can help. Please advice if my Wife and Kid are eligible for Drop box or not?
My H1b Visa, Wife and kids’s h4 expired in sep 2020 (Just 2 months back).
I got h1b extension approval recently. My wife and kid are in India, and want to come back in USA as soon as possible.
Are they both eligible for drop box?
Major confusion is with kids eligibility as it says that “Both the parents should have valid visa”
Please help.
Yes, your kid also is eligible for dropbox along with your spouse. My spouse and kid also submitted their H4 application at Bangalore dropbox on 29th Oct. You have to submit your expired visa copy, you passport copy, Approved 797 copy and letter from your company confirming your position and employment.
Hi Ben,
How can i get the appointment as there no slots are avilable for nov month till now…
Hi Ttrisha,
That is a tricky one. Only option is to check for appointment every day.
Hello,
Need help!
We are in USA, my L1A Visa, Wife and kids’s L2 expired in sep 2019.
I got L1A extension approved. My wife and kid want to travel to India and get visa stamped using dropbox facility.
Are my kids eligible for dropbox along with my wife?
We got Dropbox appointment on 27th Jan 2021
Hi jayshree ,
Did you get your visa stamped
Hi Jayshree
Did you get your visa stamped. Did you take any additional steps.
Hi Jayshree, Even mine still showing as Application received. May i know how if your visa is approved and how many days it took.
Not yet, I am still waiting for my visa. It’s almost 6 weeks
My VISA is expired and received I-797 in recent. My wife is planning to travel in Dec 2020 to India. Is it okay to send my passport with her for stamping?
Yeh agar Trump ne pad liye to H1b poora ban kar dega bhai….please don’t ask such stupid things on forums……you in US and you send your passport for stamping to India with your wife.
This was helpful and I would like to confirm the same was happened and followed the tips as mentioned to wait and status changed as issued .
H4 Dropbox using the New Appointment Process at US Consulate Chennai, India.
9/18/2020
Anonymous Genuine,
Thanks for confirming !
Hi ,
Can anyone say when will dropbox availability for october 2020 please i cant see any dates for renwal of h4 visa for huderabad location
Hello,
Thanks so much for the information, its really very helpful. I really appreciate the way you put all the steps in detail.
I have a question regarding the documents needed – how many years of W2 and pay stubs of primary applicant should we attach for H4 stamping via dropbox facility?
Nandita,
Usually, they may not even take it as it is additional information. Just take the last two to three years, it should be fine.
May I know how long the status stayed as administrative processing, I am also in the same situation. I just had the H4 drop box done on September 17th, the status changed to administrative processing on 22nd till now there is no update from that, is this normal, im really worried.
Hi I have the same situation its more than 4 weeks my status is administrative processing and there is no update since then. What should I do?
Hi Anonymous Genuine,
How long did the total process take ? Do we need to book through EA process to get dropbox appointment
Hi..if dropbox is open for new delhi or not….actually after my husband’s visa extension i am also trying to apply for the same but office persons are sying that u can apply after appointments will open….plz help..
And plz if possible plz let me know the appointment date availability for delhi
https://t.me/joinchat/UjP3KByiJhiH4nrYHkfehQ
This is new delhi telegram group, ppl are updating open slots and helping each other…
Hi,
Have submitted my documents on Dropbox for H4 Visa Stamping by Sep 8 -2020.
its almost pending more than 6 working days in US Embassy. Now, i am currently working in India and have checked with the website that says ” Still pending with the US Embassy”
Please suggest me why the passport is holding more than a week. Probably, most of them getting status within 3 days. Due to working,Is there any reason for holding.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Pavithra,
It can take time, do not worry. It can take up to 10 days due to COVID things…do not panic.
Hi ,
Can anyone say when will dropbox availability for october 2020 please i cant see any dates for renwal of h4 visa for hyderabad location
Hi Pavithra
Did you get your visa stamped? I am wondering what your visa status has been on CEAC site while you were waiting for stamping?
Hi Pavithra, is the drop box available now for H4 stamping in India. Did you get your passport?
Hi Pavithra,
How long did the H4 stamping process take place ?
Hi Kumar,
As per the recent exceptions on Presidential Proclamation, I am eligible for NIE. For h1b visa stamping, do I need to go though Emergency approval or can I go with dropbox? I am seeing that I am eligible for Dropbox and will be able to schedule Dropbox appointment. Please let me know.
dav,
If you are eligible for dropbox, the system will give you that option. If not, then only you go for EA.
My H1B is approved till Aug 2022. My spouse and kid will be traveling to India in November and their current H4 visa got expired On 29th May, 2020. I understand that my spouse is eligible for drop box facility but what about my child who is 6 years old. I think for kids less than 14 years, both parents valid Visa is required which won’t be there as I’m not traveling and my spouse is applying for stamping. So in that case will both have to go to consulate for stamping?
Ben,
Currently dropbox is not available due to the consulate restricted operation. Your kid will also be eligible for dropbox, just need to attach your expired visa, approval and all documentation like I-94. Email the US travel Docs to get confirmation, if something has changed and do update us.
Based on the below link the Dropbox facility has been resumed.
https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
Hi Kumar , any info regarding this will be really helpful! Thank you.
Gayathri,
Yes, dropbox processing for renewals has resumed. it is applicable only for eligible candidates under exceptions for Executive order.
I think Dropbox is now opened for all H & L visa from the text quoted on embassy website https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/ below,
“Consular sections across India are now accepting drop box applications for renewals of all nonimmigrant visa categories at Visa Application Centers across India. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing. For H, L, and J categories subject to Presidential Proclamation 10052, applicants must also qualify for an exception to the proclamation. A list of drop-off locations is available on our website.”
Previously it was for H, L, and J subject to proclamation but if you are not then you should come under regular renewals and seems renewals are open for all nonimmigrant visa categories. Can someone confirm?
Thank you Kumar. I have a question on the dropbox appointment date. After I login to the ustraveldocs site, I see that the first available appointment as Feb 17, 2021. So does that mean I cannot submit the documents through dropbox until then or am I reading it incorrectly?
Please help.
Hi Mahesh, have you able to schedule your dropbox appointment? Even for me, it is showing the appointments are not available till March 2021.
I am in the same boat. Not able to book dropbox appointment yet. No availability until Fed ’21. Hopefully, they are more slots soon.
Hi Ben , did you get any clarification on this one ? I am in the exact same situation. Please let me know if you know anything .
I was able to book the dropbox appointment for my dependents for Oct 29th (Bangalore). There were very few slots available when I was trying to book. Only 27, 28 and 29th Oct was available, nothing in November and December. May be the slots are not open for coming months.
Is there a consulate in Bangalore?
Gayathri – Did to get any OFC slots for Dropbox? My company says that there are no slots available for the dropbox at all!
For Chennai I just checked and Nov 3, 4, 5 & 6 slots are available.
Ben, Can you please do me a favour, can you pls check for Delhi and let me know the availability?
I checked Delhi availability yesterday. Few days available in this month. H1b or H4? All the best!
Hi Pravkum, for Delhi I see that now only Oct 23rd is available and that too just 5 slots. You can see the OFC appointment dates once the payment is done and the receipt is generated. Receipt is valid for 1 year.
Ben/Rohit – Much appreciated! I was able to finally book the slot (through my Company) for 22nd OCT for H4 visa stamping. Thanks for all your support in this trying times!
Hi PravKum,
For which location were you able to get the appointment?
Delhi.
Can some one help me as i’m unable to view any Dropbox Eligibility Checker pages/steps to validate my Dropbox eligibility like described in the article , i have navigated till the VISA fee payment page and still , I meet all the requirement of drop box and have done my prior visa by Dropbox , so not sure if i ‘m doing anything different
Sree08,
Are you in general eligible for Dropbox ? What are you not getting, the yellow screen ?
Yes Kumar I’m eligible for the Dropbox , as my visa just expired in Mar 2020 and my prior visa was done in India also by Dropbox
I’m not sure why I’m unable to see the yellow box just wana know if any one else facing the similar issues very recently
Unable to reach the help desk as well due to COVID-19 crises
Sree08,
Then it is probably something to do with the system. In any case, there is no point now without having slots now. Wait for few days and once they open, then you can do it or call them to check on the issue.
Hi All,
Me and my spouse went for H1 and H4 visa interview together last year in October and we got visa only for 5 months based on the client letter. Since it is for small duration my spouse didn’t traveled with me. Currently existing H4 visa got expired in march. Now my extension is approved, with my current extension will my spouse be eligible for drop box or she again need to attend the interview. Any idea?
Skumar,
She should be able to get the dropbox, if she meets all the general requirements. Of course, now everything is stopped, but once opens up, she can use that…you don’t have to worry much, the system will automatically prompt you for dropbox, if eligible.
Thankyou for the update.
Hi I am trying to book the dropbox appointment, I already booked the date under(Schedule OFC Appointment). When I click continue it is asking for “Schedule Consular Appointment”.
Since mine is dropbox why its asking for consular appointment also to book. Without selecting it there is no submit button.
Could you help me understand what I need to do here.
Sandip,
It should not ask for consular appointment. You should have got a confirmation, if you were eligible for dropbox. Try calling customer service once.
Hi Sandip,
I am facing the same issue while trying to book an H4 dropbox slot for my wife. While navigating in the portal she got the yellow box saying that she is eligible for dropbox, however, it is asking for consular appointment after selecting the OFC. Were you able to get a resolution on this? If yes, what is the process for it?
Thanks,
Hi sir,
Please let me know if they require Biometric for H4 renewal. I am eligible for H4 drop box and during booking for appointment I selected Chennai consulate. Can I drop the document in Bangalore or do I need to give Biometric in Chennai
Sou,
Dropbox does not need biometrics. You can drop in Bangalore.
Hi,
Myself (H4) and my spouse (H1-b extension approved) are planning to go to India for visa stamping. We filled our DS-160 applications and while looking to schedule appointment it said for each class visa , applicants need to be eligible for Dropbox individually .
Is that means we need to create separate profiles to book appointment in order to be eligible for Dropbox?
Thanks for helping!
Mustafa,
There is an option to add family members in the ustraveldocs website on home page, where you can book appointment, check there. It is right on the home page says “Family Details”
Hi,
Thank you for your response. So to be clear if we add my details as family member in my spouse profile then we can have separate questions for both h1-b and h4 Dropbox in same profile. Am I right?
Cos we initially tried to schedule for both in the same profile with add ‘existing applicants who need to apply visa with you ‘ option but at end for Dropbox eligibility it asked questions only for my spouse (h1-b). That’s why thought should we need separate profile
Please clarify!
Thank you
Mustafa,
Usually, the system tries to check, dropbox eligibility for both separately. If both eligible, then you can do it as family. If not, then you will need separate profile. Try it out and speak to customer service, if questions.
Hello All,
I have a valid stamped L2 VISA till 2023. My extension is still under process as my extension expired in Dec 2019. We had filed for extension(s) in Sep 2019 . My spouse L1 visa got approved and he has received the latest i-797 valid till 2021. Due to an emergency i had to travel to India in Jan 2019.
Do i need to use drop box facility or i can directly fly back to USA with my spouse’s i-797 extension
Regards
Shobha
Shobha,
In general, if you have valid Visa stamp on passport, no need. Usually, all you need to do is carry the latest approval notice of your spouse and use that to enter US. Now, for your case, I am assuming it is blanket L1, so I am not fully sure on the visa stamp part for L2…Please check with your spouse’s company attorney and then proceed…or check with another attorney.
Thanks Kumar.
I am having an individual L2 visa stamp, and not blanket visa.
So hopefully i do not use drop box facility
Regards
Shobha
thank you so much for detailed steps, very helpful to others like me.
Cheers !
Hello all,
Could some please help me out with my situation. I’ve dropped my H1B docs for stamping at Hyd H1B Drop box location on Dec 4th. Today I’ve received an email from US travel docs as below:
Your document(s) have been collected from the US Embassy/Consulate
When I track my visa status, it still says “Admin processing”. Could some one please comment here on my situation. What might be the visa status if anyone has similar previous experiences.
Thank you.
My Current H1B Visa got expired on August 28th 2019.I have got my extension approved and planning to travel to India on Jan 13th and planning to return by Feb13th.On filling the DS-160 and Travel docs application,I see that I am eligible for dropbox visa stamping.
Can you please confirm ,if this is correct and I can go ahead and book the appointment for drop box?
Also ,can someone please confirm the earliest available appointment for drop box in hyderabad?
Thanks in advance.
Yes, the system would give you confirmation, if you are eligible. Yes, you can, if you fit all the requirements. You would see screenshot like in above article. Check Dropbox Dates Availability Hyderabad
As they made 24 months instead of 12 months (within last 24 months, your visa should have expired) for dropbox, it seems you are eligible. But this rule is applicable until December 31st i guess.
Hi,
I asked my organization to book appointment for drop box chennai location on Jan 13.but they said appointments slots not opened for Jan month.any idea on when does the slot open..I need to book my flight ticket if it’s available. Also is there more chance that slots would be available for Jan 13? Am confused whether to book flights as prices are increasing daily or wait for appointment confirmation.
Hello guys,
Could someone please confirm if below is the correct link to track the visa approval status for H1B dropbox? If not, please guide me on how to track the status and what are the avg processing times now for H1B dropbox?
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
Thank you.
Hi,
At the time of submitting my ds160 application i was eligible for Dropbox and i had to proceed with it and submitted the application. However, the date i visited the consulate to drop off my documents was past my H1b expiration. They said i was not eligible for dropbox. So now I have to wait 24 hours and change my appointment to get biometric and visa dates. This was so confusing. I am here only for 3 weeks in India and I’m hoping to get some open dates, otherwise I have to reschedule my flight to later which I hope does not happen.
Please make sure that you are still within the eligible expiration criteria on the day you submit the documents. Not just the date on which you submit DS-160.
Hello Swang,
I’m sorry for your case. I have my dropbox aptmnt today and my previous H1B visa stamp expired 3 months ago. Should I be good? Also, could someone please help me with the Dropbox confirmation letter (Is it the CEAC Confirmation letter or something else?).
Thank you.
Swang,
Thanks for sharing ! It is a very important requirement as you pointed out.
Hello guys,
I have my first H1B Dropbox experience on December 4th. I had an H1B transfer recently, Could someone kindly guide me what documents should I be carrying along with me and should we enclose them in an envelope and drop them or how is it going to be?
Also, I don’t have a Client letter or MSA, but I’ve gathered alternate documents like Email conversations and Org chart to prove that I’m working at the client location, Should I include them with the documents that I drop?
Thank you very much in advance !
Abhi,
You would get a letter with the required documents, when you book appointment on what is needed. Don’t worry, just follow the guide. You just carry them, they will collect them from you. Well, check with your attorney on the letters and emails and then only include based on how your petition was filed…
Can anyone who is trying to book please suggest if the Drop Box Appointments are showing available for 16th December 2019 or the same week for New Delhi location ?
Appreciate the response.
Amit,
We have created a thread for it at Delhi Dropbox Appointments, so far no one has posted…do update once you get access to availability
Kumar,
My organization is booking appointment for me and i have been informed that appointments are available for 16th Dec week at New Delhi location for Drop Box as of 22nd Nov 2019. I don’t have a screenshot to share
Amit,
Sure, thanks for the update. I will update it in the thread.
Hey,
So I booked my h1b drop box appointment and was able to schedule on my needed date with no issues. But, my “Appointment COnfirmation Letter” does not have anything under the “MRV Fee Receipt” Section other than my name, the barcode+code for DS160, and my UID (8 characters).
In my previous experience (with actual Consular Visa interviews), that section also had the fee amount paid with a receipt number added with a dash (-). Does anyone if this is an error, or can confirm that they too have the same info in their MRV Fee Receipt section?
Thanks
Kartikeya
Karthikeya,
Yes, there should be the fee under it in INR and receipt number. Try to re-print again, it should come up.
If not, speak to customer service once. Also, do update your experience after that here for everyone benefit.
Very useful information, indeed! Especially on the part regarding booking appointment for Dropbox facility, which shows the same page as OFC appointment that would otherwise be confusing. That too, with screenshots indicating exactly what that page looked like. I followed those directions and have booked my slot, and it was quite effortless.
Thank you so much, once again!
Regards,
Venky
Cheers !
Hi All,
I am planning a trip to India by Feb 2020. My last Stamping with US Embassy was for H4 Visa and done by October 15 2018 and the Eligibility was until April 2019. We got H1 and H4 Extensions until April 2021 and in my trip to India by Feb 2020 – It will be only me visiting India and not my spouse.
Please let me know If I will be eligible for Drop box also if I can go for Dropbox despite my Husband not appearing for a Visa Extension and presenting his extended i797 alone will suffice
Kav,
I doubt it. Check the requirements here and check for yourself, if you qualify for it : https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp
Can the passport and other documents be dropped off by someone else with an authority letter?
Yes.
Thanks Rajesh for the very useful inputs on procedures for ‘Dropbox’ facility. I have learnt that I am eligible for dropbox facility. Can I schedule an appointment and let the passport be dropped off by someone else? If so, do I have to give an authorization to that person to submit documents on my behalf?
Arun,
Yes, you can do that. Yes, you will need to give authorisation letter similar to pick-up of documents. I will share the details in couple of days as article for everyone benefit.
How to get the Interview-Waiver Confirmation printed? I am dropbox eligible (got the yellow background screen), but no-where it had instructions to Print. Now that I have paid the fees and scheduled the appointment, is the “Appointment Confirmation” good enough or is there a separate “Dropbox Confirmation” letter, that I should print. If so from where can I get it, as I am not seeing any option for that in the ustraveldocs account.
Thanks in Advance.
Soumya,
After you get receipt, you will need to enter it and then you will be able to select the date and time for booking…that’s when at the end you will get dropbox confirmation…that yellow screen is just an indication…you need the other letter after you book appointment.
Just wanted to update. I got my H4 stamped thru DropBox, got the passport back on 4thday after submission. The only documents that were looked into
1. Appointment confirmation
2. DS160 confirmation
3. Passport
4. Photo
5. Spouse’s H1 (I-797) approval copy.
Thanks again Kumar.
Soumya,
Thank you for sharing your experience ! Any other tips or changes, besides what is in the above article ?
HI all
Need your help. I my mistake choose drop box. Like my passport expired in within 12 months and I choose Yes. Which then said i was eligible for drop box.
I already booked for drop box, now i have to change to regular appointment. There is no option to edit. Did anyone experience this?
Lakshmi,
I am not sure, what you mean by passport expiry. In any case, you can try to cancel the appointment and then start over. If you are having issues, you can call customer service, they can help you too. Do post your update here after you tried options.
I renewed my Indian passport a month back and my old passport has valid visa stamping till Jan 2020. Is this impact H1B drop-box availability?
If not is there any complication for delay approval? Please let me know if someone has a similar case in the past.
It will not affect your dropbox situation or complicate it…
Hi,
I have a simple question.. is it possible that I can go for drop box option for my H4 visa extension stamping prior to H1B (my husband’s) visa stamping, if I have copy of approved i797 for my husband?
Thanks
If you qualify for it, you can go for it. There is no rule as such.
Hello all,
Quick question: I heard that if we switch employers and require stamping, then we are not applicable for H1B DropBox stamping. Is this a valid scenario?
I know, this question wasn’t listed in the H1B DropBox eligibility questions, but I just want to confirm.
Thank you.
Abhi,
No, it does not matter, that is not a qualification criteria. You can be eligible for dropbox, even with transfer…
Hello,
Are the Appointment dates same for both Interview and DropBox or does the dates differ for both? Meaning, I see the current availability for Interview is December 26th, Is that the same date for DropBox too or will it differ?
If so, could someone please share the available H1B dropbox appointments at Hyderabad consulate for the month of December?
Thank you,
Abhi.
No, they are different. The interview dates are much more backlogged than just visa dropbox appointments. The dropbox appointment dates are not public, you cannot see the dates, unless you put in receipt…In general, they are mostly open…
What does the earliest availability look like for Dropbox?
Planning to go for visa stamping during December, and UI am wondering if it is already too late
I saw it available immediately even for next week. Should be fine to get it for December…You need to start the process to be safe.
Hello Kumar,
I really appreciate your help on this blog !
Have you seen the available H1B DropBox appointment dates next week for Hyderabad Consulate? Also, I have paid CGI fee via Axis bank 48 hours ago. I haven’t received any email reg Receipt number activation and I couldn’t use the receipt num yet to book an appointment. Could you please suggest me on this? I have my account frozen for 72 hours due to suspicious activity and now I don’t know if the receipt number is activated yet.
I’m trying to book an DropBox appointment for December first week, and now I’m worried if I might lose the dates.
Thank you.
Hello Abhi,
Did you see the latest (Nearest)dates available for Drop box appointments. As I am planning in January 2020 and my H1B extension is in progress now.. Based on the drop box dates availability I have to decide whether I need to go with premium processing or not.
Kindly update once your appointment is booked.
Thanks,
Sudhakar
I guess you get date next day also, My husband filled the form on 10 /17, he took date of 10/21 in Chennai,
On 10/19 he was able to change it to Delhi for 10/21 as some cancellations might have happened. As of now they easily available.
Abhi,
I do not have access to the online system…based on what user said, they are available from recent update…try calling them to get it unlocked, you should have got it activated by now…Also, do share your inputs on dates availability here for everyone benefit. You can add a screenshot or share details on the threads listed in Community Forum for Dropbox Appointments
Hi Abhi,
Did you book the slot in Hyderbad.. Can you share the screenshot of dates available in Jan 2020.
Thanks,
Sudhakar
Hello Sudhakar,
The drop box slots are wide open. You can even find a slot for tomorrow. I don’t have a screenshot but they are available.
Thank you.
Thanks Abhi for the update.
Your screenshot for schedule OFC (Dropbox) appointment has the earliest date of Sept 13th.. Are the date availability immediately available? When i go to ustraveldocs.com the interview wait times says 34 days. I hope that is not applicable to dropbox scenarios..Can you confirm? Thank you
Sandeep,
The one you see on the top is for actual visa interview that is not applicable for Dropbox. You should have immediate availability in most cases. For you to see the dropbox availability, you need to put in the application receipt by paying fee, then only you can see the availability.
That was my understanding too initially but thanks very much for confirming it…good to know that dropbox availability is different from interview availability..
Cheers !
As far as i know, if you leave country (US) while you H4 or H4-EAD are in process, the applications will be rejected/denied automatically and you would need to file for it again. Is that not true?
I see in above it didn’t happen. M confused.
It only happens, if it was a Change of Status. Many users reported that their extensions were processed, even after they exited. Read Travel out with H4 Pending with USCIS
I see a similar case for my wife, her H4 and EAD application got approved even she traveled between in processing.
You mentioned you filed for H4 Visa and H4 EAD at the same time, did you apply them in India? Or you applied for H4 EAD in USA and H4 Visa stamping in India?
No, it was applied in US. I applied for H4 Extension and H4 EAD in US and then was waiting…as nothing was moving, I decided to go for stamping in India…Luckily after I came back, I got my H4 EAD approved as well.
Did you get H4EAD if so how long it took when you are in US?
Don’t you need a 797 approved for H4 dependents? In my case, I have my H1B extension approved, but we’re waiting for H4 extension 797 notice. We are not sure if we can travel to India and get Visa stamped for all. Any idea?
Pallavi,
No, you do not need that, if you are going for stamping. All you need is your Spouse’s H1B Approval. You can travel and get it stamped. It is exactly my case, we did not had H4 approval, when I submitted for dropbox. I only used my spouse’s h1B approval during submission.
Do we need original I-797 of H1B Approval or a photocopy will do as well?
If you have the original, it is preferred…if you do not have it and is with employer and only have the copy, it also works…
It came around the same time when I was getting dropbox stamping done in India. It was applied in April with new biometrics.