Getting a US Visa renewal using Dropbox or Interview Waiver(IW) option is one of the most widely used options to get a US Visa after the initial visa stamping. Most of the applicants qualify for the dropbox option unless they have some restrictions or their stamped US Visa has annotations like “Clearance Received”.
Since September 2021, you need to book an appointment to drop off documents as part of the US Visa renewal using the dropbox option. The dropdown in appointment booking shows VAC, instead of IW starting from November 28th, 2021. This is very confusing for many. This article is aimed at addressing the confusion.
Before Nov 28th, 2021 – Dropbox Appointment Booking had IW
When you apply for US Visa Renewal using the dropbox option, as part of the appointment booking screen to drop off documents, it used to look like in the below screenshot. It used to show the page heading as “Schedule OFC Appointment“ and the dropdown to select interview location used to say ‘IW‘ at the end. In the dropdown, IW stands for Interview Waiver that indicated that the booking was for a dropbox or visa renewal appointment.
In fact, the IW at the end was one of the easy ways for anyone to know that they were booking an interview waiver or dropbox appointment. But, this changed starting from November 28th, 2021.
US Visa Biometrics Appointment Booking Screen has VAC
When you book an in-person US Visa appointment, the first step is to book a biometrics appointment. When you are booking the biometrics appointment, on the booking screen you would see VAC at the end of the consulate name as you can see in the below screenshot.
VAC Stands for Visa Application Center. When you see VAC at the end, it is a confirmation for the user that you are booking an appointment for giving Biometrics at the VAC office before your in-person visa interview. This still continues to be the same for Biometrics appointment booking even after Nov 28th, 2021.
In the past, having VAC vs. IW at the end of the dropdown was one of the key indicators for the applicant to identify if their appointment booking was going to be biometrics or Dropbox. But, this changed after Nov 28th, 2021.
Confusion – Dropbox Appointment Booking shows VAC
Starting from Nov 28th, 2021, the US Visa Dropbox appointment booking screen started to show VAC on the appointment booking screen dropdown, instead of IW. It looks like in the below screenshot. This is the source of big confusion to many. Many are not sure if they are booking a Biometrics appointment or a Dropbox appointment. The last few letters at the “Select Interview Location” dropdown, next to the consulate name now shows VAC for both Biometrics and Dropbox appointment bookings. Many did not book slots and some are still in confusion.
Having VAC can mean Dropbox Appointment as well
Based on many users’ experiences in the past 10 days or so and also confirmation from USTravelDocs Customer Support, it is confirmed that Dropbox or Interview Waiver Appointment booking screen would also show ‘VAC‘ for the last few letters at the “Select Interview Location” dropdown, next to the consulate name. It will no longer show ‘IW’ for dropbox appointment bookings.
We do not know the specific reason for this change, but many users were able to drop off documents and even get visa stamping done after they booked the slot using the VAC in the dropdown. So, it is proven to be working and we have confirmation.
How to verify, if you booked Dropbox Appointment with VAC in dropbox ?
There are a few things you can check to make sure you are booking or have booked a dropbox appointment
Before Booking – Dropbox Eligibility Confirmation Screen
When you do the visa questionnaire on CGI federal portal (USTravelDocs website), you would get a yellow screen with confirmation that tells you are eligible for a dropbox appointment. It looks like as in the below screenshot. If you have got this, then you are booking a dropbox appointment slot.
After Booking Appointment – Verify Booking screen, Confirmation letter
After you book the appointment, you should check two things to ensure you booked a dropbox appointment and not a biometrics appointment. The first one is the appointment confirmation letter that you print after making the booking.
For Dropbox or Interview Waiver appointments, you would only see VAC details on the appointment confirmation letter first page. It will not have the details of the Consular Appointment. It looks like in the below screenshot for dropbox appointments.
But, if you look at the regular visa stamping with Biometrics and in-person visa interviews, it would have both the VAC appointment details and Consular appointment details. It looks like in the below screenshot.
The other thing you can review is the check the USTravelDocs appointment history screen. If you go to the CGI Federal website and check your appointment booking history screen, it will clearly indicate that it is an interview waiver appointment, which means renewal or dropbox.
Hope it is clear to everyone now on how to confirm and not be confused. What was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
You can also read How to apply for H1B Visa Dropbox Appointment Step by Step Guide
Can someone help me please because I have case on the CGI profile I don’t know where I can check the visa slots I never see anything and I have conformation waiver letter and The UID number
Hi,
I have booked an appointment at Delhi VAC. I saw the yellow screen for Interview Waiver, first time when I went through the questioneer but when I booked the appointment, I just clicked continue on the left side. My confirmation page does not have Consular Appointment details but the appointment history shows “Visa Priority: Regular”. Have a booked the wrong appointment for dropbox? Does it need to show “Visa Priority: Interview Waiver”?
Anubhav,
The online display can sometimes be misleading. You can email them to confirm. All you need to see is your confirmation letter that shows your dropbox appointment details. It should not list consular appointment if your were qualified for dropbox.
Hi Anubhav,
I am seeing the same issue, did you get any resolution regarding this?
Hi Anubhav / Ashutosh.. For me as well in my confirmation page, I do not have Consular Appointment details but the appointment history shows “Visa Priority: Regular”. And I booked for a dropbox appointment. Did you make any correction to fix this. Which email id should we mail about this issue to get a confirmation that my appointment is a drop box appointment. Thanks in advance.
Hello Anil,
You got any resolution for this. Am on the same boat. It took me for both dates one for VAC and the other for Consular appointment.
If you rectified this issue please post me how to fix that.
Hi all,
I was trying to reconfirm that my appointment is drop-box eligible. I do remember seeing the eligibility when I was filling up the DS-160, but since I didn’t save the screenshot from that time, I have no way to confirm. I tried to look for the appointment history tab as indicated above, but on my CGI homepage, I can’t find that any more. I believe this might be because I used up all the free appointment changes, as I changed my appointment dates 3 times so far. So I am wondering if anyone else had this issue and if anyone knows how else I can confirm the interview waiver.
Hi,
I’m from Bangalore.
I got a yellow screen with confirmation that I am eligible for a dropbox appointment. After payment, while I proceed further, it takes me to OFC appointment page and then select Interview Date from one of the 5 VACs. The available dates show September 2023 for Chennai.
I’ve not yet selected any date, I’ve few questions:
1. If I select Chennai, do I need to go to submit my documents in Chennai or can I do it in Bnaglore? How do we confirm it.
2. My wife too is eligible for dropbox as dependent, does she need to travel to Chennai or Bangalore, or just that I can go with the documents and submit it in the VAC?
3. If the earliest date I get 15th Sep 2023, do I need to submit document on 15th Sep 2023?
Did you submit final documents in bangalore or chennai ?
I have got appointment for jan 6th for DELHI for H1B drop box. I am the alone applicant in my cgi profile and I did payment for myself.But still appointment confirmation is showing no of applicants as 2 but in MRV payments it is showing only one payment.Please guide me for t his
swati,
Call them , it could be a glitch
same happened with me. swati how did you corrected it?
Hi everyone,
I stay in Bangalore and will be submitting my documents in Bangalore. My nearest VFC is Chennai and I also selected Chennai Consulate while filling in DS160. Now when scheduling I am not getting Bangalore as an option and if I select Chennai, the first available slot is in March 2023. There are slots available in Mumbai VFC for November, can I submit my documents in Bangalore drop box by scheduling appointment in Mumbai VFC. Would it have any implication on my renewal application, apart from the possibility that I might have to travel to Mumbai if I am asked to appear for an interview?
Hi Tushar,
Do the slots display fine on your portal? For me it’s been showing no appointments available for the last 6 days! Do you still see any new ones? I live in Bangalore as well.
Yes, I can see slots available for all the VACs*, however, the earliest one is in Mumbai VAC.
Alright, thank you so much. It shows nothing in all of the VACs for me and says no appointments available. I guess I went more than the required number of actions. As for your question, yes I think you will be able to submit in BLR, even if you pick another. I was hesistant about it too, since I had applied in Chennai last time.
Hi Anirudh
Have you got the solution to this problem? Same problem with me. Please update me on this.
Same issue.
Any luck?
Tushar,
Yes, you can submit documents anywhere, there is no restriction. You would not see Bangalore anytime. You will only see the consulates during booking of the slot. It will not have any implication.
Kumar,
Any idea why some people can see so many slots and some like me can’t even see the calendar? I used to be able to see all slots and suddenly over night it stopped showing my calendars for all consulates.
There isn’t a way they can all be booked out since they were all open for atleast 2 weeks prior. And like Tushar mentioned, he is able to see them and I cannot, though we checked at very similar times.
Anirudh,
Not sure, what is going on. There is no new update as such. It could be booked as well, hard to predict.
Thank you. Yes the only option is to wait, I guess. It’s funny that all days appointments disappeared overnight, but seems like nothing can be done about it either.
Anirudh,
Sadly, we are at the mercy of the system…
In this case, if I don’t see Bangalore anywhere, do I need to go to chennai to drop off the documents?
Hi,
I am unable to see the dropbox slots for November 22 for first-time H1-B stamping, whereas other people can see them. How to resolve this issue? There are still slots available but I can’t book them.
Hi Vidushi,
I seem to have the same problem. It just shows me all five consulates have no appointments available.
Is this the same case with you too? Did you figure it out by any chance? Would appreciate any help if you were able to!
Same issue. Can see appointments for 2023 but not for 2022
Mine isn’t showing anything at all. Just says no appointments available.
Hi Anirudh
Were u able to solve ur issue ?
1. Was it a server issue ?
or
2. Your last stamping was done in 2022
How did u book ur appointment ??
Even im facing the same issue, the nov, dec 2022 bulk slots were open for 30 mins, other people were able to book, where as i was not even able to see the slots.
My last stamping was done in early 2022.
Not sure how to resolve the issue.
Please help
Hi there, did any recently tried to book drop box or consular appmnt in any other countries(Canada, MX, UAE etc) ? if yes what’s the wait time.
Hi, I am eligible for drop-box(interview waiver) , after checking the dates for a while i found that dates are available for consular appointment in summer 2023 so i changed option to regular interview and booked it for summer as a backup plan, though i need to travel in nov to attend a wedding and have been checking everyday and didnt get any nov/dec 2022 consular appointment dates, is it possible to fill up another DS-160, pay MRV fee and try for drop box dates in 2022 ?
AK,
You cannot have two accounts for the same applicant applying for the same visa category. You can only hold one type of appointment for a visa type. If you are eligible for dropbox, you should not book regular, unless you need it for emergency.
hi all- I am facing a strange issue.
1. Me and my wife, we are eligible for dropbox. We do see the yellow screen which confirms interview waiver.
2. In the next screen we enter the passport delivery details
3. After that it asks us to book personal consular appointment.
I am confused why we need consular appointment.
I am following up with support and sending them screenshots. Not much help.
Please suggest.
Vivek,
Well, most of the times, the system is pretty good and there would be a reason based on how you answered questions. You can restart the questions and see, if that helps.
Hello Vivek,
I also faced a similar situation. Have you received a resolution?
Regards
Parli
When i filled out questionaire for interview waiver eligibility, I got yellow screen, my parents’ previous visa expired in July 2018. But their dropbox appointment is in October 2022 ( more that 48 months after expiration. Does this mean I have to cancel dropbox appointment and schedule regular appointment?
My dropbox conformation letter shows 2 applicants, and 2 barcodes which are same, has anyone come across this situation?
I do have similar issue for H1B regular. Did you find any solution
Hi,
I am a PhD student and need to renew my F1 visa. I am qualified for interview waiver and can see Hyderabad VAC appointments for December. I live in Pune and would like to use the Dropbox facility at Pune, can I schedule an appointment with Hyderabad VAC and drop my documents at Pune center? How long does it take for the stamping process?
Aditya,
Technically you can do that. But, let’s say they call for interview for whatever reason, then you will have to go to Hyderabad. It can take 3 weeks for processing. Check US Visa Dropbox Tracker
Hi , I am eligible to dropbox, i have booked an appointment in November Hyderabad VAC but if i go and check in appointment’s history there visa priority shows regular.Anyone faced this issue
Manisha,
This is common issue. You can email the support and get confirmation. As long as your appointment letter says dropbox, you are usually fine.
Hi Manisha, have you got any updates?
Hello,
I just observed the same on my upcoming appointment in November. I had received appointment confirmation with Interview Waiver instructions, however if I go and check my Appointment History, it says Visa Priority as Regular. I have emailed the support group asking for clarification. If someone has or is facing same scenario, any updates will be appreciated
Hi Neeraj,
Did you get any confirmation regarding this? Please update here when you have an information. Thank you
Hi Manisha,
It shows ‘Regular’ for me too. Did you get any confirmation regarding this? I reached out to help desk they gave reply ‘Kindly ignore the same and proceed with the appointment. Please follow the instructions on your appointment’.
I have appointment in Delhi VAC at 4:45 pm but when I check the timings only biometrics open until 5 pm and interview waiver document submission open until 4 pm. It’s confusing. Please update here when you have any information. Thank you
Hello Hiran,
Can you please confirm what happened in your situation? Was this resolved? I have the same issue right now.
Thank you
Hi Manisha,
Can you kindly let me know what happened in this case. I have a similar issue.
Thank you
Please can you tell me what happened in your situation.
Hi
I booked VAC Chennai on Sep 2023 for parents B1/B2 renewal, does it mean we have to wait 1 year for biometerics and drop box will happen immediately after biometrics
Please confirm
Srini
Srini,
If it is dropbox, there is no concept of biometrics, you do not have to give them. Only submit the documents.
Hi all,
When I completed the visa questionnaire on CGI federal portal (USTravelDocs website), I got a yellow screen with confirmation that I am eligible for a dropbox appointment.
Now when I go to book the appointment, portal is asking me to book VAC and also an interview date. I have gone ahead and taken one for sept 2023. but want to reschd it to earlier.
please help on this issue.
Regards
VJ
VJ,
It could be a bug as well. Call the customer service or email them.
Hello VJ Rachha,
I also faced a similar situation. Have you received a resolution?
Regards
Parli
Hello
We made a NEFT Payment in unique account no. and IFSC of Rs 26240 only one time but due to system error of bank paid 3 times US VISA application fee of total Rs 78720 instead of Rs 26249 So I am try to get a refund for the extra paid of Rs 52480 .
Bal,
You will get refund. Email the customer service, if they don’t do it in week to 10 days.
I am eligible for interview waiwer. I have booked date with Hyderabad vac. Can I drop the documents at Mumbai vac?
Narayan,
Yes.
Are there any Drop-box Dates Available, I am looking from past 1 week. Please suggest timings/tips for successful booking
Sudheer,
This is a million dollar question, no one knows..keep checking.
I wanted to understand what the additional document requirements for b1/b2 visa re-issue (have dropbox appointment next week) apart from below:
1. Passports
2. Same Visa
3. DS 160 confirmation page
4. Interview confirmation page
5. Passport Photo (US specification)
6. Employer Certificate
In case there is another channel or link, you can re-direct, I would be extremely thankful.
Thanks
My Confirmation displayed as 2 applicants and the barcode was repeated couple of times. Any issue with that
chaitanya,
If it was intended for two applicants, then should be fine. If not, reach out to support and get it checked.
Chaitanya,
Did you sorted this out ?
My Confirmation displayed as 2 applicants and the barcode was repeated couple of times. Any issue with that
Even my confirmation shows the same, did you face any issues with that
My confirmation letter shows 2 applicants, and 2 barcodes which are same, was there a problem with submission, your case, Navya?
@Roop I had the same issue. Could you please share if you have figured this?
My dropbox confirmation letter shows 2 applicants, and 2 barcodes which are same, was there a problem with submission, your case, Chaitanya?
My parents b2 visa is a dropbox appointment. Do they need to go to drop the documents or can someone else drop the documents on their behalf
Laxmi,
Others can also drop off documents. The appointment letter has all the details. Also, you can check on their website for full info.
Hi,
We booked dropbox appointment slot (B2) for my parents. But the appointment confirmation letters shows only my dad’s details but says ‘Number of Applicants’ as 2. And down below, appointment letter shows DS 160 barcodes of both my mom and dad. Is this fine? Does this confirm that the appointment slot is for both my mom and dad?
Laxmi,
It should be fine. You can always email the CGI Federal support to double check.
I am eligible for dropbox. But i answered below question wrong and i ended up booking in person interview instead of dropbox. Will it cause any issue in stamping ?
Question which i answered wrong is
Was your prior visa annotated clearance received or départemental authorization ?
Sanat,
if you knowingly did a mistake, you should rectify it. Any information you answered should be true. Anything you enter will be sent to US dept of state system and it will have mismatch…so, You should cancel and rebook to avoid any future issues.
Hello Kumar
I am on the same scenario that answered the question incorrectly, can you please let me know can i go-head and appear for consulate interview, since its challenge to book the appointment.
Regards
kamal
I booked Dropbox appointment, since it showed me yellow screen of Dropbox eligibility and also my appointment confirmation page only shows VAC appointment details but when I checked my appointment history page it shows Visa Prioprity :- Regular
What does it mean in person or Dropbox?
Same for me – I booked a dropbox appointment and have even submitted my passport and documents to the Delhi VAC – but I happened to check my appointment history and it shows Visa Priority as “Regular”.
same issue for me. got the dropbox yellow page confirmation and booked slot in Delhi VAC. but the application history shows visa priority regular and my confirmation page has only VAC details..so does this mean i got drop box or inperson interview?
Did you face any issue after submitting passport ? I am facing same issue but yet to submit my passport
i have the same issue. Confirmation page shows only VAC details but the appointment history shows visa priority regular for delhi VAC.I got yellow page with drop box eligibility confirmation.What to do now is it drop box or in person interview.
Hi,
What happen to your case. Can you pls update
Hi,
Did you get any confirmation regarding this? For me also shows the same ‘Regular’ but confirmation email received only VAC details for drop box. My appointment time is 4:45 pm but when i look at the timings for drop box it’s until 4pm. Only biometrics open until 5 pm. Can you please update about your situation if you get any update? Thank you
I am eligible for dropbox but I booked the inperson interview. Can I cancel the inperson appointment and book for dropbox? Should I pay $190 to do this?
Will there be any problem or difficulties attending the inperson interview?
Hi Sree, did you get a reply to your question? I have a similar situation, i am eligible for drop box but got in person interview appointment? Do you know if it can be corrected?
hi Vishal
same with me
Hey guys,
I am in a similar situation. Did any of you receive a resolution?
Are there any Drop-box Dates Available, I am looking from past 1 month
Same here. I am also trying. But it says. There are currently no appointments available.
I have scheduled a date for drop box option for B2 visa. After booking the date if i want an earlier date how can i see the available slots and where can i see?
you have an option called ‘Reschedule appointment’ where you can check for current availability and decide if you really need to reschedule
I am based out of Blr. ELigible for interview waiver for visitor visa. Is it ok to schedule apt at Delhi VAC and drop off documents at BLR since Delhi has more slots available.
Hi, did you drop off in Bangalore? Please confirm.
I am in same boat but should i delhi or drop off at Bangalore is fine.
Thanks,
Did you do in bangalore ? please confirm .
In the same situation. Did you drop off in banglaore?
what time of the day is good for booking an appointment? it always says no slots available
Hi everyone,
I completed ds160, answered all question correctly for drop box appointment, and got h4 visa interview waiver confirmation. But when I am trying to schedule an appointment for drop box its going to a regular visa interview slot and asking me to select OFC as well as INTERVIEW . What does this mean? Does this mean, I need an interview or is this how dropbox procedure works?
Same here. Will it be an issue later on?
i have the same issue, any update on this?
I have the same issue
I have the same issue any update?
Hi everyone,
I completed ds160, answered all question correctly for drop box appointment, and got h4 visa interview waiver confirmation. But when I am trying to schedule an appointment for drop box its going to a regular visa interview slot and asking me to select OFC as well as INTERVIEW . What does this mean? Does this mean, I need an interview or is this how dropbox procedure works? Thank you
Hey AJ,
were you able to resolve this? I am in a similar situation
Hello All,
Just want to check few details,
I am eligible for drop box as per CGI portal, and under one profile I have added 3 applicants (me (H1b) and my dependents (H4)).
I got the appointment for Oct 2022 at 1pm (In the appointment confirmation I can see only VAC details, and no consular details ).
But when I check the CGI portal Visa Priority is updated as “Regular”.I have below mentioned two questions.
1) If I am eligible for drop box including my dependents, any idea why visa priority shows as “Regular”?
2) Another thing, my visa appointment is on Sunday at 1pm, when I refer the CGI portal,
submission of drop box timings showing as Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (http://staging2012.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-main-contactus.asp).
So wondering what is my appointment corresponds to?
Could someone please clarify?
Even I am in same boat, I rescheduled my h1b appt and it shows regular in visa priority and only VAC for confirmation. Based on earlier threads, looks like its a common bug these days
Hi
Done with your visa? What happen your case. Can you please update?
Even i have same situation
Hi did you get any update on this? Pls just want to know