Below are User experiences for August 2021, starting from August14th to August 19th, 2021 for H1B Visa and H4 Visa for both regular visa stamping and Dropbox. You can check US Visa Stamping Experiences for the entire collection
Experience 1: H4 Regular at Chennai
I carried following documents- DS-160, Appointment confirmation letter, H4 passport.
Documents related to both- Marriage certificate, marriage photos, marriage invitation.
Husband documents- Husband’s i797(old & new),i94, husband employment letter, passport & visa copy(old & new), LCA & i129(if have)
Day 1
Date-August 4, 2021
Appointment time- 8am
Entered @7.45am
Document verify section-
- Asked passport, DS-160, Appointment letter
- Asked my name.
- Asked my date of birth.
Biometric section-
- Asked passport, DS-160, Appointment letter
- Asked my date of birth.
- Told to read a paragraph which im comfortable.
- Took finger prints.
- Photo has been clicked.
Exit @8.10am
Day 2
Date-August 5, 2021
Appointment time-11.30am
Entered(waited in queue from @11.7am)
Actually entered interview room@12
Questions asked-
- Pass you passport
- What is your husband name?
- Are you recently got married? What is the marriage date? Is yours is love marriage or arrange marriage?
- How you come to know your husband? Before marriage did you know your husband?
- Pass your husband petition I mean husband i797
- Is your husband is in usa or India?- In usa
- For which company your husband is working?
- Are you working?
Gave husband’s i797 back & again asked & she told sorry I’m varifying the details.
Gave one booklet & told it’s for h4 (know your rules)
Told to keep my right hand 4 fingers to verify.
Lastly told your visa has been approved, have a nice journey!
Exit @12.27pm
Passport status-
Aug 5- Administration processing
Aug 6, 7, 8, 9, 10- Issued
Aug 11- Collected passport from Bangalore location. Got visa with NIE annotation.
Note- I didn’t asked NIE & VO also didn’t talked about NIE. But I carried NIE letter along with me.
Experience 2: H1B + H4 (Wife+Son) at Chennai
5th Aug 2021 : Biometrics
Appointment time : 8am
Location :Chennai
Reached around 7am.
Queue opened by 7.30am and they allowed to enter inside by sharp 8am.
Documents to carry : DS160, Appointment Letter, Passport.
Photo (if H4 Child s wit you)
Out time 8.15am.
Very smooth process.
6th Aug 2021 : Consular Interview
Appointment time : 11.30 am
Location: Chennai
Reached around 9.30pm
Queue seems to be opened from 9am, but it is better to go to Queue by ur Appointment time, as they strictly follow the timings.
I reached the queue by 10.50am but they allowed by 11.25am sharp.
I went along with my family H1 myself and H4 ( Wife and Son). If you have a child, less than 2 or 3 years old, then you will be allowed directly, no need to wait in queue.
As my baby was crying, they directly allowed me to go to VO.
COUNTER 25, One student was attending interview before me. VO was throwing lot of questions to him, I think she took almost 30min for him. I was under the impression that she is going to take 30min of interview for me as well.
Interview questions:
VO : Good morning
Me : Good morning Mam, how are you?
VO : I am gud, Thank you and you?
Me : I am gud too, thank you..
VO : what kind of visa category you are applying?
Me : H1B
VO : Please pass your passport
Me : I had 3 passport in hand along wit my dependents.
VO : do you have dependents as well?
Me : Yes Mam
VO : where are they?
Me : they are sitting in waiting area
VO : pass your i797
Me : here it is
VO : Who is your employer?
ME : Answered
VO : Who is your client
ME : Answered
VO : Which is your client location
ME : Answered
VO : What does your client do
ME : Answered
VO : Why your presence is needed at U.S
ME : Answered
VO : Which university you studied
ME : Answered
VO : which degree you have completed
ME : Answered
VO : What is your role and responsibility
ME : Answered
VO : please call your wife, I have to take her finger print
ME : sure
VO to my wife : What’s your name and how are you? Please place your fingers on the scanner.
VO to me : Here is your Know your rights and your visa is approved
Me : I do have my NIE letter
VO : NP, I have got all the info required. Your visa is approved wit NIE annotation.
Me : Thank you so much.
VO : Thank you and Safe travel
Me : Thank you.
Visa status:
Aug 5th : case opened
Aug 6th : Administrative processing
Aug 9th : Issued for H1 and H4 My Son
Aug 10th : Issued for H4 My Spouse
Experience 3: H1B + H4 (Wife+Kid) at New Delhi
First time VISA APPROVED and first time travelling to USA
Visa interview at Delhi consulate June 23rd:
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning Officer. How are you?
VO: I am good.
VO: Can I see your Passport & (I797)?
Me: Yes Officer. Handover both documents
VO: I need your son photograph?
ME: Provided
VO: How old he is?
ME 4 years old
VO: Xxxx is your client?
Me: Xxxx is my petitioner and I will be a full-time employee with My employer
VO: What will be your salary?
Me: $xxxx/Annum
VO: What is your role?
Me: I will be working as Software Developer with my employer
VO: Which location you will going to work?
Me: Employer office
VO: What is the project?
Me: Explained
VO: Your B1 visa refused?
Me: Yes
VO to my spouse: When you got Married?
Spouse: Provided the date
VO to my spouse: Where you got married?
Spouse: New Delhi
VO to my spouse: How many people attended the wedding?
Spouse: 50 people
VO to my spouse: How many kids you have?
Spouse: 1 kid
VO to my spouse: One kid fine in this time smiled…(Cracked joke) How old he is?
Spouse: 4 years old
VO to me: Your case required an additional Admin process and I am good with all documents as of now If we need any additional documents will email you.
Me: I have an NIE letter from my employer. Please let me know If can provide you that
VO: We are fine with the document once your visa approved you will receive NIE annotation in your passport
VO: Can I take your passports?
Me: Yes
Case status: Refused to all 3 members June 23
We were checking daily basis and all the time application status was refused and July 22 I got email for NIE approval from Delhi consulate for all 3 members name
Case status changed to Admin process: July 22 all 3 members
Case status changed AP to issued for my wife and kid July 23
My case status changed AP to issued: July 28
Experience 4: H1B with 221g at New Delhi
June10th: I got 221g white slip for my H1b Regular Interview with passport returned at Mumbai for presidential proclamation.
June 15th- june25th – Followed up with Mumbai in vain.
June 26th- Decided to apply at delhi again and start working on my NIE letter agan( i wasnt happy with first)
July 2nd. Paid Fees
July 2nd. Got appointment at Delhi Regular (yes,lucky)
July 6th – Applied for EA
July 28th – EA approved
Aug 11th – Bioametrics done
Aug 12th- Interview at 8.50am. it took almost an hour to reach the counter 17. 9.50am
VO Rejected 3 F1’s in a row infront of me and i lost hope
VO. Passport and I797 please
Me. Good Morning.
Me. Do you want to see my NIE request letter from employer as well?
VO: No.As long as you can explain me ur role and responsibilities.
Me. OKAY
VO: Who is your employer?
Me: Answered
VO: What do they do?
Me: Explained.(Working with retail giants in USA as an ecommmerce Platform). Explained for about 30 seconds
VO: Okay, whats your salary?
Me: Answered
VO: Whats your title?
Me: Answered
He typed something for 20-30 seconds with a wierd facial expression.(I was thinking about a 221g question)
VO: So your company does some Critical Infrastructure in Service or something, Right?
Me: I didnt understand, but i answered YES.
VO: Your Visa is approved with an NIE, YOu can travel after August 17th, with mulitple entry for one year.
Me: Thank you.
Great Relief, I suggest you guys not to waste time following up your previous 221g in Mumbai or Hyderabad, Please fill a new DS-160 , pay fees and apply at Delhi.
Note: No Questions about previous 221g, Not asked any NIE letter.
Experience 5: H1B with EA at New Delhi
Hi all, wanted to share an update – My H1B application got approved at Delhi consulate today morning.
Here’s my timeline:
June 19th – Landed in Mumbai
June 21st – H1B Dropbox at Mumbai consulate (submitted my NIE letter too)
June 25th – Visa was refused due under 221g due to PP 10199 (travel ban) and got a white slip. Asked me to resubmit the docs when the travel ban is lifted.
July 2nd to July 15th – Sent multiple emails to different embassies for NIE approval but they either asked me to check with Mumbai or they didn’t reply. USTravelDocs rejected again due to the travel ban.
July 22nd – Filled new DS 160, paid the visa fees again. I was asked to appear for an interview by answering “Yes” to the question asking “Was my visa ever refused before?”
July 26th – Scheduled a regular appointment at New Delhi for Feb 2022.
July 28th – Requested for Emergency appointment from the CGIFederal portal.
Aug 7th – Emergency appointment request got approved. Scheduled an appointment at Delhi.
Aug 11th – Did my biometrics
Aug 12th – Appeared for the interview. Docs asked – Passport, NIE letter and I797. Questions asked – where do you work? Do you have family in US? What is your education? What is your responsibility at your workplace? Since how long have you been working here? Do you know you need NIE to travel back? After sharing my NIE letter, do you know why your Mumbai application was refused? Did you submit the NIE letter previously (Yes I had submitted)?
After checking with someone in the backend, the visa officer approved my visa. The stamped passport will arrive in a few days as NIE approval needs to be done as well. The NIE approval will be valid for a year.
Tips:
1) Don’t apply at Mumbai or Hyderabad. Apply at New Delhi
2) Go for regular interview over Dropbox if you have a chance, so you could explain your case well. Dropbox also has had higher chances of approval in the last two-three weeks.
3) Have a strong NIE letter. Significant Economic activity or Critical Infrastructure are two solid options.
4) Don’t stress out if you get a 221g from a different consulate. Reapply again at Delhi or any other consulate.
Thank you everyone for posting your experiences.
Experience 6: H1B at Hyderabad
My timeline:
Hyderabad consulate / first time H1B visa
March 30/31- finger prints / interview
Got 221g white slip
After waiting long enough , sent NIE request . Got reply stating as it’s my first h1 stamping can not issue NIE or expedite processing. But my guess is due to NIE triggered them to look in to my case.
Jul22: got call to attend interview again at Hyd consulate
Jul 23: Administrative processing
Jul 30 : moved to refused
Aug 2: moved to Administrative processing again
Aug 13: Issued
Sent follow up many mails in between, did not get any replies but noticed that after sending mails status is changing not sure it’s coincidence or thru my mails.
My best to all waiting for status updates.
Experience 7: H1 + H4 (Wife+USC Kid) with Dropbox at Mumbai
Here is my experience:
July 27th – Reached Mumbai and stayed at Trident Hotel (travelled alone and submitted H4 docs. No authorization letter required).
My stay was very comfortable and moreover the hotel is walkable distance from both Consulate and VFS.
If you carry laptop or any other additional luggages, you can just drop it at the front desk and collect once your appointment is over.
July 28th – Dropbox appointment at 1:30 PM. Just wanted to try my luck and went there early at 10:30 AM.
The security guard talked to someone and let me in AT 10:40 AM.
Handed over
1. Appointment confirmation page
2. DS160 confirmation page for H1 and H4 (This one was filled for Chennai location and I DID NOT fill a new one for Mumbai)
3. H1 and H4 applicants photos as per specification
4. All old an new passports (H1 and H4)
5. Primary and dependents latest I797
6. Employment verification letter provided by my employer
7. USC kids birth certificate and passport copies
8. Cover letter explaining we are exempt from the ban
VFS employee returned dependents I797 (She said it’s not required if you are submitting along with primary)
and the cover letter (#8 above – she said no need to provide any cover letter as kids pp and bc more than enough)
July 29th – CEAC statys shows “No Status”
July 30th to August 4th- Application received and passports still with embassy
August 5th – H1 and H4 status changed to Refused
August 5th – H1 status changed to Administrative Processing in the afternoon and H4 still Refused
August 6th – H1 Changed to Issued and H4 still refused.
August 7th – Both passports status Picked up from the embassy and preparing for delivery (something along those lines)
August 9th – Collected both passports and ONLY H1 was stamped and no visa issued for H4. They attached a 221g document asking me to
submit Husbands whereabouts (H1B visa copy which they only issued and sent it/flight ticket OR kids USC proof which I already submitted)
August 9th – Travelled to Bangalore overnight and submitted all requested documents at VFS bangalore center
August 10th – H4 status changed to Administrative Processing
August 11th – Morning status changed to Issued 🙂
Waiting for the passport now, flying back to US on August 18th via Doha.
Experience 8: H1B + H4 with Dropbox at New Delhi
Drop box experience Delhi 4th August:
Reached 12:00 PM, allowed at 12:30 PM, had appointment at 1:00 PM, there was a queue in which we had to wait.
My turn came at 2:00 PM.
Submitted docs:
All previous I-797
Current I-797
Employer Letter for NIE
Position Confirmation Letter from Employer
Appointment Confirmation
Passport
Photo
Similar docs for H4 (Spouse and kid) 1-1 copy of each docs for dependent
Submitted all docs and came out at 2:15 PM.
Next day status shown as No Status..
Status was same as No Status upto 10th of August.
Mailed to customer care on 11th morning regarding status update.
On 11th August 1:00 PM status changed to Application Received.
On 11th August 3:00 PM status changed to Administrative Processing
On 12tg August 2:00 PM status changed to Issued.
Now waiting for Ready to Pickup as didn’t have premium delivery option on my zip code.
Experience 9: H1B with Dropbox at Hyderabad
Dropbox experience – appointment time 10am – Aug 13th, Friday
1) got there by 9.40am. There are 2 security points. One guy will be on the road, checks the appointment and let’s you walk towards the back gate
2) second check – the security guy did not even allow me to take my pocket size sanitizer. So leave it with your belongings
3) the ofc office entrance area and inside are very small. So at any given time they are letting 3 to 4 people for Dropbox and 3 to 4 for biometrics. They will ask you to form 2 lines outside. One for IW and the other for biometrics.
4) they were letting one after the other for IW. Temp check outside and security check inside.
5) they check the appointment time and generate a token. Take your token and walk to the left.
6) once you get to the counter, they will for appointment letter and ds160 first. Followed by 2 photos. They are very particular about the photos. They compare it against your appearance, when you took them and how it stacks against your passport pic and latest
visa pic.
7) then they collected all passports, current 797 and previous 797. I’m my case previous 797 is not required as it has not been 1 year of my visa expiry. But they insisted to collect it. So gave it to them
8) employment verification letter and NIE letter were collected at the end
9) put everything into a bag, stamp the first appointment confirmation page.
10) you will receive an email when you passport is ready to pick up.
Experience 10: H1B with EA at Hyderabad
Sharing my first time stamping experience ( EA , 5th Aug, Hyd consulate)
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning sir. How are you?
VO: Do you have US citizinen kid staying in US
Me: No sir.
VO: How are you eligible for NIE.
Me: I am looking for NIE under humanitarian and medical emergency ground. I have these documents from doctor… (VO interrupted me )
VO: sorry bud we are getting tons of similar request and unfortunately I will not be able to issue NIE under this.
VO: who is your employer?
Me: Told
VO: your designation and salary
Me: Told
VO: client and client location
Me: Told
VO: any middle layer vendor
Me: To which I replied yes.
VO: okay let me pull your detail.
VO: what’s the Highest Degree you earned.
Me: told him I did masters in computer and information security.
VO: I can issue visa only based on IT critical structure so tell me about your work.
Me: Told him I am working in @@@ as a senior developer and have been working on project (project name )for this long.
- Told him list of applications I am supporting and how critical they are for client.
- Explained him why I cannot work remotely.
VO: what this application does?
Me: Gave him an overview and explained only key features.(keep it short and simple)
VO: Hand me over your passport. You will receive an email after administrative processing about your NIE and visa status.
On 6th status changed to Refused
On 11th status updated to refused
On 12th status updated to Admin processing
On 13th status updated to Issued
Experience 11: H1B with Dropbox at New Delhi
Aug 09: Appointment time 1PM
12:00PM Reached VAC 1 hour before, found a shop nearby to get all my printouts and Photographs.
12:20PM I was ready with all documentation.
12:45 PM entry allowed.
There was a separate queue for IW category at VAC.
1:25 PM was called in at the window, Documents submitted (current I797 copy, Passports, Appointment confirmation , 1 Photo, NIE letter from employer, DS160 Confirmation)
1:35 PM I was outta there.
Aug 10 : Status changed to “Application received”
Aug 11 : Status updated to “Administrative Processing” and received NIE approval email.
Aug 12 : Issued.
Aug 13 : Posting here while waiting on my passport delivery status.
Experience 12: H4 at Chennai
First time – Regular visa experience :
Aug 10, Delhi : Biometrics
Aug 13, Chennai : Visa interview
Appointment was scheduled at 12 PM. Reached the consulate by 10.55. Stood in line at 11.15. Started sending everyone inside by 11.30.
VO was a woman.
VO : Hello ma’am
Me : Hi, good afternoon
VO : Can I have your passport?
Me : Sure. gives passport
VO : Is your husband in the US?
Me : Yes, he is.
VO : Can I see your spouse’s visa copy?
Me : Sure. Please give me a moment. gives her the copy
VO : How long has your husband been in the US?
Me : Tells her the month and year of first arrival to the US and then gave her the number of years.
VO : When did you get married?
Me : Told her the date.
VO : Do you have any children?
Me : Yes/No. Told her an answer.
VO : Can I see your marriage photos?
Me : gives her an album of 20 pics
VO : How many people attended the wedding?
Me : Tells her the number
VO : Have you been to the US before?
Me : gives her my answer
VO : Have you ever applied for a visa to the US?
Me : gives her my answer
VO : Which company does your husband work in?
Me : gives her my answer
VO : What is his role in the company?
Me : gives her my answer
VO : Your visa is approved. But as you’re aware you need an NIE to travel. I cannot decide that. My manager will do it. Please check your passport for the NIE annotation when you receive it.
Came out by 12.45
Experience 13: H1B + H4 with Dropbox, NIE at Kolkata
Hi Everyone,
It’s been a roller coaster the last few months and finally got my H1B and wife’s h4 renewed and passports back from Kolkata today. Brief timeline:
April 9th – got appointment for Chennai IW on April 27th
April 24th – traveled to India
April 25th – Chennai IW canceled by consulate
April 30 – Presidential Proclamation
Spent a couple months trying to get appointment for IW/ EA without any luck.
July 10th – received NIE letter from Employer
July 12th – Submitted NIE request to Chennai consulate
July 13th – resubmitted with right format
July 27th – Chennai approved NIE (didn’t matter in the end)
July 19th – got Kolkata IW appointment for Aug 5th
Aug 5th – traveled to Kolkata, submitted Dropbox, NIE docs (critical infra critical manufacturing)
Aug 6th – Application received
Aug 10th – Administrative Processing
Aug 11th – Issued
Aug 13th – Premium Delivery at Chennai
Unfortunately wife will be losing her job because her H4 EAD won’t be processed anytime soon. But we can at least go home.
Thanks for all the help and encouragement from people on this group.
And to those waiting, hang in there, things change very quickly for the better too 🙂
Experience 14: H1B at Mumbai
After long wait of 1.5 years, H1B visa approved with NIE.
First time H1B petition approved in Jan 2020.
Booked appointment in March 2020.
Received appointment cancellation in mid March 2020 due to onset of covid-19 pandemic.
Travel Ban in effect from June 2020 till 31st Dec 2020, extended till 31st March 2021.
Travel Ban PP10052 expired on 31st March 2021.
Rescheduled appointment for early May 2021.
Travel ban PP10199 by Biden admin on 4th May 2021 due to second covid-19 wave in India.
Received biometrics and interview cancellation.
Rescheduled appointment again for early August.
Mumbai VAC Biometrics – 9/8 12:00pm
5 to 10 mins in and out
Docs asked – Passport and Appointment confirmation
Mumbai Consulate Interview – 10/8 9:30am
Reached at 8:30am
Called in at 9:00am
Counter 33 – American woman in 30s
Me: Good Morning mam!
VO: Good Morning!
Passed passport, I-797
VO(after typing something): What does your employer do?
Me: answered
VO: What do you do there?
Me: answered
VO was bit confused. I had my employment verification letter facing towards her. She asked me to pass it.
VO(read the letter and asked again): What do you do for your employer?
Me(I elaborated my answer this time stating my client name as well)
VO couldn’t understand the client name. I mentioned again slow and clear.
VO asked me to explain in layman’s terms about what services do I provide to this client while she was typing something.
Me: answered
At this point she could make out that my client falls under NIE.
To make a strong move, I mentioned that I also have a NIE from my client.
She asked me to show it.
VO glanced only the first page and kept typing by looking at it for 3-4 mins
VO: What is your role?
Me: answered
VO: How much do you earn?
Me: answered
Me: Do you wish to see the Client letter as well?
VO: No this is fine.
After 4-5 mins…
VO: Okay, I am approving you visa and approving your NIE. Have a great day.
Me: Thank you mam, you have a great day.
Very important note: Make sure you explain about your client clearly stating how the client and your related work falls under NIE. Also mention you have a NIE letter and offer them upfront.
Passport status:
10/8 – Administrative Processing
12/8 – Issued
13/8 – Ready for pickup
Have patience and don’t lose hope. Good luck!
Experience 15: H1B at Chennai
All, Today attended Chennai h1b visa interview and got approved with NIE quotation.
Because of high number of student visas, wait time is high; best to be there 30 mins before and not too long
I Would highly reccomend everyone to have these documents in Colour so client’s and company letterhead are visible well.
-> a good NIE letter (mention date near to your manager signature)
-> latest client invitation later(some recent date), all on Colour print with good quality.
Here are some important questions
- What is the visa you are applying for
- What is your client name and what business they do
- Is your client business is in exception now
Ans – It falls under NIE(including abbrevation), Food and agriculture, Information technology - What’s your role, salary in US and work that you will do
- Why do you need to be at USA during this pandemic
Ans – Explained and gave my NIE. He took 2-3 minutes to read NIE and then asked for my client letter. - What is your experience with employer
- How long worked with customer? (experience with current project/client)
Looked at my i-797, client letter and NIE
lastly those good words 🙂 – Your visa is approved along with NIE.
If you get the visa approved along with NIE(under the visa; NIE quotation will be there), it helps unecessary hassle to apply NIE separately.
All the best to all
Experience 16: H1B + H4 with Dropbox at New Delhi (USC Kid)
Dropbox location: New Delhi
Date the slot was booked: July 24
Date documents were dropped: Aug 9
Visa issued: Aug 12
Visa received at Blue Dart: Aug 14
I, myself dropped the documents for me and my wife at New Delhi VAC at Shivaji Stadium metro station.
Documents asked:
Travel ban exemption reason:
Since we have a USC kid, I gave a cover letter along with photocopies of her birth certificate and US passport.
H1:
- DS160 and visa appointment confirmation prints
- Current and all previous passports with any US visa
- Current i797 approval photocopy
- Employment verification letter
- One 2x2inch (51x51mm) passport photo with white background
H4:
- DS160 and visa appointment confirmation prints
- Current and all previous passports with any US visa
- Principal applicant’s current H1 i797 approval photocopy
- Photocopies of principal applicant’s latest passport and most recent H1 visa (expired)
- Current H4 i797 approval photocopy (not required, but I had it)
- Photocopy of all previous H4 i797 approvals
- Employment verification letter of the principal applicant (photocopy is fine)
- One 2x2inch (51x51mm) passport photo with white background
Make sure you take separate sets of copies for each applicant. They essentially make separate bundles per applicant.
Other things:
- My appointment was 3pm. The line started around 2:30. They won’t let you in before your time. Once at the counter, I was done in 20min.
- Instead of waiting in sun/rain outside the Shivaji Stadium metro station, you can just enter in the station, and sit there in AC environment. There are plenty of seats available one level down of the station entrance. No water bottles available to purchase inside. lol.
- During the last 8-10 weeks, it’s been crazy shortage of dropbox appointment slots. I got it comparatively easy in a week. Steps for finding and booking the dropbox appointment:
a. Obviously, fill the DS160 and VI application. Answer all the questions to be eligible for dropbox. Pay the fee.
b. I tried to find dropbox/IW slot myself for 2-3 days but I would run out of 3-5 chances per day limit of the portal.
c. Join all the Telegram groups related to the dropbox slots availability. There’s one for each consulate and one common.
d. Turn on all the notifications from these groups. I had telegram installed on phone as well as my laptop. You don’t want to miss anything.
e. Keep the USTravelDocs website logged in at all times. Just stay on the post-login home page. Don’t go to the slot pickup page unnecessarily. If you are logged out, login again. You won’t have any extra minute to waste once you get to know about the slot availability here.
f. Now the waiting game. Keeping an eye on the phone notifications from Telegram. Stop all other social media apps and social life for few days. Sleeping near your phone and laptop helps. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
g. As soon as you get a notification about slot availability, run like a maniac to your laptop and book the appointment. I got it on the 3rd day of joining these groups. Folks here have been amazingly helpful.
h. For the last few weeks, I have seen Delhi dropbox slots opening on the weekends around 9-11am IST. But cannot say for sure if it’s going to continue.
Experience 17: H4 at New Delhi
1st July: Travel to India
3rd Aug – Regular slots booked for Delhi
3rd Aug – EA request submitted- family reunion – No USC
4th Aug – EA approval received and EA appointment booked for 9th Aug VFC appt. 10th Aug – Consular Interview
Interview was short.
Questions:
- Why did you travel to India? Explained.
- Do you have NIE letter? No do not have. VO: no worries, I will submit one.
- VO : asked for little details about spouse and work related. Employer, client etc.
Explained. - VO: I am approving VISA, Passports collected.
10th Aug: Returned to Hyderabad
11th Aug: Received NIE approval email
11th Aug: Admin Processing
12th Aug: Issued and processing for delivery ( The status update is a day behind). Actually it is ready for delivery on 11th Aug. we realized this when blue dart attempted the delivery on 12th.
12 th Aug : Delivery attempt made by blue dart.
13 th Aug. : Received email with AWB #. When we tracked the status, surprise that the delivery attempt was made on 12th.
13th Aug : Passports collected.
VISA stamped with Annontation : NIE under all PPS Novel Corona Virus.
20th Aug : Return to US
Experience 18: H1B with Dropbox at Kolkata
Sharing my Dropbox visa extension experience at Kolkata consulate.
- Found and booked regular dropbox appointment for 28th July.
- Drafted an NIE letter on company letter head, got it approved and signed by my manager. The letter highlighted that I work in the tech sector which is deemed as a critical sector by CISA. Further outlined what company+team I work in, my own job responsibilities and how they are critical and require me to by physically present in the US to perform them. There is no right or wrong format for the NIE letter as long as it highlights why its important for you to be in the US and is signed by a company authority.
- Reached Kolkata dropbox location at the time of appointment. If you reach early you have to wait as they are only sending candidates at the exact time of appointments.
- Waited for 30 mins as there were few other people ahead of me for my appointment slot. The consulate staff collected and verified my passport, DS160, appointment confirmation, photograph, both old and new I797, proof of current employment and NIE letter.
- Visa+NIE was approved 2 days later on 30th July. NIE was stamped on the visa itself and I did not get any separate email.
- My wife was applying for her H4 extension as well but on a separate application. Her appointment was a day before mine (27th July). Her status was updated to “denied, require additional processing” next day and we received an email asking if the principal H1B applicant (me) had a valid US visa stamp and to send a copy of it. Once my H1B stamp was approved I collected the passport and sent a copy of the new visa stamp. My wife’s H4+NIE was approved the next day.
- Flew to the US on 11th Aug via United Air DEL to ORD. Immigration was smooth and the officer just asked for the I797. No questions about travel ban or NIE.
Experience 19: H1B + H4 (Spouse + USC Kid) with Dropbox at Chennai
Visa expired – oct 2017
Dec 2019 – Got appointment for March 2020
March 2020- Appointment cancelled by consulate bcoz of covid, Oci cardholder ban to enter in india. Cancelled my plan to travel to India.
Nov 2020- Applied for H1 extension
Feb 2021 – Got H1 approval
Feb 2021- Book the interview appointment for April 2021
March 2021- Eligible for dropbox bcoz of 48 month rule and got dropbox appointment for 10 May.
April 22 – Travelled to India
April 28 – Appointment got cancelled.
Thanks to the dropbox slot telegram group got appointment for July 27 at Chennai after looking for so long.
July 27 – Submitted dropbox at Chennai
August 8- Received passport with Stamped visa
August 12- Travelled to USA
No issues in immigration & custom and it was quick and came out in 30 min. Flight was full with mostly F1 visa students.
Experience 20: H1B + H4 with Dropbox at Hyderabad (USC Kid)
US visa dropbox experience in Hyderabad
- Booked Dropbox appointment in March 2021
- Landed in india on 01-aug with family
- Went alone and completed Dropbox for h1 and h4 on 03-aug in Hyderabad.
- Submitted USC Kid passport and birth certificate as well.
- Application received on 04-Aug
- Administrative processing for h1,h4 on 09-aug
- Visa issued for H1 on 11-aug
- Visa issued for H4 on 13-aug
- Passport received h1,h4 through blue dart on 16-aug.
Had 2 employer changes since last stamping
Last stamping expired 46 months back
Experience 21: H1B at New Delhi
First Time H1B (previously on F1) Experience Delhi:
Travelled to India from USA on April 19th
Initial In Person visa interview at Chennai embassy on April 29th got canceled.
Rebooked in Mumbai for July 2nd, attended visa and got 221G refused under PP (Did have NIE letter but VO refused to take a look)
Rebooked in Delhi for Feb 2nd and raised EA on Aug 4th under critical infrastructure IT and got EA approval on Aug12th. Booked visa appointment for Aug17th.
Only basic questions were asked-
- Are you on h1b visa? Yes
- Pass me the passport
- Are you applying for NIE? Yes, my work falls under critical infrastructure sectors
- How long have you been working at your org?
- What is your title?
- What is the job location?
- What is the salary?
- What is your highest degree?
Final words Congratulation! You visa is approved and I am also approving NIE.
Experience 22: H1B with Dropbox at New Delhi
Appointment scheduled at 1 pm. Reached VFS at 12 pm but they let me in at 12:30 only.
Document asked-
- Current and old passport
- Current and old I797 copy
- NIE letter
- Position confirmation letter
- DS160 confirmation
- Appointment Confirmation
- 1 photo
**No question asked
**While filling DS160 form, I gave Mumbai as location. But scheduled dropbox for Delhi. I used same DS160 form which filled for Mumbai.
Status Summary
6-Aug: No status
7-8 Aug: Weekend
9,10-Aug: application Revived
11-Aug: Admin processing
12-Aug: Status is admin processing but received NIE approval email at 12 pm(some people not getting this email though their visa has NIE annotation)
12-Aug: at 3 pm, status changed to Issued
16-Aug: received email to pick passport as I selected vfs pickup.
17-Aug: picked passport. Visa with NIE annotation
Experience 23: H1B with Dropbox at New Delhi
My visa is approved today . Hoping this would help for future applicants.
Dropbox location : Delhi on 8/11/2021
I got visa slot in delhi last week of July . As soon as i blocked a slot , i flew from US to HYD .
Travel to delhi : booked vistara flight to and fro from hyd to delhi . To flight was at 7 am and from flight was at 5:40 pm . For an appt at 1 pm this would be idle case
Both the airports have lounges . If you are eligible for free lounge stays with your credit cards or priority passes , you can have breakfast and lunch and take some rest .
Reached Delhi by 9 am and checked in to a lounge on terminal 3 . Had some coffee and a nap until 11:30 .
Dont waste your time and money on cabs . In terminal 3 , you have metro to shivaji stadium which will take you to the foot steps of VAC center and is a 20 min ride and 50 rupee charge one way .
Reached VAC by 12 pm and they allowed me at 12:30 pm . You can carry backpack but no electronics . They do not check your backpack unless they want to . There is a shop in the same floor who charge to have your items to place in locker
Dropbox exp : Make sure your passport pic is as per standards . You will have to waste lot of time if they refuse to take it .
Docs collected : all passports , passport pic , current i797 , appt letter , ds 160 , employment verification letter , proof of exemption
Note : make aure you have cover letter if you have usc kid , they did not take my previous i797 as my previous visa expiry and my current i797 start date is less than an year
Took metro from shivaji stadium at 2 pm and reached airport by 2:30 . Checked in lounge at 3 , had my lunch and coffee . Boarded flight at 5 and rwached hyd.
8/12/2021 – application recieved
8/13/2021 – admin processing
8/17/2021 – issued
I will have to pickup my passport at hyd location now.
Experience 24: H4 (Spouse + Kid)with Dropbox at New Delhi
->Spouse and kid (H4)
->Self Written NIE letter based on family separation/kids medical check & school joining
-Flight from BLR to DEL previous day
-Metro from airport to shivaji stadium metro station
-Auto from metro to PARK hotel(STAY)
-next day morning auto from hotel to shivaji stadium metro station(VAC office in the same building)
-Appointment @10 AM 17AUG
-Reached VAC before 10 min
-They allow you just in time
-First verification/check by security personal for your dropbox appointment
-screening your personal accessories -Bag, etc,.
-Temperature check by another security personal
-Token Issue for counter
-Wait for your turn (~3 min)
Documents submitted:
- Passports (original both new + old)
- I-797 (current and previous one)
- previous visa copies (primary applicant and H4’s)
- NIE letter with supporting doc (Doctor certificate and school enrollment letter)
- DS-160 confirmation pages(both)
- Dropbox appointment
- photo(1 each for applicant)
- Position confirmation (of primary applicant)
- client letter(of primary applicant)
-All done in 30 min
Highlight is NewDelhi-IW collected/accepted kid’s H4 visa renewal unlike HYD-IW they denied and asked to schedule in-person consular interview based on experiences shared here in this group***
**I had raised query with us-visa support earlier before scheduling appt, they replied same as Hyd-IW above, that if parents dont have valid visa, we need to schedule in-person consular interview for kid
Experience 25: H1B with 221g at New Delhi
Finally the roller coaster has come to an end.
H1B COS First time stamping approved at Delhi embassy after 221g from Mumbai consulate. (moved from F1 to H1b)
June 21: recieved 221g at mumbai consulate. VO did not ask anything about the role or try to understand why I am eligible.
VO: I see you are working at X, what is your current title?
me: explained
VO: What is your highest degree?
me: MS in Computer Science
VO: do you have us citizen child?
me: No
VO: how many employees are there at X?
me: thousands.. (X is big mnc)
VO: how many at your level?
me: not sure
VO: give me a ballpark figure
me: thousand I guess
VO: You know we are not issuing visa due to the proclamation. We find that you do not qualify for nie at the moment. picks 221g form to fill
me: I have a letter of support for NIE from my employer
VO: we determine if you qualify or not.
me: Doesn’t information technology fall under NIE?
VO: yes but you do not uphold the infrastructure on your own right?
me: Nods and takes all documents and passport to leave
VO: *hands me 221g white slip stating “Presidential Proclamation” *
Followed up with the lawyers on what to do next. They advised to wait on the 221g. July spent mostly waiting. Checked telegram groups if anyone was able to get the visa issued at Delhi. On July 20th decided to pay visa fees and look for regular appointment at Delhi just in case. On July 24th got a regular appointment slot in Feb at Delhi.
Reached out to Mumbai consulate via support for following up on 221g. They kept informing that we cannot expediate the case and need to wait.
Started working with employer to improve NIE letter and letter of support for Emergency Appointmnet at Delhi. I feel this is very important and needs to be as solid as possible.
Aug 3rd submitted Emergency appointment request. Aug 12th recieved approval.
Aug 17th VAC at Delhi was a breeze.
Aug 18th: Consular appointment at Delhi
Arrived at 9 am for 9:30 appointment. There is a line for security check outside the emabssy. You then cross the road where they verify your passport. Next you enter the building, you are sent to a window where they verify your documents (passport, i797). After this you are placed in queues to meet the Visa officer.
Counter 20
VO rejected the F1 visa applicant infornt of me.
VO: seeing my passport and 1797 can you give your passport and i797?
me: provides those and sneaks in the Employer letter for emergency appointment and NIE (I read in telegram groups that doing this is helpful)
VO: which company do you work for?
me: answers
VO: ah. jokes what company is that? Havent heard of it before. What do they do?
me: laughs
VO: whats your current title?
me: Answers . Also explains that my company has a policy to not to push code while outside the USA and therefore I need to go back.
VO: so you have been working already in the US for this company?
me: Yes for 3 years.
VO: Ok. Do you have us children?
me: NO
VO: we need to apply an NIE for you. Hold on.
me: ok
VO: Are you based in Seattle?
me: yes seattle
VO: where will you reside in the US?
me: I already have an apartment in Seattle. gives address.
VO: Can you tell me the locality?
me: South Lake Union
VO: expensive
me: laughs it is close to work.
VO: Whats your exact title again?
me: Software Development Engineer
VO types something in the computeR
VO: ok your visa approved. you will be able to pick up your passport in 5 days depending on the delivery mechanism you have chosen.
me: Thank you.
VO: Bye
me: Bye
To all of those who need to stamp first time h1b don’t waste your time with Mumbai and Hyderabad. There are some cases I know where they also approved the visa but 90% they have been issuing 221g white slip. If you can get a slot at Delhi will save you time, money and effort.
Experience 26: H1B + H4 (Spouse+Son) with Dropbox at New Delhi
Dropbox Appointment:
Delhi – 8/12 – 1:00 PM
Booked on 25th July via DropBox Telegram Group.
Anyone looking for dropbox appointment must join that group. Group link is available in ‘Links’ section of this group.
DropBox Experience:
- Reached ND VAC at 12:10 PM, allowed inside at 12:30 PM
- Waited for my turn and then submitted docs for H1B + H4 + H4 (7 months old son). Family was waiting outside in waiting area.
- H1B – All issued I-797, Passport (old + new), old visa copy, DS160, Self written NIE, position confirmation letter from Employer, 1 photo
- H4 Spouse – Same docs
- H4 (Son) – Same docs + parents passport copy (first, last page)
PS:
- I took 1 set for each applicant and handed over to officer 1-by-1
- I went with photo as per US Visa specifications. I instructed Studio person that I need photo for US Visa and he was aware of specifications.
Timeline:
8/12 – Docs Submitted
8/13 – Application Received
8/14, 8/15, 8/16 – Saturday, Sunday, Independence Day (Holidays)
8/17 – Administrative Processing
8/18 – Got NIE email for family by 12 PM and status updated to Issued
Now waiting for passports to be delivered at home address.
Experience 27: H1B + H4 with NIE at New Delhi
Date: 17th Aug ’21.
Location – New Delhi
Took about 30 min to clear security line.
VO : Are you here on an emergency request for NIE ?
Me : Yes, I have an NIE letter from my employer. Would you like to see it.
VO : No I don’t want to see it. As long as you can explain your job later, it’s good.
VO : Who filed your petition?
Me : xxx company.
VO : Where is your office based?
Me : answered
VO : What is your salary?
Me : answered
VO : What are your responsibilities?
Me : answered
VO : when did you get married ?
Me : answered
To my wife
VO : Were you in the US as well?
She said yes as she had visited US as a tourist.
VO : Okay. I am approving your NIE along with your Visa.
Good luck to everyone.
Experience 28: H1B with 221g at New Delhi
My experience: 221G from Mumbai -EA @ Delhi Approved 8/19. 1st time stamping F1 to H1B.
Sector: Manufacturing
NIE: health care and public health
Title: Quality Assurance Manager
July 22nd (regular spot) received 221G at Mumbai.
Decided not waste time after talking to some helping hands on this group.
28th July paid for Delhi. 2nd Aug able to get Jan 2022 slot.
5th Aug submitted EA with NIE doc.
EA approved on 16th Aug
19th Aug done and dusted. Approved.
Don’t waste time with 221G. If you know you are qualified under NIE go for EA (mainly for Mumbai).
Interview experience: 8/19
VO: why did you reapplied while there is an ongoing application? (About 221G from Mumbai)
Me: during that time I have provided a generic letter (not person specific) given by my employer but now I came with NIE specifically written to me.
VO: Got it. Not even interested to look at NIE doc which I was dropping it for him.
And further question: what does my employer do? Title of my position? Salary?
Me: Make sanitizing products directly applied under healthcare and public health sector. VO was already happy and said NIE and Visa
both approved with multiple entries.
Mumbai Visa Centre haven’t even considered what I was saying. They dont want to know what you do who your employer is and under what sector unless it’s an EA.
Lesson learnt: my Mumbai slot was general slot not EA. Reapplied to Delhi and went for EA. Approved under 10days.
Recommendation: no matter what only apply EA and attend interview. This will save time and gives another chance to change application center if denied at any location with one MRV fee.
Good luck immigrants.
Experience 29: H1B at New Delhi
H1B first time stamping experience:
Biometrics: April23, 2021
Consular: August19,2021 8:20am
Consular location: New Delhi
Got my consular appointment last Saturday night at 12:20am. Was able to see slots because had to book the consular only.
Me: good morning sir
VO: good morning, your passport and I797 please
Me: gave it
VO: your company name
Me: answered
VO: salary
Me: answered
VO: location
Me: answered
VO: job title
Me: answered
VO: said that you qualify for NIE
Me: I said yes, I do have the letter do you need it?
VO: No, I’ll grant it here
Me: I said thank you my critical infrastructure category is Information Technology
VO: gave me my I797 back along with a guide for working temporarily in the US
Experience 30: H1B with 221g at New Delhi
H1B renewal approved at New Delhi (second application). First application at Chennai has 221g
April 22 – Dropbox with Chennai consulate
May 1 – 221G to appear in person at the consulate
May-June- Tried to get follow up appointment with Chennai, but no use
July 1- Created a new Ds160 with Delhi consulate
July 18- Got a consular appointment with Delhi in Feb 22
July 19- Applied for emergency under Urgent business travel with NIE letter from employer
July 29- Emergency appointment approved
Aug 5 – Chennai follow up approved but choose to go to Delhi due to better approval rate and keep Chennai as a fall back
Aug 13- Ofc at New Delhi
Aug 17- Consular at New Delhi
Questions-
Vo- Who is your employer ?
Vo – Are you applying for NIE?
Me- Yes, Do you want see NIE letter from employer?
Vo- No, you can explain your reason later
Vo- what’s your salary?
Vo- since when are working for this employer?
Vo- where is your Office?
Vo- visa and NIE approved
Aug 18- Received NIE approval in email
Aug 19- Received Passport with NIE
End to long stressful journey!