Is US visa Dropbox appointment necessary?
In many cases, US Visa Dropbox Appointment is a must, if you are eligible for it. In light of COVID and safety of everyone, US Department of State has announced small change in eligibility criteria for interview waiver or Dropbox stamping, we will cover that details in this article.
How to drop off documents for US visa renewal using Dropbox?
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.
Is there a Dropbox for US visa interview waiver?
US visa Interview waiver is the term used for dropbox facility. There is no dropbox as such but you need to submit your documents to the VFS location assigned by US embassy. Dropbox Processing time varies from 1 day to 6 weeks.
What is Dropbox appointment with VAC?
Having VAC can mean Dropbox Appointment as well 5. How to verify, if you booked Dropbox Appointment with VAC in dropbox ? 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.
How does US visa drop box work?
US visa Interview waiver is the term used for the dropbox facility. This means that you can get a US visa stamp without any personal interview by a US visa officer. There is no box as such but you need to submit your documents to the VFS location assigned by the US embassy.
What is drop box visa appointment?
U.S. Embassy India on Twitter: "Introducing the Cross Post Dropbox process: applicants with an interview waiver appointment can now choose to drop off their documents at any visa application center or document delivery location, regardless of where their dropbox appointment is scheduled.
Is dropbox open for US visa?
Dropbox slots continue to be open for H1B, H4, L and other visa types. The number of slots are limited and they fill quickly. More F1 visa appointment slots are open as the focus is on Spring 2022 students. All US consulates in India continue to operate in limited fashion with limited number of appointments.
Who is eligible for dropbox appointment?
The key criteria is that you need to meet the 48 month criteria on the day of submission of the documents. Even though system may allow you book appointment, you should meet the 48 month requirement on the day of submission.
Can visa be rejected in Dropbox?
Many users reported that, if you have submitted your documents for US Visa stamping using the Dropbox option for renewals, then you may see “Administrative Processing” as the status on the CEAC website. Sometimes, due to the issue we described in the article above, you may also see the “Refused” status as well.
Do I need to fill DS 160 for Dropbox?
Below is the list of documents that need to be submitted for H1B Dropbox Submission during the appointment : Dropbox Appointment Confirmation Letter. DS-160 CEAC Confirmation Page. Passport Photo as per US Visa Photo specifications.
Are Dropbox appointments available in India now?
Dropbox appointments are currently available through our website. At this time we do not have a date for resumption of routine visa appointments. We have resumed limited 221g processing. If you were previously asked to submit documents in support of your case, please follow the instructions you were given.
Are Dropbox visa appointments available in India?
Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers.
How do I know if I qualify for DropBox?
All you have to do to check your DropBox eligibility with the app is enter the country you apply in and your visa details, as well as what visa extension you seek. It will immediately tell you whether you are eligible or not. If you don't qualify, you will also be told the reason for this.
How can I check visa slots availability?
Give your Access Code (received in the signup) in the extension. Log in to CGI portal from the browser you installed the extension. Navigate to schedule appointment on the visa portal.
How do I know if I qualify for dropbox?
All you have to do to check your DropBox eligibility with the app is enter the country you apply in and your visa details, as well as what visa extension you seek. It will immediately tell you whether you are eligible or not. If you don't qualify, you will also be told the reason for this.
How long does it take dropbox to process?
Dropbox Processing Time 7-10 Days.
What is dropbox and do I need it?
Dropbox is a cloud storage service that lets you save files online and sync them to your devices. You can use Dropbox links to share files and folders with other people without sending large attachments.
How many times we can reschedule US visa dropbox appointment?
Restrictions to Changing Appointments Applicants are only allowed to reschedule twice (not including the initial appointment) without penalty. If the second rescheduling attempt is canceled, an applicant will only be allowed to reschedule a new date after a waiting period of 90 days.
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.
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.
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 Dropbox appointment.
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.
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
How long does it take to get a visa for Dropbox?
Dropbox visa processing can take between 3 to 21 days.
Where are L and H visas sent?
L or H visa petitions are sent to USCIS and H and L visa applications are sent to the US embassy.
What is a visa interview waiver?
US visa Interview waiver is the term used for the dropbox facility. This means that you can get a US visa stamp without any personal interview by a US visa officer.
How long is the dropbox period?
Visa fees required. Form 221g Admin processing possible. US Department of State has allowed a 48 month period for dropbox eligibility instead of 12 months until Dec 31, 2021, due to the COVID-19 situation. This is a temporary change and may or may not be extended after Dec 2021.
What happens if a visa is stamped on an expired passport?
Your current or most recent visa – If the visa is stamped on an old expired passport, then submit that passport too in original
What is the marking on a visa stamp?
If your last visa stamping got a form 221g for any reason, your US visa stamp will have the marking of ‘Clearance received” or “Department Authorization”.
How long does it take to get a Dropbox file?
The facility to submit documents without an interview is called ‘DropBox’. Dropbox Processing time varies from 1 day to 6 weeks. We strongly recommend keeping a buffer of at least 3 weeks after dropping your application as you can be called for an interview.
When to book an appointment for a US visa?
The US embassies recommend that applicants book their US visa appointment date days before their intended travel date. This will allow the embassy or consulate to have enough time to process the visa.
Who initiates the visa application process?
If you are an immigrant applicant, your application process will be initiated by your sponsor who is based in the US. Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has approved your sponsor’s petition to sponsor your visa, then the following processes will be continued by you right from your home country.
How long does a non-immigrant visa last?
Some documents you will need for nonimmigrant US visa application are your passport, which must have at least six months validity beyond the period you intend staying in the US, the receipt for your visa application fee, and your DS-160 confirmation page.
What to do when filling out a travel form?
When filling the forms, ensure that all necessary information and documents are provided. You may also need to answer questions regarding your travel itinerary. If you have embarked on an international trip before, either to the US or other country (s), you may be asked to provide dates of some of your past trips.
Is a visa payment mandatory?
Keep in mind that the payment is compulsory . Without it, your application can as well be considered nonexistent. Cost of visa application varies, depending on the visa type you are applying for and your country of origin. The embassy will show you what is required in your own case.
Where do I get a visa stamp?
After receiving an Approval Notice (Form I-797) from USCIS, you must make an appointment at your local consulate or U.S. embassy to get a visa stamp on your passport.
What do I need to do after I have my petition approved?
Once your Petition has been approved, and your priority date is current, you will need to submit an I-485 Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status.
How long does it take for USCIS to process a request?
USCIS can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to process requests submitted for regular processing, while premium processing guarantees a response time of 15 business days.
What is the minimum size of a photo for USCIS?
Photograph – Take a photo that meets specific standards set by USCIS. This photo should generally meet the following specifications: square, color, and be a minimum size of 600×600 pixels and a maximum size of 1200×1200 pixels in a JPEG file format with a file size of fewer than 240 kilobytes.
When do employers have to register immigrants?
An employer that is based in the United States must submit a registration on behalf of the immigrant worker during the month of March.
Do I need an I-140 for an alien worker?
You will need to have your employer submit an I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker along with all supporting evidence for the green card you are pursuing.
Do I need to file an I-907 for premium processing?
If you and your attorney agree that premium processing would be beneficial to your H-1B situation, you will need to file an I-907 Request for Premium Processing along with the requisite fee.
How to contact the VAC in India?
Or you can call one of the call centers: Callers in India: Call +91 120 6602222 or +91 22 67209400. Callers in the United States: Call 1-310- 616- 5424. You should plan ahead for this appointment. You cannot have the appointments with the VAC and the consulate on the same day.
Why do science and technology applicants need additional processing?
5. Science and technology applicants may require additional processing so they can bring additional supporting documents to reduce the processing time.
Is NATO exempt from fingerprinting?
Additionally, A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, C-3, and NATO applicants are exempted from the fingerprint scan requirement. However, if the purpose of the diplomats' visit is tourism or pleasure, then he or she is not exempted from the biometrics/ fingerprinting appointment.
Can I bring a copy of the I-797?
1. H, L, and other petition-based visa applicants may bring copies of the I-797, I-129 and other petition-related documents.
Do you need a digital photo of your face for a VAC appointment?
In addition to the fingerprints, the officer will take a digital photo of your face for their records. Children under 7 are required to bring a hard copy, not a digital copy of their photograph. In addition to the photograph in the DS-160 form, this photograph is taken as a proof that you were present in person for the VAC appointment. At your interview at the consulate, the consular officer will refer to this photograph during your interview.
How many photocopies are required for a visa?
Supporting documentation in original and one photocopy required for your visa type
When did the US start visa interview waiver?
In March 2012, US Embassy announced Visa Interview Waiver program for certain visa categories for qualified individuals. Later, the dropbox program (Visa Interview program) in India have been expanded to include H1B Visa, H4 Visa, L1A, L1B, B1/B2 Visa and F1 Visa.
What is DS 160?
The DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application confirmation sheet (all categories)
When did the visa waiver start?
US Visa Interview Waiver or Dropbox program was introduced in 2012. Since then several thousands of US visa interview applicants have utilized the dropbox in India.
Does Dropbox save time?
Saves Time and Money: If you are going to India for US Visa Renewal, and qualify for dropbox, it could save you one day of stay in the city were U.S. Consulate is located.
Do I need to submit an I-797 for an OFC?
You don’t have to submit the original I-797 Approval Notice when submitting the Passport after OFC. I believe you may need original only for J visa interview. But, you can validate that during OFC appointment. In either case, you are required to carry the original and photocopy of all the required documents for OFC.
Do you have to wear glasses to get a visa?
If you wear glasses, then for visa, you should remove them (new requirement since 2016)
