The Visa Interview Waiver Program or the Dropbox service enables applicants for a US visa to submit their visa application without appearing for a visa interview with a United States Consular Officer. This service allows the US consular officers to prioritize and speed up the process of visa approval for certain applicants.
Full Answer
Is there a Dropbox for US visa application?
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. We strongly recommend to keep a buffer of at-least 3 weeks after dropping your application as you can be called for interview.
What is Dropbox stamping for US visa renewal?
When you apply for US Visa renewal and you meet certain criteria, you can get it stamped in passport without attending in-person visa interview. This kind of visa stamping process is called ‘Interview Waiver’ option and popularly called as ‘US Visa Dropbox Stamping’.
Can I renew my H1B visa using Dropbox?
Below is sample 221g given at Consulate for H1B Dropbox before pandemic asking to attend the consulate for interview on any day. Overall, the process to renew H1B visa using interview waiver or dropbox option is very straightforward and should not have any complications.
When does the in-person interview for a visa Dropbox expire?
The authorization to waive the in-person interview for applicants renewing a visa in the same visa class within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration has been extended indefinitely. This article talks about U.S visa dropbox eligibility and the related details. The visa is given as a stamp in your passport.
How does dropbox for US visa 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.
How long does it take to get a US visa from dropbox?
All US Visa Dropbox SubmissionsUserVisa TypeProcessing Time1c4G***H1B6 days1c4G***H1B7 days & countingEQz5***H41 days & countingepkw***H49 days & counting16 more rows
Who can use dropbox for US visa?
If applying for a J visa, your DS-2019 is also issued by the same institution as it is on your previous visa. Adults over 80 years of age are eligible for dropbox, if their recent visa application was not refused.
Is dropbox facility still available for US visa?
Yes, US Visa applicants eligible for an interview waiver or Dropbox submission can drop off their documents at any of the 11 locations listed for Dropbox US Visa Stamping. Unlike in the past, there are no restrictions on the location of your VAC.
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.
Can we go for visa interview instead of Dropbox?
In general, you need to apply for Biometrics & US Visa Interview appointments, if you need to get a US visa stamping on your passport. Since Sep 2019, US Consulates in India introduced appointments for US Visa stampings using the Interview Waiver option, popularly called Dropbox.
How do I know if I qualify for DropBox?
Here is what could make you eligible to submit your documents to DropBox:You got the visa after January 1, 2008.The visa is renewed in the same visa category.You got your most recent visa in your home country or the same country as the renewal.Your visa is still valid or it has expired only in the past 12 months.More items...•
Can I renew my b1 b2 visa without interview?
The US Interview Waiver Program (IWP) allows eligible individuals to renew their visas without attending another interview. If you do not meet the requirements, you will have to schedule a second one.
How long does it take dropbox to process?
Dropbox Processing Time 7-10 Days.
How long is dropbox administrative processing?
Processing times are unpredictable. According to the U.S. Department of State, most administrative processing cases conclude 60 days or less after the visa interview.
Can I track my passport after visa dropbox?
You can track your passport/documents via online/web chat/helpline number/email provided below. To track your passport/documents online, you'll have to enter the Tracking ID number mentioned on the receipt received from the Visa Application Centre, and your Date of Birth.
How do I know if my visa is ready for pickup?
Check the Status of Your Visa https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx.
How long does it take to get a visa for Dropbox?
Dropbox visa processing can take between 3 to 21 days.
Which countries have Dropbox?
The app currently has Dropbox options for India, China, Mexico, and Australia. The Canada Dropbox eligibility options will be added soon.
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.
How to print H1B Dropbox confirmation letter?
After you book the dates, you will be navigated further to print the H1B Dropbox Appointment Confirmation Letter. It will usually be 6 pages. The first page would have your details, Appointment details, Document delivery or pickup info, fee information and DS-160 details. Second page would have the details of the Dropbox Location and instructions. See below screenshots. The list of documents to be carried will be given in rest of the pages by Visa type. Look for the one relevant for H and L Applicants. You can check more at Sample US Visa Dropbox Confirmation Letter India
What happens if my visa is not approved?
If your visa was not approved by Consulate for some reason with the Dropbox Option, then you will be notified that your visa was not approved. The visa status on CEAC website will continue show status as “Administrative Processing” or “Refused”.
When did H1B visas get stamped?
Your H1B Visa was stamped in your passport after Jan 1, 2008
How to use existing receipts for MRV?
You can say use existing receipts, then it takes you to the screen to book appointment
What do I need to do after I complete the DS-160?
After you complete the DS-160 form, you need to create a new user profile on CGI Federal Website and complete basic information about you.
What is DS-160 form?
DS-160 form is a very lengthy form and asks for a lot of information. It can take time to complete this form. Also, when you submit DS-160 form, you will get a confirmation number. The DS-160 confirmation number is also same as the Application ID.
Does DropBox require an interview?
Next, you need to select the language of the interview that you plan to do, if you have to go for interview. In general, dropbox does not require interview, but in case, they want to interview you, you need to select that and click on continue. You would see this listed as Step 3 in the wizard as in below screenshot.
How to renew DS 160 visa?
Visit the US embassy website to fill one of the forms you need to renew your visa and the DS 160 Visa application form and then print the application confirmation page. Ensure that you keep your receipt and confirmation page print-out.
How long does it take to get a visa renewed?
After the successful application, you will get a renewed visa in 7 or 10 days.
How long can you reapply for a visa that has expired?
You can`t reapply if your visa has been expired for more than twelve months
Why do you save receipts after payment?
The vital point is to save your receipt after the payment because it is proof of your payment.
Can Nigerians use Dropbox?
But note that the method is open only for citizens of Nigeria who already have the visa. In this article, I will guide you on how to use Dropbox for Us renewal for Nigerians.
Can I renew my Dropbox visa?
Thanks for the Dropbox US Visa renewal service. This renewal service allows you to apply for a visa renewal without having to attend an interview. The service is however only available for BI/B2 Visa holders, F, H, and L visa holders.