Visa-Faq.com

what is us visa drop box

by Marianne Glover Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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This means that you can get a US visa stamp without any personal interview by a US visa officer. Dropbox is also called a mail-in facility in countries like Australia, Canada, Denmark, and others. There is no box as such but you need to submit your documents to the VFS location assigned by the US embassy.Aug 10, 2022

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 the drop box facility in US Embassy?

Drop box facility is by usa embassy. This facility is for either by children below 14 or elderly person above 79. Then they don't need to appear for visa councillor interview. Infact no biometrics for them. They don't need to visit the visa centre , their legal guardian can deposit their passports

What is the criteria for US visa interview waiver or Dropbox?

The criteria for US visa interview waiver or dropbox option has not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. All the The documents required has not changed, you are still required to submit all the required documents. In general, to apply for dropbox, your visa has to be valid or expired within the last 12 months.

How long does it take to renew a drop box visa?

Processing times for renewing your visa through U.S. Visa DropBox generally varies from 1 day to 3 weeks (21 days). It is a good idea to keep a buffer of about 3 weeks after submitting your document through the U.S. Visa DropBox in case you get called for a visa interview.

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Who is eligible for US visa drop box?

Adults over 80 years of age are eligible for dropbox, if their recent visa application was not refused.

What is drop box visa?

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.

How long does it take to get a US visa from dropbox?

Processing times for renewing your visa through U.S. Visa DropBox generally vary from 1 day to 3 weeks (21 days). It is a good idea to keep a buffer of about 3 weeks after submitting your document through the U.S. Visa DropBox in case you get called for a visa interview.

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 can I check my U.S. visa status in Dropbox?

You can check the status of your application any time at this website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx. Please wait at least three business days following your visa interview to check on the status of your application.

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 can I get confirmation letter from US visa for dropbox?

If the applicant appears to be eligible for an interview waiver, he or she will receive a drop box submission letter. The drop box submission letter will include directions for the applicant regarding the documentation that he or she must submit and the drop box locations that he or she must submit the documents in.

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.

When will dropbox stamping expire?

On March 11th, 2021, US Department of Statement released a press note indicating the expansion of dropbox visa stamping eligibility from 24 months from visa expiry to 48 months from expiry. Also, they are extending the eligibility beyond March 31st, 201 until Dec 31, 2021.

How long does Dropbox stamping last?

2. Dropbox Stamping Requirement Extended to 48 months from Expiry

What is the reality of US Visa Stampings ? Emergency Appointments ?

Even though the situation is under control in many countries, the reality is that many of the consulates are still not yet open for regular operations. Most of them are still operating in limited scope.

How long before a visa expires do you need to submit documents?

In short, you need to submit 7 days before your visa’s 48 months from expiry deadline.

When will the US extend the visa waiver?

March 11th, 2021 : US Department of State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry eligibility to 48 months from expiry. Also, they are extending the interview waiver or Dropbox eligibility with the 48 months until December 31st, 2021. See below screenshot of the Official Press release on Travel.State.Gov

When will the visa waiver expire in 2021?

March 11th, 2021 : US Department of State made an announcement expanding the 24 month from expiry eligibility to 48 months from expiry. Also, they are extending the interview waiver or Dropbox eligibility with the 48 months until December 31st, 2021. See below screenshot of the Official Press release on Travel.State.Gov.

When does the visa expire for the US?

To help the situation and avoid public risk, back in 2020 US Department of State increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from expiry of previous visa for US visa renewals using dropbox or interview waiver option until March 31, 2021.

When will the visa drop box be available?

Department of State has decided to relax the eligibility requirements for the U.S. Visa DropBox facility until December 31, 2020.

What is the drop box for visa renewal?

The facility or process used to apply for your visa renewal without the visa interview is known as the U.S. Visa DropBox. There isn’t an actual box for the U.S. Visa DropBox. The facility to submit documents without an interview is just called “DropBox.”

Why is Dropbox Eligibility Being Extended?

Even though the U.S. Department of State announced U.S. Consulates could open from July 15, 2020, many Consulates aren’t fully operational. Each Consulate has to adhere to its country’s local lockdown regulations. So, most U.S. Consulates are only making limited appointments and aren’t open to normal visa operations yet.

What is Visa Stamping?

Visa stamping is the process whereby you receive your visa. Your visa is endorsed (stamped) in your passport after your visa was approved. Visa stamping happens after you’ve gone through the application process and completed all the required steps.

How long does it take to renew a visa?

Processing times for renewing your visa through U.S. Visa DropBox generally varies from 1 day to 3 weeks (21 days).

Is the drop box available for visa holders?

Until now, the U.S. Visa DropBox facility has only been available to visa holders whose previous visa was valid or expired in the last 12 months. In August 2020, however, the U.S. Department of State extended the eligibility requirements to enable more visa holders to qualify for this facility.

Can dependents use drop box?

Also, remember your dependents aren’t eligible to use the U.S. Visa DropBox just because you are eligible. Generally, dependents on dependent visas still have to attend the in-person interview. For example, if you are an H1B visa holder and you’re renewing your H1B visa through the U.S. Visa DropBox, your H4 visa spouse won’t be able to use ...

How long does it take to get a dropbox decision?

Now, from September 1 st, the dropbox applicant will get a decision on their case within 7 to 10 business days from the day they submitted their documents.

How to tell if you are booking a Dropbox appointment?

Biometrics appointment is by checking what you see at the end of the Consulate or Embassy name in the dropdown next to “ Select interview location “ . If you see IW, which means Interview Waiver at the end of the Consulate name like “Kolkata IW” as in below screenshot, then you are booking a Dropbox Appointment.

What does VAC stand for in visa application?

But, if you see VAC at the end of the consulate name, then you are booking a biometrics appointment. VAC Stands for Visa Application Center and when you see that you are booking an appointment for giving Biometrics at the VAC office before your in-person visa interview. See below screenshot for your reference.

What does OFC stand for in visa?

Technically, OFC Stands for Offsite Facilitation Center and the Visa appointment system is asking you to book an appointment to drop off your US Visa documents at an Offsite Facilitation Center .

How long does it take to get a visa stamped?

You will very likely get a decision on your visa stamping within 7 to 10 business days from the day you dropped off your documents.

When does the US visa expire?

But, due to COVID-19, US Dept of State has increased the 12 months from expiry to 24 months from expiry. It is valid until March 31st, 2021. You can read more at US Visa Dropbox Changed to 24 Months – FAQs.

Does the visa waiver dropbox change?

The criteria for US visa interview waiver or dropbox option has not changed with the introduction of appointment booking. All the The documents required has not changed, you are still required to submit all the required documents.

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