H1B renewal stamping in India, eligible for dropbox
Has anyone got H1b extension stamped in India recently? Either via dropbox or appointments. What are the current approximate wait times and processing times? I am on H1B and have the renewal approved until late 2022, not stamped yet. With the current exemptions, I am eligible for stamping since extension is for the same employer and same job duties. Also eligible for dropbox since the previous stamp expired within last 24 months. Have to travel urgently for personal reasons. Thanks for your help! #workvisa #h1b
Dropbox don't need biometrics, i got my stamping done through Dropbox in 2018. I wasnt even present at consulate.
Were you in the US on June 24th?
As I understood routine visa services are suspended in all embassies and consulates. Drop box is a routine service.
I don’t think so. Dropbox is open. https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
So if I was in US on or before June 25th and my last visa stamp was with the same consulate in the same category I can travel. Also it states only 24 months visa will be given even if you have a longer i797 approval.
You will get dates and will get to dropbox but depending on ur situation best case u will get passport back in two weeks or worst u will get stuck in administrative processing stage —- which might take forever... so be prepared
Yes, but this isn’t different from non-COVID times?
Its different in the sense there are too many people because everyone was waiting for embassy to open so in comparison AP will take longer and also this stupid ban has just added to it..
Thanks all for your inputs, filled the ds160 today and confirm that I am eligible for dropbox, they seem to have 11 service centers open for dropbox
Do you know what are the chances for them to ask us to schedule face to face interview as a follow up?
I’m not clear on what could happen if they ask for this, primarily because the next normal consular appointment is in March 2021 or so. My guess is that they’ll try to ask you via email but if they need an interview, then you are potentially stuck till next year? Or do we get to just walk in for 221g interviews?
You are right...looks like they can call for follow up interview and as of now only emergency interviews are allowed...I am in the same boat.. itseems like going to India is a big gamble now though if we do dropbox
@OP - Messaged you.
Do you know what the processing times for the visa are now with dropbox? I have an appointment next week, but don't know how long it would take.
Aren’t all US embassies closed in India till 31st December 2020?? I know they are accepting applicants on a case by case basis, I think Dropbox should be open but not sure if you need to do biometric
Dropbox is open now and is the only way for getting stamped. Biometric is not needed generally. Also OPs previous stamping was not 24 months old. I do not think he should have problem