Hi Everyone. This is the first time I am posting on blind. I work at meta and my h1b stamp on passport is expiring in July this year. I do have I-94 expiring later in 2023 so my attorney suggested me that I don’t need to extend my visa at this time but I do need to get my passport restamped by taking a Dropbox appointment if I plan to go to India. I have filled DS-160 and at the stage to pay for the appointment. I will be going to India in November this year. So far so good.. But I am also expecting an offer from some other company and thinking of switching my job. I wanted to ask if it’s feasible to take the appointment now and later after switching the jobs, change the receipt number and ds-160 for same appointment date? Or do I have to start a whole new application if I switch job? I am asking because I will have to go to India in November for sure but I am not sure if I should wait for the new job offer and h1b transfer. If do so, am I afraid if I will get an appointment in Nov/Dec.
You’ll still be eligible for Dropbox appointment - eligibility isn’t based on employer change.
Do you even have availability for dropbox appointments? Earliest are in mid 2023.
I didn’t know that earliest availability is mid 2023. I thought I am traveling after 4 months, so it might sufficient time to have an easy availability. I paid yesterday, still waiting for the payment to reflect to check availability as next steps. But seems like it won’t be easy to get an appointment from the comments here :(
It’s not. I struggled in 2020 and came back without a stamp with just a month left on my old one. None of my colleagues could get an appointment within 6 months. Every time it’s 12 months away. Some people on the telegram group had some luck with agents - which I don’t trust. But that’s it.
What’s a Dropbox appointment?
You drop your passport and documents without appearing for an in-person interview. You get your passport stamped with new visa. You maybe called for an interview but 99% you won’t be called for one.
@op did you figure this out? I am in a similar situation
You can always complete a new one later. CGI / IS TRAVELDOCS website allows you to update ds-160 number 24/48 hours before your appointment. So you can always complete a new one later and update the form number in your profile on us travel docs website. Given the delay or wait times in appointments, it is advisable to get appointment as soon as possible. Of course not a legal advise.
Thankyou for your prompt response. Currently I require a Dropbox appointment, if I change jobs do I have to do in person interview or would it also be a Dropbox appointment?