H1B Dropbox Appointment


Step by Step H1B Dropbox Process

There are certain situations that allow visa renewal without an interview. H1B visa renewals allow for an interview waiver. This article explains how to get an H1B visa stamp using Dropbox or an interview waiver. In this article, we have discussed:

  • Dropbox eligibility

  • H1B Dropbox appointment

  • Document checklists

  • Employer changes

  • Status changes.

What is Dropbox-H1B?

Dropbox is a convenience available for H1B starters. Due to COVID, the US Department of State has granted Dropbox Stamping eligibility for first-time H1B visa applicants. The H1B petition must be approved by the USCIS before sealing the stamps of the country of origin on H1B visas.

One of the main criteria to obtain an H1B Dropbox or interview waiver criteria is a stamped passport with an H1B visa. Kindly note that Dropbox or interview waivers are exclusive for H1B renewals.

Indians trying to obtain a Dropbox should apply for it in India. However, those in Germany on work visas can apply there.

Given below are the Dropbox Eligibility criteria:

  • You should have a valid visa.

  • Your US visas should not say "Authorization received" or "Authorization from the department."

  • The last US visa was not lost, stolen or cancelled.

  • Your last visa expired after 1/1/2008.

Other important points to note:

  • US visas are examined by CBP agents.

  • Dropbox seals are not related.

  • Dropbox can be used if H1B visa conditions are met.

  • The US Federal CGI Visa website will not ask about your previous employment or visa stamp annotation.

H1B Dropbox Appointment: Stepwise Procedures

The procedures for Dropbox H1B visa renewals or interview-waivers are similar to others. It is very important to take all your important documents and credentials.

Step 1: Fill out DS-160 and answer all the questions on the form. Using Form DS-160, select a location for your interview or visa stamping.

Step 2: Next, submit the DS-160 Confirmation Number or Application ID.

Step 3: Create a CGI Federal user profile after completing DS-160.

Select the H1B renewal nation when creating a profile.

If you answered the wizard's questions correctly, the Interview Wavier or Dropbox would confirm it. As the next step in the process, you must schedule a delivery appointment, but not for a US Embassy/Consulate visa interview.

This confirmation shows the nation and the consulates. The footnotes highlight additional services, such as document pickup or delivery.

Print the 6-page H1B Dropbox Appointment Confirmation Letter containing your:

  • Information details

  • Appointment Information

  • Document delivery or pickup information

  • Fee information

  • DS-160 details.

Along with it, carry your:

  • Visa passport photo

  • US visa passports (if you have one, just take that)

  • Valid/expired visa (it would be in your passport)

  • I-797 with an approved copy (current and previous)

  • E-Verify letter (original or copy)

  • Consultant letters

  • (Optional) I-797 Transfer Approvals

  • Documents to stamp H1B.

  • H1B Email Checklist

You will then receive Dropbox confirmation letters. Check your email for information from Dropbox. They will review all paperwork.

The confirmation also lists the parking slots and location since pandemic safety measures are needed, considering the present times.

H1B Dropbox Statuses & Their Meanings

Once you have submitted the documents, check the US visa status online at CEAC. This is how statuses usually change.

1. 'No Status' - Some users may see this status. If you see this, don't panic; It will change in a day or two.

2. Submitted Status: After uploading the documents, you will see "Application Received" on the same or the next day.

3. The status can change from 'Request Received' to 'Administrative Processing' or 'Rejected'. This status does not indicate your visa is denied or 221g. Visa processing often causes delays of up to 3 to 4 days. Some people say it's been a week or 10 days. Don't worry. Read Why Does CEAC Show US Visa Denied?

4. "Issued" Status: If your US visa has been approved, the status will change to "Issued".

After your passport is 'Issued', you can follow it in Federal CGI. It shows when your passport is ready for collection and when you have collected it. You can pick up or have your passport delivered to you.

Dropbox H1B Rejection

If the US Consulate rejects your H1B visa through Dropbox, you will receive an alert, and your visa status will remain as "Administrative Processing" or "Rejected".

When you pick up your documentation and passport, you will receive a 221(g) administrative processing form. The consulate will seek your presence at a certain time. COVID may necessitate a visit once consular operations begin.

Conclusion

Generally, renewing an H1B visa using an interview/mailbox waiver option should be simple. Even if your application is good, you might be contacted for an interview randomly, so don't panic.

For more details about the H1B Dropbox appointment, please check the TechFetch H1B website- the largest online source of information about US immigration procedures.


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