U.S. Visa Dropbox

U.S. Visa Dropbox Eligibility Extended to 24 months

If you have a US visa and want to renew it (for example, your F1visa), you may have heard of Visa DropBox. DropBox makes it easy to renew visas by eliminating the need for an in-person interview.

Previously, the US Visa DropBox was available exclusively for people whose previous visas had expired within the last year. The US Department of State expanded eligibility for this convenience in August 2020.

This article explains the extension's requirements for visa holders and whether it qualifies

What is Visa Stamping?

Visas are issued by stamping, and the approved visas are printed on passports. The visa stamping occurs after completing the application procedure. Obtaining a US visa at a consulate requires biometrics and an interview. Unless you are exempt, you must attend a visa interview.

Dropbox for US Visas

To renew your US visa, you meet specific conditions. If you do, you do not need a direct visa interview. You can submit all visa-related documentation and acquire a stamp without the interview.

The US Visa DropBox allows you to renew your visa without an H1B Dropbox appointment or an interview. Please note that the US Visa DropBox does not have a box. The document delivery service is called "DropBox."

USCIS DropBox: What you Will Require

To use US Visa DropBox, you must ensure that:

• You are renewing a visa of the same category.

• Your last visa was from home.

• You obtained your visa post-2008.

• "Authorization received" or "Authorization from department" stamps are not on your visa.

• Your visa is issued post your 14th birthday.

• Your visa has not been canceled, lost, or stolen.

• Your visa has not been denied in any category since the last one.

• Your visa is current or has expired within the last year.

• Using the US Visa DropBox web application, you can verify your eligibility.

DropBox Eligibility: What Are the Requirements?

Remember that while you are qualified, your dependents are not. Dependent visa holders must attend the interview in person. Your H4 visa spouse cannot use the US Visa DropBox if they renew their H1B visa. You can use DropBox while your H4 spouse is being interviewed or renounce the US visa drop box and come to the interview with your H4 spouse.

What is the duration of the extension?

The extension of the US DropBox applies if your previous visa was valid or invalid in the last 2 years instead of 12 months. This extension allows more visa holders to renew without an interview and makes the renewal process safer and easier.

What are Consular Interviews?

When using the US Visa DropBox, remember that the US Consulate may still want to interview you. Although your eligibility for the US Visa DropBox does not guarantee visa renewal, it is mandatory to renew your visa. The US Consulate can request a visa interview if they need additional details or want to interview you.

Processing time

US Visa DropBox processing periods range from one day to three weeks. After presenting your documentation through the US Visa DropBox, please allow 3 weeks if you need to be interviewed for your visa.

Conclusion

Thanks to the new eligibility extensions for Visa DropBox, renewing your visa might be easier than you imagined. Remember that even if you meet all the eligibility criteria, you must still meet all the visa renewal criteria. Your dependents must also attend a visa interview.

Checkout TechFetch H1B website to know more about H1B Dropbox appointment and other important details about the US immigration system.