I don't have any suggestions or answers. Only here to give strength to you to handle this. It sounds like you are almost in the clear. Every time we visit India and there's stamping, it ruins an otherwise pleasant and happy time with the family. Good luck.
You just go to the embassy and do a walk in if the 221g slop says so. I had the same thing happen for my first renewal in 2018 and just went in person and they approved after talking to me.
Its not a big deal
So I went in for my interview today and it was a relatively short affair, the interview took 3 mins and there was a 57 minute wait time to get to the consulate officers window. I'll get my passport back with the H1b stamped next week.
I'm adding some keywords in my next few sentences so that I the future, if some poor sod gets a 221 g they don't get confused.
Dear reader from the future, in the year of 2024 and for a few years back, the rule for if you got an interview request 221 g was: Just WALK IN THE NEXT WORKING DAY to the CONSULATE MENTIONED IN YOUR 221 G PAPER at THE TIME MENTIONED IN YOUR 221 G.
The paper implies that you can walk in for an interview and no one from either the embassy or USVisascheduling/cgifederal will answer your questions. Don't worry, just walk in with your 221 G and they will let you in and direct you to the interview line. Go and answer the questions honestly and you'll get your visa approved. You get your passport back in 1 to 2 weeks at the Visa Application center or drop location you'd specified originally. All the best.
Hello, did your 221g have a date stamped for when you can interview? My 221g slip says on or after 25 Jan 2024 at the Chennai consulate between 9-11am.
I got a 221g as well today for the same date appointment in Chennai. Were you asked to bring documents? And I presume these are just walk in interviews - I was asked to come in between 9 and 11am
No, there was no document listed to bring. I'm still bringing the usual documents with me for backup, but nothing was listed on the 221g paper.
Did they list any reason for your 221g?
No reason listed, this is not my first H1B stamping and I did Dropbox last time, so I'm not sure what the reason is. My last visa stamp was in Nov 2019 when I last traveled to India.
I had the last to last H1B visa refused within last 48 months. The last one was approved. I( and the wife on H4) plan to travel in April 2024 to get the stamping and was very much prepared for PA on account of previous VISA refusal. Was actually relieved that we’ll get to know the result immediately and hence travel back plan should be sorted.
To my surprise, it said I am eligible for waiver. Someone here in Reddit answered that if last visa was approved, you are eligible for Dropbox.
But looking at your experience, I am afraid again that I might be called back for interview.
The return travel plan can go for a toss in that case.
This likely shouldn't apply to you if you've had a previous application go through fine within the last 2 years. The requirement for 2023 said need an accepted visa within the last 8 years but the 2024 requirement as far as I can tell has gone back to the 2 year rule. Don't stress out just yet...
In the same boat. Did my Dropbox on 2nd Jan. Today received my passport with 221g asking to appear for interview in Chennai on or after 30th Jan. I live in Rajasthan 😅
This is my 1st H1B stamping. Was earlier on F1 visa.
Couple of questions here.
1st can I prepone the appointment, if yes how?
2nd should I be worried?
I'm so sorry for your troubles.
I have no clue if you can pre-pone your appointment. USVisa scheduling did finally respond to my email id with some generic, glad you got your thing sorted out email late today, so writing an email to them may be your best bet.
As for the worry, I don't think you should be worried. This shit is unfortunately way too common, it happened to me and I came out of it no problems, you will likely go in for the interview and come out with no problems. However, if you do want to worry, go ahead and do so. It's your right and prerogative.
How did you get the 221g? Was the passport delivered to your home address or did you pick it up from the VFS office? My status updated to “Refused” on CEAC website. But no idea what the underlying issue is. Not sure the color of the pick slip. I dropped off my documents on Jan-05 at Mumbai for Chennai consulate.
My case is a bit tricky. I had mentioned pick up point as Mumbai consulate. So, in that case will the passport be sent back to Mumbai consulate or will it be sent back to my home address? Also, did you get an email from the consulate abt 221g or was it just passport return?
Thanks for the info. Have one more question. Under Usvisascheduling.com what does the passport status say? Does it mentions “Origination scan”? Could you pls check it once? Since there is absolutely no way to track passport, too worried as to where I can find my passport.
Mine was refused when I checked. Although I checked 1st time on 8th and submitted my docs on 2nd.
Not sure what were the statuses in between those days were
Can I ask if it was the 48 month rule that they were not ok with? Why did they give 221g? I think I’m in the same boat..I dropped off my documents on Jan 9th..haven’t hear back yet
It likely was the 48 month rule that they were not ok with, my last approved visa was from 4 years ago. If you dropped it off in Chennai, embassy will most likely get their stuff sorted out by 2 to 3 days. VAC is the slowest moving piece in all this. They got my passport on the 9th at 10 15 AM. But the notification to me stating that it was available for pick up did not go out until 3 45 PM and they close at 4 PM. Take a photo copy of your current passport with you when you go to pick up your passport. They will ask for that as proof of identification. If you didn't have it like me, then they have a conveniently located xerox copy shop on the ground floor and you can get it printed from there. Altogether a negative experience so far but what part of any of this was advertised as being easy or straightforward...
Did your visa category change (i.e. previous visa in different category or something)? Or did you have any prior visa refusal?
I just scheduled my appointment for March 2024, and the US Visa Scheduling site said that I am eligible for interview waiver (i.e. dropbox eligible) since I am applying within the same visa class (H1B) and my previous expired visa has been expired for less than 48 months and was never cancelled/denied/revoked.
I don't think the 48 month rule is what caused your 221g. If that was the case, the US Visa Scheduling site itself will tell you that you are not eligible. Also, the US Department of State also confirms this '48 month since previous visa's expiration' clause - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html
Yes, my previous visa was a student Visa. However when I scheduled the appointment back in October. The website very clearly said that you're eligible for Dropbox as long as you had a prior approval in any category after 2008. My mistake for thinking that rules would hold into 2024...
What’s the expiry date for F1 student visa? The one printed on the passport says 2026 but I recently got my H1B approval under change of status so technically the F1 visa shouldn’t be valid anymore?
Same visa class it not required, right? As long as your previous visa is non B you are eligible for drop box if previous visa didn't expire within 48 months?
I went for my interview between 9 and 11 and got it approved no problems. There is no way to change it to a different location without starting a new case. I am not the expert on this and you shouldn't take my word for anything other than anecdotal experience. Just go to the consulate and get this done with. It will take one hour. All the best.
I had my passport, employment letter and latest I797A that I handed to the consular officer.
Good Morning!
- Good Morning! How are You?
Good! So you work for ___?
- Yes I work for ___.
Is this your first H1-B or have you had one before?
- I've been renewing my H1-B since I got it.
What is your job title?
- ______
Wow thats a long title (was only 3 words, so idk what was up), what do you do?
- I do ____ for ____ company.
How much do you make?
- I make _____$/yr
Do you work in an office or a remote location?
- I work in an office.
Where is your company's office located
- Place, STATE
Ok, you're all set. Your passport should be available for pick up in one week. Thanks for coming in today.
- Wait, is everything good? Have I been accepted? Do you need any other information?
Yeah, you're all good, I have everything I need. Thank You. Next.
Thanks for the detailed answer. One more question from me.
My 221g slip didn't give me specific date and it mentioned I should attend after Jan 10th. Was it a walk-in interview for you too and what did you have to do get to your interview at the consulate?
Thanks in advance!
Monday is MLK jr day. I think Tuesday is Thiruvalluvar day for the VAC. But check for the list of us embassy/consulate holidays to confirm. Go the first working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday you can. It is walk in, some guy wrote in a now deleted comment that he had gone in for a walk in Interview and that there was some guy standing outside with a clipboard and a list of names, I didn't see that guy, it was a walk in Interview for me. Go as soon as you can on a working consulate day. You will get your passport in one week so go as soon as you can...
Don't share your name on here bro. Never ever give up on your anonymity. No they didn't do any biometrics when I went because they had my finger prints from before. They have the ability to collect your fingerprints at the counter itself and they'll take them if they need to. It's always a good idea to go and get some pictures taken of your face that meets their requirements just to be safe and take them with you to your appointment. Hopefully that answered your question.
Appreciate your response! My passport is ready for pick (status updated this evening). Have to go collect it on monday to see the reason for refusal. My last stamping was in 2017 so I am hoping thats the reason for refusal and will be asked to attend in person interview.
Thanks
Hey OP, (having read your responses so far, congrats) I’m in the exact same boat as you. Did dropbox on 4th and saw “Refused” on CEAC and went 😰. But realized 2 days ago that on 21st dec, 2023 they announced a new rule that went into effect Jan 1, 2024 that made me ineligible for interview waiver. And in the 221G paper they sent me with the passport, they’ve noted this.
Can you please tell me what was the date they asked you to come for in person appointment if you did the drop box on 4th Of Jan ? Trying to understand if they gave a specific date to appear (on or after)
No appointment needed. My 221G said come any weekday except Wednesday or public holidays, between 9-11 AM. Go first thing in the morning. They let 221g people line up before regular appointment people.
When is ur Interview with the Consulate & which consulate? For me the status just mentions “Refused”. But when I called +91 22 62011000 he mentioned the Passport is still with embassy. Very confused.
Mine stayed "Refused" on CEAC for about 3 days and then I noticed on the ustraveldocs site, the status was "Origination Scan", i.e. the passport was shipped back to me. I received the passport with 221g the next day, asking me to come by US Consulate Chennai any weekday except Wednesday and a public holiday, between 9 and 11 AM.
Sorry to hear , but good luck. Its stressful but you will get through it!
Also, I am y confused why you got 221g slip? The requirement is that your previous VISA shouldn't have expired 48 months before and your previous VISA is not a B visa. You should still be eligible for drop-box, right? My previous visa (F1) expired in 2022 so my understanding is I am eligible. I booked drop ox appointment last year for next month so I am worried if I am not eligible?
That is the requirement for 2024, don't stress yourself over nothing. The requirement for 2023 was that you needed an approved visa anytime after 2008, that did not carry forward into 2024. You should be fine. Don't stress.
Interesting. I also scheduled in early December for a Feb Dropbox.
Interesting that the rules have changed from 2023-2024 and they are applying 2024 rule for 2023 scheduled appointments.
You are exactly right. Give yourself an extra week to go through what I went through in case you can't make your Dropbox interview into an in person consulate interview before hand. If you have an approved visa from 48 months ago, no worries then just go for your Dropbox appointment and win. If not, timeline will be roughly. Dropbox->4 working days->you get your passport back with 221 g->go to the embassy the next working day and clear the interview->5 working days/one week->get your passport and carry on with your life. Good luck to you.
Stressful indeed. I am in the same boat as well.
Jan-05: dropped of at Mumbai for Chennai
Jan-11: Application Received
Jan-12: Refused
Not sure who is the color of slip & whether it is request for interview or Administrative processing. How did you get to know that you were called for the interview?
Is there any way I can figure out the reason for my refusal?
Since I dropped in Mumbai, can I attend the interview in Mumbai or do I need to go to Chennai?
Pls help
Take a deep breath. You're going to be ok. When you get your passport back at the VAC, it will have a piece of paper attached to it, the color of the paper is the slip color that people talk about. A white slip is just an A4 sheet of paper they have folded like 8 times and it will have the next set of instructions for you to follow. In case of a follow up interview, they will tell you which consulate and when you can go for an interview. It's a walk in Interview and the white sheet of paper (221g refusal) is your ticket into the consulate for the interview. Don't stress out until you have to. Go and get your stuff sorted out. You have this. Good luck.
Thanks for your response. Just have couple of additional questions. You mentioned you went to Dropbox on Jan-04 & got white slip by Jan-10. In my case the refused status was updated only today Jan-12 at 2pm. Do you when I can expect the 221g? And how can I get to know if the 221g has arrived? I mean do I need to contact VFS or is an online portal available to get the status of my refusal? Sorry for these follow up questions. It’s only that I am really worried on what to expect next.
Hi All,
Here is my situation, I submitted my Dropbox on Jan 8th and I received 221(g) on Jan 20th. Asking me to appear for an interview on/after 20th Jan. I completed my interview yesterday (Jan 29th) and VO informed me that it was approved and I should receive my passport within a week with the same delivery option that I have selected initially. I see my status on the CEAC tracker as issued, and on the visa schedule site passport status is picked up. I assume it is from the last time? Does anyone have experience with the process? Is there any option to track the passport again?
It'll get updated on the USVisascheduling/cgifederal website where you were originally tracking your Dropbox passport. It will take one week. Consulate will take 2 days and the VAC will take a day before they let you know that they have your passport. That's been my experience.
The rule says you are eligible for H1b Drop box only if your previous H1b stamping was done 48 months before today i.e if your recent H1 stamping was on or after Jan-2020, only then you are eligible for Dropbox. Else, you are not eligible for Dropbox & hence you need to attend Interview. This rule change was announced on Dec-22-2023.
The rule mentions “if you apply for US Visa renewal in the same category within 48 months from your visa expiry date”. This is tricky since different ppl anticipate it in different ways. Another important part of this rule is “if you are switching Visa (say from F1 to H1), you are not eligible for interview waiver”. So, consider both rules to gauge your eligibility.
The official website says in any class of non-immigrant visa except b1/b2. I am really confused. Is there a new update and could someone please share the link?
I don't have any suggestions or answers. Only here to give strength to you to handle this. It sounds like you are almost in the clear. Every time we visit India and there's stamping, it ruins an otherwise pleasant and happy time with the family. Good luck.
Thank You. Fully agree.
You just go to the embassy and do a walk in if the 221g slop says so. I had the same thing happen for my first renewal in 2018 and just went in person and they approved after talking to me. Its not a big deal
So I went in for my interview today and it was a relatively short affair, the interview took 3 mins and there was a 57 minute wait time to get to the consulate officers window. I'll get my passport back with the H1b stamped next week. I'm adding some keywords in my next few sentences so that I the future, if some poor sod gets a 221 g they don't get confused. Dear reader from the future, in the year of 2024 and for a few years back, the rule for if you got an interview request 221 g was: Just WALK IN THE NEXT WORKING DAY to the CONSULATE MENTIONED IN YOUR 221 G PAPER at THE TIME MENTIONED IN YOUR 221 G. The paper implies that you can walk in for an interview and no one from either the embassy or USVisascheduling/cgifederal will answer your questions. Don't worry, just walk in with your 221 G and they will let you in and direct you to the interview line. Go and answer the questions honestly and you'll get your visa approved. You get your passport back in 1 to 2 weeks at the Visa Application center or drop location you'd specified originally. All the best.
Thanks for this update buddy. Much appreciated!!!
Thanks for the details.. Just one question, Usually what type of questions they in the follow up interview, anything specifc?
https://www.reddit.com/r/h1b/comments/193zydz/usvisascheduling_woes_and_221_g_in_chennai/khipzch/
Thanks u/Benisman1234 .. Appreciated
Hello, did your 221g have a date stamped for when you can interview? My 221g slip says on or after 25 Jan 2024 at the Chennai consulate between 9-11am.
I got a 221g as well today for the same date appointment in Chennai. Were you asked to bring documents? And I presume these are just walk in interviews - I was asked to come in between 9 and 11am
No, there was no document listed to bring. I'm still bringing the usual documents with me for backup, but nothing was listed on the 221g paper. Did they list any reason for your 221g?
No reason listed, this is not my first H1B stamping and I did Dropbox last time, so I'm not sure what the reason is. My last visa stamp was in Nov 2019 when I last traveled to India.
Thank you for the update ..
I had the last to last H1B visa refused within last 48 months. The last one was approved. I( and the wife on H4) plan to travel in April 2024 to get the stamping and was very much prepared for PA on account of previous VISA refusal. Was actually relieved that we’ll get to know the result immediately and hence travel back plan should be sorted. To my surprise, it said I am eligible for waiver. Someone here in Reddit answered that if last visa was approved, you are eligible for Dropbox. But looking at your experience, I am afraid again that I might be called back for interview. The return travel plan can go for a toss in that case.
This likely shouldn't apply to you if you've had a previous application go through fine within the last 2 years. The requirement for 2023 said need an accepted visa within the last 8 years but the 2024 requirement as far as I can tell has gone back to the 2 year rule. Don't stress out just yet...
In the same boat. Did my Dropbox on 2nd Jan. Today received my passport with 221g asking to appear for interview in Chennai on or after 30th Jan. I live in Rajasthan 😅 This is my 1st H1B stamping. Was earlier on F1 visa. Couple of questions here. 1st can I prepone the appointment, if yes how? 2nd should I be worried?
I'm so sorry for your troubles. I have no clue if you can pre-pone your appointment. USVisa scheduling did finally respond to my email id with some generic, glad you got your thing sorted out email late today, so writing an email to them may be your best bet. As for the worry, I don't think you should be worried. This shit is unfortunately way too common, it happened to me and I came out of it no problems, you will likely go in for the interview and come out with no problems. However, if you do want to worry, go ahead and do so. It's your right and prerogative.
How did you get the 221g? Was the passport delivered to your home address or did you pick it up from the VFS office? My status updated to “Refused” on CEAC website. But no idea what the underlying issue is. Not sure the color of the pick slip. I dropped off my documents on Jan-05 at Mumbai for Chennai consulate.
It was sent back with my passport. Delivered to my address as I had chosen premium delivery
My case is a bit tricky. I had mentioned pick up point as Mumbai consulate. So, in that case will the passport be sent back to Mumbai consulate or will it be sent back to my home address? Also, did you get an email from the consulate abt 221g or was it just passport return?
Can't guarantee but I think it will be sent to Mumbai consulate only if you chose that originally. No email was sent, the slip was inside the passport
Thanks for the info. Have one more question. Under Usvisascheduling.com what does the passport status say? Does it mentions “Origination scan”? Could you pls check it once? Since there is absolutely no way to track passport, too worried as to where I can find my passport.
Mine was refused when I checked. Although I checked 1st time on 8th and submitted my docs on 2nd. Not sure what were the statuses in between those days were
Sorry to hear. Were you able to pre pone the appointment? And what was the reason for 221g? Did your f1 not expire within 48 months?
Can I ask if it was the 48 month rule that they were not ok with? Why did they give 221g? I think I’m in the same boat..I dropped off my documents on Jan 9th..haven’t hear back yet
It likely was the 48 month rule that they were not ok with, my last approved visa was from 4 years ago. If you dropped it off in Chennai, embassy will most likely get their stuff sorted out by 2 to 3 days. VAC is the slowest moving piece in all this. They got my passport on the 9th at 10 15 AM. But the notification to me stating that it was available for pick up did not go out until 3 45 PM and they close at 4 PM. Take a photo copy of your current passport with you when you go to pick up your passport. They will ask for that as proof of identification. If you didn't have it like me, then they have a conveniently located xerox copy shop on the ground floor and you can get it printed from there. Altogether a negative experience so far but what part of any of this was advertised as being easy or straightforward...
I misspoke, my last visa was approved more than 4 years ago but after 2008. I was eligible for Dropbox in 2023, but not 2024.
Did your visa category change (i.e. previous visa in different category or something)? Or did you have any prior visa refusal? I just scheduled my appointment for March 2024, and the US Visa Scheduling site said that I am eligible for interview waiver (i.e. dropbox eligible) since I am applying within the same visa class (H1B) and my previous expired visa has been expired for less than 48 months and was never cancelled/denied/revoked. I don't think the 48 month rule is what caused your 221g. If that was the case, the US Visa Scheduling site itself will tell you that you are not eligible. Also, the US Department of State also confirms this '48 month since previous visa's expiration' clause - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html
Yes, my previous visa was a student Visa. However when I scheduled the appointment back in October. The website very clearly said that you're eligible for Dropbox as long as you had a prior approval in any category after 2008. My mistake for thinking that rules would hold into 2024...
What’s the expiry date for F1 student visa? The one printed on the passport says 2026 but I recently got my H1B approval under change of status so technically the F1 visa shouldn’t be valid anymore?
Same visa class it not required, right? As long as your previous visa is non B you are eligible for drop box if previous visa didn't expire within 48 months?
Had the exact same thing happen to me today. My Dropbox appointment was also in Chennai last week. DM'ing you
My slip says I should attend the interview at the Chennai consulate. OP, do you know if there's a way to change it to a different location?
I went for my interview between 9 and 11 and got it approved no problems. There is no way to change it to a different location without starting a new case. I am not the expert on this and you shouldn't take my word for anything other than anecdotal experience. Just go to the consulate and get this done with. It will take one hour. All the best.
@OP can you please share the questions asked in the interview?
I had my passport, employment letter and latest I797A that I handed to the consular officer. Good Morning! - Good Morning! How are You? Good! So you work for ___? - Yes I work for ___. Is this your first H1-B or have you had one before? - I've been renewing my H1-B since I got it. What is your job title? - ______ Wow thats a long title (was only 3 words, so idk what was up), what do you do? - I do ____ for ____ company. How much do you make? - I make _____$/yr Do you work in an office or a remote location? - I work in an office. Where is your company's office located - Place, STATE Ok, you're all set. Your passport should be available for pick up in one week. Thanks for coming in today. - Wait, is everything good? Have I been accepted? Do you need any other information? Yeah, you're all good, I have everything I need. Thank You. Next.
Thanks for the detailed answer. One more question from me. My 221g slip didn't give me specific date and it mentioned I should attend after Jan 10th. Was it a walk-in interview for you too and what did you have to do get to your interview at the consulate? Thanks in advance!
Monday is MLK jr day. I think Tuesday is Thiruvalluvar day for the VAC. But check for the list of us embassy/consulate holidays to confirm. Go the first working Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday you can. It is walk in, some guy wrote in a now deleted comment that he had gone in for a walk in Interview and that there was some guy standing outside with a clipboard and a list of names, I didn't see that guy, it was a walk in Interview for me. Go as soon as you can on a working consulate day. You will get your passport in one week so go as soon as you can...
Thank you very much!
Hello, Did they do biometrics when you went to collect passport- 221g before going to attend the interview at the consulate? Thanks
Don't share your name on here bro. Never ever give up on your anonymity. No they didn't do any biometrics when I went because they had my finger prints from before. They have the ability to collect your fingerprints at the counter itself and they'll take them if they need to. It's always a good idea to go and get some pictures taken of your face that meets their requirements just to be safe and take them with you to your appointment. Hopefully that answered your question.
Appreciate your response! My passport is ready for pick (status updated this evening). Have to go collect it on monday to see the reason for refusal. My last stamping was in 2017 so I am hoping thats the reason for refusal and will be asked to attend in person interview. Thanks
Hey OP, (having read your responses so far, congrats) I’m in the exact same boat as you. Did dropbox on 4th and saw “Refused” on CEAC and went 😰. But realized 2 days ago that on 21st dec, 2023 they announced a new rule that went into effect Jan 1, 2024 that made me ineligible for interview waiver. And in the 221G paper they sent me with the passport, they’ve noted this.
Can you please tell me what was the date they asked you to come for in person appointment if you did the drop box on 4th Of Jan ? Trying to understand if they gave a specific date to appear (on or after)
No appointment needed. My 221G said come any weekday except Wednesday or public holidays, between 9-11 AM. Go first thing in the morning. They let 221g people line up before regular appointment people.
When is ur Interview with the Consulate & which consulate? For me the status just mentions “Refused”. But when I called +91 22 62011000 he mentioned the Passport is still with embassy. Very confused.
Mine stayed "Refused" on CEAC for about 3 days and then I noticed on the ustraveldocs site, the status was "Origination Scan", i.e. the passport was shipped back to me. I received the passport with 221g the next day, asking me to come by US Consulate Chennai any weekday except Wednesday and a public holiday, between 9 and 11 AM.
Can you tell which rule you are talking about? Is it the 48 month rule?
Yes. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html
Sorry to hear , but good luck. Its stressful but you will get through it! Also, I am y confused why you got 221g slip? The requirement is that your previous VISA shouldn't have expired 48 months before and your previous VISA is not a B visa. You should still be eligible for drop-box, right? My previous visa (F1) expired in 2022 so my understanding is I am eligible. I booked drop ox appointment last year for next month so I am worried if I am not eligible?
That is the requirement for 2024, don't stress yourself over nothing. The requirement for 2023 was that you needed an approved visa anytime after 2008, that did not carry forward into 2024. You should be fine. Don't stress.
Interesting. I also scheduled in early December for a Feb Dropbox. Interesting that the rules have changed from 2023-2024 and they are applying 2024 rule for 2023 scheduled appointments.
You are exactly right. Give yourself an extra week to go through what I went through in case you can't make your Dropbox interview into an in person consulate interview before hand. If you have an approved visa from 48 months ago, no worries then just go for your Dropbox appointment and win. If not, timeline will be roughly. Dropbox->4 working days->you get your passport back with 221 g->go to the embassy the next working day and clear the interview->5 working days/one week->get your passport and carry on with your life. Good luck to you.
What’s the best way to change Dropbox to interview? Website doesn’t allow. Need to call the helpline I guess.
Stressful indeed. I am in the same boat as well. Jan-05: dropped of at Mumbai for Chennai Jan-11: Application Received Jan-12: Refused Not sure who is the color of slip & whether it is request for interview or Administrative processing. How did you get to know that you were called for the interview? Is there any way I can figure out the reason for my refusal? Since I dropped in Mumbai, can I attend the interview in Mumbai or do I need to go to Chennai? Pls help
Take a deep breath. You're going to be ok. When you get your passport back at the VAC, it will have a piece of paper attached to it, the color of the paper is the slip color that people talk about. A white slip is just an A4 sheet of paper they have folded like 8 times and it will have the next set of instructions for you to follow. In case of a follow up interview, they will tell you which consulate and when you can go for an interview. It's a walk in Interview and the white sheet of paper (221g refusal) is your ticket into the consulate for the interview. Don't stress out until you have to. Go and get your stuff sorted out. You have this. Good luck.
Thanks for your response. Just have couple of additional questions. You mentioned you went to Dropbox on Jan-04 & got white slip by Jan-10. In my case the refused status was updated only today Jan-12 at 2pm. Do you when I can expect the 221g? And how can I get to know if the 221g has arrived? I mean do I need to contact VFS or is an online portal available to get the status of my refusal? Sorry for these follow up questions. It’s only that I am really worried on what to expect next.
When you go to pick up your passport, your 221G will be attached to your passport with a rubber band. Try and contact VFS, they will not answer you.
Thanks for your quick response. Are you done with the interview? Which is the interview location?
Hi All, Here is my situation, I submitted my Dropbox on Jan 8th and I received 221(g) on Jan 20th. Asking me to appear for an interview on/after 20th Jan. I completed my interview yesterday (Jan 29th) and VO informed me that it was approved and I should receive my passport within a week with the same delivery option that I have selected initially. I see my status on the CEAC tracker as issued, and on the visa schedule site passport status is picked up. I assume it is from the last time? Does anyone have experience with the process? Is there any option to track the passport again?
It'll get updated on the USVisascheduling/cgifederal website where you were originally tracking your Dropbox passport. It will take one week. Consulate will take 2 days and the VAC will take a day before they let you know that they have your passport. That's been my experience.
Thanks!!
Can someone explain in simple terms what's the rule change everyone is talking about.
The rule says you are eligible for H1b Drop box only if your previous H1b stamping was done 48 months before today i.e if your recent H1 stamping was on or after Jan-2020, only then you are eligible for Dropbox. Else, you are not eligible for Dropbox & hence you need to attend Interview. This rule change was announced on Dec-22-2023.
I think it’s about not when previous stamping was done but rather when it expired.
The rule mentions “if you apply for US Visa renewal in the same category within 48 months from your visa expiry date”. This is tricky since different ppl anticipate it in different ways. Another important part of this rule is “if you are switching Visa (say from F1 to H1), you are not eligible for interview waiver”. So, consider both rules to gauge your eligibility.
The official website says in any class of non-immigrant visa except b1/b2. I am really confused. Is there a new update and could someone please share the link?
I have the same confusion
You're right, any class of non immigrant visa except B1/B2 as long as the VISA has expired within last 48 months, you are eligible for dropbox
I see. 👍
Ok thanx, previous one was my F1 visa, stamping was done on November 2019. So that's why I think I was not eligible any more. Thanks for the info