All yellow slip documents asked from the employer. 1) OFC 6/26 Chennai VAC2) Consular Appointment 6/28 Mumbaithey asked i797 and employer verification letterin the first counter they told me wait for sometime and was verifying my docs in the backend, then after few mins they told me to go to the interview line. They sent my passport on June 30th and the Bluedart tracking was showing it as out for delivery but I didnt receive it until late afternoon. RedBus2US.com 2010 - 2023, All Rights Reserved. Like pure white. The interview had these questions: I was asked to place right hand four fingers. Visa Interview ? She asked for a photograph and retook fingerprint, Attached new ds 160 and soft copy of amendment i797 approval(yes, I did not have the original one yet). My employer took his own sweet time sent those document over to the embassy. Mobile was provided to a security guy outside, charge Rs.50/- There also option to guard luggage outside incase you need to go to railway station or airport soon after interview. Stayed at Ashok Hotel and walked(10 mins) to Embassy, left mobile at hotel. how long you have been with your petitioner. The process was smooth and quick and took him 25mins. Aug-12: Dropped documents at Hyderabad VACAug 17: Application Received and Case CreatedAug 23: Application Received and Case Last UpdatedSept 1: ApprovedSept 2: IssuedSept 6: Picked up from Hyderabad VAC. Officer: Are you working for end client or internal project? This is a raw video of my experience of H1b dropbox and visa approval.Hope you find this informative.For all of you who are lo. Id recommend reaching out directly to the corresponding embassy, for New Delhi it was nvind@state.gov. Let u inside the main interview building. Officer: Please place your left hand 4 fingers on the biometric. I promptly emailed the embassy directly bypassing the useless ustraveldocs people about the issue. Recently had my VAC and interview for first time in Delhi. (Lucky me as photos were accepted that was taken back in US in a local photo studio). Visa Status Track:8 Sept No Status. Went inside checking was done. My passport was a bigger f@@k up. While returning back I showed Aadhar Card since my passport was with the embassy. I carried the money in my pocket and kept one credit /debit card inside the folder which had the documents.You will be asked to submit your phone in a nearby counter. I received standard replies mostly, and the consulate or support team asked me to continue waiting. No negative pcr needed. Checking was done at the door then inside with the officer. Appointment booked in November21 when some slots opened, for Jan 5th CA. Travel process:-Jan 1st 11:00AM departure.gave my RTPCR test on 30th 8AM, received reports on 31st 11:AM.-Filled Air suvidha, uploaded required documents.I dont have have any connecting flight , direct flight from chicago to Delhi. They check the piece of paper stuck on passport by VAC team, 3rd queue: Security check on entering embassy. I am allowed inside 1 hr ahead of my appointment time. However only one person was allowed to go to submit documents. ( I gave a power start with my responsibilities and I was not stopping then with a big smile she said thats a lot and immediately we both had some humor conversation) Are you married? The VO informed me that she needs to work on my case and she did not need any other documentation from my end, if needed an email would be sent. I like the city. So just a photo of the passport on my phone worked for me. Reached by 10 (we need to reach only on time, no use of reaching early. There are many restaurants in walkable distance. What does your employer do?Q. leyland boxer truck. ThanksOfficer: Can I have your passportsMe: Handed over mine & dependents passportsOfficer: Can I have your I797s?Me: Handed over I797 copiesOfficer: Whom do you working for?Me: XYZOfficer: How long you being working with XYZ?Me: n+ yearsOfficer: Oh I see you have end client XXXXMe: Yes XXXXOfficer: So do you have a client letter?Me: Yes I doOfficer: Good, Can I have a look once?Me: Handed over client letterOfficer: just 5 sec went through letter and seeing top to bottom. For any data change obviously applicant will be responsible not agent and we may end up with application cancelation. Experience 1: H1B with Dropbox at Mumbai. Visa Interview ? You can check US Visa Stamping Experiences for the entire collection. Ill be happy to provide any other information. My Dropbox experience was very frustrating and long drawn! Inside there is one document verification counter, indian girl asked to keep only i797, employee letter, LCA, passport and client letter, rest everything to be kept inside. 07/04 - Dropbox appointment 08/04 - Application received 11/04 - Refused. I was let in around 11.45am. July 26 th drop box appointment submitted documents at Mumbai VAC, August 4th status Changd to refusedAugust 9th pickup passport and 221 g white slip to attend in person interview any working day between 10:30 AM and 11 AM and to bring all i20s. Total 45mins process. I told him that I never had this problem and never had to carry these documents before. Travel + Stay + Delhis COVID rules : Came to India in December 2021. At airport just an id proof and ticket is enough. Visa Stamping Experiences. ETA to receive passport given to him was 7-8 working days. (Actual appointment confirmed at Chennai) Documents submitted alone, No dependents needed.Aug 10th 2022: Application Status changed to No Status (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=WwjqOlbeRYzCYubaSQI+RA (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=WwjqOlbeRYzCYubaSQI+RA==)==)Aug 11th 2022: Application Status changed to Application ReceivedSep 01st 2022: Application Status changed to RefusedSep 02nd 2022: Passport tracking status Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery(https://www.ustraveldocs.com/do/do-niv-passporttrack.asp)Sep 04th 2022: Received email from ustraveldocs Your document(s) have been collected from the US Embassy/ConsulatePassport tracking status Passport is ready for pickup (I have chosen Hyd VAC office for pickup)Sep 06th 2022: I collected passports (Mine & dependents) at Hyd VAC. Many people were not carrying hard copies. Make sure. There is a counter where the officer asks for the finger prints again, and 1 US passport size photo, i797. Landed delhi airport on 2nd 7:PM. In case you missed from last week, US Dept of State Extends Interview Waiver Options until Dec 31st, 2023. I kept waiting for either status update on CGI portal as well as CEAC website or email/sms from VFS. Jan 10: Attended in person. Avoid agents if you can and better you take control of your visa process. Kumar September 20, 2020, 12:07am #2. The VFS location is on the concourse level of Shivaji Stadium metro station. Me: Thank you so much! my appointment time was 1:45 but they let me in at 12:57, just hover around that area where line starts and they will let you in. Can I have your i797Me: yes Im a FTE and been with the company for 28 months nowVO,: whats your salary? No token system here. arunice17 April 8, 2022, 6:46pm #1. It was H1B extension. July 27th: Sent an email to support-india@ustraveldocs.comexplaining the situation as it was close to 70 days since the application was submitted.Got the reply on the same day to submit the passport. After documents verified we went to 26 counter for interview. VO said she was putting my case under further administrative processing and that she needed more time to review the case. My experience as below. I got lucky i guess. They mentioned they have updated it. Submitted documents passport, I797A approval copy, and EVL.Jul-12-2022: Application ReceivedJul-22-2022: First update to case with status Application Received.Jul-25-2022: Case was Refused on CEAC with passport status preparing for deliveryJul-26-2022: Received 221(g) white slip and passport from Chennai Consulate asking to appear for an in-person interview on Aug-19-2022 at Chennai between 9am 11am. At the VAC center, they asked me for passport, appointment confirmation letter and DS160 confirmation page. Can I have your last 3 w2s? also received response from Senators office that Mumbai consulate has approached me for updated client letter.9-July-2022- Submitted updated client letter.11-July-2022 Date Changed. Well, all went well at the end but it was a pretty stressful 6 months for me. walkie talkie programming software download. The process was very quick and exited airport in less than an hour. Aug 09th 2022: H1B + 2 H4 Dropbox submitted documents at Hyderabad. VAC experience: Location Shivaji Stadium lower level.Appointment was at 12:30 pm. Notes:Please carry latest photograph as they compare photo with all passport photos as well as prios stamped visa photos.Carry all prior passports, they check it but they take the ones with prior US visas stamped along with current passport.Stayed at The Park hotel near drop box location, its 10 mins walk away. If you have family accompanying then they are made to wait outside, make sure they are dressed warm. Reached Bangalore Dropbox location (Global Tech Park, Langford Road) early. CEAC status refused.16 June 2022- 4 PM received email asking details for resume, research, publication etc.21 June 2022- submitted all docs via email, received auto generated acknowledgment.8 July 2022- received passport with the same yellow slip again with comments for admin processing.9 July 2022- sent a follow-up email advising that I have received the 221g in my previous stamping too and the notes from the same may help in expediting my current stamping timeline. I request you all and this is important that DO NOT Fall for ANY type of agent. Finally July 22 got email to drop off passport for final processing, Submitted passports at hyd embassy on July 25, July 29th- passport ready for pick up at Hyderabad consulate. Came out and got into an auto and autowala asked did you get your work done? The appointment was very quick. Normal questions like where do you work, how long, age of kid and marriage date. I had a prior history of Reckless Driving case and was 10-finger printed. He reached 20mins earlier than his scheduled time. I had to do a lot of back and forth with lots of people which was not pleasant experience to say the least. Your Salary?What projects do you work on?Where do you live in USA?Where and what did you study?clients of your USA company?what projects do your USA company do?what is your post in your USA company? My visa was initially Refused and then Issued on Oct-17th after over a 100-day wait. 4th Jan landed in Hyderabadjust checked rtpcr and air suvidha and hold the hard copies of these docs as they do some checks and you need to show the same in three different places before you come out of the airport. Arrived by 7 am and left mobile at locker for rs 50 they allowed us at embassy by 07:45 am all security checks completed with in 30 mins.. entered counters and 10 more candidates standing infront of us its time 08:15 am waited in queue for 10 mins and by 8:25 am three visa officers started at three counters and they started sending 3 candidates to each counter.. one candidate directly to interview and 2 waiting in front of counter.. our turn stated.. VO : good morning guys, can I get your passports. Process completed in just 10minutes (documents need to carry appointment letter, ds 160 confirmation, passport, payment confirmation letter and i797)Few tips: dont carry bag coz you need to deposit it for 200 bucks so better leave it at hotel unless you think if it is really useful carry it and you can carry your phone inside. Went through security and entered the building. I also showed my Covid vaccination card.In Delhi, they didnt ask Travelers from USA to take RT PCR again or to quarantine. Security check outside done separately for men and women.Men queue is long. make sure to review the checklist in your confirmation document. On the day of Documents Submitted.9 Sept No Status. location, title and Salary?Q. Pretty crowded, 40+ applicants. Breakfast included.Reached the centre 1 hour prior to the appointment and were allowed inside. In the mean time my wife and son also attended their interviews and were issued 221(g) asking them to wait for the approval my visa. do not panic if you dont get the email they will verify at counter (you will see seperate counter to checkin for folks who received verified to fly email). Travel within USA: Why SHOULD you carry Passport, US Visa, I-94. On 3rd Jan, I went to shivaji metro station (vfs global) for biometrics. How are youMe: Hello Officer, Very Good Morning! VO took my passport and said my visa is approved. Kolkata consulate closed until 10/0510/07 AR110/12 Approved10/13 Issued10/14 processed for delivery (opted for premium delivery to tamilnadu address)10/15 able to track using appointment UID10/16 passports delivered. Are you going to working for xxx organization, 2. Consulate interview Jan 6th 2022.Appointment time 10am, Reached at 9am.Counter No: 13 American Lady.Documents asked Original 1-797,Passports. Requested for Passport, Appointment Confirmation and DS160 confirmation page. They just took 1st page of each I-797s. This means Mumbai consulate is processing faster but VFS is delaying final deliveries. Then handed over W2Officer: Are you still living in US?Me: YesOfficer: Very Good! CA experience: I reached at 7:40am for an 8:30am appointment. October 11: Status changed to passport received from consulate and being prepared for delivery. I am Eligible for new Interview Waiver as i had an approved h1b visa , expired several years ago. H1b 4th time ( first time Dropbox in India). 19-April-2022 Drop Box @ Pune Center03-May-2022 Received Passport with 221g white slip asking to appear for in-person interview. No reason was mentioned in the email. After trying and failing to secure a dropbox appt for summer 2022 (paid the fees and waiting since fall of 2021), and literally losing my mind over it, I said enough is enough and booked an in person appointment at New Delhi.Timeline:July 27: Biometric at Delhi.July 28: Interview at DelhiJuly 29: IssuedAug 2: Passport ready for pickup, Biometric was super quick, they let you in 30 min or so prior to your appt and I was out before my actual appt time. The VFS center has Visa processing for multiple countries. Weekend lockdown starting this week. They asked for my previous visas petition copy which I didnt have handy. Sticker pasting is vry vry important. Queue up & the person will send u according to ur line number. They will take your credentials and change the data to book the appointment faster. Moved to bench for waiting our turn for interview. Document Required:I-797 copy.2 photo of each individual.DS 160 confirmation page of each individual.Dropbox visa Appointment page.Marriage certificate Xerox.Employment letter Xerox from Company.Original Passport needs to be submitted.No multiple sets of documents xerox is required. There is a small shop where you can deposit your phone/bags. Complete check similar to airport. We have telegram groups, where users shared a lof the info. Since the center had very low turnout, he was let in. Consulate interview Jan 5th. Not allowed even nearby the campus. Arrived at 6.30 AM for 8AM slot. Went to the counter, submitted the documents and photo. 6. CA Officer: How many years working with TCS?Me: AnsweredCA Officer: What will be ur annual salary at US?Me: AnsweredCA Officer: Which location travelling?Me: AnsweredCA Officer to my spouse: When did u married?Me: AnsweredCA Officer to my small kid? whats ur dob?Me: Answered, CA Officer to my 2 kids- How old are you? But, H1 also some have got it done. My advice is to go atleast 1 hr before your appointment time, so that you have enough time in case any issue arise.There are lot of shops around HYD Vac that helps with photos, photocopy, ds 160 correction, A/c waiting rooms, lockers. Submitted passport on same day.15-July-2022 Date Changed status Admin Processing.18-July-2022 Date Changed Status Admin Processing20-July-2022 Status Issued. 1. I am eligible for Dropbox ,so I opted for Dropbox Chennai location and dropped the documents in Bengaluru on 3 November 2022,The status changed to refused on 10 December 2022 , received passport with 221g asking for in-person interview . Can I see onceMe: Yes I do. What is the other university name. For consular interview the only documents they asked for were my passport and I797A. Passport check, then they let u inside building. Security checked DS160 and checked our names for attendence, There is one officer who chela the passport inside and will keep i797 and employment verification letter with them. My appt was at HYD VAC. Even more anxiety. I received my sons passport on June 28th. I have submitted my documents at Chennai VAC for New Delhi Consulate.8/30/2022 Application submitted your passport is being delivered to post NO status8/31/2022 Chennai VAC Holiday your passport is in transit to post NO status9/1/2022 your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate Application Received9/2/2022 your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate Approved9/3/2022 Weekend Holiday your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate Approved9/4/2022 Weekend Holiday your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate Approved9/5/2022 US Labour Day your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate Approved9/6/2022 your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate Issued9/7/2022 Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery9/8/2022 Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery9/9/2022 Passport ready for pick up notification received at 10 am. My status was still Admin processing at this time. There will be security checks and you cannot carry cellphones or backpacks.Apparently there is a locker available to keep stuff but its quite expensive (not sure how expensive). DONOT WASTE YOUR TIME BY EMAILING AND CALLING THESE PEOPLE. Reached by 3:15 PM. August 11th issued statusAugust 16th passport recieved for pickup, Date 7th sep 2022 .. appointment time : 9 am, New Delhi. 2. OFC was on 21st,again new Delhi. Visa Status Track:8 Sept No Status. Just wanted to share Dropbox experience: Stayed at Radisson Blu Connaught place. Aug 4- After long queue and holding my pee.Me: Good morningVO: Good morningMe: Here is my 221g with white slipVO: Gives it a glance and requested for client letter.Me: I dont have one but had a vendor Letter and couple of email conversations with my manager.VO: Just vendor Letter should suffice.VO: After typing for min asked where do you liveMe: xxxVO: Suprised and asked couple of questions about the place and said APPROVED.Me: Thank you, have a good day. They said visa approved and collect passport in a week or so.Came out at 9:00 am.It was quick, simple and straight. No waiting anywhere.Docs taken: passport, appt letter, ds160. We went directly there with our bags for family appointment. I carried a folder with me which had alphabetical naming for accessing the documents easily and quickly. Change US Consulate interview location on DS-160 after Submission? Travel within USA: Why SHOULD you carry Passport, US Visa, I-94. Please go through your rights for when you are there. We will need to stand outside; pretty hot climate). I thought its for interview. Read official news summary at : I am not sure what worked in my favor but i tried everything that people in this group have suggested. I had a prior history of Reckless Driving case and was 10-finger printed. The process was quite smooth I was in and out in 10-15 minutes. 5 row bench. I wont be going into details on how to do that here but you may DM me for my inputs. Dec 9 Dropbox:Usual documents- passport/i797 copies/employment verification letter/ photos. I am not sure if thats why they took old. Documents collected:Appointment confirmation page.DS 160 confirmation page.Current Passport.Previous Passport.Current I797 approval CopyPrevious I797 approval CopyEmployment verification letter Copy22 Photo, JAN 4 Passport dropped at VAC location New Delhi asked only the documents mentioned in the appointment confirmation emailIt took 10 mins for entire process, appointment was at 10 got there at 945 and was let in after security check.Jan 5- Status showed as Administrative Processing in CEAC website.Jan 7 Status showed as IssuedJan 10- Status showed in CGI portal as Passport received from consular and processing for deliveryJan 11 Received all collected passports with visa stamped on current passport at home (Mumbai) as I selected for premium delivery.