h1b travel checklist

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International Employees

Travel on the H-1B

When traveling on the h-1b visa, you will require the following documentation to reenter the u.s.: .

Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity at the time of admission to the U.S.
Valid H-1B visa stamp in your passport, obtained from a U.S. Consulate abroad.
Original H-1B approval notice (I-797) from UConn.
Current letter from your hiring department verifying continued employment. a. Should be less than 6 months old. b. Your H-1B petition supporting letter will suffice if less than 6 months old. c. Or, obtain an employment verification letter from your department.
Copy of the H-1B petition materials given to you by OGC (LCA, I-129 and supporting letter).
Several recent paystubs as evidence of continued employment with UConn (not necessary for initial employment with UConn).
For H-4 dependents, proof of the relationship to H-1B principle beneficiary (marriage certificate; birth certificate).

Continued validity of H visas after employer change

If you have changed employers since first entering the U.S. in H-1B status and have a valid, unexpired H-1B visa annotated for the previous employer, you may reenter the U.S. using that visa, presenting the valid UConn H-1B approval notice and the UConn H-1B petition materials upon reentry to the U.S.

Travel Abroad Exception with an Expired H-1B visa stamp

An H-1B holder who has current H-1B classification (either initial or extension) may reenter the U.S. with an expired H-1B visa stamp after a trip solely to Canada or Mexico (not to U.S. territories/ the islands in the Caribbean) that lasted no more than 30 days (22 C.F.R. § 41.112(d)).

In such circumstances, you must NOT surrender your current I-94 upon departure from the U.S.

► We recommended that you make an advisory appointment with Immigration Services before trying this – current practices may change.

Students seeking services can see our current student services page , which includes virtual and in-person options. For J scholar and Employment-based services, please see our Contact Us page .

H-1B Travel Documents

Required documents for h-1b travel.

To re-enter the U.S. in H-1B status and resume employment, bring the following documents:

Passport valid for six months beyond the duration of H-1B status (see dates on the I-797 approval notice)
I-797 approval notice, original version (contact Berkeley International Office if the original version was lost or damaged)
Letter verifying current employment from employing department (confirming continued employment, job title, annual salary, and dates of employment as listed on your I-797 H-1B approval notice), dated within one month of the visa interview or re-entry
Most recent UC Berkeley pay statements (last 3 months)
H-1B valid visa stamp (not necessary for Canadian citizens)
Copies of forms I-129
Copy of Certified Labor Condition Application filed on the employee's behalf by the Berkeley International Office
Curriculum vitae
Additional documents may be required, check with embassy. These may include evidence of meeting required qualifications etc.

If your visa has expired or you have changed your status to H-1B within the U.S. :

Obtain an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. Consulate before returning to the U.S. Present the above-mentioned travel documents to the consulate.

If you have a valid H-1B visa issued with a prior employer's name:

The visa remains valid until the date of its expiration. H-1B employees who change employers in the U.S. may use the previously issued H-1B visa to apply for admission to the U.S. if the dates are still valid. Employees must carry all the other travel-related documents to re-enter the country successfully.

US Department of State Announces New Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program:

The US Department of State has posted information and FAQs on the pilot program to allow certain H-1B nonimmigrants to renew their visas in the U.S. Applications will be accepted from January 29, 2024 to April 1, 2024, or until all application slots are filled, whichever comes first. See the US Department of State website: Domestic Renewal of H-1B Visas for Certain Applicants
Eligibility is limited to a narrow group of individuals. Individuals can check if they are eligible for this program by using the Navigator Tool on the website that says "Am I Eligible for Domestic Renewal" . Individuals who do not meet the requirements, or those who choose not to participate in the pilot program, may continue to apply for visa renewal at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas.

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H-1B Travel

Initial entry to the u.s. in h-1b status, required documents.

Valid passport with validity for at least six months following authorized period of stay
Valid H-1B visa stamp (unless visa exempt, i.e. Canadian citizen)
Form I-797 Notice of Approval of H-1B status

Upon admission to the U.S., you will need your I-94 record of arrival.

If entering by land, you will need an I-94 card. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the U.S. port of entry will issue an I-94 card to the foreign national. For H-1B and H-4 foreign nationals, the CBP officer should indicate an expiration date on the I-94 card. The expiration date refers to the length of time an H-1B foreign national has permission to remain temporarily in the United States. CBP may include a 10-day grace period following the period of approved H-1B status.

We strongly recommend that you print and save your I-94 record after entrance into the United States.

Travel During Period of H-1B Status

In order for H-1B aliens to request permission to re-enter the U.S. after a temporary departure, they must present the following documents at the port of entry:

Valid passport (valid for at least six months following authorized period of stay)
Valid U.S. H-1B visa stamp in passport (unless visa exempt, such as a Canadian citizen)
Original, valid Form I-797 Notice of Approval of H-1B employment
Evidence of current H-1B employment, including most recent pay statements and/or a letter from Human Resources verifying employment. This is not required, but recommended.

If your H-1B visa stamp is expired, or you have never held an H-1B stamp in your passport, you must apply for and receive a new stamp before returning to the United States. OVIS recommends that you check with the relevant consulate or embassy in your home country for specific information on the visa application process, as well as fees and appointment wait times.

Automatic Revalidation

After initial entry to the U.S., nonimmigrants who have an expired visa in their passport may re-enter the U.S. without obtaining a new visa if their travel was solely to the contiguous countries of Canada and Mexico. F and J visa holders may also be able to benefit from Automatic Revalidation after travel to the Caribbean Islands (excluding Cuba). Travel must be for a period of fewer than 30 days. This procedure is known as Automatic Revalidation of the U.S. visa.

To take advantage of Automatic Revalidation, travelers must have, in addition to the documents for re-entry stated above, a copy of their electronic I-94 record (or white I-94 card, if you have one).

If you are a citizen of Cuba, Iran, Sudan, or Syria, you are not eligible for automatic revalidation of your expired non-immigrant visa.
If you have applied for a new visa while out of the country, you may not re-enter the U.S. until the new visa is issued, even if your old visa is still valid.
Is in possession of an F student visa or J exchange visitor visa and has traveled to Cuba
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to have an entry visa for Canada, Mexico or any of the other Caribbean nations in order to enter those countries. Your U.S. visa does not automatically grant entry into these other contiguous countries.

You can find more information on Automatic Revalidation on the U.S. Department of State website .

H-1B Document Checklist

Main navigation.

Employee name, emplid and email:

Dept. Contact name, phone, email:

Workflow transaction number:

Type of Request (mark one)

Initial H-1B - Consular processing
Initial H-1B - Change of Status to H-1B within U.S.
Extension of current Stanford sponsored H-1B status, consular processing
Extension of current Stanford sponsored H-1B status, within U.S.
Transfer of H-1B status from a different H-1B sponsor to Stanford (port)
Amendment of current H-1B status, without extension

Please use the following checklist to compile a set of single-sided documents for submission to Citizenship and Immigration Services. Cover your dossier with the checklist and mark items as enclosed. Bind with rubber bands and place in a secure envelope. Separate/identify the sections with tabs at the bottom of the page . Please arrange in the order given.

Cover letter
Evidence of waiver or fulfillment of two-year home residency requirement
Copy of most recent I-94 entry-exit record
Payroll history
Employee's CV
Educational credentials
Licensure (for physicians with patient care and other occupations requiring licensure)
Job offer/Re-appointment letter
Immigration history (biographical and other relevant passport pages with US entry stamps; US entry visa pages; current and previous immigration documents in reverse chronological order (I-20, DS 2019, I-797A or B)

In a separate copy set, compile the items below for processing and recordkeeping.

Mailing label
Filing Fee Payment
Affidavit affirming supervisor’s responsibility under Stanford policy and federal regulations
Waiver of Liability signed by H-1B employee
Dependent documents , including a separate waiver of liability

Please do not :

Staple pages
Insert card, colored paper or plastic separators
Use plastic/adhesive or glue tabs
Print double-sided copies
Use binder or paper clips
Bundle documents in folders, binders or other covers

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NEWS RELEASES
H-1B Program
H-2A: Temporary Agricultural Employment of Foreign Workers
H-2B Program
U and T Visa Certifications

The H-1B program applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.

The law establishes certain standards in order to protect similarly employed U.S. workers from being adversely affected by the employment of the nonimmigrant workers, as well as to protect the H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Employers must attest to the Department of Labor that they will pay wages to the H-1B nonimmigrant workers that are at least equal to the actual wage paid by the employer to other workers with similar experience and qualifications for the job in question, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment – whichever is greater.

On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) issued an Office of Foreign Labor Certification H-1B Program Bulletin and a Wage and Hour Division Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) revising its interpretation of its regulations concerning which employers of H-1B workers must file Labor Condition Applications. The Department simultaneously submitted a Notice for publication in the Federal Register announcing and requesting public comments on this interpretation. On January 20, 2021, the Department withdrew its Notice from the Office of the Federal Register prior to its publication, and is now withdrawing the Bulletin and FAB for the purpose of considering the process for issuing this interpretation as well as reviewing related issues of law, fact, and policy. Accordingly, the requirements of the Bulletin and FAB are no longer in effect. The Department will notify the public of any further actions as appropriate once it completes its review.

General Guidance

Field Assistance Bulletin 2019-3: Compliance with the H-1B Notice Requirement by Electronic Posting (PDF)
Employment Law Guide: Workers in Professional and Specialty Occupations (H-1B and H-1B1 Visas)
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Prevailing Wage Determinations for Nonagricultural Programs
Wages under Foreign Labor Certification
H-1B Workers Rights Card

H-1B Presentation

The Employment of Non-Immigrants on H-1B Visas (Microsoft® PowerPoint®)
New Labor Condition Application (Form ETA 9035) with Instructions
WH-4, H-1B Nonimmigrant Information Form
H-1B Fact Sheets - Numerical Index

Disqualified and Willful Violator Employers

H-1B Willful Violators List
H-1B Debarred Employers List

Nonimmigrant Worker Related Agency Links

Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Department of State
Department of Labor/Foreign Labor Certification

Civil Money Penalty Inflation Adjustments

Isn't it a relief to finally have your H1B visa in your hand after all those long hours of nervous waiting? Now that you have your H1B visa, it's time to start packing! We bet you have a long list of items to pack and take to the US. But did you know that most H1B holders pack a lot of things that are not necessary? Thanks to poor information and wrong guidance, people carry more stuff than they need.

For your convenience, we have compiled this article that discusses:

Things that you can carry to the US
Things to avoid carrying to the US
Documents required to carry to the US when travelling on an H1B visa.

Keep yourself well-informed before you start packing!

Documents & Medication To Take to the US in Your H1B Visa Travel

Even after you have obtained your H1B visa, you cannot travel right away to the US. As per immigration rules, you can enter the US only 10 days before the start date indicated on Form I-797. As soon as you land on US soil, you will have some formalities to complete. You have to:

Present Form I-797, your valid passport, and a valid H1B visa at the port of entry to the US. Fill the Arrival/ Departure Record or Form I-94 with the necessary information Give your name exactly as it appears on your passport

To ensure a safe, worthwhile stay in the US, you have to carry all the required documents and paperwork. You will need your:

Current original passport and its copy
Flight ticket
Boarding pass
H1B visa documents
Soft copies of all the documents

Click here to see the full list of documents required for your H1B travel .

List of items to take to the US

It is wise to draft an H1B travel checklist instead of blindly packing everything that comes to mind. One of the most important things you will need is medical or health coverage, the most vital aspect of an international travel policy. Besides, medical costs are quite expensive in the US. Hence, it is better to arm yourself with an international health insurance policy and some medication to manage health-related emergencies.

What are the medication you are allowed to take to the US?

It is wise to have the following medication with you during your H1B travel to US :

Portable first aid kit to handle medical emergencies.
Over-the-counter medication for fever and cough such as Benadryl, Crocin, Metacin, etc. Make sure to check the expiry dates and buy only fresh stock.
Prescription sheets if you suffer from chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or migraine. If you carry medication for such ailments, you may have to show these prescriptions.
Immunizations records of any immunizations that you have taken before the journey.
Eyeglasses because they are expensive in the USA. We recommend packing at least two pairs of eyeglasses. If you are using contacts, please purchase them based on how often you change them.

Also Read : H1B Travel - A Road Map to Guide You

List of Clothing, Food, & Miscellaneous Items to Pack

Even if you own a hoard of clothes, you ought to be sensible about what you pack. You can carry dress items like a couple of good jeans, tops, and t-shirts. You might want to consider buying clothes in the US when the sale is on. That's when you can purchase clothes at reasonable prices. Apart from clothes, you must take:

Formal wear
Undergarments
Sneakers (1pair)
Formal shoes (1 pair)
Slippers (1 pair)

As far as accessories are concerned, it is wise to pack your belts and wallets too, because they are quite expensive in the US.

Food items and utensils

Many branded masala powders are available in the US. You can find them in your local Indian grocery shops. However, you may also carry homemade dried spice powders in air-tight containers. We also suggest packing a cooker with an extra gasket and whistle.

Miscellaneous items

You will need some miscellaneous items to sustain yourself for the first few weeks in the US. You will need:

International calling cards: To make inexpensive long-distance calls to your friends and family, it is better to purchase an international SIM card. You may also download a low-cost international calling app.
Foreign travel card: You can ask your bank for a Forex card.
US Dollars: Get an ample amount of currency exchanged for US dollars to have liquid cash to meet your expenses.
Travel insurance: Although it is not mandatory, it is always safe to carry travel insurance.

Apart from the above-mentioned items, you will need:

Credit or debit cards
Pocket diary with important contact numbers
Adapters and chargers for all your electronic gadgets
Passport size photos of yourself

So, here is your list of things to pack for your H1B visa travel. Let's now check the list of items that you cannot carry to the USA.

List of Items to Avoid Taking to the USA

While packing your suitcases for your H1B travel, it is always wise to avoid carrying a few items. They are:

Winter clothes

It's best not to pack your woolen clothes and long coats because you can purchase them all in the US. Besides, you also get better ones there.

All personal care items and toiletries can be purchased in the US. However, please purchase your toiletries in India if you use anything for specific skin conditions.

Electrical appliances

Since the power specifications are different in the US, your electrical appliances may not work.

Avoid taking items like rice, oil, pulses, and legumes, unless you are going to a very remote place where there are no international grocery shops.

Other than a cooker, it's best not to wastefully invest in non-stick pans, crockery, and other kitchen utensils. You can buy them at cheaper prices and better quality in the US.

Finally, it is advisable not to carry any medication or drugs, not on the prescriptions. Also, please ensure that all medication prescriptions are in your name.

It will take a few weeks to acclimatize yourself to the weather and cost of living in the US. But once you find your footing, you will realize that the USA is one of the best places to live in. Since you will find everything you need, it is best to pack light. Just ensure that you have all the basic and important items for a hassle-free experience.

Remember your journey's purpose: You are there on an H1B visa to establish a flourishing career and a bright future. Therefore, you ought to make the most of this opportunity. Remember to respect the nation, its people, and its customs. Follow all the rules and regulations and blend in to avoid trouble with the law. And don't forget to enjoy yourself!

Get the up-to-date information from TechFetch H1B

It is always better to get correct information rather than act on assumptions when you start packing for your H1B travel. Check our TechFetch H1B for the right guidance.

** Disclaimer: All H1B-related information is subject to change. Please refer to the USCIS official website for the latest updates regarding the H1B visa.**

Article by Techfetch H1B team

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Immigration

H-1B Extension Documents Checklist for Visa Renewal

The h-1b visa extension is crucial for u.s. employers and foreign workers. successful renewal demands careful preparation of specific documents for applicants and employers, understanding renewal criteria, and potential fees. options exist for denied renewals. it's essential to stay informed on regulations for a smooth process..

Key Takeaways:

H-1B visa extension process crucial for U.S. employers, supporting global talent exchange in specialty occupations.
Required documents for H-1B extension include visas, diplomas, job details, and financial records for applicant and employer.
Understanding renewal options, associated fees, spousal visa, denial alternatives, premium processing, compliance, and travel considerations are vital.

Why is the H-1B Visa Extension Important?

The H-1B visa is a vital tool for U.S. employers aiming to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. Facilitating the presence of international talent within U.S. borders, the H-1B visa supports the global exchange of knowledge and skill. However, the intricacies of renewing or extending this visa often pose a challenge for many. Knowing what documents are required and understanding the renewal process are crucial steps in successfully obtaining an H-1B visa extension.

What Documents Do You Need for an H-1B Visa Extension?

For a smooth H-1B visa renewal process, preparing a comprehensive H-1B Extension Documents Checklist is key. Here’s a breakdown for both applicants and employers:

For the Applicant:

Copies of all U.S. visas, I-94’s, and I-797 approval notice(s)
University Diplomas and Transcripts : Certify your educational qualifications.
Academic Evaluation of Foreign Degree , if applicable.
Experience Letters : Demonstrates your work history and expertise.
Resume : A current outline of your professional journey.
Recent Paychecks : Proof of current employment and financial stability.

For the Employer:

Job Offer Letter : Must include Job Title, Salary Offered and be signed.
Detailed Job Description : A blueprint of your role and responsibilities.
Company Marketing Materials : To provide context about the employer.
Financial Documents : Demonstrates company’s stability and ability to employ.
Articles of Incorporation , if available.

Detailed H-1B Extension Documents Checklist for Applicant

A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
Previous H-1B Approval Notices :
Copies of all previous Form I-797, H-1B approval notices.
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record :
Your most recent Form I-94 record.
Educational Qualifications :
Copies of university diplomas.
Copies of transcripts from university degrees.
Copy of academic evaluation of foreign degree, if available.
Professional Experience :
Copies of letters of experience from previous employers, if available.
A current copy of your resume.
Proof of Employment :
Copy of 3 most recent paychecks, unpaid leave of absence letter, or a letter from your employer as other proof of employment.
Labor Condition Application (LCA) :
A certified LCA specific to your employment location, filed by your employer.
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker :
Filed by your employer.
Passports, visa stamps, and I-94 records for dependents included in the H-1B renewal application.

H-1B Extension Documents Checklist for Employer

Job Offer Letter :
Copy of the job offer letter containing the job title, salary offered, and signed by both the employer and the foreign national.
Detailed Job Description :
A detailed description of the job duties.
Company Marketing Materials :
Company brochure and/or any marketing material.
Financial Documents :
Copy of the most recent financial statement, annual report, or business plan, if available.
Corporate Documentation :
Copy of Articles of Incorporation, if available.
Filing Fees :
The employer should prepare for all H-1B renewal expenses, including filing fees for the I-129 petition, ACWIA fee, Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee, and any optional fee for premium processing.

Additional Notes:

Premium Processing : If you opt for Premium Processing, include Form I-907 and the additional fee to expedite the processing of your renewal petition.
Travel Considerations : If planning to travel outside the U.S. while your H-1B renewal is pending, consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on visa interviews and re-entry procedures.
Recapture Time : If applicable, include documents for recapture time due to travel outside the U.S.
Additional Requirements : Be aware of any additional steps or documents required specifically for your job position or changes in immigration regulations.

This checklist is designed to be comprehensive, but individual circumstances may vary. Always consult with an immigration professional to ensure all requirements are met for your specific case.

The H-1B Visa Renewal Process Explained

Understanding the H-1B Visa Renewal process is foundational for a successful application.

Three-Year H-1B Renewal:

Applicants can renew their H-1B visa for up to three years if they have an approved I-140 petition in the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 employment-based green card classifications. However, an important criterion is that an immigrant visa must be unavailable due to over-subscription at the time the H-1B petition is filed.

Also of Interest:

Adoption visa for new zealand pre-citizenship visits, how many times can you reschedule an h-1b visa appointment, one-year h-1b renewal:.

Post the six-year limit, H-1B visa holders may apply for renewal in one-year intervals. This option hinges on whether the PERM petition or the I-140 petition was filed at least 365 days before the 6-year expiration date.

Recapture Time:

H-1B visa holders traveling abroad for extended periods may seek an extension for the time spent outside the U.S., ensuring a submission of documents proving entry and return dates.

Spousal H-4 Visa Renewal

It is essential to note that spouses eligible for H-4 visa extensions must individually apply, and this typically does not occur automatically with the primary H1B renewal. Documents proving the relationship with the primary H1B holder are necessary.

What Are the Fees Associated with H-1B Visa Renewal?

The cost associated with the H-1B visa renewal process falls on the employer, including: – I-129 petition filing fee : $460 – Public Law 114-113 fee (if applicable): $4,000 – ACWIA fee : $750 or $1,500, size-dependent – Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee : $500 – Optional Premium Processing : $1,225

Options if Your H-1B Renewal Is Denied

A denied H-1B renewal is not the end of the road. Alternatives like TN visas, J-1 visas, O-1 visas, L-1 visas, or applying for a green card under EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 categories, are viable paths forward.

Understanding Premium Processing

Is Premium Processing available for H-1B renewals? Absolutely. For an additional fee, Form I-907 can expedite the processing of your renewal petition, promising a response within 15 calendar days.

Can You Travel During the Renewal Process?

Regarding international travel while your H-1B renewal is pending, be prepared for the possibility of attending a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy to secure a new visa stamp before re-entering the U.S.

Maintaining Compliance and Keeping Up To Date

Additional requirements or steps specific to your job or employer may apply. It’s critical to stay informed and compliant with any changes in immigration regulations. For authoritative and up-to-date information on H-1B visa extensions, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

In conclusion, navigating the H-1B visa extension process requires diligent preparation, an understanding of required documentation, and an awareness of the associated fees and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or seeking an extension, the key to success lies in meticulous preparation and staying informed about regulatory changes. Remember, an informed approach is your best strategy in ensuring a smooth H-1B visa renewal process.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Understanding the H-1B Visa Extension process is crucial for international talent in the U.S. Key documents like visas, diplomas, experience letters, and fees must be prepared. Renewal options include the three-year renewal and spousal H-4 visa extension. Premium Processing expedites applications. Stay informed for compliance and explore alternative visa options if needed. — By VisaVerge.com

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Step by Step H1B Dropbox Process: Eligibility, Documents, Change of Employer

H1B Visa Dropbox Process - Step by Step Guide

When you apply for a US Visa renewal and you meet certain criteria, you can get it stamped in your passport without attending an in-person visa interview. This kind of visa stamping process is called an ‘ Interview Waiver ’ option and is popularly called the ‘ Dropbox Stamping ’. The same interview waiver option is available for H1B Visa renewal as well.

In this article, we will cover the step-by-step process for H1B visa stamping using ‘dropbox’ or the ‘interview waiver’ option. We will cover all areas like H1B visa dropbox eligibility requirements, booking appointments, documents checklist, how it works with employer change or H1B Visa Transfer situations, and status changes. Also, it will include changes to the Dropbox requirements in recent times during the pandemic.

The first step to applying for H1B stamping using the interview waiver or Dropbox option is to ensure you meet all the general required criteria for a typical interview waiver or dropbox. Let’s first look at the eligibility requirements in the context of an H1B visa .

H1B Visa Dropbox Eligibility Requirements

Below are the general eligibility criteria for getting an H1B Visa stamping using dropbox or the interview waiver option. You must meet all the requirements below to be eligible for dropbox stamping:

Update : the US Dept of State has provided some exceptions due to the long wait times, even for first-time H1B visa stamping applicants. The key requirement is they need to have had any US Visa stamped in the past. This provision is valid until December 31st, 2023. We cover this in detail in the next section.
Your H1B Visa was stamped in your passport after Jan 1, 2008
Your H1B visa stamping in your passport should be issued after your 14 th birthday
Your H1B visa stamp in your passport was not lost, stolen, canceled, or has CWOP written on the visa.
There were no US visa refusals anytime in the past. Not just the recent one.
Some exceptions apply from now until Dec 31st, 2023, where the US Dept of State has waived in-person appointments for H1B holders if they meet requirements such as having a valid US Visa issued in any category in the past and applying from the country of residence. You can check the full requirements at H1B Visa Interview waived if the applicant meets certain conditions.
Also, in the past, during the pandemic in 2021, they extended dropbox eligibility for H1B holders to 48 months from expiry.
( Not applicable anymore as the US Dept of State removed it in April 2023. Check US Department of State Twitter Update ) . Your H1B visa stamp in your passport should not have annotations like “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”
(Not applicable now) In the past, there was a requirement that the applicant’s previous H1B stamping should be from the same country. However, the same country requirement was removed in 2021 due to the pandemic situation, as consulates were not fully operational. Check Question 7 below which has an updated screenshot of the question.

Also, if you are over 80 years of age and applying for an H1B Visa renewal, then you need to only meet one condition, which is your most recent US Visa application was not refused.

Dropbox Option for certain first-Time H1B Visa Applicants

As US Consulates across the globe are operating in a very limited fashion globally due to the COVID pandemic, starting from Jan 1st, 2022, until December 31st, 2023, the US Department of State has given Dropbox Stamping option for certain first-time H1B Visa Applicants, if they meet all the below eligibility criteria.

The applicant needs to meet all the below six requirements to be eligible for H1B Dropbox as a first-time H1B applicant:

USCIS Approval Notice : You need to have an H1B Visa petition approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS). Basically, this is something that your employer would apply for with USCIS for working in the US before you go for stamping and it is mandatory for stamping.
Residence Country: You need to be applying for H1B Visa Stamping in your country of Nationality or Residence. For example , if you are an Indian citizen, you can only apply in India or alternatively, if you are an Indian citizen but live in Germany due to work with a proper work visa, then you can apply in Germany as it is your place of residence.
Previous Approved US Visa : You need to have any type of US Visa issued (approved) in the past by a US Consulate or Embassy. It does not have to be an H1B Visa Stamp. For example, if you have previously issued B1/B2 or F1 Visa in your passport, then you are eligible.
No US Visa Refusal : You should have never been refused a US Visa at Visa Stamping. If you had an administrative processing refusal like 221g , then it should have been overcome or waived. You should have not any potential ineligibility aspects on your application (this is not clearly defined by them on what they mean)
US Visa lost or stolen : Your most recent US Visa in your passport was not lost, stolen, or canceled.
Issued after Jan 1, 2008 : Your most recent US Visa was issued after January 1st, 2008

Check complete details on the above at US Visa Stamping Dropbox Option for certain H1B Visa applicants .

Also, many are confused, about if they need a new H1B Visa stamp after changing employers, let’s look at the details now.

H1B Dropbox Eligibility for Change of Employer

Many H1B applicants, who have done a change of employer or transferred to a new employer assume that they are not eligible for dropbox submission. They are misguided by the fact that their previous H1B visa foil glued in their passport has their previous employer’s name and they may not be eligible for dropbox.

To give you more context, when your H1B Visa was issued by the US Consulate, the H1B Visa foil that was glued in your passport would have the H1B Sponsoring Company name and the petition number details on it under the annotation section, as you can see in below screenshot. Having the previous company name is the cause of the confusion. Many assume that they may not be eligible for H1B Visa using the dropbox option.

The reality is that the employer name on the US Visa is only an annotation added for reference of the CBP officer . It has nothing to do with Dropbox stamping eligibility. As long as you satisfy all the general eligibility criteria for H1B Visa Dropbox, as listed in the above section, you are eligible for H1B visa stamping using the Dropbox option.

Also, to confirm the above, when you fill out the visa details and answer the questionnaire on US Visa CGI Federal Website, you will not be asked for your previous employer information or what your visa stamp annotation says. All they ask for are questions about your visa expiration date and general criteria. That’s another confirmation that you are eligible for dropbox stamping, even if you have a change of employer using an H1B transfer. Also, we have many users on our blog and social media channels who got stamping done after the H1B transfer. So, it is confirmed based on users’ experiences as well.

Now that you understand the general requirements for H1B stamping using dropbox, let’s look at the step-by-step process.

Step by Step Guide to Apply for H1B Visa Dropbox Appointment

The process to apply for H1B Visa stamping using the dropbox or interview waiver option is not very different from the general visa renewal for other types of visas. It is mostly the documents you submit and your eligibility criteria that matter.

For background, you can read How to Apply for a US Visa for general guidance on the US Visa stamping process. Let’s look at each of the steps now.

Step 1 – Complete Non-immigrant US Visa Application (DS-160) Form online

You need to complete the Online Non-Immigrant US Visa Application and complete all the details related to your current H1B sponsor and previous employment information. You will be asked to select a location for the visa stamping or interview when you start the DS-160 form. Select the best city that you can think of where you would go for stamping. See the below screenshot.

The city you select here does not really matter. It can be different from the city where you actually go for stamping or submitting documents.

The DS-160 form is very lengthy and asks for a lot of information. It can take time to complete this form. Also, when you submit the DS-160 form, you will get a confirmation number. The DS-160 confirmation number is also the same as the Application ID. You will enter the DS-160 confirmation number or Application ID in the next step during the appointment booking for Dropbox stamping.

Step 2 – Create a Profile on US Visa Appointment Booking Website

After you complete the DS-160 form, you need to create a new user profile on US Visa appointment booking website. Depending on the country managed, this website is different and managed by CGI Federal. Below is how it looks:

H1B Visa Stamping in India : If you are looking for H1B dropbox stamping in India, then you need to register and create an account at www.USVisaScheduling.com . You can check the step-by-step guide to creating an account on USVisaScheduling.com website .
H1B Stamping outside of India : If you are looking to get H1B stamping outside of India, then you would either use https://portal.ustraveldocs.com/ website or https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ to book an appointment. You need to register an account on the respective appointment booking website for the country to pay the fee and book an appointment.

You need to complete basic information about yourself. Depending on the country you are planning to applying for Dropbox stamping it will look different.

Below is the screenshot of completing applicant’s personal details on USVisaScheduling.com, which is for Dropbox stamping in India.

Complete Applicant Details - USVisaScheduling.com Website

If you are using portal.ustraveldocs.com and getting stamping in another country, it will look different from above.

As there are two to three US Visa Appointment booking systems that are used now globally, in the below sections, we will clearly put a heading and tell what wesbite the screenshot is for to avoid any confusion.

Step 3 – Complete Visa Type, Personal details, H1B Petition Details , Dependents info

Depending on the country you are going to get stamping from, the steps look different as the websites are different. Below are the steps for India & outside India. First, let’s look at the steps for stamping in India.

Steps on USVisaScheduling.com Website for Stamping in India

On USVisaScheduling.com, you need to click on the Start Application to fill out a new application for H1B dropbox. Below is a screenshot of how it looks.

Start Application on USVisaScheduling.com

You need to select the below Visa Options. Each of the fields would be a drop-down, select the below accordingly for H1B Dropbox

Country: This will be prepopulated to India and you cannot change this.
Visa Type : Non-immigrant
Embassy/Consulate/OFC : Select the US consulate or Embassy that is applicable to your location of stay in India. While there is no restriction, it is ideal to choose that fits your location of stay.
Post Visa Category : As it is for H1B Dropbox, you would select the visa category as ‘Employment-based visas’.
Visa Priority: This will be prepopulated to English and you cannot change this.

See the below screenshot on how the actual visa options screen look on USVisaScheduling.com for H1B Dropbox stamping.

Visa Options - USVisaScheduling.com for H1B Dropbox

You need to seelct the visa tag as H-1B and then click on Continue button. See the below screenshot on how it looks

Select Visa Tag as H-1B and hit Continue on USVisaScheduling.com

You need to enter the additional details of DS-160 and Petition Information on the next screen. You will need to enter the below

DS-160 Confirmation Number : This is the confirmation number after you complete the DS-160 form online. It is also called the Application ID.
Petitioner Name : This is the H1B Sponsor name as it appears on the H1B Approval Notice
Petition Request Number : This is the H1B Receipt number as it appears on the H1B Approval Notice.
Petition Start Date : This is the “Valid from Date” on the H1B approval notice. Do not worry about the time. It can be anything on the same date. The date is the important thing to note.
Petition Expiration Date : This is the “Valid to Date” on the H1B approval notice.

It looks like in the below screenshot on USVisaScheduling.com website.

DS-160 and Petitioner Info for H1B Dropbox on USVisaScheduling.com

After this step, you will be taken to answer the H1B Dropbox questionnaire. To clarify, this flow is different from the flow that used to be on the previous portal.USTraveldocs website. You can go to Step 4 below to continue the guide for USVisaScheduling.com

Steps on USTraveldocs Portal Website for Stamping Outside India

On USTravelDocs Portal Website, once you add your basic information, you will need to select “New Appointment / Schedule Appointment” from the menu on the left-hand side. You will be asked a set of questions in a guided wizard format, you need to complete them by selecting the relevant ones as applicable for an H1B visa. The guided wizard looks like in the below section screenshots.

1. Select Nonimmigrant Visa

First, you need to select the visa type either Nonimmigrant or Immigrant. H1B Visa is a Nonimmigrant Visa, you need select that in Step 1 and click on continue. See the below screenshot on how it looks.

2. Select the country and state of residence

You will get an option to select the country or state of your residence. You need to select the right country or country and state combination as per your residence and click on continue. This will be listed as Step 2 in the wizard. See the below screenshot on how it looks

3. Select the Language of the Visa interview, Visa Category, and Visa Class

Next, you need to select the language of the interview that you plan to do if you have to go for an interview. In general, dropbox does not require an interview, but in case, they want to interview you, you need to select that and click on continue.

In the past, there used to be multiple languages to select on this page, but they removed it in late 2022. If you need any specific language support, you can request it during the interview at the consulate on the day of the interview. You would see this listed as Step 3 in the wizard as in the below screenshot

Select Language for interview - English only option online

Next, you will be asked to select the Visa Category , which is relevant to H1B Visa. You need to select the option “Employment-based visas” option and click on continue. It will be listed as Step 3 and looks like as shown in the below screenshot.

Select the Visa Category as Employment-based Visas for H1B dropbox

Next, you need to select the Visa Class, which is H1B Visa. You need to select the option that says “ H-1B – Temporary worker in specialty occupation ” and then click on continue at the bottom. It looks like this, as in the below screenshot.

You will get a chance to review and confirm the details you have entered until now as a summary. Verify the details and click on continue. It will be listed as Step 6 and looks like in the below screenshot.

Check the H1B Visa Class, Category, other details in Summary

4. Enter Your Personal info, Passport details, contact info, mailing address, Petitioner info

After that you will need to complete personal data like passport, address info, contact info, mailing address, DS-160 info, etc. Also, under the “Petitioner” section, you need to enter the USCIS-approved H1B visa petition details including the H1B Case Receipt Number on the same page. It looks like this, as in the below screenshot.

Personal Info, Petitioner Info, DS-160, Mailing Address

5. Add Dependents, Child Details

Once you go past this screen, you will get a chance to add your dependents. This option is to add your dependents as applicable if you are taking your H4 Dependents (spouse and children) for visa stamping along with you. You will need to click on the option that says “Add by Name” as it looks in the below screenshot.

If you click on the Add by Name option in the above screenshot, then you will get an option to add the spouse or child-related DS-160 and all their personal details here. It looks like this, as in the below screenshot.

Add Dependents Info - H1B Dropbox Form CGI Federal Website

Step 4 – H1B Dropbox Eligibility Check Wizard

In the next step, you will be asked a few questions related to your H1B Visa Stamping status to check, if you are eligible for dropbox or not. You need to answer them correctly based on your situation.

The H1B Dropbox eligibility check wizard questions are technically the same for stamping within India or outside of India. Just the way they are presented in the system are different as they are two different websites. We will highlight it under each question, how it looks on each of the websites.

Below are each of the questions and answers that most of the H1B Visa renewal applicants answer:

Question 1 : “ Do you have a previous U.S. visa in any visa class issued on or after your 14th birthday ?”

Response : If you had any US Visa issued in the past after you turned 14 years old, you would answer ‘Yes’. This includes H1B Visa as well.

Example : If you had B1/B2 from the past issued by a US Consulate/ Embassy, and now applying for H1B for the first time, then you would answer ‘Yes’ to this question.

Starting from January 1st, 2022, with the new Dropbox Eligibility option for certain first-time H1B Holders , you see a generic question asking about any US Visa, instead of an H1B Visa. Do not be worried or confused, if you see this. The below screenshots highlight the changes. This new option is valid until the end of 2023 ( Dec 31st, 2023).

See the screenshot below of this question on how it looks on the USVisaScheduling.com website for booking H1B Dropbox appointments in India . Once you select the option, click on the ‘next’ button.

Do you have any previous visa issued after 14th birthday - USVisaScheduling.com

See the below screenshot on how it looks on portal.ustraveldocs.com website for booking Dropbox appointments outside of India.

Do you have a previous U.S. Visa in any visa class issued on or after your 14th birthday

In the past, you used to get the question that is tailored to H1B asking about previous H1B visa but now it does appear now with the new option of Dropbox for certain first-time H1B applicants with any US Visa issued in the past. The new change without specific question tied to H1B visa is valid until December 31st, 2023.

In the past, there was a question on ‘Clearance Received’ or ‘Department Authorization’. Starting from April 2023, the US Department of State removed that question. Even if your visa has an annotation that says ‘Clearance received’ or ‘Department Authorization’, you would still be eligible for H1B Dropbox. If you do not know what this means, you may read What is ‘Clearance Received’ or ‘Department Authorization’ annotation?

Question 2 : “Was your most recent U.S. visa lost, stolen, canceled, revoked, or marked CWOP? ”

Response : Check, if your most recently issued US Visa meets all the below conditions:

It was not lost or stolen (meaning, you did not lose your passport with your US Visa in it)
It was not canceled or revoked (it could be for any reason like DUI, or by CBP, etc. )
It should not be marked as CWOP (Cancelled without Prejudice). For more, read What is CWOP, how it looks? why it is stamped? meaning?

If your answer is ‘Yes’ to all the above 3 points, then you would answer ‘No’ to this question. This question applies to your most recent US Visa, it could be H1-B Visa or any other visa.

See the screenshot below on how it looks on USVisaScheduling.com for appointment booking inside India. Click on the button that reads ‘Next’ after selecting the correct option.

Was your most recent us visa stolen or lost - USVisaScheduling.com

See the screenshot below on how it looks on portal.ustraveldocs.com for appointment booking outside of India

Was your most recent US Visa lost, stolen, revoked or marked CWOP?

In the past, the above question used to say “ in the same class for which you are applying “, now it does not show that anymore due to certain exceptions until the end of 2023.

Question 3 : “Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa before?”.

Response : If you did not get any US visa stamping(including H1B Visa) refused at a consulate before, you would answer ‘No’.

This question is related to a US Visa that was issued at a US consulate or Embassy. This is not related to USCIS petition approval or denial.

The below screenshot shows how it looks on the USVisaScheduling.com website for India appointments. Click on the button ‘Next’ after selecting the correct option.

Have you ever been refused US Visa - on USVisaScheduling.com

The screenshot below shows how it looks on the portal.ustraveldocs.com website for booking appointments outside of India.

Question 4 : “ Was your most recent U.S. visa issued after January 1, 2008? “.

Response : For this question, most of them would answer ‘Yes’, unless their visa was issued before Jan 1 st , 2008. This includes any of your recent US visas, including the H1B Visa.

Important to note is that the previous visa could have been issued in any other country, does not have to be in the same country that you are attending your dropbox appointment.

Update: In the past , the question used to say “ Was your most recent H-1B visa (temporary occupation, temporary worker or trainee) issued in <country name> after January 1, 2008? ” The <country name> would be the actual name of the country which you were applying for a visa from. For example , India, if you are applying from any consulate in India. But, this changed in mid-2021. Now, there is no country restriction as such.

The below screenshot shows how the question looks on the USVisaScheduling.com website for India appointments. Click on the button ‘Next’ after selecting the correct option.

Was your most recent US Visa issued after January 1-2008 - on USVisaScheduling.com

In the past, this question used to have an H1B visa in the question. Now, with the new dropbox option for certain new H1B applicants, it does not have that.

Confirmation on H1B Dropbox Eligibility , Option to pick Interview for Emergency

If you have answered the wizard questions as mentioned above and if you are eligible, you will get a confirmation saying that you are eligible for Interview Wavier or Dropbox.

“ Congratulations! You qualify for the Interview Waiver. You will need to schedule an appointment to visit the Document Drop-Off locations to submit your documents but do not need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. …”

Depending on the country you are submitting the documents, you may sometimes see the country and consulates or embassy information related to the same on this confirmation.

In the past, there was no option for someone, who qualified for dropbox, to attend an in-person interview, in case of an emergency. The US Dept of State modified this in October 2022 and now gives an option like below asking the user to select ‘Interview’ in case of any emergency and need an emergency appointment.

If you do not have a genuine emergency, do not select ‘Interview’, go ahead and click on ‘Drop-Off’ button.

Below is the sample screenshot of the confirmation message for appointments in India done using USVisaScheduling.com. It does not show any US Consulate/Embassy-related information.

Congratulations - you qualify for interview waiver on USVisaScheduling.com

The screenshot below shows the confirmation message on how it looks on the portal.ustraveldocs.com website for booking appointments outside of India.

Congratulations you qualify for the interview waiver - confirmation message - option to choose emergency interview

You would get another screen that shows the below text with the next steps to follow, as shown in the below screenshot. Below is the confirmation message with the next steps for the process in India. It shows details about document drop-off and pickup options for a fee as well.

“To proceed with your interview waiver application Step 1. Schedule an appointment to submit your documents. Step 2. Print your appointment letter and follow the instructions on it. Step 3. You should arrive at the time of your appointment. You will not be permitted to enter the facility before the time listed on your appointment letter. Step 4. Drop off your listed documents at locations mentioned on the appointment letter. Current passport and any old passports with a U.S. visa. One photograph (as per U.S. visa photograph specifications…”

You need to click the “ Drop-Off ” button at the bottom of the message to proceed with your interview waiver/ dropbox visa application.

The screenshot below shows the final message with ‘Drop-off’ button as it appears on the USVisaScheduling.com for booking appointments in India.

To Proceed with Interview waiver application message - USVisaScheduling.com

The screenshot below shows the final message with ‘Drop-off’ button as it appears on the portal.ustraveldocs.com for booking appointments outside of India.

Next steps to proceed for interview waiver application - Details Screenshot

The below steps for adding dependents are only applicable for Dropbox appointment booking in India. It is not applicable to anyone submitting Dropbox outside of India.

Adding Dependents in the new USVisaScheduling.com Website for Appointments in India

For H1B Visa Dropbox appointment booking in the new USVisaScheduling.com website, the adding of dependents comes at the end after the Dropbox confirmation message. You can add dependents by following the below steps.

If you want to add any dependents, click on the ‘+’ button, as shown in the below screenshot.

Managing Dependents on USVisaScheduling.com website

You will need to complete the below information, when you select to add a dependent

Contact Information (name, email, language)
Applicant details ( relationship, country of birth, etc.)
Contact information (phone number)
Mailing Address
Passport Details

Below is how the screenshots of the same look like on USVisaScheduling.com

H1B Dependent Information Submission Screens on USVisaScheduling.com

Also, you will be asked to complete the below information in subsequent screens about the dependent

Visa Options (Country, type of visa, consulate location, visa category)
Visa Class Tag ( H-4)
DS-160 Info
Petition Information (same as what was entered for H1B Holder)
Document Delivery Information(pickup location, address)

H1B Dependent - Visa Class Tag - Petitioner Info - Other Submission Screens on USVisaScheduling.com

Step 5: Document Delivery Location, MRV Fee Payment Receipt Number

You will get an option to specify the Document Delivery Option if you would pick up or choose the premium delivery option. Depending on your choice, pick the relevant option, and fill the relevant details, click on the button that reads ‘next’.

The screenshot below shows how it looks on the USVisaScheduling.com for booking appointment in India.

Choose Document Delivery Option on USVisaScheduling.com

Below is how the same screen looks like on the portal.ustraveldocs.com for appointment booking outside of India.

Next, you will get Payment Options. Below is how it looks across two different sites.

Payment Options on USVisaScheduling.com

You will get an option to choose your payment options with the below payment types

Citibank Cash
VFS Credit/Debit Cards
Druk Bank Cash

You can choose any of these options and make the payment. If you choose an option, you will get confirmation for the same and asked to make payment. Depending on the number of people, like dependents, you will get the fee bundled and shown as one payment.

See the below screenshot on how it looks for payment options on the USVisaScheduling.com

If you choose to claim receipts and click on claim receipts, you will get an option to enter the receipt numbers. This is valid for anyone who made payment before Jul 28th, 2023. Below is the screenshot on how it looks

Payment Options on Portal.USTraveldocs.com

You will get an option to confirm that your visa fees are non-refundable, you need to click on the confirm option as shown in the below screenshot.

Depending on the country, you will get visa fee payment options. It looks like the below screenshot. If you click on each of them, it will show the details on how to make a payment. You can make a Visa fee payment using that option.

US Visa Fee Payment Options in India - NEFT, IMPS, Citi, Axis, PNB

Below are the payment options for Dropbox Stamping in India. For Dropbox stamping in India, you can either use NEFT or IMPS option as listed on the website. If you pay the fee at a bank over the counter at CitiBank, Axis Bank, or DRUK PNB Bank, then you will enter the receipt number in the box.

MRV Fee Online Payment : Depending on the country you cannot pay using your overseas accounts. You need an India Rupee to account for this.
MRV Fee Pay at Bank – Cash Payment Advice Slip : You will need to print a cash payment advice slip that needs to be used at the Axis or Citi bank as it has a CGI reference number. It takes about a day after the fee was paid in the bank for it to get activated.

After you make the payment and the receipt is activated, you need to enter the Machine Readable Visa(MRV) Fee payment receipt number. The amount shown will vary by country in local currency.

Using MRV Fee Payment Receipt : After you pay the fee and the MRV fee receipt is activated, when you try to navigate to the visa tab on home, you will get a popup on the payment screens saying a receipt matches and if you would like to use that option with a popup ‘Use Existing Receipts’.

It looks like this, as in the below screenshot. You can click on the ‘use existing receipts’ button and then it takes you to the screen to book an appointment. If not, you can enter the receipt number in the receipt number box and click continue, then it will show the below pop-up.

Use Existing Receipts for Visa Interview appointment

Step 6: Book an Appointment to Drop-off Documents

Schedule OFC Appointment Screen

OFC stands for Offsite Facilitation Center in the US Visa Appointments context.

This screen is one of the most confusing parts for many. The reason is it says “ Schedule OFC Appointment ” or “ Applicant Schedule OFC Appointment” . Many think it is for giving your Biometrics (fingerprints, photo). In general, Dropbox stamping does not need Biometrics. So, the appointment you book on this screen is for dropping off your H1B Dropbox Stamping Document and not Biometrics.

Update : Before November 28th, 2021, for dropbox or interview waiver appointments, it used to show “IW” at the end of the consulate name in the dropdown, where you select the interview location. This changed to VAC for dropbox/interview waiver appointments after Nov 28th, 2021. So do not be confused. You can check complete details about this change at US Visa Dropbox / Renewal – VAC vs. IW Confusion, New Change

If you are looking at booking appointment in India on the USVisaScheduling.com, you will get an option that says “OFC Post” and below that an option to “Select Date”. You can choose the Consulate where you would ultimately want your documents to be sent for stamping under the OFC Post. You can choose an available date and time by clicking on a box on the calendar that shows with ‘Green Borders’. The ones in red borders are not available. You will also see the slots available by time below once you select the date. You can choose the correct time slot as well here.

Below is the screenshot of the Dropbox location, Date and time selection on the USVisaScheduling.com website for India Consulates appointments.

Appointment Booking Screen for H1B Dropbox on USVisaScheduling.com

If you are looking at booking appointment on the portal.USTraveldocs.com for booking appointments outside of India, it looks like in below screenshot. Even though the text says “ Schedule OFC Appointment” , what they mean is the appointment for Dropbox to drop off your documents.

Dropbox Appointment Shows VAC instead of IW in Dropdown

Step 7: Print H1B Dropbox Appointment Confirmation Letter

Once you book the dates, you would get confirmation of the same and it will show all the relevant information about your appointment. You would need to ensure all the details are correct. This looks slightly different based on the website you are booking on.

How to Print US Visa Appointment Confirmation letter on USVisaScheduling.com

If you are using USVisaScheduling.com for appointment booking in India, you would get a confirmation screen that looks like in the below screenshot. You may or may not see a proper print button this page. You can use Ctrl+P on Windows or Command+P on Mac to print out the confirmation letter. If for whatever reason you missed to print, you can print the same at the URL https://www.usvisascheduling.com/en-US/DropboxConfirmation/ . Verify the Visa Category and ‘Visa Priority’ to ensure, it is ‘Interview Waiver”, which means dropbox.

H1B Dropbox Appointment Confirmation on USVisaScheduling.com

If you are booking on the portal.ustraveldocs.com for appointments outside of India, steps are like below.

After you book the dates, you will be navigated further to print the H1B Dropbox Appointment Confirmation Letter. It will usually be 6 pages. The first page would have your details, Appointment details, Document delivery or pickup info, fee information, and DS-160 details.

The second page would have the details of the Dropbox Location and instructions. See the below screenshots. The list of documents to be carried will be given on the rest of the pages by Visa type. Look for the one relevant for H and L Applicants. You can check more at Sample US Visa Dropbox Confirmation Letter

H1B Dropbox Document Checklist

Below is the list of documents that need to be submitted for H1B Dropbox Submission during the appointment :

Dropbox Appointment Confirmation Letter
DS-160 CEAC Confirmation Page
Passport Photo as per US Visa Photo specifications
All Original Passports with a previous US Visa ( if you have one, just carry that)
Your previous US Visa that is valid or expired (it would be in your passport)
Photocopy of your I-797 Approval Notice (Current & Previous)
Employment Verification or Confirmation Letter (original or copy)
(Optional) H1B LCA Copy (this was asked during dropbox for a few users in Mumbai)
(if applicable) End Client Letter. If you work as a consultant for a client, carry the client letter.
( Optional ) Additional I-797 approval notices, if you had any in the middle for transfers. They may or may not take them. You can request and submit to be safe.
You can check H1B Visa Stamping Document Checklist for full details

Never give any original documents, except your passport. If you give the I-797 approval notice original, you may not get it back. So be careful

You can carry either color printout or a black-and-white printout of your appointment letter/ confirmation page. Also for all supporting documents, carry originals and copies of the same. The originals can be verified as needed by them when they take copies.

Documents Checklist for H1B Dropbox from Appointment Letter

As per the US Visa Dropbox Appointment Letter , below is the screenshot of the list of documents that you need to carry for document submission. There are two sets of documents they suggest. The first one is the list of common documents and the second is the documents that are specific to H1B visa applicants.

List of Common Documents for H1B Dropbox Applicant

List of Common Documents for H1B Dropbox Submission

List of Documents specific to H1B Visa for Dropbox applicant

H1B Dropbox Documents Checklist from Appointment Confirmation Letter

H1B Dropbox Document Submission Process

The process to submit documents is pretty straightforward as listed below.

You need to go to the relevant address of the documents drop-off location that is on the Dropbox Confirmation Letter.
You need to go only during the appointment date and allowed times to the dropbox location in the appointment confirmation letter. This can vary by location, check the letter.
They will verify all the documents and then take the listed documents in the above checklist.
In India, they have changed the dropbox submission process allowing any of the consulates or VAC locations to accept the dropbox submission. Check Can Drop off US Visa Dropbox Documents at any Location now for full info.
There is no requirement for the actual applicant to submit the documents. The documents can be submitted by a representative on the appointment date and time. The representative needs to carry a photo id to submit documents. The appointment letter would have all the details related to the representative submission process.
Additional instructions like parking and other location-specific info would be listed on the confirmation letter.
Due to the pandemic, there may be additional checks in place and health checks, so be prepared.

You may add your H1B Dropbox details anonymously at US Visa Dropbox Stamping Tracker to get details on current processing time trends and for community benefit.

Let’s now look at the next steps after the submission of documents.

US Visa Status on CEAC Website after Documents Submission

After you submit the documents, you can check your US Visa Status Online on the Consular Electronic Application Center(CEAC) website. Below is the typical sequence for the change of various statuses.

‘ No Status’ : This status does not appear for everyone, it can appear for a few. If this appears for you, do not worry, within a day or two, it would change to one of the below status
‘Application Received’ Status : You would see the “Application Received” status on the same day or by the next day after submitting documents.
‘Administrative Processing’ or ‘Refused’ Status: You may see the status change from ‘Application Received’ to “Administrative Processing” or “Refused” status. Do not panic, if you see these statuses. It does not necessarily mean your visa is refused or going through 221g. They are very common to appear in the middle during visa processing time. You may see these statuses for 3 to 4 days. Some users said they have seen this for a week or 10 days. So, do not panic. Read Why CEAC website shows Refused Status for US Visa ?
“Issued” Status: You will see the status change to “Issued” if your US visa was approved by US Consulate.
After your passport is in ‘ Issued ’ status, you can track your passport status on CGI Federal Website. It will show the status of your passport is ready for pickup, and also once you collected your passport. You can collect your passport or it will be delivered to your address if you have picked that option. Read How to track Passport after US Visa Stamping, various Statuses meaning

H1B Dropbox Stamping Not Approved Situation

If your H1B visa was not approved by the US Consulate for some reason with the dropbox option, then you will be notified that your visa was not approved. The visa status on the CEAC website will continue to show status as “Administrative Processing” or “Refused”.

When you go to collect your documents and passport, they will return everything and also issue a 221(g) Administrative Processing slip that gives instructions on the next steps. Sometimes, the Consulate would ask you to appear in person on any day by visiting the consulate at a certain time and sometimes, they may tell you wait as it needs more processing.

Below is a sample screenshot of 221g issued for someone in Mumbai, India in January 2023, where they tell the applicant that their application requires additional processing and the consulate will contact them via email.

US Visa Interview Required -221g after Dropbox Submission not successful

Below is a sample 221g issued by the Consulate for dropbox stamping that was not successful in August 2022 from New Delhi. In this case, it clearly tells that the applicant has to attend the interview. You also do not need to make any appointments. All you need to do is take your passport and go to the Embassy on any day before 10 AM.

221g Slip after Document Submission to Attend Interview 2022

Below is sample 221g given at Consulate for H1B Dropbox before pandemic asking to attend the consulate for interview on any day.

221g Green Slip given for H1B Visa Dropbox

Overall, the process to renew an H1B visa, using an interview waiver/ dropbox option, is very straightforward and should not have any complications. Sometimes, even if your application is all good, they may call you for a random interview, so do not panic and handle it with confidence.

What has been your experience with H1B Dropbox stamping? Share your thoughts and inputs in comments section below.