H1B, H4 Experiences : Regular, Dropbox from July 1st to December 31st, 2023 (2024)

Below are User experiences starting from July 1st to December 31st, 2023 for H1B Visa and H4 Visa for both regular visa stamping and Dropbox. You can check US Visa Stamping Experiences for the entire collection

Experience 1: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with Dropbox at Chennai

Date: June 23rd, 2023

Location: Chennai

Had a Dropbox appointment at chennai center, but we dropped at Bangalore VAC . H1 and 2h4 (minor kid) all of the visas were expired 2 years ago .
My husband had appointment at 9:45 and his profile was separate . Myself my appointment and my child’s appointment was at 12:30. Same day and same location chennai .
They accepted my child’s documents and my husband submitted at his appointment itself. I had written an application request to merge the applications and accept together but they didn’t ask for the letter .
Documents list
Current and previous 2 1797 of Primary applicant
Current and previous 2 I 797 of dependents
Employment verification letter
Marriage certificate
2 photograph for each . (Suggest to take photograph from India )
650 rupees per application for passport drop off
Parents visa Copy
Biographic pages of parents passport..

June 23 – dropped off
June 26- application received
June 30 approved
July 5 issued
July 7 picked up from Bangalore VAC
Make sure to carry exact cash while picking up as well as dropping off

Experience 2: H1+H4 with Dropbox, “No Show” for 14+ Dependent, In Person Interview at Mumbai

June 8: Dropbox for H1B primary applicant and dependents. All were accepted and 14+ dependent was put on “No Show” due to needing biometrics and interview (although dependent was there at the time of Dropbox)
Due to there being the “No Show”, we were not able to schedule the biometrics and interview for the next 90 days. We tried calling VFS and consulate but they kept that they cannot do anything on this matter.
June 22: emergency appointment request approval
June 29: emergency approval expired and we were not able to find slots due to no availability
July 3: second very rare case of emergency approval granted. It said ‘”error” when we tried submitting a request again but somehow we got approval
July 9: approval expired but again no slots availability
July 8: went to Chennai consulate to request a special appointment. Worst idea ever. They will not let you in, however hard you try.
July 9: we had been writing emails to US travel docs every day. They were able to reach the consulate without us getting the automated email and we got a special appointment for biometrics on July 18 and interview on 19th
July 18: biometrics at mumbai consulate successful
July 19: interview at mumbai consulate successful. Do not worry about the questions if you are a 14+ minor H4 Dependent. All they asked was how many years the dependent had been staying in the USA. Visa was approved in less than 5 minutes
July 24: Visa was received from the consulate and ready for pick up
Overall, it was a really hard experience for us, but always hope for the best in such situations.

Experience 3: H1B with In Person Interview at Chennai

Date: September 28th, 2023

Location: Chennai

Sep 27th : biometric

Nothing as such you need to worry. All you need to carry is

1. DS-160 confirmation page

2. Passport

3. Appointment confirmation

My appointment is at 9:30am and reached there by 8:10am and asked to wait and after 10min they asked us to stand in line.(there is a locker facility in that building)

Sep 28th: Interview

My appointment is at 8:00am and I reached there by 7:30am. You need carry passport, I797b, client letter(if applicable) I can see these three documents list on the board inside consulate.

They allowed me when I reached there. One person will verify passport and let u in. After that there is security check and interview line in another building.

Me: good morning officer

Vo: good morning. Passport , I797B, I129, LCA

Me: gave passport, I797B.

Vo: company?

Me: answered

Vo: how long you have been working

Me: answered

Vo: role?

Me: answerd

Vo: who is your client?

Me: answered

Vo: are you working for client?

Me: yes

Vo: how long ?

Me: answered

Vo: what is your pay?

Me: answered according to LCA

Vo: thank you.. your visa is approved

Me: thank you.

Those who wants stay in Chennai for interview and biometric. There are few hotels with affordable price.

Note: Need to carry all supporting documents just in case.

UPDATE:

Sep 28th : approved

Sep 29th : Issued

Oct 04th : Received my passport (premium delivery)

Experience 4: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

Date : October 4th 2023

Location: Chennai

F1 to H1 , Initial (Aug-28)i submitted drop box but they issued 221G (sep-14)and requested to attend in person interview (oct-04).

H1B (221g on W2) Visa questions:

Counter 12, VO: Visa Officer

Me: Good morning, sir.

VO: Good morning.

VO: I see that they called you in. Can I have your passport, please?

Me: Certainly. Here you go.

VO: Thank you. Can I also have your W2 form?

Me: Of course. Here it is.

VO: So, you work for *** (employer), correct?

Me: Yes, that’s correct.

VO: Do you have an end client?

Me: Yes, I have been working with [client name].

VO: How long have you been working with your employer?

Me: I have been working with them for five years, sir.

VO: So, you’ve been with the same employer for the past five years?

Me: Yes, that’s correct.

VO: May I have your previous W2 forms as well?

Me: Certainly. Here are my W2 forms from the last four years.

VO: What was your annual salary?

Me: I earned [exact digits].

VO: When did you receive your first H1B?

Me: I received my first H1B in October 2022, sir.

VO: (Processing) I see. Wait, was there a previous H1B before that?

Me: Yes, sir. Back in 2020, I had applied for an H1B through consular processing, but due to the COVID-19 situation, the consulates were closed at the time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t secure an appointment to attend. Hence, last year, my employer applied for a Change of Status, and it got approved in October 2022.

VO: Alright. So, previously, were you working on OPT?

Me: No, sir. I was on CPT.

VO: Which university did you attend?

Me: I attended [university name].

VO: Do you have any other clients apart from your current one?

Me: No, sir. Currently, I only have [current client].

VO: So, you’ve been with this client for the past five years?

Me: No, sir. In 2018, I had a different client. My current client is from the past few years.

VO: (Returning my W2 forms) Here you go. You will receive your passport in one week.

Me: Thank you, sir.

Note: I couldn’t recall some of the specific questions (2-3 questions).

Experience 5: H4 with In Person Interview at Hyderabad

Date : October 4th 2023

Location: Hyderabad

My wife went for stamping interview yesterday.
After verification of passport and DS160 applications, she entered into the Interview queue.

Participant: Good Morning Officer
VO: Good Morning, please handover your passports, how many do you have?
Participant: 3 and handed over 3 passports.
VO: On seeing the kid in her hand , the officer asked the kid name and confirmed the kid name with passport and kid age.
Asked for the other kid name and age too.
VO : has your spouse travelled to US or will you be traveling together?
Participate: we will be traveling together
VO : can you show your kids birth certificate and your spouse visa copy
Participate: handed over
VO : what state would you be traveling in US
Participate: have told the state name.
VO took a while for updating details on the system.
Congratulations your visa has been approved.
You can collect your passports later.

Experience 6: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Hyderabad

Biometric date :- 8th OCT 2023 11:30 am

We went to VAC at 11:30 am and they didn’t allowed any electronic devices(even though mobile is switched off) or water bottle. Near to VAC there is locker shop. For that they charge 125 rs and we entered queue. Security check team has validated our ds 160 confirmation details with our passport information and visa appoint confirmation.

Once it is done they allowed to join in Queue. There we have put all our files and belongings put in tray and they scan us. After that they have sent us to one queue where they will check our passport, visa appointment, ds 160 c0nfirmation and then they have attached sticker of contains few details like ds 160 and passport details on it.

After that they put us in queue, slowly one by one they are allowing. For my kid they asked whether we carried visa size photo and we said yes. They took and ask our dob, name while seeing passport. After that they took photos and finger prints. After that they have stamped with date that biometric completed.

As biometrics are done on Sunday, for us it took hardly 20-25 minutes entire process.

Documents carried for visa interview

1. I797b original and xerox
2. Ds160 confirmation
3. Employment verification letter (bonafide letter)
4. SOW document as i work for end client(try for client letter for better chances but if that is not possible try for SOW document and prepare for question what if they ask for client letter).
5. Educational documents
6. payslips – 6 months
7. form 16 /it returns – last 3 years
8. bank statement – 6 months
9. Resume.
10. Marriage certificate
11. Marriage pics
12. Marriage invitation
13. Child Birth certificate
14. Visa size pic with white background of kid, mine, spouse

From point 10 to last these documents required for mainly H4.

Visa Interview date :- 11th OCT 2023 09:15 am

Near consulate there is no locker facility. I took my cousin with us and gave all things to him. We carried only folder file with us. Even though we have kid and came early they allowed to line 15 mins before slot only. So Don’t go too early for consulate. Be there before 30-45 mins before.

In line they check for DS 160, visa appointment, passport for details and after that before entering into building again they check the same. Ask us whether we bought visa pic size for our kid.

After entering into building they gave us tray to put all the belongings in that similar to airport checking. Then they allowed us to line where they segregating based on language preferences. After 10 mins they allowed us to second block where the interview is doing.

Security team asked us to keep our I797B, Marriage Certificate, Child birth certificate in handy. After 10-15 mins they asked us to move counter 33. Counter 32 young lady with smiling most of the people visa is approving. Counter 31 man with bald head little serious and verifying each documents and asking straight forward questions. He is not approving the visa not easily. Coming to my counter before me 3 people f1 visa (She has dobut on him. She asked him to go another counter where his documents will verify in detail), H1+h4 visa approved, H4 approved. Our time came

Me and my wife: Good Morning Officer.

VO: Good Morning

VO: pass me I797b, marriage certificate, child birth certificate

Me: passed

VO: (She verifying the documents passed) Who is your petitioner ?

Me: told my company name

VO: Why you are going to us.

Me: For employment in US

VO: which state your going ?

Me: Ohio

VO: Oh its very cold state and harsh weather. I studied there

Me: Oh, yes its very cold there

VO: End client or In house project

Me: End client

VO: Who is your client ?

Me: told my client name

VO: How many years you are working in current company

Me: told years with months

VO: Why you want to take us opportunity ?

Me: For global exposure, Since I’m in this country only from starting and need to have global exposure and know about different people and cultures.

VO: I want to see your LCA. can you pass me

Me: passed

VO: what is your salary ?

Me: mentioned exactly what is there in LCA

VO: What is your role ?

Me : mentioned exactly what is there in LCA

VO: Before this company, In which company you have worked ?

Me: Mentioned my previous company name.

VO: Can you put right hand 4 fingers

Me: scanned.

VO: Same asked for my wife

Wife: Scanned

After typing sometime, she addressing to my wife and kid and saying “I have good news for you that your visa approved” we both thanked her.

After that she addressed my kid and said say to your mom bring warm clothes more as it is very cold in ohio.

During this interview, she continuously typing and checking our expressions as well.

I kept myself cool and didn’t show my nervous to her.

on 14th friday i got email like your passport is ready to pickup. I went to VAC and picked up mine and daughter . For my wife passport they asked authorization letter which i didnt bring. So next working day went and pick up.

Experience 7: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai

Date: 19th October 2023

My interview time was 10:10 but I reached at 8:20 and they allowed me to go inside.

First security check outside the embassy,

Second security check inside embassy so need to remove belt.

Perfect, now they allowed me to go for waiting area,

Around 80 people were sitting in 4 rows, so they asking them to go for interview line one by one row,

So now it’s changed to waiting area to waiting row hahaha just kidding but yes have to stand in the queue.

Now first they check the password and i797 document. (Indian)

Now they will check your finger prints again (amarican)

Now stand in the line for interview

Around 70-80 people were in the line, so after 30 minutes standing they allowed me to go for interview, (you will be able to see all interview, nothing hidden)

Let’s jump to main part

First she asked for passport and i797 and then asked below

1. Purpose of usa visa?

2. Company name

3. Work location

4. Responsibility

5. Salary

6. Customers (because I am working for product base company, and it’s same for which I will work in the USA)

7. Asked for LCA

Finally it was the time to heat those golden words hahaha, I will not tell golden words but you go and feel it.

All the best whoever is going.

Experience 8: H1B with In Person Interview at Hyderabad

Date: Septermber 11th 2023

During the interview, the consular officer asked me a series of questions:

1. What’s your designation?

2. What are your roles and responsibilities.

3. Where will you be working from

4. What will you be paid?

5. What are your current roles and responsibilities.

– After answering these questions, I was instructed to go to counter 16, where another officer took over. She seemed to be particularly interested in my current company. However, there was some confusion, and she asked me to accompany them to a private room for further discussion.

– In the private room, the second officer delved deeper into my current company, inquiring about:

1. The number of employees involved in in-house projects.

2. The number of employees working on client projects.

3. Detailed information about my employer.

– Furthermore, they asked about the specific project I was currently working on. Following this discussion, I received my passport back, along with the information that my case had been placed into administrative processing.

– After ten days, my employer received an email requesting additional details, and on 23rd sep my visa status changed to approved.

Experience 9: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

Date: October 5th 2023

My recent H1 Stamping Experience: F1 -> Opt -> H1B(first time stamping)

Sept 11 – Dropbox appointment. Dropped the docs at Bengaluru VFS
Sept 13 – CEAC Status: Application Received
Sept 14 – Refused

Sept 22 – Received Passport back with 221g slip. Asked to attend an in-person interview and bring Petition Documents, W-2s and Recent Payslips
For 221g, there is no need to schedule an appointment or pay the fees. A date will be mentioned on the 221g letter and you just walk in that day.
Oct 5 morning – Attended inperson interview
The officer took a look at my LCA, W2 and recent payslips. Asked about the employer, job role and past work experience. Said visa is approved and kept the passport. He was very chill.
I went at 8.45 am. There was no queue outside. The person at the entrance will have a list of 221g candidates. He verifies your name and lets you in. I was out of the consulate by 10.15am

Oct 5 evening – Status changed to Approved

Oct 6 – Changed to Issued

Oct 12 – Passport received

Traveled back to the US last week. No questions asked at the port of entry.

Experience 10: H1B with In Person Interview at Hyderabad

Date: October 7th 2023

Interview at counter No-31, Male with curly hair.

Interview Time: 9.15am

Me- good morning officer

VO- very good morning

VO- passport please

Me- Given my passport

VO- I797

Me- Handed over I797B original

VO- who is your employer?

Me- xxx

VO- what’s your designation

Me- My designation is computer system Analyst

VO- highest qualification

Me- Master of computer application

VO- Salary in US

Me- my salary in US would be $$$$ amount / year

VO- Where you are visiting in US

Me- I’ll be visiting Redmond city, Washington

VO- It’s internal or client project.

Me- Its a client project

VO- Who is your client ?

Me : My client is xxx

VO : What is your current company

Me : Xxx

VO: What you will do for your employer?

Me : Explained about my roles and responsibilities

VO : How you know about your employer?

VO : Explained

VO- Your visa is approved, please place your left hand four fingers, given US rights.

Me : Thank you officer, You made my day

Note : Be confident, if you are not understanding the question please ask again . Confidence is only the key to success.

Experience 11: H1B with 221g, In Person Interview at Hyderabad

Date: June 13th 2023

Nov 16th 2022: Petition approved

Feb 28th 2023 : Interview scheduled, passport held with 221g

April 29th: Passport returned with blue slip, earlier on B1/B2, I stayed for 5 months and when I applied for daughter’s dropbox for B1/B2, they called us with passports and canceled our visas suspecting I might’ve worked in US

May 15th: Document Submitted: proof of my Indian salary during US stay on B1/B2 as I was working remotely for Indian company with bank statement

May 30th : Received email to appear for reinterview

June 13th: appeared for interview again, submitted paystubs for the duration of US stay, passport again held, VO saying I intend to give you visa however I need to enquire few things before that

Aug 22nd : Passport retuned with Administrative Processing white slip

Oct 6th: Sent an email to support to enquire the status of

Oct 13th: Received email to submit passports

Oct 27th: Status changd from Refused to Administrative Processing

Oct 31st: Status changed to Approved

Nov 1st: Status changed to Issued for dependents

Nov 3rd: received dependents passports

Nov 6th: My status also got changed to issued.

Documents asked during Interview:

DS 160 confirmation

Appointment Confirmation letter

Copy of I-797B

Passport

Copy of LCA

Copy of I129

Marriage certificate

Daughter’s birth certificate

My case was really challenging as my earlier visa was canceled so my case had to go through additional scrutiny. My petition was filed by a reputed US company.

I know what it takes to go through so many obstacles which even killed my US excitement, this group has really helped me to understand the importance of being patient.

It might take some time but if your case is genuine it will be eventually approved and issued.

Good luck everyone.

P.S. Received passport with annotation: Clearance received on <DATE>

Experience 12: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi

27th October, 2023 – VAC – Submitted fingerprints
2nd November, 2023 – VO – Too me approx. 1 hours in line to get to the VO

I approached to the window
Me – Good morning, how are you?
VO – I am good thanks.
(asked for passport then asked for I-797, LCA)
VO – Where is your employment located.
Me- Boulder, Colorado
VO – do you like Colorado?
me – Yes, Its very beautiful. I loved the weather.
VO – How long have you been with the company?
me – Answered
VO – What do you do?
me – Answered
(started scrolling, after 15-20 seconds, interrupted and asked)
VO – I see you had some issues in 2021. Do you have any documents supporting that?
me – Yes, what all documents do you need?
VO – Any court documents
Me – handed over the deferred Judgement and early dismissal court doc. along with the letter my lawyer told me to give it to them (as it explains my case to them)
(start typing something into the computer, turned off the microphone, started talking with a supervisor, start reading the letter from my lawyer)
VO – do you have a copy of these court documents or do you want me to take a copy of these.
me – Yes, I have a copy. Handed them the copy of the court docs.
(VO handed me all the original docs. back along with the letter)
VO – Congratulations, your visa has been approved.
Me – I again asked him are you sure you don’t need the letters from my lawyer (I asked them because my lawyer specifically told me to give them the letter so that it’s in your record; because of the nature of my case the lawyer wants the VO to understand that it is not a criminal case but a lesser charge case that does not trigger CIMT and the letter clearly explains that)
VO – sure (handed over them the letter), They gave me two white paper, one about some human trafficking stuff (don’t know why) and other about the next step on where to collect the passport.
me – Thank you so much. Have a great day.

11/06 – saw the status = Issued
11/07 – got a call on the provided number that the passport is ready to pick up at the Blue Dart location. Picked up the passport.

Experience 13: H1B with In Person Interview at Chennai

Got Lottery in the first round.

Got Receipt on 30th May 2023

Case Approved on 20th June 2023 – Lincon Centre.

Biometric Interview on 9th November 2023 – Simple one, usual proceedings

Consular Interview on 13th November 2023:

Me: Good Morning Officer (Was a young lady)

VO: Very Good Morning, Passport please

Me: Given Passport

VO: Company name please.

Me: replied

VO: How long you are working there

Me: replied

VO: Salary as per LCA

Me: replied

VO: How long you are working for this company

Me: replied

VO: Client name

Me: replied

VO: Location

Me: replied

VO: You have some bonuses too right?

Me: replied

VO: You are doing development.

Me: replied yes

To wife

What is your highest qualification

Specialization

Do you have kids

At last, VO asked us to put four fingers for a scan. and then the golden words.

VO: Thanks! Your Visa has been Approved and you will get it in 1 week. All the best.

Friends, don’t get worried. If you have all the documents and you are genuine you will get a visa for sure.

Experience 14: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

Date: November 14th 2023

I work in an EVC model. has been working like that for 10 years and got the last two H1 visas stamped via dropbox.

I submitted my passport on October 10th, got the passport returned with 221G white form on 27th October. No other documents were asked for in the form, just ‘appearfor an interview on November 14th at Chennai Consulate’ was marked.

Documents submittedinitially,

1. Client Letter, Employer letter

2. I797 copy, passport and photos

Documents carried for the interview

1. H1B filing document set (LCA, I129, G28 etc.)

2. Client letter and employment verification letter

3. All W2s (Very Important)

4. Last 6 months payslips and bank accountstatements (Important)

5. Master service agreement and purchase order

6. Details of a minor infraction ticket I had

7. Btech certificates and experience certificates

You can carry any color file with stapled documents, have a non-electronic watch, ornaments etc. No mobile phones, electronics and backpacks.Be respectful with workers there, they are there to help.

Interview:

I saw 2 rejections first when Ijoined the line

Last person was approved.

Try not to listen if you can.. but it close to impossible

VO: Good morning

Me: Good morninghow are you?

VO: Passport only please

Me: Provided.

VO. You have been working for XXXXX

Me: Yes, for the past 10 years

VO: Is it an internal project or

Me: External, talks about the client, I work for a state department, she asks me back ‘State of XXXX’, I said yes.

VO: Do you have W2s?

Me: Provided all W2s

VO: She checks and gives it to me back with a comment, you didn’t get any raise till now? You should ask for one

ME: I smiled and said I got a 1% hike last year

VO: What do you do for them?

ME: So I have been trying to mix my LCA and current responsibilities and come up with a good explanation. I did a good job of explaining the main duties. She stopped me after 4-5 sentences and told me that my visa was approved. I thanked and asked, Madam, you have my passport right? She said, yes you will get it in a week

The whole thing lasted 5-10 minutes. It was raining outside, so I jogged back to my hotel.

Couple of things I noticed:

1. Please dress in formals for H1, L1, F1, and J1. It doesn’t have to be expensive. But get a shoe, formal shirt, pants and belt. tuck it in please. I am not sure why there were so many men for F1, J1 and H1b with shirts outside. Whatever you think your reason is it doesn’t matter. In western culture, formalattire is important and it shows you are a seriouscandidate before you speak a word. So please….

2. 221G white slip after dropbox with no documents asked, come with all W2s, 6 months payslip and bank account details. Prepare to say what you do, rehearse a bit but don’t just by heart LCA. You can add your projects for reference.

3. Be respectful, confident, clear and try to keep the noise from otherinterviews out. Listen carefully, don’t lean on the stall, have a good posture etc. You only have 5-10 mins to prove yourself. Reply to the question and add whatever context necessary. If you think your English is notup to par, talk slowly and clearly so thatyou don’t have to repeat. It doesn’t have to be perfect but you should be able to convey details. Prepare well!

Don’t lie or omit details on your application or in theinterview. Think like they know everything. Maybe you won’t get this visa but you may qualify for another one at some other time which might get denied because of misrepresentingdetails earlier.

Do your research before you go and if you are here, you are doing it! Do your best and good luck!

Experience 15: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Chennai

Got Lottery in the first round.
Got Receipt on 30th May 2023
Case Approved on 20th June 2023 – Lincon Centre.

Biometric Interview on 9th November 2023 – Simple one, usual proceedings

Consular Interview on 13th November 2023:

Me: Good Morning Officer (Was a young lady)
VO: Very Good Morning, Passport please
Me: Given Passport
VO: Company name please.
Me: replied
VO: How long you are working there
Me: replied
VO: Salary as per LCA
Me: replied
VO: You have some bonuses too right?
Me: replied
VO: You are doing development.
Me: replied yes

To wife
What is your highest qualification
Specialization
Do you have kids

At last, VO asked us to put four fingers for a scan. and then the golden words.

VO: Thanks! Your Visa has been Approved and you will get it in 1 week. All the best.

Friends, don’t get worried. If you have all the documents and you are genuine you will get a visa for sure.

Experience 16: H1B with 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

Date: November 17th 2023

Interview :
I got 221g and they had my name in the list. Went to consulate early by 8 but since i have 221g thy askd me to wait and got inside by 8:45 after so many long queue and inside i had my 221g verified in one of the counters. And queue again to enter the interview counters. I went to counter 18
Questions:
Good Morning, can i have your passport
Is this your new employer?
Where they’re based and which state?
What’s your salary?
What’s your designation?
Do you work remote or hybrid?
Do you have a client?
Can I have your LCA?
Aftr these questions she asked me to wait for 2 mins and checked my employer details she told “i am not familiar with your employer” i explained abt the employer what thy do nd when they got established.
She saw the list of documents i am carrying.
Can i get your i797?
I129
Employment verification
i797c
Form 29g
I gave all the doc and she gave me yellow slip nd asked me wait infront
After 10 mins i have been called and then the Golden words
“Hi, congrats your visa is approved you can take back you documents. Have a safe travel”
Thank you

Experience 17: H1B with Dropbox at Hyderabad

Date: 21st November, 2023

Drop box document submission experience :

There are few points which were different from my expectation

1. In appointment confirmation document, it was mentioned to bring 1 photo copy as per US photo requirements. But I was asked to provide 2 for each applicant.
2. It was mentioned in confirmation letter to provide previous I797 copy only if there is a gap of more than 1 year between the expiry of previous petition vs current petition start date. I didn’t have any gap. But still I was required to provide previous petition copy for principal applicant.
3. After Nov 15 it was mentioned to provide both old and new DS160 if there are some corrections or old one was expired. I provided both old and new. But old was not considered and given back to me without much checking.
4. Old passport was accepted only in the case of recent visa stamping was in it. Otherwise, it was given back.

Also if your DS160 is expired or needs some corrections, kindly fill a new one using the old one using recover application. Otherwise, I saw few people sent back to fill new DS160 and get back in cases of expiry.

Have photo as per US requirements. I saw one person sent back for this as well. But again you have these services below the VAC itself. So you can get it done there and return back the documents right away. But it will be at a higher cost of using those services in those centers I think.

Dropbox applicants are allowed to carry their bags and mobile phones as well. So no restrictions there.

Before waiting in Dropbox queue check if it is for Dropbox or for biometrics as there are two queues in Hyderabad VAC for these two separate purposes.

Usually the Dropbox applicants are asked to stand in line 25 mins before their time. So if you reach little earlier, you can be ahead in the queue. If you reached earlier than 25 mins, then you have to wait till you get into the queue as they will call based on timeslot.

All the best. Just have all the documents and don’t overlook any. Also have softcopy of documents handy so that you can print right there if you are required to provide.

I was told I will receive my passports in 10 to 14 business days. So hoping for the best

Experience 18: H1B with Dropbox at Chennai

Here is my H1B dropbox processing story with chennai processing, dropped at Hyderabad

2nd time stamping after 8 years of first stamp, after 5 years of previous stamp expiry. Consulting job..

1. Dropped on 07th November in Hyderabad location. I was having issues with my name typo issue in DS-160, they have asked me to fix in internet center.. And dropped documents after correction on same day. Processing center is Chennai.

2. On 15th November application is created and received state

3. On 25th November application is approved

4. On 27th November application is issued

5. On 28th November origination scan

6.On 29th November passport pickup email..

Experience 19: H1B with In Person Interview, 221g at New Delhi

Here is my 221g journey. Hopefully it will be useful to someone.

H1B renewal in 2023
Mar 16 : Visa interview at Delhi. Given a blue 221g slip asking for LCA and other documents. Passport was returned to me.
Mar 17 : Submitted the documents via email mentioned in the 221g form. Online status showed ‘Refused’
May 25 : No change in CEAC date or status. Enquired the status update via email. Got genereic reply after few days.
Jun 7 : No change in CEAC date or status. Enquiried again. This time no reply.
July 30, Aug 12, Sept 29, Oct 18 : No change in CEAC date or status. Enquiried again and again. Still no reply.
Oct 24 : Reached out to Senator office for help. They were friendly and enquired on my behalf. Got generic response about Administrative Processing takes time as its a matter of national security.
Nov 24 : Filed writ of mandamus lawsuit against department of state. (cost ~$5K)
Nov 30 : Received email from Delhi Embassy to submit passport
Dec 1 : Submitted passport at Delhi VAC
Dec 4 : Online CEAC status & date changed for the first time after 259 days of waiting. First it updated to ‘Administrative Processing’ in the morning and then to ‘Approved’ by EOD
Dec 8 : Online CEAC status changed to ‘Issued’.
No update on passport delivery yet. I hope to receive it soon.

Experience 20: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

24th Oct – Dropbox Appointment date but Hyderabad VAC closed so dropped next day
25th Oct – Documents dropped at Hyderabad for Chennai
28th Oct – Application Received
3rd Nov – Refused
9th Nov – Received passport with 221g slip to attend Interview on 7 December
7th Dec – Chennai consulate closed due to Cyclone
11th Dec – Attended 221g Interview in Chennai (Walk-in)

Question Asked-

Where do you work ?
Designation?
Highest qualification?
Where did you studied?
In house or client?
Who is your client?
Work location?
Salary?
Do you have W2 , Paystubs
Why paid more?
Do you know US work Rights?

Okay I’m keeping your Passport. Your visa is APPROVED.

11th Dec – status changed from Refused—>
Approved
12th Dec – Issued
13th Dec – Origination Scan
15th Dec – Passport picked up

Experience 21: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Chennai

In person appointment.
11 Dec : OFC appointment. The locker facility is available at the ground floor with 50rs per bag. Only documents required were DS160 confirmation, appointment confirmation and passport.
12 Dec : Consulate appointment. Be aware only to bring required documents with you. No bags and electronic gadgets allowed and apparently no lockers are available around. We found local autowalas there who were keeping bags in their auto and calling it a locker. We had no option so we risked it and kept our bags and stuff with them and they later asked us 5000rs.
The interview went very well and VO only asked a couple of questions like company name, salary and location in the US. Asked for a marriage certificate.
13 Dec : Issued
14 Dec : Origination scan
15 Dec : Blue dart tracking showed in transit
16 Dec : Received both passports at my hometown in Maharashtra.

Experience 22: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

Oct 18 Dropped at Hyderabad.
Oct 20 Application Received.
Oct 25 Refused.
Oct 28 Picked up passport at Hyderabad.
Received 221g slip. Asked to attend interview in Chennai on 16 Nov between 9 and 11 am.

Nov 16 Went into consulate at 8.30 am. Interview started at 9.50. Standard polite questions. Asked to have a seat and wait. After an hour an Indian lady called my name and restarted the interview. She was taking notes in her notebook. Asked me to submit everything that company has given me. Asked for company tax returns. I did not have this. Was told to have a seat and wait. At 12.30pm the American officer called me and gave my passport back, gave 221g slip asking to email company tax returns and wait for response. Did not give any timeline.

Nov 16 CEAC status refused.

Nov 17 My employer submitted the tax returns.

Dec 5 employer received an email from Kentucky Consulate asking to submit him description, project description, office lease agreement, property manager contact information, whether any clients involved or direct employment.

Dec 6 employer sent a detailed response.

Dec 13 state department reached out to property manager (landlord) of the office via email.

Dec 14 property manager responded to email.

Dec 18 Received email asking to submit passport at nearest VAC

Dec 19 Submitted passport at Hyderabad VAC

Dec 27 CEAC Status Approved

Dec 28 Issued

Experience 23: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Chennai

I & My wife went for visa interview on Dec 14 2023.

OFC : 13 Dec 2023
INTERVIEW : 14 Dec 2023
We provided the documents ( Passports, LCA, I797 ), no need of client letter as it is an In House project , but Visa Officer asked for I129 we didn’t carry that . Gave yellow slip and asked to wait in the lobby and they called back after 20 mins and visa officer gave 221g white slip and
Refused visa and told they are proceeding for Additional Administrative Processing and she told we will receive email for further communication.

Next day our consultancy got a verification call from USICS and our CEO responded and answered all their questions .

Later other person from same consultancy went for interview on 20 Dec 2023 and his visa got approved
Immediate next day 21 Dec 2023 we got an email from Chennai embassy to drop both of our passports at nearby VFS.

22 Dec 2023 we dropped our passports in Hyderabad VFS

26 Dec status changed to approved ( Status is in Refused state up to this date)

28 Dec Status Changed to issued

31 Dec We Collected our passports with visa stamped .

Experience 24: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai

Oct 13th – Dropped the docs in Chennai

Oct 17th – Application Received

Nov 3rd – Refused

Nov 10th – Received my passport with 221g. Mentioned to attend interview on Dec 4th.

Dec 4th to 8th – Chennai Consulate closed because of cyclone

Dec 11th – Tried to do walk in interview in Chennai and they allowed. Received 221g again. Additional Administrative Processing

Dec 15th – DOS sent an email to my client for verification and my client confirmed my employment

Dec 21st – Received an email from the Consulate asking to submit my passport

Dec 22nd – Submitted my passport in Chennai

Dec 26th – Approved

Dec 28th – Issued

Dec 31st – Picked the passport