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H1B Renewal Dropbox - DS5535
I'm writing this post because I want people to know that getting a 221g doesn't always mean that the world has ended. Here is my personal experience -
Background -
I moved to the United States in 2014 for my Master's in Biotechnology (B.Tech in Hyderabad in Biotechnology before that, no work experience). In 2014, I got a 221g on my F1 visa but it cleared in 4 weeks and got my F1 stamp for 2 years. In 2016, my H1B application got picked in the lottery and got approved. I came to Hyderabad in Dec 2016 for my H1B visa interview and got my stamping with no problems.
I work as a Product Marketing Manager in a Medical Device company. Both my previous and current employers are big corporate companies in the United States.
2019, Now -
Case Type - H1B Visa Transfer/ Extension; Dropbox
Job Type - Full time employee. I changed my employer, therefore my case is an H1B transfer and extension. I was a full time employee with my old company as well.
Location - Hyderabad Consulate, India
8th July 2019 - Submitted documents for Drop Box
10th July 2019 - Received an email from the consulate to fill out the DS 5535 form. P.S. No interview, no additional documents asked. Only DS 5535 form.
11th July - Got an email to pick up passport. No visa stamp. Only a white 221g paper. The consular officer had ticked "You will receive further information via email" option (which I assume was the DS5535)
27th August - Received an email request to submit passport
28th August - Submitted passport
29th August - Online status changed with the last updated date as 28th August. Status still "Administrative Processing"
30th August - Online status changed with the last updated date as 30th August and status changed to "Issued"
3rd Sept - Received an email to collect passport. Visa was issued until the expiration date of my I-797.
I wanted to post my case because I had never heard of a DS5535. When I googled this, and read the experiences that pop up with respect to DS5535 I was shocked, and completely lost hope! My first 2 weeks were miserable. However, I spoke with my team at work, my parents and well wishers and convinced myself that if my background is clean, there's no reason as to why I wouldn't get the visa! And sure enough after an 8 long week wait, I had the visa in my hands. My employer was incredibly supportive and let me work from home for 8 weeks - I consider myself very lucky!
Please keep in mind that every case is different. Sure, some cases take longer than the other but there are reasons as to why that might happen. Other than the first 2 weeks, I enjoyed my time in Hyderabad with my parents! My husband was back in the US, but I knew I was going back soon and did not lose hope. Hang in there, enjoy your time with family and be positive! All is well :)
Background -
I moved to the United States in 2014 for my Master's in Biotechnology (B.Tech in Hyderabad in Biotechnology before that, no work experience). In 2014, I got a 221g on my F1 visa but it cleared in 4 weeks and got my F1 stamp for 2 years. In 2016, my H1B application got picked in the lottery and got approved. I came to Hyderabad in Dec 2016 for my H1B visa interview and got my stamping with no problems.
I work as a Product Marketing Manager in a Medical Device company. Both my previous and current employers are big corporate companies in the United States.
2019, Now -
Case Type - H1B Visa Transfer/ Extension; Dropbox
Job Type - Full time employee. I changed my employer, therefore my case is an H1B transfer and extension. I was a full time employee with my old company as well.
Location - Hyderabad Consulate, India
8th July 2019 - Submitted documents for Drop Box
10th July 2019 - Received an email from the consulate to fill out the DS 5535 form. P.S. No interview, no additional documents asked. Only DS 5535 form.
11th July - Got an email to pick up passport. No visa stamp. Only a white 221g paper. The consular officer had ticked "You will receive further information via email" option (which I assume was the DS5535)
27th August - Received an email request to submit passport
28th August - Submitted passport
29th August - Online status changed with the last updated date as 28th August. Status still "Administrative Processing"
30th August - Online status changed with the last updated date as 30th August and status changed to "Issued"
3rd Sept - Received an email to collect passport. Visa was issued until the expiration date of my I-797.
I wanted to post my case because I had never heard of a DS5535. When I googled this, and read the experiences that pop up with respect to DS5535 I was shocked, and completely lost hope! My first 2 weeks were miserable. However, I spoke with my team at work, my parents and well wishers and convinced myself that if my background is clean, there's no reason as to why I wouldn't get the visa! And sure enough after an 8 long week wait, I had the visa in my hands. My employer was incredibly supportive and let me work from home for 8 weeks - I consider myself very lucky!
Please keep in mind that every case is different. Sure, some cases take longer than the other but there are reasons as to why that might happen. Other than the first 2 weeks, I enjoyed my time in Hyderabad with my parents! My husband was back in the US, but I knew I was going back soon and did not lose hope. Hang in there, enjoy your time with family and be positive! All is well :)
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Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.
