Visa Stamping in Mexico/Canada before trip to India in January?

[srinivas1988]

Hi All,

I'm set to travel to India on Jan 25, but I see that there are no dropbox visa appointments in pretty much any consulate in India. Would it be possible to get a visa stamping done in Mexico/Canada in time for my trip? Is "dropbox" a thing for these or is an interview the only way to get stamped in these countries as a third country national? If anyone could speak from experience of getting a stamping in one of these countries or share links to the process, that'd be of great help!

Some background info: I have an I-140 approved, my h1b status is extended to Oct 2024, my old visa on my passport expired in Oct 2021.

[rkk09]

Hi Member,
Would it be possible to get a visa stamping done in Mexico/Canada in time for my trip?
Answer: You can consider obtaining visa stamping in Canada. But, I bit doubt about Mexico about accepting third country nationals visa applications.

Is "dropbox" a thing for these or is an interview the only way to get stamped in these countries as a third country national?
Answer: If your Previous visa was not issued in these countries then you may not eligible for Interview waiver.
Please see below for Interview waiver eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for all applicants except child below 14 years of age and applicant above 80 years of age or older:

• I have a previous U.S. visa in the same class as the visa for which I wish to apply
• My most recent visa was issued in India
• I received my visa after January 1, 2008
• My prior visa is not annotated “Clearance Received” or “Department Authorization”.
• My most recent visa (in the same class for which I am applying) was issued on or after my 14th birthday
• My most recent visa (in the same class for which I am applying) was not lost/stolen or cancelled.
• I have no refusals for a visa in any class after my most recent visa issuance
• If I am applying for an H or L (individual) or R visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.

OR

• If I am applying for any other class of visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.
• Note: Blanket L1 visa applicants do not qualify for the Interview Waiver, but Blanket L2 spouses are eligible.
• If I am applying for an F visa, am continuing as student at same school for which my previous visa was issued.
• If I am applying for a J visa, my current DS-2019 is issued by the same institution as the institution listed on my previous visa

Please note, Previously, only those applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 12 months were eligible for an interview waiver. The Secretary has temporarily extended the expiration period to 48 months.This policy is in effect until December 31, 2021

Thanks