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H1B, H4 Visa
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Drop-box 221G for H1-Extension
Hi All,
I have been working for my organization for the last 15 years with prior H1-B as well. I had got my new H1-B stamped last year, but due to various reason did not travel to US. I applied for an extension with the same details this year through the drop-box option in Delhi consulate based on slot availability. For some reason, I got a white 221G slip suggesting me to visit the consulate any time before 10 am in the next 1 year. I had applied for H4 for my wife and she was issued the visa.
Considering the pandemic situation Delhi consulate is closed till May 9th with no certainty that it would resume after that. Is it really mandatory for the 221G cases to visit the same Consulate (in my case Delhi) wherein their application was first processed? Or am I allowed to visit any other consulate with that slip along with all other recommended documents?
Request you to share your experience on this.
Thanks
Ritesh
I have been working for my organization for the last 15 years with prior H1-B as well. I had got my new H1-B stamped last year, but due to various reason did not travel to US. I applied for an extension with the same details this year through the drop-box option in Delhi consulate based on slot availability. For some reason, I got a white 221G slip suggesting me to visit the consulate any time before 10 am in the next 1 year. I had applied for H4 for my wife and she was issued the visa.
Considering the pandemic situation Delhi consulate is closed till May 9th with no certainty that it would resume after that. Is it really mandatory for the 221G cases to visit the same Consulate (in my case Delhi) wherein their application was first processed? Or am I allowed to visit any other consulate with that slip along with all other recommended documents?
Request you to share your experience on this.
Thanks
Ritesh
All Replies (1)
H1B NOIR Reaffirmed
Hi all,
My old employer A received a NOIR last year on an expired petition. They did not tell me about it until this year.
I am with employer B now on H1B and with I140 approved.
I am moving to employer C and they reached out to employer A for background verification.
When i checked my first H1B status it shows that USCIS reaffirmed after the NOIR was issued and was sent back to department of state.
Can DOS/USCIS reopen my NOIR and revoke as being claimed by employer A now. Looks like he is blackmailing me now as employer C has reached out to them.
Any one here whose NOIR was reaffirmed by USCIS.
My old employer A received a NOIR last year on an expired petition. They did not tell me about it until this year.
I am with employer B now on H1B and with I140 approved.
I am moving to employer C and they reached out to employer A for background verification.
When i checked my first H1B status it shows that USCIS reaffirmed after the NOIR was issued and was sent back to department of state.
Can DOS/USCIS reopen my NOIR and revoke as being claimed by employer A now. Looks like he is blackmailing me now as employer C has reached out to them.
Any one here whose NOIR was reaffirmed by USCIS.
All Replies (1)
H1b visa drop box delhi experience
Visa dropbox for extension of H1b with same employer
19th April, 2021: Dropped off the documents at Delhi VAC
20th April: Administrative Processing
21st April: Issued
Awaiting premium delivery know!
19th April, 2021: Dropped off the documents at Delhi VAC
20th April: Administrative Processing
21st April: Issued
Awaiting premium delivery know!
All Replies (0)
Time to get H4 stamping appointment in Toronto, Canada
Hi, Can anyone please tell me what is the timeline to get an appointment for H4 visa stamping in Toronto, Canada. TIA
All Replies (0)
any recent Chennai/ Bangalore H1b dropbox timeline?
Have May 1st week dropbox appointment for Chennai/ Bangalore. In the https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html seeing Chennai embassy temporarily closed message. Also no new appointment opened in last week. Based on April 1st weeks experiences in the forum, turn around time for approval was around 2 weeks.
Wanted to know if any new experience this week ?
Also anything change in Chennai embassy recently because of Covid serge ? Have not seen any announcement.
Wanted to know if any new experience this week ?
Also anything change in Chennai embassy recently because of Covid serge ? Have not seen any announcement.
All Replies (1)
H-1b visa stamped from US Embassy - New Delhi
I got my H-1b visa stamped from US Embassy - New Delhi.
Background: I-797 approved in Feb 2020. Traveled to India in Feb 2020 for a family emergency and got stuck due to the US Embassy closure and then the proclamation. So booked my visa interview appointment on April 5th, 2021 after the proclamation expired.
Biometrics Experience:
Biometrics was on April 1st at 2 PM. I was in the queue by 1:30 PM. Social distancing is followed at the VFS global office. I was out by 2:30 PM. FYI: After my biometrics, I joined the 3 PM queue for my mother's B2 visa renewal dropbox appointment. Note: There are chairs to rest one level up, besides the stairs. Starbucks and another cafe serve expensive but limited snacks. Cell phones in switched off mode are allowed inside VFS Global office.
Interview Experience:
Appointment: April 5th, 2021, 9:30 AM.
Took the Metro to Lok Kalyan Marg, then a 5 mins autorickshaw ride for Rs. 60 to the Embassy.
Arrived and joined the queue at 8:45 AM. I did not carry my cell phone with me, however, there's a booth to safely deposit your cell phone, smartwatch, etc. After the security check, I was seated on benches inside following social distancing by 9:15 AM. Reached the interview window at around 9:45 AM. I noticed few H-1 candidates getting the pink slip requesting additional documents. I guess they were consultants working for a different client than their sponsor.
Me: Good Morning.
VO: Good Morning. Can I have your I-797 and Passport?
Me: Gave my I-797 and current passport. Then asked if she needs my old passport?
VO: Do you have any US visa in it?
Me: Yes.
VO: Which one? Is it the same class that you are here for?
Me: I have my previous expired H1, F1, and B1.
VO: I don't need it. Who is your sponsor?
Me: Answered my company's name.
VO: Is your previous H1 sponsor the same as the current one?
Me: No.
VO: What is your designation?
Me: I am a Sr. Product Manager.
VO: What is your product?
Me: Answered.
VO: Where did you go for your US Masters.
Me: Answered New York University.
VO: Was there any other name for the school?
Me: Answered.
VO: She kept my passport on her side with a pile of other 4/5 passports. I knew that my visa is approved. She kept on typing something for a while and then said that your visa is approved.
Me: Thank you. What is the ETA for the passport delivery?
VO: 4-5 days.
Me: Thank you.
Note: She didn't ask for any other documents.
I left the Embassy, took an autorickshaw for Rs.80 to catch the 10 AM metro from Lok Kalyan Marg.
Checked my VISA status on DS-160 / CEAC website:
5-Apr-2021 Status: Administrative Processing.
6-Apr-2021 Status: Issued.
Checked my Passport delivery status on the US travel docs website:
7-Apr-2021: Picked up and being delivered.
8-Apr-2021: Delivered.
Received my passport on 8th April with an H-1b visa stamped. Received my mother's passport on 9th April with B-2 visa stamped.
We plan to travel to the US in the 2nd week of May 2021.
Background: I-797 approved in Feb 2020. Traveled to India in Feb 2020 for a family emergency and got stuck due to the US Embassy closure and then the proclamation. So booked my visa interview appointment on April 5th, 2021 after the proclamation expired.
Biometrics Experience:
Biometrics was on April 1st at 2 PM. I was in the queue by 1:30 PM. Social distancing is followed at the VFS global office. I was out by 2:30 PM. FYI: After my biometrics, I joined the 3 PM queue for my mother's B2 visa renewal dropbox appointment. Note: There are chairs to rest one level up, besides the stairs. Starbucks and another cafe serve expensive but limited snacks. Cell phones in switched off mode are allowed inside VFS Global office.
Interview Experience:
Appointment: April 5th, 2021, 9:30 AM.
Took the Metro to Lok Kalyan Marg, then a 5 mins autorickshaw ride for Rs. 60 to the Embassy.
Arrived and joined the queue at 8:45 AM. I did not carry my cell phone with me, however, there's a booth to safely deposit your cell phone, smartwatch, etc. After the security check, I was seated on benches inside following social distancing by 9:15 AM. Reached the interview window at around 9:45 AM. I noticed few H-1 candidates getting the pink slip requesting additional documents. I guess they were consultants working for a different client than their sponsor.
Me: Good Morning.
VO: Good Morning. Can I have your I-797 and Passport?
Me: Gave my I-797 and current passport. Then asked if she needs my old passport?
VO: Do you have any US visa in it?
Me: Yes.
VO: Which one? Is it the same class that you are here for?
Me: I have my previous expired H1, F1, and B1.
VO: I don't need it. Who is your sponsor?
Me: Answered my company's name.
VO: Is your previous H1 sponsor the same as the current one?
Me: No.
VO: What is your designation?
Me: I am a Sr. Product Manager.
VO: What is your product?
Me: Answered.
VO: Where did you go for your US Masters.
Me: Answered New York University.
VO: Was there any other name for the school?
Me: Answered.
VO: She kept my passport on her side with a pile of other 4/5 passports. I knew that my visa is approved. She kept on typing something for a while and then said that your visa is approved.
Me: Thank you. What is the ETA for the passport delivery?
VO: 4-5 days.
Me: Thank you.
Note: She didn't ask for any other documents.
I left the Embassy, took an autorickshaw for Rs.80 to catch the 10 AM metro from Lok Kalyan Marg.
Checked my VISA status on DS-160 / CEAC website:
5-Apr-2021 Status: Administrative Processing.
6-Apr-2021 Status: Issued.
Checked my Passport delivery status on the US travel docs website:
7-Apr-2021: Picked up and being delivered.
8-Apr-2021: Delivered.
Received my passport on 8th April with an H-1b visa stamped. Received my mother's passport on 9th April with B-2 visa stamped.
We plan to travel to the US in the 2nd week of May 2021.
All Replies (0)
H1B / H4 Renewal 221g - Covid Situation
Many of you may be in a limbo with respect to 221g processing with the current covid situation. So I thought of sharing my experience.
03/17/2021 - My wife and I submitted our dropbox application at the Chennai drop off center.
03/19/2021 - Application status changed to "Refused" which caused concern. Later learnt that they are using the term "Refused" instead of "Administrative Processing" when issuing a 221g.
03/23/2021 - Passport was available for pickup at the drop box office. As expected a white 221g form was returned along with the passport. The 221g requested that my wife and I appear for an in person interview. It also said that we need to appear after the consulates have started normal operations, which concerned me since they were not oprating as normal.
Calling or reaching out to consulate offices was responded with a standard message that they are not certain when the consulates will open for normal operation and as to when they would be able to accommodate my 221g in person interview. Now I was even more concerned.
I contacted [email protected] requesting for an interview slot. I read multiple articles online that people were contacted in ~1-2weeks to schedule the in person interview. However, that was not consistent. Some were waiting for over 6months.
03/23/2021 - Got email stating that I can now login to my portal and schedule my interview. Earliest slot available was Apr 5th at 930am. I am not sure if this was triggered because of my email to support-india or if it was a co-incidence.
04/05/2021 - Went in for the interview (note: car keys with remote are is allowed into the consulate, so plan accordingly). The officer asked questions of whether me or my wife were out of status while studying in the US or if we had transferred universities while pursuing our masters. The answer was a "No" for us. She also got asked about where we met, and if we had kids and if they were US citizens. Our kid is a US citizen, so they did not ask for marriage certificate proof. She said "Visa is approved" and that we should get it in 5-10 business days.
04/08/2021 - Passport was available for pickup.
04/09/2021 - Picked up passport.
03/17/2021 - My wife and I submitted our dropbox application at the Chennai drop off center.
03/19/2021 - Application status changed to "Refused" which caused concern. Later learnt that they are using the term "Refused" instead of "Administrative Processing" when issuing a 221g.
03/23/2021 - Passport was available for pickup at the drop box office. As expected a white 221g form was returned along with the passport. The 221g requested that my wife and I appear for an in person interview. It also said that we need to appear after the consulates have started normal operations, which concerned me since they were not oprating as normal.
Calling or reaching out to consulate offices was responded with a standard message that they are not certain when the consulates will open for normal operation and as to when they would be able to accommodate my 221g in person interview. Now I was even more concerned.
I contacted [email protected] requesting for an interview slot. I read multiple articles online that people were contacted in ~1-2weeks to schedule the in person interview. However, that was not consistent. Some were waiting for over 6months.
03/23/2021 - Got email stating that I can now login to my portal and schedule my interview. Earliest slot available was Apr 5th at 930am. I am not sure if this was triggered because of my email to support-india or if it was a co-incidence.
04/05/2021 - Went in for the interview (note: car keys with remote are is allowed into the consulate, so plan accordingly). The officer asked questions of whether me or my wife were out of status while studying in the US or if we had transferred universities while pursuing our masters. The answer was a "No" for us. She also got asked about where we met, and if we had kids and if they were US citizens. Our kid is a US citizen, so they did not ask for marriage certificate proof. She said "Visa is approved" and that we should get it in 5-10 business days.
04/08/2021 - Passport was available for pickup.
04/09/2021 - Picked up passport.
All Replies (0)
Appointment date in chennai
Did anybody get the H1B appointment date in April-May 2021 in chennai under regular appointment ? what are all the other appointments available other than regular? I have been waiting for my H1B visa stamping(first time) since March 2020..
Also suggest me few tips to get the H1B visa stamping date in chennai quickly if possible
Also suggest me few tips to get the H1B visa stamping date in chennai quickly if possible
All Replies (1)
Successor In Interest
Hi Everyone,
I have exact same case. My h1 approved with A. Merged to B. Payrolls are going to start with B. I am planning for stamping.
1- Which employer stamping do we get on passport A or B? Because I still have old i-797.
2 - Can we mention Employer B in ds - 160 ? I already scheduled an appointment and filed ds 160 as employer A and canceled it. I am thinking to change the ds-160. Would that be a risk?
Can someone please answer my query. I appreciate your time and response.
Thanks
I have exact same case. My h1 approved with A. Merged to B. Payrolls are going to start with B. I am planning for stamping.
1- Which employer stamping do we get on passport A or B? Because I still have old i-797.
2 - Can we mention Employer B in ds - 160 ? I already scheduled an appointment and filed ds 160 as employer A and canceled it. I am thinking to change the ds-160. Would that be a risk?
Can someone please answer my query. I appreciate your time and response.
Thanks
All Replies (1)
Anyone has appointment between Apr26-30 in HYD?
Hello,
I just want to check if anyone has in-person interview on APr26th week at Hyderabad. Wanted to check if the cancellations are still happening at HYD.
Thanks
I just want to check if anyone has in-person interview on APr26th week at Hyderabad. Wanted to check if the cancellations are still happening at HYD.
Thanks
All Replies (1)
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