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H1B, H4 Visa
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Chennai VAC Dropbox Experience
Hi everyone, I am aware that the US Embassy in India have already cancelled in-person visa appts and will be cancelling dropbox and biometrics from 20th. I am sorry for all who have been affected by this.
Reference : https://in.usembassy.gov/information-for-visa-applicants-regarding-novel-coronavirus/
Still, I would like to share my experience here. (hoping this will help someone)
Some background info about new h1b stamp = 6th year of h1b tenure. New employer. New role.
FYI - we can track the application status via multiple ways.
1) CEAC website. https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV
We need to use DS-160 confirmation number or 221g case number to track the status.
2) Visa UStraveldocs site. https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-passporttrack.asp
We need to use passport number here.
3) Login into USTravelDocs. We will see the passport status at applicant home page.
4) Sending an email to [email protected]
In the subject and/or body enter a valid passport number. (Do not include any additional text )
Mar 10 - passport dropped at Chennai VAC.
Mar 10 - CEAC = No Status. UStraveldocs_site = Passport Received.
Mar 11 - CEAC = No Status. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 12 - (Morning) CEAC = Application Received. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 12 - (Afternoon) CEAC = Administrative Processing. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
.... (Same status for 4 days)
Mar 16 - (Morning) CEAC = Administrative Processing. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 16 - (11 am) CEAC = Issued. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 16 - (1 pm) CEAC = Issued. UStraveldocs_site = Passport received from Consulate and getting ready for delivery.
Mar 16 - (3 pm) CEAC = Issued. UStraveldocs_site = Passport ready for pickup.
Documents asked by Chennai VAC:
1) Dropbox confirmation letter
2) Latest Passport.
3) 1 photo
3) Current i-797 copy
4) previous i-797 copy (just immediate previous)
(I didn have a photocopy so they asked me to get this and come back, i wasted 1 hr in this process)
Drawbacks at Chennai VAC:
- The photocopy center at the ground floor was too crowded. But there is a xerox shop immediately outside VAC.
- The dropbox queue was so slow moving.
- big bags not allowed.
Communications:
Immediately after I dropped my passport, US Embassy in India announced that they are cancelling visa appointments from 16th. I was very stressed and used the following channels to communicate with them.
They were pretty responsive.
Live Chat with US Traveldocs India, https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-main-contactus.asp
US Consulate, Chennai FB page - https://www.facebook.com/chennai.usconsulate/
US Embassy, India FB page - https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/
Reference : https://in.usembassy.gov/information-for-visa-applicants-regarding-novel-coronavirus/
Still, I would like to share my experience here. (hoping this will help someone)
Some background info about new h1b stamp = 6th year of h1b tenure. New employer. New role.
FYI - we can track the application status via multiple ways.
1) CEAC website. https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV
We need to use DS-160 confirmation number or 221g case number to track the status.
2) Visa UStraveldocs site. https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-passporttrack.asp
We need to use passport number here.
3) Login into USTravelDocs. We will see the passport status at applicant home page.
4) Sending an email to [email protected]
In the subject and/or body enter a valid passport number. (Do not include any additional text )
Mar 10 - passport dropped at Chennai VAC.
Mar 10 - CEAC = No Status. UStraveldocs_site = Passport Received.
Mar 11 - CEAC = No Status. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 12 - (Morning) CEAC = Application Received. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 12 - (Afternoon) CEAC = Administrative Processing. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
.... (Same status for 4 days)
Mar 16 - (Morning) CEAC = Administrative Processing. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 16 - (11 am) CEAC = Issued. UStraveldocs_site = Passport is still with Consulate.
Mar 16 - (1 pm) CEAC = Issued. UStraveldocs_site = Passport received from Consulate and getting ready for delivery.
Mar 16 - (3 pm) CEAC = Issued. UStraveldocs_site = Passport ready for pickup.
Documents asked by Chennai VAC:
1) Dropbox confirmation letter
2) Latest Passport.
3) 1 photo
3) Current i-797 copy
4) previous i-797 copy (just immediate previous)
(I didn have a photocopy so they asked me to get this and come back, i wasted 1 hr in this process)
Drawbacks at Chennai VAC:
- The photocopy center at the ground floor was too crowded. But there is a xerox shop immediately outside VAC.
- The dropbox queue was so slow moving.
- big bags not allowed.
Communications:
Immediately after I dropped my passport, US Embassy in India announced that they are cancelling visa appointments from 16th. I was very stressed and used the following channels to communicate with them.
They were pretty responsive.
Live Chat with US Traveldocs India, https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-main-contactus.asp
US Consulate, Chennai FB page - https://www.facebook.com/chennai.usconsulate/
US Embassy, India FB page - https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/
All Replies (3)
H1b Dropbox at chennai
I have submitted my passport for h1b stamping at chennai vac on 11th March. On 13th March crack case was created with Application received status and it continue to show the same status today with updated date as 18th March. Now I see the US consulate have cancelled all biometric and Dropbox processing from 20th March. I am really worried about the outcome of my processing. Is there anyone with the same situation, please update if you heard from embassy/ consulate on possible outcome for n existing applications
All Replies (6)
H1B VISA INTERVIEW at HYD
CONSULATE : HYD
BIOMETRICS: 03/02/20
INTERVIEW DATE: 03/03/20
VO: ARE YOU H1B?
ME:YES
VO: NAME OF EMPLOYER
VO: DO YOU HAVE CLIENT, WHO IS CLIENT
VO: SALARY
VO: WHERE DO YO STAY IN USA?
VO: EVENRY THING LOOKS ALRIGHT THERE IS A ADMIN ERROR ON OUR END WHICH NEDDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IF YOU DON'T HERE ANY THING IN 3 BUSINESS DAYS EMAIL US
VO TOOK A STICKER CALLED KCC AND STICKED IT TO PASSPORT, WRITTEN SOME NUMBER ON YELLOW STICKY NOTES AND KEPT IT
IT HAS BEEN 10 BUSINESS DAYS NOW AND NO UPDATE ANY ONE IN SAME BOAT
BIOMETRICS: 03/02/20
INTERVIEW DATE: 03/03/20
VO: ARE YOU H1B?
ME:YES
VO: NAME OF EMPLOYER
VO: DO YOU HAVE CLIENT, WHO IS CLIENT
VO: SALARY
VO: WHERE DO YO STAY IN USA?
VO: EVENRY THING LOOKS ALRIGHT THERE IS A ADMIN ERROR ON OUR END WHICH NEDDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IF YOU DON'T HERE ANY THING IN 3 BUSINESS DAYS EMAIL US
VO TOOK A STICKER CALLED KCC AND STICKED IT TO PASSPORT, WRITTEN SOME NUMBER ON YELLOW STICKY NOTES AND KEPT IT
IT HAS BEEN 10 BUSINESS DAYS NOW AND NO UPDATE ANY ONE IN SAME BOAT
All Replies (2)
Passport requested so submit without document request pending
Chennai Consulate
Biometric: 19th Feb
Visa Interview: 20th Feb
I'm working as a consultant for one of the financial based company in NY. On the day of interview visa officer asked me simple questions like. Employer, End client, Role, Salary and degree. I answered everything. At the end he asked me to submit client letter. As my company doesn't give client letter. I showed him the email and the letter stating "As per company policy they won't provide letter. As visa officer was cool he was laughing seeing my letter and told ridiculous company policies, and he went to his colleague and asked for 15-20 seconds and came to his desk and entered something. He asked me vendor letter I submitted him and after few minutes he returned my passport and gave me 221g blue slip and kept my no client letter printout and also asked me to submit full detail's client letter if possible and SOW. I requested client on the same day stating I won't be able to come if you don't provide me client letter. They send me email we will process your letter consulting legal department. I followed up with a couple of emails they mentioned still in process. All of a sudden i opened my mail box today and I received this email stating to submit passport (below is the email i received). Now, I am confused whether to submit my passport or wait till my client gives the letter and i send to the consulate.
Dear XYZ,
With reference to your U.S. Visa application, we request you to send your passport (also the/your dependents, if any, who applied for US visa along with you) and a copy of this e-mail via one of the 5 Visa Application Centers (VACs) or 6 VFS offices. To locate the 5 VACs and 6 VFS offices close to you, please check the website WWW.USTRAVELDOCS.com/in. Please be informed no fee will be charged for this service.
Sincerely,
U.S. Consulate General
Chennai
http://chennai.usconsulate.gov
Can anyone tell me. Is it good option to submit my passport or wait till my client sends me letter and I send it to consulate to process through that?
Biometric: 19th Feb
Visa Interview: 20th Feb
I'm working as a consultant for one of the financial based company in NY. On the day of interview visa officer asked me simple questions like. Employer, End client, Role, Salary and degree. I answered everything. At the end he asked me to submit client letter. As my company doesn't give client letter. I showed him the email and the letter stating "As per company policy they won't provide letter. As visa officer was cool he was laughing seeing my letter and told ridiculous company policies, and he went to his colleague and asked for 15-20 seconds and came to his desk and entered something. He asked me vendor letter I submitted him and after few minutes he returned my passport and gave me 221g blue slip and kept my no client letter printout and also asked me to submit full detail's client letter if possible and SOW. I requested client on the same day stating I won't be able to come if you don't provide me client letter. They send me email we will process your letter consulting legal department. I followed up with a couple of emails they mentioned still in process. All of a sudden i opened my mail box today and I received this email stating to submit passport (below is the email i received). Now, I am confused whether to submit my passport or wait till my client gives the letter and i send to the consulate.
Dear XYZ,
With reference to your U.S. Visa application, we request you to send your passport (also the/your dependents, if any, who applied for US visa along with you) and a copy of this e-mail via one of the 5 Visa Application Centers (VACs) or 6 VFS offices. To locate the 5 VACs and 6 VFS offices close to you, please check the website WWW.USTRAVELDOCS.com/in. Please be informed no fee will be charged for this service.
Sincerely,
U.S. Consulate General
Chennai
http://chennai.usconsulate.gov
Can anyone tell me. Is it good option to submit my passport or wait till my client sends me letter and I send it to consulate to process through that?
All Replies (4)
H1B Dropbox Experience at Chennai
I had my drop box appointment at Chennai on Feb-24.
Feb 24 - Submitted documents
Feb 26 - Case Created
Feb 27 - Administrative process
March 2- Got SMS from Blue dart location to pick up passport.
March 4 - Passport collected. I have seen blue slip to submit documents and attend in person interview.
March 6- Submitted all required documents from my side. My employer also submitted documents on the same date.
March 9 - Attended in person interview
VO: Is it your first H1B
Ans: No it is my extension.
VO: What is your employer Business
Ans: It services provider
VO: What is your annual Salary
Ans: Answered appropriately
VO: Who is your end client?
Ans: Answered appropriately
VO: What is your end client do and what is his business?
Ans: Explained in 5 sentences.
VO: Do you have letter from end client?
Ans: Yes and I have handed over to him
He take a look and enter some details in system.
VO: Your Visa is approved and it will take 2-5 days to send stamped VISA. And gave me an green slip.
Till then I am every day tracking. The CEAC tracker (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx) is still showing "Administrative processing" and Passport tracker (https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-passporttrack.asp) showing "Your passport has picked up".
After 5 days I have reached [email protected] and also had chat with them. They are not reading every thing and always saying "Your application is administrative process. The process takes several weeks". They are not recognizing and acknowledging the fact that Visa Officer said Visa has approved. When I bring the point they are saying " We can not comment on US Consulate actions". I am totally frustrated with their responses. Their responses are correct but useless and not helpful.
My wife and kids are still in USA. I only came for stamping to get done.
Did any one face similar situation? I am so worried and feeling nervous about this situation and delay.
As ustraveldocs support team is not much helpful, whom to reach out for quality help? Please help
Feb 24 - Submitted documents
Feb 26 - Case Created
Feb 27 - Administrative process
March 2- Got SMS from Blue dart location to pick up passport.
March 4 - Passport collected. I have seen blue slip to submit documents and attend in person interview.
March 6- Submitted all required documents from my side. My employer also submitted documents on the same date.
March 9 - Attended in person interview
VO: Is it your first H1B
Ans: No it is my extension.
VO: What is your employer Business
Ans: It services provider
VO: What is your annual Salary
Ans: Answered appropriately
VO: Who is your end client?
Ans: Answered appropriately
VO: What is your end client do and what is his business?
Ans: Explained in 5 sentences.
VO: Do you have letter from end client?
Ans: Yes and I have handed over to him
He take a look and enter some details in system.
VO: Your Visa is approved and it will take 2-5 days to send stamped VISA. And gave me an green slip.
Till then I am every day tracking. The CEAC tracker (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx) is still showing "Administrative processing" and Passport tracker (https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-passporttrack.asp) showing "Your passport has picked up".
After 5 days I have reached [email protected] and also had chat with them. They are not reading every thing and always saying "Your application is administrative process. The process takes several weeks". They are not recognizing and acknowledging the fact that Visa Officer said Visa has approved. When I bring the point they are saying " We can not comment on US Consulate actions". I am totally frustrated with their responses. Their responses are correct but useless and not helpful.
My wife and kids are still in USA. I only came for stamping to get done.
Did any one face similar situation? I am so worried and feeling nervous about this situation and delay.
As ustraveldocs support team is not much helpful, whom to reach out for quality help? Please help
All Replies (10)
H1b dropbox experience at Chennai
I had my drop box appointment at Chennai on March 9th. submitted all my documents.
March 11th - case created
March 12th - admin processing
March 13th - issued.
since I choose premium delivery, received my passport today. March 16th- received passport.
Thanks and good luck
March 11th - case created
March 12th - admin processing
March 13th - issued.
since I choose premium delivery, received my passport today. March 16th- received passport.
Thanks and good luck
All Replies (1)
H1B Experience at Mumbai Consulate
First time H1B stamping
I have attended interview on 12th March, officer asked me basic questions like employer, how long you are working with this employer, will you work at inhouse/client location, roles n responsibilities, highest degree, salary and r u planning for any international trip. At end he gave me 221g yellow slip and told me to email client letter, MSA/SOW, project description and itinerary of services. He returned my passport and gave me know your rights booklet along with 221g yellow slip. So, if anyone had experienced the same, if you could share yours. Also, if possible share project description and itinerary of services sample at [email protected] .And one more thing no case number is there on my 221g slip only date and name is there.
I have attended interview on 12th March, officer asked me basic questions like employer, how long you are working with this employer, will you work at inhouse/client location, roles n responsibilities, highest degree, salary and r u planning for any international trip. At end he gave me 221g yellow slip and told me to email client letter, MSA/SOW, project description and itinerary of services. He returned my passport and gave me know your rights booklet along with 221g yellow slip. So, if anyone had experienced the same, if you could share yours. Also, if possible share project description and itinerary of services sample at [email protected] .And one more thing no case number is there on my 221g slip only date and name is there.
All Replies (1)
H1b Experience at Chennai consulate
First time H1b stamping
March 11-biometrics
March 12-Visa interview at 7 45 am .
VO: Good morning
Me:Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i797
Me:passed
VO:who do you work for ?
Me:answered
VO:do you have any end client ?
Me:No I work for them directly
VO:where is it located ?
Me:answered
VO:what do you do for them ?
Me:explained my job duties
VO:what is your salary ?
Me:answered
VO:what is your highest level of education ?
Me:Master in xx from xx university
VO:do you know your rights?
Me:Yes
VO:your visa is approved and will be able to collect within 5days
Me:Thank you have a nice day
Status
March 12-case created
March 13 morning - admin processing
March 13 afternoon -Issued
All the best guys ,stay confident and have all your documentation right .
March 11-biometrics
March 12-Visa interview at 7 45 am .
VO: Good morning
Me:Good morning
VO: pass me your passport and i797
Me:passed
VO:who do you work for ?
Me:answered
VO:do you have any end client ?
Me:No I work for them directly
VO:where is it located ?
Me:answered
VO:what do you do for them ?
Me:explained my job duties
VO:what is your salary ?
Me:answered
VO:what is your highest level of education ?
Me:Master in xx from xx university
VO:do you know your rights?
Me:Yes
VO:your visa is approved and will be able to collect within 5days
Me:Thank you have a nice day
Status
March 12-case created
March 13 morning - admin processing
March 13 afternoon -Issued
All the best guys ,stay confident and have all your documentation right .
All Replies (2)
H1B , H4 Experience at Chennai Consulate
Hi All,
Went for H1b fresh interview along with wife and kid.
Was smooth and organised on both bio metrics and interview day.
11th march - biometrics - if you have kid ,carry photo done accurately.hair should be tied and with ears visible and mouth closed.. we had to re do the photo and carry it for interview day.
12th march - consulate interview , reached consulate at 8:00 am for 8:30 slot.Joined the line for 8:30 slot, one volunteer came and took us out of line as we had kid ,he took us into building for security check and then after rechecking passport and fingerprint and re scan of kid photo.
then since we had kids i was sent to VO directly bypassing the queue , definitely saved 30-45 mins.
VO was on another interview and we waited for 5 mins then we started ours.Basic questions , LCA salary , designation , Show client letter ( pls carry latest) ,how long u are married.then VO said Visa approved and gave know ur rights and green slip.was done and out of consulate at 08:45 am.
status on site
11th - case created
12th - administrative Processing
13th - Issued
thanks
Went for H1b fresh interview along with wife and kid.
Was smooth and organised on both bio metrics and interview day.
11th march - biometrics - if you have kid ,carry photo done accurately.hair should be tied and with ears visible and mouth closed.. we had to re do the photo and carry it for interview day.
12th march - consulate interview , reached consulate at 8:00 am for 8:30 slot.Joined the line for 8:30 slot, one volunteer came and took us out of line as we had kid ,he took us into building for security check and then after rechecking passport and fingerprint and re scan of kid photo.
then since we had kids i was sent to VO directly bypassing the queue , definitely saved 30-45 mins.
VO was on another interview and we waited for 5 mins then we started ours.Basic questions , LCA salary , designation , Show client letter ( pls carry latest) ,how long u are married.then VO said Visa approved and gave know ur rights and green slip.was done and out of consulate at 08:45 am.
status on site
11th - case created
12th - administrative Processing
13th - Issued
thanks
All Replies (1)
Is Passport delivery impacted by cancellations?
I submitted my documents at Hyderabad VAC on March 10 as part of interview waiver program(Dropbox). My visa status shows issued and passport tracking shows:
Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery
Does anyone know if the passport delivery is impacted due to the closures/cancellations? I tried calling but looks like customer service is closed.
Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery
Does anyone know if the passport delivery is impacted due to the closures/cancellations? I tried calling but looks like customer service is closed.
All Replies (1)
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.
