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H1B, H4 Visa
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F1 to H1B COS stamping experience New Delhi
This forum was really helpful for me in planning my trip. I read through dozens of pages of experiences before booking my tickets. Cases where there was a delay in visa approval are highly overrepresented here. Most people who get their visas within a few days won't bother posting online about their experience. Not all cases take weeks. If you have everything in order, the chances of getting your visa issued quickly are much higher than posts here would suggest. I had a positive experience, and would like to add it to the heap for anyone that is reading before coming for their stamping.
My case: F1 -> OPT -> STEM Extension -> H1B COS Approved -> H1B Stamping
I got my Masters degree from a renowned university and work at a reputed software company. Having read through hundreds of posts on this forum, I assumed most cases take 2-3 weeks to get the passport with visa stamp in hand. So I booked my return ticket 3.5 weeks after my interview, and spoke to my manager about remote work, in case I have to stay even longer.
Experience:
Jan 27, 2020: Biometrics at New Delhi VAC. I reached there about 30 minutes early, but was allowed to join the queue. My turn came in less than 2 minutes. Only needed my passport, DS160 and appointment confirmation. Finished in under 5 minutes.
Jan 28, 2020: Interview at US Embassy in New Delhi. Again, reached around an hour early. Shortly after I got there, they called for my time slot. The queues were short and moved quickly.
My interview was short (around 2 minutes). I was asked basic questions about the employer, job responsibilities, salary and education. With that, the officer said my visa was approved, and I would get it within 10 days. No 221G.
10 business days meaning 2 weeks, so pretty much what I expected. However, the actual timeline was much quicker. My visa was issued after 2 days, and the passport was delivered 2 days after that.
1/27/2020: Case created (Biometrics)
1/28/2020: Case updated: Administrative processing (day of interview)
1/29/2020: Case updated: Administrative processing (date changed)
1/30/2020: Issued
2/1/2020: Passport delivered (Premium delivery)
Additional details:
I checked the SEVP Portal for the employment authorization update before coming to India. The update had been made in December 2019 for me.
My case: F1 -> OPT -> STEM Extension -> H1B COS Approved -> H1B Stamping
I got my Masters degree from a renowned university and work at a reputed software company. Having read through hundreds of posts on this forum, I assumed most cases take 2-3 weeks to get the passport with visa stamp in hand. So I booked my return ticket 3.5 weeks after my interview, and spoke to my manager about remote work, in case I have to stay even longer.
Experience:
Jan 27, 2020: Biometrics at New Delhi VAC. I reached there about 30 minutes early, but was allowed to join the queue. My turn came in less than 2 minutes. Only needed my passport, DS160 and appointment confirmation. Finished in under 5 minutes.
Jan 28, 2020: Interview at US Embassy in New Delhi. Again, reached around an hour early. Shortly after I got there, they called for my time slot. The queues were short and moved quickly.
My interview was short (around 2 minutes). I was asked basic questions about the employer, job responsibilities, salary and education. With that, the officer said my visa was approved, and I would get it within 10 days. No 221G.
10 business days meaning 2 weeks, so pretty much what I expected. However, the actual timeline was much quicker. My visa was issued after 2 days, and the passport was delivered 2 days after that.
1/27/2020: Case created (Biometrics)
1/28/2020: Case updated: Administrative processing (day of interview)
1/29/2020: Case updated: Administrative processing (date changed)
1/30/2020: Issued
2/1/2020: Passport delivered (Premium delivery)
Additional details:
I checked the SEVP Portal for the employment authorization update before coming to India. The update had been made in December 2019 for me.
All Replies (1)
If project ends, what could be the other options
Hi all,
I had received 221g blue slip in the month of August, i was asked to submit end client letter but since my client doesn't provide client letter my employer submitted SOW as alternative on Jan 10th. My case still in AP, i dont know how long will it take... If it takes more than 2-3months i may lose this project and won't be able to travel. What other options i have in that case?? This is my first h1b and not any F1 to H1 n all. My current employer had filed for h1b in 2018 and i got the approval in 2019. So my current company was planning to send me onsite but if 221g takes long time this opportunity may go to some one else as they can't wait for so long time. Can someone please help me with some suggestions.
TIA
I had received 221g blue slip in the month of August, i was asked to submit end client letter but since my client doesn't provide client letter my employer submitted SOW as alternative on Jan 10th. My case still in AP, i dont know how long will it take... If it takes more than 2-3months i may lose this project and won't be able to travel. What other options i have in that case?? This is my first h1b and not any F1 to H1 n all. My current employer had filed for h1b in 2018 and i got the approval in 2019. So my current company was planning to send me onsite but if 221g takes long time this opportunity may go to some one else as they can't wait for so long time. Can someone please help me with some suggestions.
TIA
All Replies (2)
H1/H4 221g
Sharing my experience of recent H1 / H4 renewal
Background:
I work for a fortune 50 company in US for last 7 years as a direct employee at senior position. Had done my masters in US and been here since 12 years.
this was was 4th H1 renewal and never had any issues in past.
01-02-2020 - Dropped document in dropbox in Pune . The person at counter asked to submit only latest passport although drop box list says we need to submit all passports.
01-02-2020 - Case received , then "Administrative Processing"
01-06-2020 - Administrative Processing ( updated on 1/6 )
01-07-2020 - Administrative Processing ( updated on 1/7 )
01-08-2020 - Administrative Processing ( updated on 1/7 ) ; Passport being returned .
01-09-2020 - Collected passport from Pune OFC along with 221g bluish green slip. It had nothing ticked on it. Emailed customer service for clarification / next steps with scanned copy of 221g slip
01-10-2020 - Got standard response from customer service that wait for 180 days .. They didnt even understand question. Called customer service , she said they would need to reach to consulate and asked me to send another email as earlier customer service case is closed.
So emailed again stated that as discussed customer service on call , they need to reach out to consulate on what are next steps for my case as nothing is ticked on 221g form.
01-13-2020 - at 4PM IST ; got an email asking to come to consulate for interview on any business day at 1030 AM . this is standard time for 221g applicants
01-15-2020 - Attended interview in consulate. Basic questions - company , designation, salary , masters grad year , univ etc.
She was looking at her screen for 15-30 sec ; probably wondering why 221g was issued.
VO said approved and should receive in 3-5 business days
01-16-2020 - Visa issued , passport dispatched
01-17-2020 - Collected passport in Pune.
This was very stressful for me and my family and ruined our long time planned vacation .
I am sharing this for other as experience mentioned here were helpful to get direction.
I know a lot of people are stuck for long times especially with DS5355 ; feel really bad for them.
Background:
I work for a fortune 50 company in US for last 7 years as a direct employee at senior position. Had done my masters in US and been here since 12 years.
this was was 4th H1 renewal and never had any issues in past.
01-02-2020 - Dropped document in dropbox in Pune . The person at counter asked to submit only latest passport although drop box list says we need to submit all passports.
01-02-2020 - Case received , then "Administrative Processing"
01-06-2020 - Administrative Processing ( updated on 1/6 )
01-07-2020 - Administrative Processing ( updated on 1/7 )
01-08-2020 - Administrative Processing ( updated on 1/7 ) ; Passport being returned .
01-09-2020 - Collected passport from Pune OFC along with 221g bluish green slip. It had nothing ticked on it. Emailed customer service for clarification / next steps with scanned copy of 221g slip
01-10-2020 - Got standard response from customer service that wait for 180 days .. They didnt even understand question. Called customer service , she said they would need to reach to consulate and asked me to send another email as earlier customer service case is closed.
So emailed again stated that as discussed customer service on call , they need to reach out to consulate on what are next steps for my case as nothing is ticked on 221g form.
01-13-2020 - at 4PM IST ; got an email asking to come to consulate for interview on any business day at 1030 AM . this is standard time for 221g applicants
01-15-2020 - Attended interview in consulate. Basic questions - company , designation, salary , masters grad year , univ etc.
She was looking at her screen for 15-30 sec ; probably wondering why 221g was issued.
VO said approved and should receive in 3-5 business days
01-16-2020 - Visa issued , passport dispatched
01-17-2020 - Collected passport in Pune.
This was very stressful for me and my family and ruined our long time planned vacation .
I am sharing this for other as experience mentioned here were helpful to get direction.
I know a lot of people are stuck for long times especially with DS5355 ; feel really bad for them.
All Replies (1)
221g Blue slip issued on 22nd August
I had my H1B interview on 22nd and they asked all basic questions. Mine is first time H1B and new employment . They asked about my company and employer and asked no of employers in my company. When I said 35, they asked about my project and I gave them few documents about project descriptions and they asked for company tax documents . They returned my passport and handed me blue slip with middle option(no documents) to be submitted. Case created 21 Jan and case updated 22nd Jan. Since then no updates. VO said they ll mail and I can drop my passport at VFS after they update.
Wil they call or email me ? Which email ID they ll send the mail from? Please help
Wil they call or email me ? Which email ID they ll send the mail from? Please help
All Replies (2)
H1B VISA - 221(g) White Slip - Hyderabad, 2020
Hello Friends,
I wanted to share my experience and get your feedback and be a part of this waiting journey unless the 221g is cleared.
Interview Date: 21st JAN, 2020 (Hyderabad)
VO asked me some basic questions then asked me for my previous i20's for each semester from the beginning until now, as I have been a student since 2014 and pursuing a Ph.D. currently, Working with a direct client and trying to move to H1B from F1.
at the point of the interview, not all my i20s were with me so I was given a white slip asking me to email all the i20s and my passport was returned and no other documents were collected from me.
I have submitted the required paperwork on 23rd Jan 2020 and I'm currently checking my status and nothing has changed.
I guess its a time taking process as the case has not been updated since 21st Jan 2020, so I'm trying to be optimistic about this entire situation.
please do comment and let me know what you guys think.
Thank you!
I wanted to share my experience and get your feedback and be a part of this waiting journey unless the 221g is cleared.
Interview Date: 21st JAN, 2020 (Hyderabad)
VO asked me some basic questions then asked me for my previous i20's for each semester from the beginning until now, as I have been a student since 2014 and pursuing a Ph.D. currently, Working with a direct client and trying to move to H1B from F1.
at the point of the interview, not all my i20s were with me so I was given a white slip asking me to email all the i20s and my passport was returned and no other documents were collected from me.
I have submitted the required paperwork on 23rd Jan 2020 and I'm currently checking my status and nothing has changed.
I guess its a time taking process as the case has not been updated since 21st Jan 2020, so I'm trying to be optimistic about this entire situation.
please do comment and let me know what you guys think.
Thank you!
All Replies (1)
H1B Extension - Visa Stamping in Hyd consulate
Hi All,
My Exp , on Drop Box and 221G
My H1B is approved, but they had a decision letter too, it stated that had a split in decision for approval. Extension is approved, but i94 is not extended and asked to get the visa via counselor process.
on 16th Jan 2020 - Done the Drop Box
on 17th Jan 2020 - Case created.
on 21st Jan 2020 - Got a email to collect the passport, but the CAEC updated with Administrative processing. and they issued the 221g Blueslip for me and my wife kid got yellow slip.
on 27th - Attended the visa interview, With VO asked the basic questions and she might have checked the decision letter and then she went and had a conversation with collegue for 15 mins and later came and asked below
- Client
- Salary
- Highest Education
- Location of company
- University
- All client letter/SOW and Payslips and also W2 form of 2018 and 19(still i didnt received the 2019).
And she replied, that handing over the passports to you and we require the additional processing time on your case.
and i asked is 221g is denial or refused, she replied its not that, we need a time to take the decision, during that time will keep you in Admin processing state.
Case updated on 27th with Administrative Processing.
May i know any suggestions , how to proceed now, as i am critical resource, but i dont know client how many days will he hold for me,
or can i ask my client to transfer my h1 and reapply the H1B petition with cap exempt.
Please suggest here. i am worried as my return flight on 9th Feb, and all my belongings are left over in US.
Dont know how to get out of this 221G
Thanks & Regards
Naveen
My Exp , on Drop Box and 221G
My H1B is approved, but they had a decision letter too, it stated that had a split in decision for approval. Extension is approved, but i94 is not extended and asked to get the visa via counselor process.
on 16th Jan 2020 - Done the Drop Box
on 17th Jan 2020 - Case created.
on 21st Jan 2020 - Got a email to collect the passport, but the CAEC updated with Administrative processing. and they issued the 221g Blueslip for me and my wife kid got yellow slip.
on 27th - Attended the visa interview, With VO asked the basic questions and she might have checked the decision letter and then she went and had a conversation with collegue for 15 mins and later came and asked below
- Client
- Salary
- Highest Education
- Location of company
- University
- All client letter/SOW and Payslips and also W2 form of 2018 and 19(still i didnt received the 2019).
And she replied, that handing over the passports to you and we require the additional processing time on your case.
and i asked is 221g is denial or refused, she replied its not that, we need a time to take the decision, during that time will keep you in Admin processing state.
Case updated on 27th with Administrative Processing.
May i know any suggestions , how to proceed now, as i am critical resource, but i dont know client how many days will he hold for me,
or can i ask my client to transfer my h1 and reapply the H1B petition with cap exempt.
Please suggest here. i am worried as my return flight on 9th Feb, and all my belongings are left over in US.
Dont know how to get out of this 221G
Thanks & Regards
Naveen
All Replies (9)
H1 & H4 - Visa Stamping - Mumbai
Hello,
Below was my case:
BioMetric - Jan 22, 2020
Interview - Jan 23, 2020
VO asked basic questions to me only (not even single question to my wife) like
Is it new/renewal H1?
Same employer?
whats new employer name?
whats your designation?
whats your salary?
then VO said -> All yours visas approved and you will get it in 3-5 business days.
for my kid i have got on Jan 27 and for me & wife got on Jan 29.
All stamped.
Good Luck all of you.
Below was my case:
BioMetric - Jan 22, 2020
Interview - Jan 23, 2020
VO asked basic questions to me only (not even single question to my wife) like
Is it new/renewal H1?
Same employer?
whats new employer name?
whats your designation?
whats your salary?
then VO said -> All yours visas approved and you will get it in 3-5 business days.
for my kid i have got on Jan 27 and for me & wife got on Jan 29.
All stamped.
Good Luck all of you.
All Replies (1)
H4 VISA interview with Shoplifting charges
Hello,
We wanted to share our experience to help others who are in similar situation. My wife was arrested and charged with Shoplifting back in 2018. We worked with a criminal defense attorney and got the charges reduced to Disorderly Conduct. We should have also consulted with an Immigration attorney at that time but we didn't know better. After the case ended, we got it reviewed by an Immigration attorney who explained to us the situation that we were in. It was mostly positive but we got an idea that things would not be the same for my wife's immigration from now on. On his advice, we collected several copies of certified case docket from court and Police arrest records for future use.
Between this event and our India travel for stamping we were able to successfully get our Visa's extended.
H4 VISA interview in Delhi (We both attended the interview together)
VO : Were you arrested?
H4 : Yes
VO : What happened?
H4 : In Mar'2018 I was charged with Theft. I did not agree with the charges so I worked with my attorney to challenge it. We finally got it amended to Disorderly Conduct in Jun'2018.
VO : Please show the records.
H4 : Handed over "Certified Case docket" + Police Arrest Record + Statute for Disorderly conduct conviction + Letter from attorney summarizing the case.
VO : These records do not show Final Conviction
( Our case docket did not had clear mention of the sentence. This was pointed to us by the Immigration attorney but he said it should be OK as Judge's sheet serves as the sentencing )
H4 : The Judge's sheet has the sentence. I can also provide FBI background check & Case transcript to support the conviction charges.
VO : After reviewing those documents - I still do not see a final conviction for the case. Please get final conviction papers from court.
H4 : Court gave us all the documents they had on this case.
VO : I will need final conviction paper after which I can process your VISA.
Handed over yellow slip and asked us to submit H4 passport along with final conviction papers..
We contacted the court in US and asked them for a letter stating final conviction for our case. We also seek help from our criminal attorney for this letter from court. They both were helpful and in 3 days we had the certified letter from court in our email.
The VISA was issued after 2 weeks of submitting the documents.
At the Port of Entry in US, we were held again for 30 minutes after which we were let go without any questions asked... I believe it was for background check again.
Finally, I would suggest following based on our experience:
1) Consult Immigration attorney and understand your situation completely.
2) Carry all relevant documents
3) Be straightforward with your replies to the questions about arrest record. You should be confident and to the point.
All the best.
We wanted to share our experience to help others who are in similar situation. My wife was arrested and charged with Shoplifting back in 2018. We worked with a criminal defense attorney and got the charges reduced to Disorderly Conduct. We should have also consulted with an Immigration attorney at that time but we didn't know better. After the case ended, we got it reviewed by an Immigration attorney who explained to us the situation that we were in. It was mostly positive but we got an idea that things would not be the same for my wife's immigration from now on. On his advice, we collected several copies of certified case docket from court and Police arrest records for future use.
Between this event and our India travel for stamping we were able to successfully get our Visa's extended.
H4 VISA interview in Delhi (We both attended the interview together)
VO : Were you arrested?
H4 : Yes
VO : What happened?
H4 : In Mar'2018 I was charged with Theft. I did not agree with the charges so I worked with my attorney to challenge it. We finally got it amended to Disorderly Conduct in Jun'2018.
VO : Please show the records.
H4 : Handed over "Certified Case docket" + Police Arrest Record + Statute for Disorderly conduct conviction + Letter from attorney summarizing the case.
VO : These records do not show Final Conviction
( Our case docket did not had clear mention of the sentence. This was pointed to us by the Immigration attorney but he said it should be OK as Judge's sheet serves as the sentencing )
H4 : The Judge's sheet has the sentence. I can also provide FBI background check & Case transcript to support the conviction charges.
VO : After reviewing those documents - I still do not see a final conviction for the case. Please get final conviction papers from court.
H4 : Court gave us all the documents they had on this case.
VO : I will need final conviction paper after which I can process your VISA.
Handed over yellow slip and asked us to submit H4 passport along with final conviction papers..
We contacted the court in US and asked them for a letter stating final conviction for our case. We also seek help from our criminal attorney for this letter from court. They both were helpful and in 3 days we had the certified letter from court in our email.
The VISA was issued after 2 weeks of submitting the documents.
At the Port of Entry in US, we were held again for 30 minutes after which we were let go without any questions asked... I believe it was for background check again.
Finally, I would suggest following based on our experience:
1) Consult Immigration attorney and understand your situation completely.
2) Carry all relevant documents
3) Be straightforward with your replies to the questions about arrest record. You should be confident and to the point.
All the best.
All Replies (11)
H4 Visa - 221G Blue Form is given
My wife was eligible for Drop off. So she had been to Drop off location to Pune. Now my case is, I had not been to India since 2015, and my last VISA stamped on my passport is expired from my last company. Now when my wife had visited to drop off, they requested 'husband's valid visa copy'. My wife told them that ' my husband had not been to India since 2015, and this is his latest I-797' copy. Then they collected the document. Then they delivered the passport with 'Blue form' saying they need 'Husband's valid visa copy', and can come to any day to US consulate with that. Then my wife visited US consulate office. And counselor also requested 'Husband's approved VISA COPY'. My wife shown them my current approved I-797 copy, and they were telling that they couldn't find my record in the system and hence can not give VISA. They need my approved VISA copy. It is very frustrating. It is case of 28 January 2020
Do you know any similar experience and what is the resolution for this?
Appreciate help.
Thanks and Regards
Atul
Do you know any similar experience and what is the resolution for this?
Appreciate help.
Thanks and Regards
Atul
All Replies (7)
waiting on passport after visa interview
Interview date: Jan 14, 2020 at Hyderabad consulate.
Passport collected at the time of interview and wasn't given any slips. I checked online and it says my visa is still in 'Administrative processing'. Passport tracking says that 'passport is still with embassy/consulate'. It's been 8 business days since the time of interview.
Anyone with similar interview date? Can anyone tell what's the average timeline to receive passport?
Thank you.
Passport collected at the time of interview and wasn't given any slips. I checked online and it says my visa is still in 'Administrative processing'. Passport tracking says that 'passport is still with embassy/consulate'. It's been 8 business days since the time of interview.
Anyone with similar interview date? Can anyone tell what's the average timeline to receive passport?
Thank you.
All Replies (19)
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.
