H1B visa appointment availability

[mustufasshah]

Hello Everyone, my H1-B amendment/extension was approved and received my approval notice. The approval notice mentions that the Toronto consulate has already received my approval. I am now getting through the drop-box stamping and sent my passport to the consulate. I have been asked to join work asap after my stamping as my tentative start date has already passed while I am waiting to get the stamping done. I had two quick questions:

1. How much time does it take to get through the drop-box stamping process?

2. Can I request for an expedited stamping given my work situation? and how long will that take?

 

[swan0206]

"Application Received"
Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days.
For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General Toronto."

Seems like you have been called for an in-person interview. You need to book a slot for attending an interview. Check with customer care once if they can help you in giving any slot as consulate itself asked you to come for interview.

 

[swan0206]

1. How much time does it take to get through the drop-box stamping process?

2. Can I request for an expedited stamping given my work situation? and how long will that take?

1. Its anywhere between 4-6 weeks as per previous experiences.
2. There is an option to expedite the Visa interivew date but no idea on expedited stamping for Dropbox. You can actually email the consulate with a letter from your employer asking to join the work. that might help.

 

[pawal3]

Do we need to book appointment if we are eligible for H1B stamping dropbox in Canada? If so, how far are the appointment dates.

 

[swan0206]

Do we need to book appointment if we are eligible for H1B stamping dropbox in Canada? If so, how far are the appointment dates.

Its a step by step process. First you create an account on the ais page. Then you pay the fee, complete the questionnaire and then the system decides whether you are eligible for dropbox or you need to book a slot for interview.

Even if you are eligible for dropbox, some of them are being called for an interview. Its all case-by-case.

 

[pawal3]

Its a step by step process. First you create an account on the ais page. Then you pay the fee, complete the questionnaire and then the system decides whether you are eligible for dropbox or you need to book a slot for interview.

Even if you are eligible for dropbox, some of them are being called for an interview. Its all case-by-case.

I understand that. My question is if you are eligible for dropbox do you still need an appointment or can you send documents anytime

 

[swan0206]

I understand that. My question is if you are eligible for dropbox do you still need an appointment or can you send documents anytime

As per few members here in the forum, they just ask you to “Send documents” not really have mentioned any timeline to receive them but you can check that with customer care. If you have any info please keep everyone posted here!

 

[go4sacchi]

Seems like you have been called for an in-person interview. You need to book a slot for attending an interview. Check with customer care once if they can help you in giving any slot as consulate itself asked you to come for interview.

My status on the ais website still shows as "send documents", and the consulate still has my package which includes the passport.

 

[swan0206]

My status on the ais website still shows as "send documents", and the consulate still has my package which includes the passport.

Once you have sent the packet, i think you have to check your status on ceac website for the any updates. I am really not sure if ais shows upto date status.

 

[phanisrikanth]

My H1b dropbox update shows as follows since March 3rd

How are you checking the updates?
With reference to DS160 Application ID in the CEAC website. (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx)
by selecting Visa Application Type as NONIMMIGRANT VISA, location and entering DS160 in Application ID or Case Number section?

 

[go4sacchi]

How are you checking the updates?
With reference to DS160 Application ID in the CEAC website. (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx)
by selecting Visa Application Type as NONIMMIGRANT VISA, location and entering DS160 in Application ID or Case Number section?

Yes

 

[chetan8785]

Hello,
I am Canadian PR holder and planning to get my stamping. My previous stamping was in Toronto Canada and currently eligible for drobox.

Q1; What are the documents required for H1B Drop Box in Canada? Below are the list of documents in the instructions. Apart from these documents what other documents I need? Additionally I have included Paystubs , W2& IT Returns, Employment verification Letter.

General Required Documents - For All Visa Types The following documents are required for all visa types:
1. Current Passport valid for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States.
2. Passport containing the most recently issued U.S. visa (if applicable).
3. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
4. Confirmation and Instructions page printed from this website
5. One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last 6 months. F
6. Accompanying family members, unless entering the United States for another purpose, should present a marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), as applicable.
7. Copy of proof of your legal status in Canada

Q2. If I send my document via FEDEX instead of Canada Post than the document will be returned via Canada Post or do I have to send them return envelop in the FEDEX packet ??

 

[phanisrikanth]

Yes

Thank you. I have submitted my passport through Canada Post on March 15 to Toronto location and DS160 tracker shows as mentioned below.

"Application Received
Application ID or Case Number: AAXXXXXXXX
Case Created: 18-Mar-2022
Case Last Updated: 18-Mar-2022
Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days."

I can see from your posts that your documents has reached by March 1.
What the further status updates that are expected for H1B dropbox?
Are you still waiting to receive your passports?
It would be helpful, if you share your timelines.

Thanks,
Phani

 

[go4sacchi]

Thank you. I have submitted my passport through Canada Post on March 15 to Toronto location and DS160 tracker shows as mentioned below.

"Application Received
Application ID or Case Number: AAXXXXXXXX
Case Created: 18-Mar-2022
Case Last Updated: 18-Mar-2022
Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days."

I can see from your posts that your documents has reached by March 1.
What the further status updates that are expected for H1B dropbox?
Are you still waiting to receive your passports?
It would be helpful, if you share your timelines.

Thanks,
Phani

Same status as you since March 3rd. No further movement. Let's keep each other updated.

 

[mustufasshah]

Hey guys, my documents for H1B/H4 visa stamping were received by the consulate on 15th. The ceac website said the following:

"Application Received
Application ID or Case Number: AAXXXXXXXX
Case Created: 16-Mar-2022
Case Last Updated: 16-Mar-2022
Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days."

Now - as of yesterday - I see the same status but the date on "case last updated" line has changed:

"Application Received
Application ID or Case Number: AAXXXXXXXX
Case Created: 16-Mar-2022
Case Last Updated: 23-Mar-2022
Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days."

If any of you guys have seen this at your end?