H1B visa appointment availability

[swan0206]

Yes - if you have an H1B amendment application while you are employed in US - then you have to be in US while they file for your amendment. For my case - I will termed as a new hire as I resigned when I moved to CA and now joining back.

Once your application is filed and is in processing with USCIS - you can travel outside if you have a valid stamped visa to come back in (this was always termed risky by my attorney though).

Exactly. One more person who was having similar kind of amendment or extension was doing the same like you. Its different for people who are on Canadian entity of the employer and US entity. Hence wanted to clarify on it. Thanks for the info.

 

[go4sacchi]

Our H1B and H4 applications were received by the Toronto consulate on 28th Feb (H4) and 1st march (H1B) respectively. H4 application's status changed today (2nd march) to "Refused" and I got an email saying even though we selected interview waiver, the US consular officer wants H4 to attend in-person interview. H1 status still shows received.

Anybody else experienced their dropbox getting converted to in person? I'm not sure what's the way forward. Current date availabilities show in June 2023.

Is there a way to request dropbox again for H4, anybody in the same boat?

 

[swan0206]

Our H1B and H4 applications were received by the Toronto consulate on 28th Feb (H4) and 1st march (H1B) respectively. H4 application's status changed today (2nd march) to "Refused" and I got an email saying even though we selected interview waiver, the US consular officer wants H4 to attend in-person interview. H1 status still shows received.

Anybody else experienced their dropbox getting converted to in person? I'm not sure what's the way forward. Current date availabilities show in June 2023.

Is there a way to request dropbox again for H4, anybody in the same boat?

There are few cases where even if you do dropbox , consulate calls in for the interview. This is nothing new but has been going on from a while in India. But here as it started recently, issuing of dropbox appointments we are getting to know such scenarios as well, there is no other go but have to attend the interview. When they call you to attend interview they just want to know more information from you. Nothing to panic. But what you can do is book an appointment and keep checking regularly, later expedite H4 once H1 get approval.

Other way round: As they themselves have asked you to attend the in-person interview, try calling or write to respective consulate to provide a slot as you couldn't find any near dates.

 

[go4sacchi]

There are few cases where even if you do dropbox , consulate calls in for the interview. This is nothing new but has been going on from a while in India. But here as it started recently, issuing of dropbox appointments we are getting to know such scenarios as well, there is no other go but have to attend the interview. When they call you to attend interview they just want to know more information from you. Nothing to panic. But what you can do is book an appointment and keep checking regularly, later expedite H4 once H1 get approval.

Other way round: As they themselves have asked you to attend the in-person interview, try calling or write to respective consulate to provide a slot as you couldn't find any near dates.

thanks @swan0206 this was helpful. Do you by chance know the Toronto consulate's email or contact?

 

[swan0206]

thanks @swan0206 this was helpful. Do you by chance know the Toronto consulate's email or contact?

FYI : https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv/information/contact_us

 

[go4sacchi]

FYI : https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv/information/contact_us

@swan0206 thanks!

 

[phanisrikanth]

Rules change all the time. So we dont know fully whats happening currently. Just go with what the website leads to. Once you create profile, pay the fee, it will automatically tell whether to send documents or schedule interview. So just follow the site's workflow. Even if you had stamping earlier, they may have some other criteria hence its better not to expect only drop off and go ahead with applying and see what you get.

Hi @harirajmohan

I moved from US (H1B) to Canada (Work Permit) during Nov'21 while waiting for my extension approved. After H1B approval, paid the fee by selecting Toronto as Document Delivery Location, surprisingly current status showing as "send documents", which I believe dropbox. Earlier, I was told (colleagues) to book whatever available slot and request for emergency might give opportunity to get earlier date.

I have few questions before mailing my original passport along with supporting documents.

• What are chances getting a 221g in Canada location?
• If I was called to attend in person after reviewing my documents (Please note that a Consular Officer reserves the right to request that an applicant appears in person for an interview after reviewing the visa application.) Will I be called immediate dates or the appointment will be given as per current waiting time?
• How long usually it takes to get my original passport back. (as there is no timeline mentioned in the instructions page)

Thanks,
Phani

 

[harirajmohan]

I have few questions before mailing my original passport along with supporting documents.

• What are chances getting a 221g in Canada location?
• If I was called to attend in person after reviewing my documents (Please note that a Consular Officer reserves the right to request that an applicant appears in person for an interview after reviewing the visa application.) Will I be called immediate dates or the appointment will be given as per current waiting time?
• How long usually it takes to get my original passport back. (as there is no timeline mentioned in the instructions page)

Thanks,
Phani

No one knows who gets 221g. I doubt one gets 221g unless the company/Project/Job and/or the salary is doubtful. I keep the employer letter too to avoid any doubts or queries coming back to me. The letter will say whats my roles and responsibilities and the project i work on and the yearly salary. So you can try to keep this kind of letter too along with other copies of documents.
I dont know the procedure of being called for interview after sending documents. I have seen posts like this for India locations for sure. But dont know how many are being called for interview or what the waiting time or process is.
usually you would get the passport in 2 weeks. Saw few posts on taking longer nowadays. Again this time is also variable as it depends on when they complete the admin processing of application(it involves some kind of processing at state dept in US i think).

I think that you are thinking and chewing on too much about it. Keep it simple. Dont worry too much as Canadian drop box is the most easiest and most positive outcome i have ever seen while comparing to interview and dropbox in India. So just send the documents and just wait - dont try to think on how to handle different outcomes.

Every time i went for interview in India, i was asked for client letter. One time application was pending for months and my I797 itself got expired. In Canada not much questions/documents. So you should be fine.

 

[bakkad2]

Anyone knows the timeline to open the packet for dropbox?
My documents reached Ottawa on 2nd March. On the portal it still shows "No status".

 

[swan0206]

Anyone knows the timeline to open the packet for dropbox?
My documents reached Ottawa on 2nd March. On the portal it still shows "No status".

Its anywhere between 2-3weeks to open the packet as per previous experiences.

 

[bakkad2]

Its anywhere between 2-3weeks to open the packet as per previous experiences.

Thanks. My application is now showing "Refused". Does anyone know what's the next step now? I'll just receive my passport back or do I receive any official email with reason for rejection?

 

[swan0206]

Thanks. My application is now showing "Refused". Does anyone know what's the next step now? I'll just receive my passport back or do I receive any official email with reason for rejection?

So as per regular process, refused doesn’t mean its rejected. So before approving your visa its defaulted to “refused” status and then it changes to “approved” within may be 2-5 business days! This was the scenario happening for a while in India. May be same process is being followed here too. Good luck.

 

[Shackle]

Hello! Apologies if this has been asked already, but if I am going to Vancouver to do soft landing with a COPR from the US, can I currently avail Dropbox to get H-1B stamping? Also, do we have to book a slot ahead of time for the Dropbox appointment like how we have to do in India?

thanks much!

 

[swan0206]

Hello! Apologies if this has been asked already, but if I am going to Vancouver to do soft landing with a COPR from the US, can I currently avail Dropbox to get H-1B stamping? Also, do we have to book a slot ahead of time for the Dropbox appointment like how we have to do in India?

thanks much!

There is no option to select dropbox option from our end. The system will decide whether you are eligible for dropbox after you complete a set of questionnaire.

 

[go4sacchi]

My H1b dropbox update shows as follows since March 3rd, no updates since then. Is anybody else in the same boat or have gone through something similar? @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."