The Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service, US Travel Docs announced that the applicants who wish to renew their visas through US Visa Interview Waiver Program or the US Visa DropBox facility can submit their applications from April 4, 2022.
The applications can be submitted free of cost at any of the Visa Application Centers (VAC) in the Embassy or Consulate located in India.
A nominal fee of INR 650 per passport is payable in cash if the applicant wants to submit the application from any location other than a US Embassy or US Consulate.
What is the US Visa Interview Waiver Program?
US Visa interview waiver program is popularly known as the US Visa DropBox facility. This facility makes the US visa renewal process easier and quicker.
This program allows applicants to apply for a US Visa renewal and get their passport stamped without attending an in-person interview.
You need to meet certain conditions to become eligible for US Visa Interview Waiver Program.
Earlier Dropbox facility was available for the visa holders whose visa was valid or expired in the last one year or twelve months.
The US Department of State extended the eligibility requirements during the pandemic period to make more visa holders avail of this facility.
The US State Department informed that an additional 20,000 Dropbox interview waiver appointment slots are available in different US consulates in India.
These slots will be available by the Spring of 2022. This facility will be a relief to the applicants who were reluctant to travel to India due to the current situation.
Where to Find the Official Source of the DropBox Stamping Announcement 2022
The information about the DropBox Stamping Announcement 2022 is available in the “Non-immigrant Visa” section on the website of USTravelDocs India.
Can Us Visa Applicants Drop Off Documents at Any VAC Location?
The applicants who are eligible for US Visa Interview Waiver Program can submit their documents at any of the 11 locations listed for Dropbox US Visa Stamping.
Can I Drop Off My Documents at a Different VAC Than My Selected Embassy or Consulate?
The applicants who wish to avail the Visa DropBox facility can drop off their documents at a different VAC than their chosen Consulate or Embassy. But they have to pay a nominal fee of Rupees 650 should be paid if the preferred VAC is not a Consulate or an Embassy.
In past, the applicant was restricted to submitting their application in the selected VAC only. As per the new announcement, the Visa DropBox facility is available at any of the following VACs across India:
- Ahmedabad
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Jalandhar
- Kochi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- New Delhi
- Pune
Free Drop-off and Pick Up Locations for Us Visa Stamping 2022
The visa documents can be submitted free of cost at all the US consulates and Embassies in India. The following are the free drop-off and pick up locations:
- Chennai VAC
- Hyderabad VAC
- Kolkata VAC
- Mumbai VAC
- New Delhi VAC
Paid Drop-off and Pick Up Locations for Us Visa Stamping 2022
The applicants can submit their Visa renewal documents by paying a fee of Rupees 650 at a location that does not have a US Consulate or US Embassy. The paid drop-off and pick up locations for US Visa are:
- Ahmedabad VAC
- Bengaluru VAC
- Chandigarh VAC
- Jalandhar VAC
- Kochi VAC
- Pune VAC
Can I Pay the Drop-off and Pick up Visa Fees by Card or Gpay?
The drop and pick-up fee is payable in cash mode only, other payment modes like Card or Gpay are not acceptable. Applicants who are eligible for the Visa DropBox facility/ US Visa Interview Waiver Program should pay the fee at the time of document submission at any other location that is not a US consulate or US Embassy.
Can I Submit My Documents Without a DropBox Appointment?
The applicants must make an appointment for submitting the application.
Can I Make an Early Visa Appointment?
The applicant can request rescheduling the appointment through the online appointment system. There should be a confirmed interview appointment date to request an expedited appointment.
Applicants who have an appointment and are qualified for Dropbox will have to wait for more spaces to open.
The good news is that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced plans to increase Visa processing. With more financing and resources, more spots are anticipated to become available soon.
We urge that you obtain legal advice from an immigration professional to assist you in dealing with your specific circumstances and ensuring a positive outcome.