B1 visa renewal / 221g

[harryjones]

Hi
I had B1 visa which was expired last year. I have applied for renewal. I was eligible for drop box so submitted application. I received 221g letter requesting to attend interview.
I have travelled to US 2 times in last visa for business meetings. Once for 2 weeks and once for 8 weeks.
while my B1 visa was valid my H1B petition was also approved but did not apply for visa stamping as plans had changed .

how will this affect the renewal now. What could be the reason to call me interview. I have a genuine travel need to travel for 7 days for attending conference.

please help

[Libra_14]

Probably they wanna verify that its you & you are still alive (last visa was issued before 10 years).

Secondly, they want to ensure that you won't be misusing B1 - by entering in USA using B1 visa & then switching to H1B.