H1-B Intervew Waiver Program in Mumbai

[indian_guy0219]

Hi,
For those who have gotten their visas stamped via the interview waiver program - I believe we still need to take an appointment for submitting the documents? Is Sunday available as an option for this appointment? how easily are these appointments available at the Mumbai consulate? How long does it typically take before the passport is available for pick up?

Thanks!!

[raghvi]

Hi,
For those who have gotten their visas stamped via the interview waiver program - I believe we still need to take an appointment for submitting the documents? Is Sunday available as an option for this appointment? how easily are these appointments available at the Mumbai consulate? How long does it typically take before the passport is available for pick up?

Thanks!!

I dont think one is required to take an appointment for submission of documents. Yes , it is advisable to go early, as there is a queue , first-come-first served.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[indian_guy0219]

I dont think one is required to take an appointment for submission of documents. Yes , it is advisable to go early, as there is a queue , first-come-first served.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

Raghvi, thanks for your response. To make sure I am clear on this, I will lay out both the processes below (without IWP and with IWP)

Process without IWP:
1. Complete DS-160
2. Pay visa fees
3. Schedule interview appointment
4. Schedule OFC appointment for fingerprinting and photograph
5. On day of OFC appoint, go to OFC and get fingerprinting done and photograph taken at OFC
6. On day of inteview appointment, go to consulate.
7. Visa decision will be communicated at the end of interfiew
8. Pick up passport at pickup location 3-4 days after interview.


Process with IWP:
1. Complete DS-160
2. Pay visa fees
3. Somewhere on UStravelDocs website I will be told that I qualify for IWP.
4. Go to the US consulate and drop off required documents. (no need to take any appointment for this)
5. Pick up passport at pickup location 3-4 days after dropping off.

Is the above correct?

Questions:
1. Is there a maximum number days betweem when you submit the DS-160 and submit the documents? I believe the visa fee receipt is valid for 1 year so is that the only limit? (i.e. if I am planning to go to India in October/November is it ok if I complete my DS-160 and pay the visa fees in May?)
2. If the consulate still wants to interview me (even if I qualify for IWP) will it inform me after I submit the DS-160 electronically or after I drop off the documents or either?
3. If the consulate wants to interview me, can I get a appointment immediately or do I have to look up their website to see when slots are available? (my concern is because I will be in India for 5-6 working days only)
4. What is the difference between interview waiver program and interview waiver program (drop box)?

Thanks again for your help!!

[raghvi]

Raghvi, thanks for your response. To make sure I am clear on this, I will lay out both the processes below (without IWP and with IWP)

Process without IWP:
1. Complete DS-160
2. Pay visa fees
3. Schedule interview appointment
4. Schedule OFC appointment for fingerprinting and photograph
5. On day of OFC appoint, go to OFC and get fingerprinting done and photograph taken at OFC
6. On day of inteview appointment, go to consulate.
7. Visa decision will be communicated at the end of interfiew
8. Pick up passport at pickup location 3-4 days after interview.


Process with IWP:
1. Complete DS-160
2. Pay visa fees
3. Somewhere on UStravelDocs website I will be told that I qualify for IWP.
4. Go to the US consulate and drop off required documents. (no need to take any appointment for this)
5. Pick up passport at pickup location 3-4 days after dropping off.

Is the above correct?

Questions:
1. Is there a maximum number days betweem when you submit the DS-160 and submit the documents? I believe the visa fee receipt is valid for 1 year so is that the only limit? (i.e. if I am planning to go to India in October/November is it ok if I complete my DS-160 and pay the visa fees in May?)
2. If the consulate still wants to interview me (even if I qualify for IWP) will it inform me after I submit the DS-160 electronically or after I drop off the documents or either?
3. If the consulate wants to interview me, can I get a appointment immediately or do I have to look up their website to see when slots are available? (my concern is because I will be in India for 5-6 working days only)
4. What is the difference between interview waiver program and interview waiver program (drop box)?

Thanks again for your help!!

Your process flow for both IWP and non IWP seem right to me. The last part of 3-4 days is not etched in stone, they would send you a message as and when the passport if available for pick up.
1. Yes, possible as long as what you mention in the DS-160 does not dont change between May and Oct/Nov, that is no travel, employer change etc.
2. After you drop off the documents.
3. Yes, I believe so.
4. I dont think there is. http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visarenew.asp

This is my opinion not legal advice.