H1B renewal stamping - DS 160 questions

[Mahantesh Ambiger]

Hi All,

I am going to India in December for vacation. I have to go for visa stamping this time as my visa is expiring in September. While filling out DS-160 form, I Came across few questions for which I need your inputs.

1. Is there a different DS-160 application form for new and renewals? or its the same for everyone.
2. for the question "Have you ever been issued a U.S. visa?" what should I be answering.
3. Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services? - My employer has just applied for PERM in June. What should I be answering for this question.
4. I remember I uploaded my photograph with the visa specifications when I was filling out DS160 in 2012. Now, it looks like no photo upload is required. Can you please confirm this?

Thanks in advance,
Mahantesh

[raghvi]

Hi All,

I am going to India in December for vacation. I have to go for visa stamping this time as my visa is expiring in September. While filling out DS-160 form, I Came across few questions for which I need your inputs.

1. Is there a different DS-160 application form for new and renewals? or its the same for everyone.
2. for the question "Have you ever been issued a U.S. visa?" what should I be answering.
3. Has anyone ever filed an immigrant petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services? - My employer has just applied for PERM in June. What should I be answering for this question.
4. I remember I uploaded my photograph with the visa specifications when I was filling out DS160 in 2012. Now, it looks like no photo upload is required. Can you please confirm this?

Thanks in advance,
Mahantesh

1. Same for everyone.
2. How did you enter US the first time? I believe you had a valid visa stamped in passport the first time you entered US. If you did, then the answer would be Yes.
3.PERM is not equivalent to immigrant petition, I140 is the immigrant petition, if I140 is filed/pending/approved then the answer would be Yes.
4. You are right. Nowadays, there is an additional appointment required(generally a day before) for fingerprint, and photo, prior to actual visa.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[Mahantesh Ambiger]

Thank you!

2. Yes, I came with the H1B.

-Mahantesh

[Mahantesh Ambiger]

H1B - Visa Interview Chennai

Hi - Do you know how many days prior the slots will be open for scheduling the interview?

Thanks,
Mahantesh

[raghvi]

Hi - Do you know how many days prior the slots will be open for scheduling the interview?

Thanks,
Mahantesh

Cant say. My opinion is its fairly easy to get a slot of within 10-15 days from the time of filling DS-160, but cant say for sure.

This is my opinion not legal advice.