Biometric appointment option not visible

[Nehamuppa]

Hi experts,
I am going thru some issue which I don't understand how to overcome.
we got our h1 approval in April, 21 and since then we were trying to book an appointment for visa interview. Finally got a slot booked for Nov 1,2021.
The issue is during the application submission we didn't see any option for VAC appointment. Today she we enquired with embassy they said the status as 'submitted' and its a system error and asking us to cancel the appointment and try to fill the application again.

what do we do now? How did the status showed submitted without any information provided regardingVAC appointment details.
THIS IS OUR second h1b application. We lived inUS for 6yrs, due to some family situations we moved to India for good and after living in India for 7yrs we again applied for h1b with i-140(labor)

CAN anyone suggest what to do please

Thanks in advance

Neha

[rkk09]

Hi,
Unfortunately you will not have any options. But, you can try contact customer support to do something on the application.
Thanks

[Nehamuppa]

Thank you for the reply....we called customer service they said it's system fault and we have to write a mail to US embassy stating the situation and cancel the appointment. SO that they will reset that field and start the application process again which is not the acceptable solution considering the slot availability situation now. For system fault why should a normal citizen suffer . At least they are not giving any support or help to schedule appointment. Instead just a sorry and we are helpless answer from them.

[rkk09]

Hi,
Yes. You are right. Sometimes it will happen and we can not do anything. I recommend follow the instruction given by customer support and expedite the process.
Thanks

[Nehamuppa]

Thank you for the reply. Did as per the directions but it's been more than 48hrs still no response. Called them and they said they will highlight the case . I think they are trained to say so. Have to wait for the reply that's all we can do for now.

Crossed our fingers

Thank you

[rkk09]

Hi,
Hope you will get positive response from them very soon.
All the best.
Thanks

[Nehamuppa]

Yes got reply from them saying case closed and to start our application.
But no appointments are available for now...and you know what form many attempts my account got frozen and have to wait wait 72hrs to reset.

God why it's happening to me((

[rkk09]

Hi,
Nothing to worry. After the wait time, Keep checking the dates. But don't try to view calendar page many times. Just log in and see recent available appointment date which you can see in the ustraveldocs page then plan accordingly.
Thanks.

[Nehamuppa]

Hi,
i have a question regarding the appointment booking.I am trying to book ofc appointment it shows view dates available when I try to book them it says ofc/consular appointment is not available and will not give an option at least to select ofc appointment. Is it like do we have to book both appointments at one time and one place ?

why am I not able to book at-least ofc appointment first then when dates are available for consular appointment.

ate we missing anything again in the application ?

[rkk09]

Hi,
Please see my response below.
Is it like do we have to book both appointments at one time and one place ?
Answer: Normally, Once you book finger prints date only it will move to next page which is Interview date. So, You can book both OFC and Interview dates in same time. But, It is not compulsory that, you will have to book Biometric and interview in the same consulate/embassy. If you can able to see the dates in different location, Yes you can do that. But, Please make sure, you can able to travel in between.
why am I not able to book at-least ofc appointment first then when dates are available for consular appointment?
Answer: This means, then there is no dates available for both the process.
are we missing anything again in the application ?
Answer: I am not sure about this. But, if you could not see both the dates means there is no dates are available for another couple of weeks. As I keep suggesting, Please keep checking and you can surely capture the dates.
Thanks

[Nehamuppa]

Thanks a lot .....understood now......overall summary is to wait wait wait and check regularly until dates are availableto book (if lucky) ................rkk09

[Nehamuppa]

Hi everyone,
finally we booked ofc and consular in September.
my question is we filled and submitted ds-160 in April and now I cannot retrieve it. I read online that it is valid only for 30days. Do I have to again fill a new ds-160 form again and update it in the application?

thank you in advance

neha

[rkk09]

Hi,
No need. As long as the information is accurate and current, you can utilize the same form. Actually 30 days time period is only for retrieval.
And once you book the slot, Its very hard to change any details in ustraveldocs page. You will again call to customer support and get help.. So, Please make sure all details are correct and current.
Thanks

[Nehamuppa]

Hi,
One more question……my elder daughter is born in US and younger in India. Do I have to take along younger one for biometrics and visa interview?
I have seen somewhere that below age 14they don’t have to attend for biometrics and visa interview. Is that correct?

if I call embassy will they help?

[rkk09]

Hi,
Yes. You are correct.
Please see below consulate/ embassy requirements for Applicants Under 14.
Requirements
Applicants under 14 years of age or over 80 years of age from the date of submission are not required to appear for a nonimmigrant visa interview at any Embassy/Consulate in India. Such applicants may submit their visa applications through theInterview Waiver. All other rules, requirements and fees for those under 14 years of age and over 80 years of age remain in effect.
Supporting Documents
All applicants must include the following documents when submitting their applications:

1. Applicant's current and all old passports
2. A completed DS-160 confirmation page.
3. A visa fee receipt for the current visa application .
4. Child below 14 years of age must submit a photocopy of each parent’s passport biographic information page and valid U.S. visa (note that if parents do not hold U.S. visas, children are not eligible for the interview waiver).
5. Accompanying Guardians/Parents can carry the child documents with one hard copy photograph as per US Visa Specification.

Note: Parents having the appointment scheduled together with the child under 14 years of age should submit the required above documents during the time of their Interview at Embassy/Consulate. Visa issuance for those not appearing in person is not guaranteed. The Embassy /Consulate may in some cases, after reviewing an application, require the child to appear in person.
Thanks