Hyderabad: The US embassy and consulates have cancelled all visa appointments in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. A statement by the US embassy said, 'US Mission India posts, in light of the. There is no expected regular visa processing reopening date available due to the ever-increasing number of Coronavirus cases in India. Earlier, on Aug 17, 2020, the US embassy in India had announced reopening with very limited appointments. Appointments were to be made available for the US embassy in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai: June – September 2020: South Korea: Long term applications only: New Delhi: June 2020: Dominican Republic: All visa categories: New Delhi: June 2020: UAE – DVPC: All visa categories (online); 30-day and 90-day tourist visas (in-VAC) Online and in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore. We use cookies to ensure that we give the best experience on our website. If you continue, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the IELTS website. However, the emergency visa appointment request depends upon availability. As such, it is the right of the Embassy to either grant or deny the request for the emergency appointment. Do keep in mind that only 1 expedited appointment request can be made by an applicant.
Home » USAUpdate Dec 7, 2020 – US embassy in India says that interview appointments in Feb and Mar 2021 will be canceled as they have not yet opened for regular visa processing due to the COVID-19 situation.
#1 Only 1 Request for Emergency Appointment Allowed
US embassy in India is only allowing only 1 request for emergency appointment per one visa application fee. Do not use this chance if you are just giving it a try without a real emergency.
#2 Visa application fee validity increased to Dec 2021
The US embassy will allow the extension of visa application till the end of Dec 2021 keeping in view the limited appointment available due to COVID-19. This is more than the normal 1-year validity.
#3 F1 Visa Emergency Criteria
Many people and immigration lawyer Murthy have reported that even though the US embassy officially said to allow emergency appointments when a student's session start date is less than 60 days from the date of appointment, the reality is that they are rarely allowing anyone with more than 3 weeks time.
#4 H1B, H4 – First time visa appointment after lottery
You are eligible to get an interview appointment only if you have an emergency until Mar 2021 end. This is different than the H1B travel ban.
The travel ban criteria are analyzed only once you have got a visa interview appointment and at the time of your actual interview.
#5 H1B, H4 Dropbox
H1B, H4, L1, L2 can get visa stamp processed if they are eligible for Dropbox even without proving emergency.
Dropbox Appointments are available earlier than Feb/Mar 2021 for all types of visa applications.
#6 B2 Emergency Appointment
You can request and get approval for an emergency appointment only if you have a life and death situation or medical emergencies.
All other types of visitor visa emergency requests are being denied straightaway.
#4 Other Points
- Only emergency visa appointments are available till Feb and March of 2021 for F, M, J, H, and L visas. The regularly scheduled appointments will be canceled unless the COVID-19 situation improves.
- Form 221g applications are being processed but at a slow pace due to a shortage of staff.
Earlier on Oct 20, 2020, the US embassy had clearly advised to not make any travel plans in winter if you will need a US visa stamp to return.
They are expecting long delays and non-availability of interview appointments.
Earliest US Visa Appointment Date Available?
There is no expected regular visa processing reopening date available due to the ever-increasing number of Coronavirus cases in India.
Earlier, on Aug 17, 2020, the US embassy in India had announced reopening with very limited appointments. Appointments were to be made available for the US embassy in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
But, it seems that they have closed again and there is no date available in near future.
This article will discuss:How to Apply Emergency Appointment Request- Experience 1
- Experience 2
How to Apply Emergency Appointment Request
Experience 1
I am sharing this if any of your family member/or yourself who is stuck in India and wants to reunite. This will be helpful for them.
My case is that I got married in the month of February and was unable to travel to the USA because of the COVID.
Finally, after a lot of thought, I decided to Opt for the Emergency appointment at the Mumbai Consulate for getting my visa. Normal visa processing is still shut.
My Case: Newly Married
Applied for: H4 Visa
What is an emergency situation?
They consider family separation as an emergency situation for getting a visa.
My case is a pure example of that and I have seen cases where they have denied also if they don't find your reason genuine.
My case was from Mumbai and most of the cases of family separation have been considered from (Mumbai and Delhi consulate ). It is important to select the consulate wisely.
Hyderabad Consulates are denying EA based on family separation.
I followed the steps as:
- Select the first available appointment.
- As soon as you schedule your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email from the consulate stating your new scheduled appointment. (In my case I could see the nearest date as Feb 17th, 2021)
- You will notice that there is an additional tab named Emergency request added on the left side of your screen.
- Copyright am22tech.com
- Once you click on EA, you need 4 things to fill in
- Your tentative date to travel (closest to the present month, I selected 20th August)
- Reason for Emergency – I selected Medical needs, as this caused me and my partner mental stress and anxiety.
- A brief explanation of Emergency. I mentioned details of me getting married recently and this distance causing me mental stress and anxiety. Try writing it crisp, small, and to the point. I did not write anything about the doctor or medical condition.
- Attachments: you can submit up to 5 attachments. (I submitted my husband's passport, i-797, H1B visa, i94, Marriage certificate)
- H4 visa stamping documents checklist.
- Submit and wait for their decision. I submitted my EA request on the 31st of July and got my EA approved on the 3rd of August. Give them 24-48 hrs to reply back.
- Log back into your profile when your EA is approved And select the closest OFC and consular date.
- NOTE: they take a Biometric and visa interview on the same date even if the OFC date is different, so please go on the date of your consular appointment.
- Schedule the EA appointment.
- Print the appointment confirmation page.
Interview date: 7th August 2020
Time: 8:30 am
Place: Mumbai Consulate
I reached there before time but they started the visa interview late. They asked me to submit for husbands I-797, my photograph 2*2 white background, Ds -160 confirmation page, my passport at the very beginning before the interview.
Questions asked:
- Is this your first time for H4 or a renewal
- Show your marriage certificate and wedding album
- When did you get married
- Where does your husband live
- What company does he work for
- Brief details of spouse work
- What did I do in turkey (I visited there in 2019, so details about that)
- Did I travel anywhere in 2020
- Where do I work here
- How do I plan to quarantine in the US
- Since how long do you know him
- Details about my Work profile
I got my visa approved. These 6 months of being separated from my family have been the worst time of my life, especially after my wedding. I hope that this write-up will help many to reunite with their families during these uncertain times.
My VO was very friendly and sweet.
Experience 2
The sequence of events as shared by our guest:
- He sent an email on June first week to the Hyderabad US embassy asking for help.
- Embassy reply: Embassy closed. Cannot process applications.
- Follow up email in July first week requesting help for H4 dependents.
- Embassy reply (July first week): Embassy cannot process H4 visa applications due to Travel ban EO signed by trump.
- Embassy reply (July 15): Send documents to prove emergency for H4 visa.
Can you request emergency Appointment?
If your H4 family is stuck in India, you can give it a try and try requesting an expedited visa processing by sharing details such as:
- Your kid (H4) is missing school and has never attended school in India.
- Your H4 spouse does not work in the USA – so there is no chance of affecting American worker jobs. Chances are good in this case but not guaranteed.
Travel Ban Restrictions
If you are trying to apply for a visa category that currently has travel restrictions like H1B, L1, J1, or their dependents, then you may not be issued a visa.
Open App in new Window >
FAQ
Will dropbox appointment be allowed after Embassy Reopening?Dropbox appointments are available but in limited numbers due to COVID distancing rules.Note that you may be called for an in-person visa interview even if you are eligible for dropbox.
There is no guarantee that you will be given a faster interview appointment if they issue the form 221g after the dropbox.Will my Visa interview fees be refunded?US visa fees are non-refundable.
It is valid for 1 year from the date of payment. As far as we know, the US embassy has not announced an extension of this fee payment validity.
US embassy will give you a chance to reschedule your visa appointment later without paying fees again.Can I visit any other country for my US visa stamp outside India?You can visit any other country for your US visa stamp if you can and the embassy is open there.
Some people are trying to visit Canada or Mexico to get a US visa stamp if the US embassy is open there.
You should carefully check the travel restrictions before buying any flight tickets or booking an interview appointment with the US embassy.Can I work remotely from India on US payroll?You can work remotely from India. Short term work from outside the USA on H1B or L1 visa is acceptable.
Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020 Calendar
Home » IndiaOffsite Facilitation Center (OFC) is set up by the US embassy to enable faster processing of visa applications by taking your fingerprints and visa photographs before your US visa interview.
As mentioned, the watermelon in this slot machine acts as a wild icon – they didn't call in Wild Melon for nothing! This essentially means that all of the other symbols in the game can potentially be replaced by this mouthwatering melon icon if there is a chance to complete a winning combination. Watermelon slot machine icon images.
This process of giving fingerprints is known as ‘Biometric' and you need an appointment to visit the OFC center.
This biometric is different than what is being done at USCIS – ASC center in the USA.
This article will discuss:
Documents Required
You should carry these documents for your OFC center appointment:
- Original Passport (All old/expired passports should also be carried)
- Appointment Confirmation Page – Printed Hard Copy is mandatory. They won't let you enter if you do NOT have a hard copy with you. This is strictly enforced in India, at-least.
- DS-160 confirmation Page – Printed Hard Copy is mandatory. They won't let you enter if you do NOT have a hard copy with you. This is strictly enforced in India, at-least.
Process
There is no visa interview done at the OFC center. You will just be asked to show your passport, DS-160, and appointment confirmation.
Once you are at the center:
- You will wait for your turn to be called.
- Once you are called, your all 10 fingers are scanned (fingerprints). This is also known as ten printing.
- Your photo for Visa is clicked by OFC center executives. No need to carry your visa photos with you.
Once done, you can leave the OFC center and then visit the US embassy to appear for your visa interview on the scheduled appointment date.
After the visa interview at the US consulate, you will have to visit the same OFC center again to collect your passport irrespective of visa is approved or not.
You may be eligible for a visa interview waiver and can use the DropBox facility. In that case, just drop your documents in the dropbox and wait for your visa approval confirmation. Most dropbox locations in India are the same as OFC centers.
You will need your DS-160 printed form again to collect the passport.
Note that this happens in a separate visit to the OFC center.
Fees
There are no separate fees for the OFC appointment. The visa fees that you pay for a US visa interview include the OFC Bio-metrics fees too.
This means that you pay a single fee for DS160, Biometric and US visa interview in India.
Appointment
The OFC appointment is scheduled along with your visa interview appointment. The only thing to keep in mind is that the OFC appointment should happen before your visa interview.
Uk Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020
FAQ
Can I Carry Mobile or Small bag inside OFC center?You are not allowed to take any bag, mobile, or anything else with you inside the OFC office.All individuals entering the facility are thoroughly checked and scanned.
There are no options to keep mobile safely anywhere at most centers. There is no guarantee that it will be available.
Some nearby shops may offer a mobile locker for a fee. Be prepared to pay in cash.
What is an emergency situation?
They consider family separation as an emergency situation for getting a visa.
My case is a pure example of that and I have seen cases where they have denied also if they don't find your reason genuine.
My case was from Mumbai and most of the cases of family separation have been considered from (Mumbai and Delhi consulate ). It is important to select the consulate wisely.
Hyderabad Consulates are denying EA based on family separation.
I followed the steps as:
- Select the first available appointment.
- As soon as you schedule your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email from the consulate stating your new scheduled appointment. (In my case I could see the nearest date as Feb 17th, 2021)
- You will notice that there is an additional tab named Emergency request added on the left side of your screen.
- Copyright am22tech.com
- Once you click on EA, you need 4 things to fill in
- Your tentative date to travel (closest to the present month, I selected 20th August)
- Reason for Emergency – I selected Medical needs, as this caused me and my partner mental stress and anxiety.
- A brief explanation of Emergency. I mentioned details of me getting married recently and this distance causing me mental stress and anxiety. Try writing it crisp, small, and to the point. I did not write anything about the doctor or medical condition.
- Attachments: you can submit up to 5 attachments. (I submitted my husband's passport, i-797, H1B visa, i94, Marriage certificate)
- H4 visa stamping documents checklist.
- Submit and wait for their decision. I submitted my EA request on the 31st of July and got my EA approved on the 3rd of August. Give them 24-48 hrs to reply back.
- Log back into your profile when your EA is approved And select the closest OFC and consular date.
- NOTE: they take a Biometric and visa interview on the same date even if the OFC date is different, so please go on the date of your consular appointment.
- Schedule the EA appointment.
- Print the appointment confirmation page.
Interview date: 7th August 2020
Time: 8:30 am
Place: Mumbai Consulate
I reached there before time but they started the visa interview late. They asked me to submit for husbands I-797, my photograph 2*2 white background, Ds -160 confirmation page, my passport at the very beginning before the interview.
Questions asked:
- Is this your first time for H4 or a renewal
- Show your marriage certificate and wedding album
- When did you get married
- Where does your husband live
- What company does he work for
- Brief details of spouse work
- What did I do in turkey (I visited there in 2019, so details about that)
- Did I travel anywhere in 2020
- Where do I work here
- How do I plan to quarantine in the US
- Since how long do you know him
- Details about my Work profile
I got my visa approved. These 6 months of being separated from my family have been the worst time of my life, especially after my wedding. I hope that this write-up will help many to reunite with their families during these uncertain times.
My VO was very friendly and sweet.
Experience 2
The sequence of events as shared by our guest:
- He sent an email on June first week to the Hyderabad US embassy asking for help.
- Embassy reply: Embassy closed. Cannot process applications.
- Follow up email in July first week requesting help for H4 dependents.
- Embassy reply (July first week): Embassy cannot process H4 visa applications due to Travel ban EO signed by trump.
- Embassy reply (July 15): Send documents to prove emergency for H4 visa.
Can you request emergency Appointment?
If your H4 family is stuck in India, you can give it a try and try requesting an expedited visa processing by sharing details such as:
- Your kid (H4) is missing school and has never attended school in India.
- Your H4 spouse does not work in the USA – so there is no chance of affecting American worker jobs. Chances are good in this case but not guaranteed.
Travel Ban Restrictions
If you are trying to apply for a visa category that currently has travel restrictions like H1B, L1, J1, or their dependents, then you may not be issued a visa.
Open App in new Window >
FAQ
Will dropbox appointment be allowed after Embassy Reopening?Dropbox appointments are available but in limited numbers due to COVID distancing rules.Note that you may be called for an in-person visa interview even if you are eligible for dropbox.
There is no guarantee that you will be given a faster interview appointment if they issue the form 221g after the dropbox.Will my Visa interview fees be refunded?US visa fees are non-refundable.
It is valid for 1 year from the date of payment. As far as we know, the US embassy has not announced an extension of this fee payment validity.
US embassy will give you a chance to reschedule your visa appointment later without paying fees again.Can I visit any other country for my US visa stamp outside India?You can visit any other country for your US visa stamp if you can and the embassy is open there.
Some people are trying to visit Canada or Mexico to get a US visa stamp if the US embassy is open there.
You should carefully check the travel restrictions before buying any flight tickets or booking an interview appointment with the US embassy.Can I work remotely from India on US payroll?You can work remotely from India. Short term work from outside the USA on H1B or L1 visa is acceptable.
Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020 Calendar
Home » IndiaOffsite Facilitation Center (OFC) is set up by the US embassy to enable faster processing of visa applications by taking your fingerprints and visa photographs before your US visa interview.
As mentioned, the watermelon in this slot machine acts as a wild icon – they didn't call in Wild Melon for nothing! This essentially means that all of the other symbols in the game can potentially be replaced by this mouthwatering melon icon if there is a chance to complete a winning combination. Watermelon slot machine icon images.
This process of giving fingerprints is known as ‘Biometric' and you need an appointment to visit the OFC center.
This biometric is different than what is being done at USCIS – ASC center in the USA.
This article will discuss:Documents Required
You should carry these documents for your OFC center appointment:
- Original Passport (All old/expired passports should also be carried)
- Appointment Confirmation Page – Printed Hard Copy is mandatory. They won't let you enter if you do NOT have a hard copy with you. This is strictly enforced in India, at-least.
- DS-160 confirmation Page – Printed Hard Copy is mandatory. They won't let you enter if you do NOT have a hard copy with you. This is strictly enforced in India, at-least.
Process
There is no visa interview done at the OFC center. You will just be asked to show your passport, DS-160, and appointment confirmation.
Once you are at the center:
- You will wait for your turn to be called.
- Once you are called, your all 10 fingers are scanned (fingerprints). This is also known as ten printing.
- Your photo for Visa is clicked by OFC center executives. No need to carry your visa photos with you.
Once done, you can leave the OFC center and then visit the US embassy to appear for your visa interview on the scheduled appointment date.
After the visa interview at the US consulate, you will have to visit the same OFC center again to collect your passport irrespective of visa is approved or not.
You may be eligible for a visa interview waiver and can use the DropBox facility. In that case, just drop your documents in the dropbox and wait for your visa approval confirmation. Most dropbox locations in India are the same as OFC centers.
You will need your DS-160 printed form again to collect the passport.
Note that this happens in a separate visit to the OFC center.
Fees
There are no separate fees for the OFC appointment. The visa fees that you pay for a US visa interview include the OFC Bio-metrics fees too.
This means that you pay a single fee for DS160, Biometric and US visa interview in India.
Appointment
The OFC appointment is scheduled along with your visa interview appointment. The only thing to keep in mind is that the OFC appointment should happen before your visa interview.
Uk Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020
FAQ
Can I Carry Mobile or Small bag inside OFC center?You are not allowed to take any bag, mobile, or anything else with you inside the OFC office.All individuals entering the facility are thoroughly checked and scanned.
There are no options to keep mobile safely anywhere at most centers. There is no guarantee that it will be available.
Some nearby shops may offer a mobile locker for a fee. Be prepared to pay in cash.Do they speak in Hindi, Tamil or Local language at OFC center?You will find local language speaking staff members at the OFC center as it is mostly managed by third-party local consulting companies.Can OFC center manager help with US visa?The OFC facility is managed by a local company and you won't find/see anybody from the US embassy there. Nobody can help you with getting a US visa here.
Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020 Date
Your visa interview is NOT carried out at the OFC center. You have to visit the US embassy separately for the Visa interview process.Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020 Year
Need Help?Ask Question PrivatelyAsk us to fill USA Forms
Visa Slots Availability In Hyderabad 2020 Today
