Hopelessly Hopeful
Nov 21, 2022
H1-B Stamping Experience in London (Indian Passport Holder)
As this community was very helpful for me as I tried to get answers on this topic, I wanted to share my experience in getting my H1-B visa renewal stamped in London as an Indian passport holder working in NYC.
1. Third country nationals (or TCNs) are currently eligible to get their H1-B stamped in London or Belfast.
2. Use https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ to fill out and submit your DS-160.
3. Plan at least a month in advance. Appointments are fairly easy to come by but earlier planning is advisable.
4. A UK visitor visa (C visit) is required for Indian citizens to enter the UK which I already had.
5. Arrive at least 30 mins prior to your appointment. The queues outside the embassy can get long (mine was over an hour).
6. The new US embassy in London is a swanky building in Vauxhall and once inside, depending on the number of people that day and type of visa, it can take at least 45 mins for your interview with an officer.
7. All TCN applicants have to attend an interview. Unlike in India, dropbox is not an option for H1-B renewals.
8. My interview lasted about 5 mins. Was asked where I work and the officer confirmed I had a Green Card adjustment of status pending. The officer was very pleasant and approved my visa. Total time spent from the time of arrival outside the consulate to exit was approx. 2 hours.
9. The CEAC website DS-160 status changed immediately to ‘Approved.’ 5 days later it was changed to ‘Issued’.
10. Received an email saying passport was then dispatched and I chose to pick up from the DX location in Chancery Lane.
11. Picked up my passport on the 8th business day after my interview.
12. Overall, for anyone having issues finding appointments in India or elsewhere and have a visa to the UK, I would highly recommend exploring this option.
Good luck to all other applicants out there!
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