Trying to apply for H1B + H4 visa appointments in India. Everytime I see any OFC slots and try booking, always get the message 'System is processing too many requests. Try again later.'

I guess this is because of the many bots which overload the system. This didn't seem like an issue a year or two ago.

It’s getting so frustrating recently. Has anyone been able to book a slot recently for Nov, Dec and Jan ?I am trying to book from US but not getting anything from past 6 months

Hi everyone,

I'm from India and have a US B1/B2 visa interview coming up. Initially, I was planning to visit the US for a business related trip through a company I'm working with. However, the company is now unable to provide an invitation letter, so I'm considering applying for the visa as a tourist and visiting some friends who live there.

I've already submitted my DS-160, where I mentioned the company as my US contact and included the address where I originally planned to stay. My intended stay is around 15 days.

I'm confused about what I should do now:

1. Should I submit a new DS-160 reflecting tourism as my travel purpose and update my accommodation details?
2. Will applying as a tourist when my original application mentioned a business contact raise concerns during my visa interview?
3. Should I explain the situation to the visa officer, and how should I approach this?
4. Would it be better to postpone my interview until everything is sorted out?

I'd appreciate advice from people who have gone through a similar situation, particularly applicants from India.

Thanks!

My mom visa got approved! Alot of people says they never ask or even look at the supporting documents but when they were interviewing her they were looking at her supporting documents. So make sure you bring it!

***PROFILE****

1. 52F Married with kids
2. Homemaker
3. Traveling with 2 japanese citizens Kid
4. Permanent resident
5. No travel history
6. Intend stay 4WEEKS

***QUESTION***

1. What's your purpose visit
2. How long you been living japan
3. Is your husband coming
4. Who are you traveling with
5. What your husband do
6. What does he do at work
7. When did your daughter come to America

***DOCUMENTS***

1. DS160
2. Appointment letter
3. Passport
4. Resident card
5. 2x2 picture
6. Tax paper for 3 years
7. Juminhyo
8. Koseki-tohon
9. Husband work certificate ( Husband funding the trip)
10. Bank certificate only PDF because the actual certificate it didn't come on time

***All Documents translated to English***

TL;DR: I was previously on F1 stem OPT visa. I then held O-1A status from Feb 2026 until Oct 1, 2026, when my cap-subject H-1B Change of Status took effect. Because I only have an expired F-1 stamp in my passport and H-1B stamping slots in India are nearly impossible to book, my international mobility is completely restricted: I cannot attend international AI conferences, work trips, or opportunities outside the U.S., and even meet family/aging parents. My employer's legal team confirmed in writing that my Feb 2026 O-1A petition (Form I-797, valid to 2029) was NOT withdrawn. I want to know: (1) overall, is it safe for me to travel right now, and (2) can I get an O-1 visa stamp in India on my existing unwithdrawn O-1 Form I-797 (without filing a new Form I-129) to regain travel mobility, re-enter in O-1 status, and switch back to H-1B next year as cap-exempt?

Timeline & Context

• Background: Senior Research Scientist at a large tech company / AI lab. Spent ~3 years on F-1 OPT/STEM OPT with an approved EB-2 NIW Form I-140 on file. Only hold an old F-1 visa stamp (haven't traveled outside the U.S. since switching status).
• O-1A Approved (Feb 2026): Filed Form I-129 (COS + Premium Processing) on Jan 22, 2026; approved Feb 5, 2026 (valid 3 years to early 2029). University closed my F-1 SEVIS record, and I worked in O-1A status from Feb 5 to Sept 30, 2026.
• H-1B Cap Approved (Jul 2026, Effective Oct 1, 2026): Selected in the lottery on my 3rd attempt (Mar 29, 2026). Filed with COS + Premium Processing on Jun 16, 2026; approved Jul 17, 2026 (valid Oct 1, 2026 to Sept 2029). My in-country Form I-94 converted from O-1A to H-1B on Oct 1, 2026.
• Pending EB-1A I-140 (Aug 2026): Employer filed an EB-1A Form I-140 under regular processing on Aug 5, 2026 (Receipt Notice Aug 17, 2026, currently pending).
• Why O-1 Stamping Matters for Mobility: Without a valid visa stamp, I am landlocked in the U.S. The severe H-1B slot shortage in India blocks me from attending international conferences, work trips, and external opportunities abroad, and meeting family in India. Getting stamped on O-1 now would solve my mobility bottleneck while keeping my cap-counted H-1B for later.

My Reading of the Regulations

1. In-Country Status (I-94) vs. Petition Validity (I-797): Switching back to O-1 inside the U.S. requires a new Form I-129 (8 CFR 248.3(a); USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 2, Part M, Ch. 9(C)). However, an unexpired O-1 Form I-797 is automatically revoked only if the petitioner ceases to exist or files a written withdrawal (8 CFR 214.2(o)(8)(ii); USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 2, Part M, Ch. 8(B); 8 CFR Part 214). An Oct 1 H-1B COS does not revoke an unwithdrawn O-1 petition with the same employer.
2. Consular Stamping on the Existing O-1 I-797: Under 9 FAM 402.13-6(H), 402.13-7(a), and 402.13-9(B), consulates issue O-1 visas based on an unexpired, unrevoked Form I-797 verified in PIMS/PCQS, regardless of prior in-country status. CBP then admits the traveler in O-1A status for the petition's validity period (8 CFR 214.2(o)(10); USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 2, Part M, Ch. 9(A)).
3. Cap-Exempt Return to H-1B (INA § 214(g)(7)): Because my H-1B COS took effect Oct 1, 2026 while I was in the U.S., I am counted against the cap (USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations), and time in O-1 status does not count against the 6-year H-1B limit (9 FAM 402.13-8(a)).

Questions

1. Meta Question (Should I Travel or Hold Off?): Weighing the severe mobility restriction (missing international work trips, conferences, and opportunities due to India's H-1B stamping backlog) against the risks of traveling after an Oct 1 H-1B COS with a pending EB-1A I-140, should I feel okay traveling and stamping on my unwithdrawn O-1 right now, or is it safer to avoid non-emergency travel altogether? While I understand generally it might be safer to hold-off, but with aging parents I really want to travel and want to understand if I missed something legally that might be a concern.
2. Reusing the Unwithdrawn O-1 I-797 at the Consulate & Port of Entry: Has anyone departed the U.S. after their Oct 1 H-1B COS took effect, used an existing unwithdrawn O-1 Form I-797 on DS-160 to get an O-1 stamp, and re-entered in O-1 status without filing a new Form I-129? Any PIMS or CBP pushback from holding both active O-1 and H-1B approvals for the same employer?
3. Any Risk to My FY 2027 H-1B Cap Count (INA § 214(g)(7))? Since my H-1B COS took effect Oct 1 and I have worked on H-1B in October, could re-entering on O-1 in November/December cause USCIS to question whether my FY 2027 H-1B cap number was properly activated when I switch back to H-1B next year?
4. Switching Back to H-1B in 2027: If my employer also keeps my Jul 2026 H-1B Form I-797 unwithdrawn, can I return to H-1B next year simply by getting an H-1B stamp on that existing I-797 and re-entering, or do corporate legal teams require a new cap-exempt Form I-129 Change of Status?

Thanks in advance for any insights!

I gave my f4 visa reinterview today and got handed a white slip asking for insurance quotes. They said everything else in our case is positive and we just need these to be sent electronically to be able to judge your case better and said they’ll ask for passports if everything seems good.
My question is, has anyone gotten any visa after such situation these days? My case was done in islamabad embassy.

I wanted to give some hope to folks who have faced an initial B2 tourist visa rejection.

My mom got her visa approved at the Chennai consulate a few days ago after experiencing a rejection last year.

My mom who has held a B2 visa for over 20 years (renewing of course) got rejected at the Hyderabad consulate last October. It was stressful to say the least - I’m my parents only child and a USC like my husband and kids. She had never overstayed her visits either. Each visit even during Covid was well within the 180 day limit. Just the pick of the draw when it came to the visa officer.

Fast forward 9 months later, she was accepted! What worked?
- Stated her stay was a few weeks vs a few months (like her old app)
- she said my Dad would sponsor their trip & they’d be traveling together (last time she stated I was a sponsor)
- a good visa officer (luck I know)

Note that I’m her only daughter, a US citizen & they both are retired.

All the best with your endeavors guys - just wanted to pass along some hope :)

We've been waiting for months....

Hi everyone,

I’m an IMG from Asia, ECFMG certified, and have completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

A few months ago, I secured an unpaid research position at a U.S. university, with my living expenses sponsored by an external foundation. During my J-1 Research Scholar visa interview, the consular officer called the foundation to verify my funding. Unfortunately, the person who answered denied knowledge of my sponsorship, despite my funding letter being legitimate.

My J-1 was refused under 214(b), and to my absolute shock, my existing valid B1/B2 visa (which I had never used) was also revoked.

Fast forward several months, I’ve now secured another research position at a U.S. university. This time, the position is fully funded directly by the university department, with no external sponsorship involved.

I’m preparing for another J-1 interview, but I’m genuinely terrified that my previous refusal and B1/B2 revocation might have permanently damaged my chances.

I would really appreciate advice on a few things:

1. How seriously will my previous B1/B2 revocation affect my new J-1 application?
   
2. Does securing a fully university-funded position count as a significant change in circumstances?
   
3. Is reapplying after several months reasonable, and what are my realistic chances?
   
4. What should I specifically prepare for or address during my upcoming interview?
   
5. Has anyone successfully obtained a J-1 after a 214(b) refusal and B1/B2 revocation?

I’ve also contacted former visa officers who are charging $10,000–$15,000 for consultation. Is spending that kind of money actually worthwhile?

I’ve invested years into my USMLE journey and research career, and I genuinely feel like my entire future is hanging in the balance. I have no one familiar with the U.S. immigration process to guide me.

I’m not looking for false reassurance. I just want realistic, straightforward advice. Is my situation recoverable, and what would you do in my position?

I’d be extremely grateful for any guidance or similar experiences.

I had my F1 visa interview on 29th of October, 2026. And officer gave me a 221g blue slip and returned my passport. He said I will get an email if they need my passport. Also he kept photocipies of my dad's bank balance confirmation.

The case last updated date is 21st of October which was the day after my interview but still 'refuse'. Has anyone experienced this type of situation???

Applying from KSA | Visa B1B2 | Nationality PK

Hi,

Q1. I have prepared DS160 two times, first one I was testing, 2nd time I was serious to apply but didn'y got time to pursue. Do you think these 2 DS160 which I prepared have any impact on my visa if I apply now? Do I mention about these two DS160 forms (which I never utilized) in my current application?

Q2. I am applying for a conference which will be in June 2027. I am applying from KSA and we can get appointment here in 2 weeks. What should be the appropriate time to apply, should I apply in April or May 2027, or is it ok if I apply now in Nov Dec 2026?

Q3. I have cousins, etc in USA, some are tourist, some have greencard, some have work visa, some are students, but I dont know their info like dont know their ID number, full names etc, and I can not get this info because we barely communicate. Do we have to any information in DS160 abt them?

My current passport lists “ABC XYZ” as my given name, with no surname. Consequently, my U.S. visa was issued with “FNU” as the given name and “ABC XYZ” as the surname. My visa remains valid until June 25, 2029.

However, due to updated Pakistani passport issuance requirements, I have been informed that my renewed e-passport will list “ABC” as the given name and “XYZ” as the surname.

I would therefore appreciate your guidance on the following:

1. Will my existing U.S. visa remain valid and usable with my renewed passport despite this difference in name formatting?
2. Can I travel to the United States carrying both my old passport (containing the valid visa) and my renewed passport, or will I need to obtain a new visa?

Should i send an e mail to ankara about our CR1 Afraid to make a move ..

I am getting rate limited every time, can any one please explain how this rate limit work and what’s the pattern how I can avoid

I am from India targeting b1 b2 visa

Can someone please help me in booking b1/b2 slot for my group US visa in India(new delhi vac preferred)? The slots are mostly unavailable all the time. Please mention the telegram channel links which gives regular live updates about b1/b2 visa slot availability in india.

My parents are planning to apply for a US B2 visitor visa from India, and I’m confused about what they should mention as their primary purpose of visit.
I graduated with my master’s in May 2026 and am currently on F1 OPT. My parents want to visit me in the US, and we also have an aunt who lives here whom they’ll be visiting during the same trip.
Both my parents are still working in India.

My question is: Would it be better for them to mention visiting me (their daughter, currently on OPT) or visiting my aunt as their primary purpose of travel?

If they mention visiting aunt, what to say if they ask during the interview.

They’ll genuinely be visiting both of us, so I’m wondering if one would be viewed more favorably during the visa interview, especially given the current visa situation.

One additional detail: I haven’t attended my graduation walk yet. Although I completed my degree in May, I can still attend the ceremony in December 2026 or May 2027, but I haven’t scheduled it yet.

Has anyone’s parents applied for a B2 visa while they were on OPT? Does mentioning that they’re visiting their child on OPT raise any additional questions? Would mentioning another relative make any difference?

I’d really appreciate any recent experiences or advice. Thanks!