B1/B2 Dropbox Renewal Success

Mostly been a lurker, have benefited a lot from reading these posts. Just my attempt to give back to the community.

My 10-year B1/B2 US visa had expired earlier this year. Applied for dropbox renewal last month (was eligible for interview waiver).

Travel history to US: went to SF for a month, back in 2016, funded by my then employer. No other travel to US.

Other travel history: Have been to Singapore, UAE, Schengen, Australia, New Zealand, and few other countries in the last few years; mix of business and personal trips. Mentioned these clearly in my DS-160.

Timeline:

• 22nd July: DS-160 filed, visa fees paid, selected Chennai VAC for appointment
• 21st August: Submitted passports + documents at VFS Bengaluru, Gopalan Mall. Took ~15 minutes.
• 24th August: CEAC status changed to "Received", case created.
• 26th August: CEAC status changed to "Issued".
• 28th August: Passport with sticker visa delivered via Bluedart, 10 year B1/B2 visa granted.

Documents submitted:

• old passport with previously expired US visa
• latest active passport
• 1 Photo, as per US Visa norms, taken at VFS
• DS-160 confirmation page

The VFS officer asked me to write my active passport number at the back of the photo, with a marker, before accepting my application.

Notes:

• I couldn't check beforehand the schedule availability, until I'd selected the VAC and paid the fees. Only after making payment, I could schedule the appointment. Not sure if selecting a different VAC other than Chennai US Consulate, would've meant getting an earlier appointment.

• I had one more passport in-between, having renewed my Indian passport just last month. VFS refused to accept this passport. This recently expired passport had proof of all my non-US travel histories, with visa stickers and stamps. I insisted (because I'd already mentioned my travel history on my DS-160), but the personnel at VFS US visa counter refused as per guidelines from US Consulate - they take no more than 2 passports from applicants. They aren't allowed to send 3 passports to US Consulate.

• I didn't get photographs done from outside VFS. I knew even if I had gotten it done, chances of these being accepted at VFS were minimal, based on my previous experience with VFS. Photographs for US visa at VFS Bengaluru cost 200 INR, for 2 photos.

• Fees were within expectations. At VFS Counter, paid 1200 INR by card, as VFS service fees. They mentioned that at the time of delivery, I'd have to pay 1200 INR more to BlueDart. It was also clearly mentioned on the envelope.

Happy to answer any question anyone has.