IWP(NON-DROP BOX) ELIGIBILITY WITH EXPIRED H1-B

h1b_masters

New Member
Hi,

I am planning to visit India in Nov 2016 and have to get my H1-B visa stamped. My current H1-B visa stamp issued by the same employer expired in Aug 2015 which I understand gets me unqualified for IWP with Drop box since its been expired for more than 12 months.

But does this unqualify me with IWP completely? Can I still go for OFC but skip the actual interview given my scenario? The us visa consulate lists one of the following criteria on ustraveldocs for IWP (non-drop box)

  • If I am applying for an H or L (individual) or R visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.

    OR

  • My prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 48 months.
Does this mean the prior visa in the same class (in my case H1-B) since it expired within 48 months qualifies me for IWP?

Thanks in advance.
 
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