Does Consulate keep original I-797?

[neelmanish]

Somebody I know had successful interview in India and the Consulate kept the original I-797. The Visa Services said that they will courier it back with passport. Is this a new practice or has it always been like this?

Thanks.

 

[pzgjxr]

They normally keep whatever documents you submit and return all of them with the passport. For instance if they don't ask you for employer's letter and you don't hand over it, then you take it back with you, but you have to hand over the I-797, so that's returned with the passport.