getting H1/H4 interview appointment dates

[adityav22]

Hi,
My situation is this:
I have my H1-B permit with me. I shall be going to India in Oct for my marriage and I shall be applying for my H1 at the US Consulate in Chennai, for the first time. So basically, am planning to apply for H1 and my wife's H4 at the same time. I need a few clarifications/advice reg. this...

1. Has a personal interview become compulsory for new H1 and H4 applicants ?
If so:
(a) Do I have to set up an appointment date for the interview ? and can I do that from here in USA ?
(b) Do I have to submit my visa documents beforehand, to set up an appointment date ?
(c) How does this work for H4 ? Can I fix up an appointment date for H4 without having all the necessary documents (viz. Marriage Certificate)

2. My fiancee already has a passport with her maiden name. Should she get a new passport after marriage, to reflect her married name in order to get the H4 ?

your replies and comments will be appreciated...

Vijay

 

[jaxen]

Check ttsvisas.com

 

[ginnu]

Has a personal interview become compulsory for new H1 and H4 applicants?
--- YES,
If so:
(a) Do I have to set up an appointment date for the interview ? and can I do that from here in USA ?
-No
(b) Do I have to submit my visa documents beforehand, to set up an appointment date ?
--Depends on Consulate where you are going to apply check the site of particular consulate
(c) How does this work for H4 ? Can I fix up an appointment date for H4 without having all the necessary documents (viz. Marriage Certificate)
-- you should have Marriage Certificate
2. My fiancee already has a passport with her maiden name. Should she get a new passport after marriage, to reflect her married name in order to get the H4 ?
---- Better she should get new Passport with married name as Bombay needs Spouse name to be on the Passport, I don’t know about US Consulate in Chennai, you can read the threads, they may also change the rule, it is better to have same last name after marriage.