I am getting my H1-B stamped for the first time in India. I know a lot of forst time H1-B stamping folks have been able to get the Interview Waiver. But here’s the twist - My visitor visa (that I had applied prior to approved F-1) was denied and there is a gap of 2 years between the 2.
Will that change my eligibility for the Interview Waiver?
As the B visa was denied before your most recent F1 visa was approved, the B visa denial may be treated as overcome and you may still qualify for IW. However note that the IW is at the discretion of the consular officer so they can still call you for an interview.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-update-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certaing-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants.html