Options to come back to USA

[AnuR]

Hi everyone, I hope you’re doing well. My husband and I recently traveled back to India, and we both were on H1B visas. Unfortunately, I was laid off before my visa appointment, which is scheduled for October 29th as a dropbox appointment. I only have 9 months left on my H1B tenure.

I have a couple of questions and would really appreciate your insights:

1. Can I still proceed with the same dropbox appointment on October 29th if I submit a new DS-160 for H4?
2. What other options do I have to remain in the USA legally if I can’t continue on H1B?

Thank you all for your help and guidance!

[Kalpesh_Dalwadi]

@AnuR

Can I still proceed with the same dropbox appointment on October 29th if I submit a new DS-160 for H4?

If I remember correctly, when you go through the appointment questionnaire, it asks you the visa class you are applying for. So I doubt you can continue with the H1B appointment by submitting a new DS-160 for H4 visa.
Call VFS and double check.

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/contact-us#email

@AnuR

What other options do I have to remain in the USA legally if I can’t continue on H1B?

H4 ( if your spouse holds acrive H1B and employed in the US) and F1 are the two options you have.