H1B Visa Approved, But Where’s the Passport?

A passport has been submitted for H1B visa stamping at the Hyderabad Dropbox, and applicants are hoping for a status update within a few days. However, when checking the CEAC website, the message reads: “Your search did not return any data.”

There’s no status, no timeline, just silence.

The issue is affecting many H1B applicants. Their passports are with the U.S. Consulate, yet there’s no indication of progress.

Typically, Dropbox processing takes about a week, but recently, some cases have been stuck for weeks without any updates.

Some applicants have reported sudden status changes after 10 t0 14 days, while others have been left waiting for over a month wothout any explanation.

The delays might be due to a backlog at the consulate or possibly a glitch in the CEAC system. Regardless, the uncertainty is increasing.

When trying to contact the consulate, responses often remain generic: “Your case is under processing.” No additional information is provided.

For those with travel plans approaching, this situation adds unnecessary stress. Flight bookings, job schedules, and family commitments hang in the balance.

While some cases may resolve themselves, the unpredictability continues to be frustrating. A more efficient system for tracking applicants is desperately needed.

Waiting at least two weeks before escalating seems to be the only course of action. If no update is received, the next step is to reach out to USTravelDocs or the consulate.

But the bigger question remains— if embassies can collect passports in a day, why can’t they provide a simple status update online?