You cannot travel to the US with an expired H1B visa and an I-797 approval notice that is valid.H & L Visa appointments will be a priority for consulates from January to May 2022.The maximum slots will be given for Dropbox appointments. More H1B, H4, L1 and L2 visa slots will open from January 2022.US Consulates will process H1B, H4, L1 and L2 visa appointments as the next priority after processing students' F1 visas in November and December 2021.If asked about the change, you might need to explain it to the officer when you enter the US. If you have a new I20 and SEVIS Number, your F1 Visa stamping is complete, and you have a valid F1 visa, you can travel to the US with the valid Visa, new SEVIS and I-20.Starting college in January is not considered an emergency to get an exception from the CDC for travel to the US. If you have only one dose, you cannot travel to the US. You need to meet the vaccination requirements as listed by the CDC.As slots are limited, consulates are suggesting that you avoid travel. If you're a student in the US on an Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visa and are planning to come to India for visa renewal, you can get it renewed using the Dropbox based on your eligibility.US Consulates in India will spend November and December 2021 processing visa appointments for F1 and J1 Student Visa holders planning to go to the US for Spring 2021.Your best bet is to stick to the appointment type you've been given. You cannot convert an in-person appointment to a Dropbox appointment or vice-versa.Weddings and visiting friends and family aren't considered emergencies. Only medical reasons and genuine emergencies account for Emergency Appointment booking.Currently, US Consulates prefer appointments booked for early 2022 instead of those reserved for later in the year.Further slots will be added based on demand. As of now, US Consulates will open around 50% of slots in November and December 2021.This also translates to longer wait times. The main reason for this is the social distancing protocols being followed. In-person appointments are available but in limited numbers.Right now, US Consulates in India are giving priority to processing US Visa renewals using drop box.If you're trying to get a US Visa appointment, this piece will tell you everything you need to know: While the US travel ban was lifted earlier this month, US Consulates in India are yet to resume regular operations.

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