IWP(non-drop box) Eligibility with expired H1-B

[showman]

Hi,

I am planning to visit India in Nov 2016 and have to get my H1-B visa stamped. My current H1-B visa stamp issued by the same employer expired in Aug 2015 which I understand gets me unqualified for IWP with Drop box since its been expired for more than 12 months.

But does this unqualify me with IWP completely? Can I still go for OFC but skip the actual interview given my scenario? The us visa consulate lists one of the following criteria on ustraveldocs for IWP (non-drop box)

• If I am applying for an H or L (individual) or R visa, my prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 12 months.

  OR

• My prior visa in the same class is still valid or expired within the last 48 months.

 

Does this mean the prior visa in the same class (in my case H1-B) since it expired within 48 months qualifies me for IWP? 

Thanks in advance.

[shekar11#]

You do not qualify for IWP. You have to go for an interview. The second OR condition is for folks who are not in H, L or R visa. That is for B-1, B-2 and other kinds of visa. They can use drop box if their visa has not expired for more than 48 months.