I will be leaving to Nepal in a week for two weeks. Right now I am under H1B which has expired on my passport but my work has been extended. Once in Nepal, I would have to re-apply for another H1B. Since two weeks is the minimum time required to set up an appointment for H1B, I had sent a family member to get an appointment time for me. When he went to the bank, he was told that my work documents, DS156 and 157 forms with photos were required. I sent all of them with the copies of my passport and old visa. However, now the people in the bank want my passport. How can I send my passport when I will be traveling in a week? I have been to Canada to get H1B, and I had no problem setting up my appointment for interview without any documents. At this point I really do not know what to do. I have already bought my ticket, and will be arriving in Nepal on Monday of next week. I was wondering if there was a way (some kind of exception) where I could get an appointment before two weeks. That way as soon as I get out of airport I could head straight to the Bank. Has anyone been in this situation before, or does anyone have any relevant information? Thanks

I went through something similar a couple of years ago. In my case, I told them I was in a real rush, which I was because I was in the region for work related stuff and had a flight to catch in a couple of days, and they somehow found a slot for me , if I recall correctly, in 3 or 4 days. They used to interview only on certain days of the week. Not sure if things have changed because I heard they are processing quite a few H1s these days but it might be worth a try to ask once you get there. The guard at the bank, who takes in the papers, may not be the friendliest guy, but its worth a shot.

Thanks Captain. If nothint workout, I might do that. I hope luck will be on my side, and those people at the Bank will be in super mood.