Visa Stamping

[TSUSA]

My visa expired on Aug 2004. (around 2 years) After that I didn't go for stamping any where. Now I am in 8th year extension. Can I go to Canada or Mexico for stamping or I have to go only in my home country.

Please clarify me.

Thanks

[SR2610]

There is a risk involved in that, if you dont get visa you are not allowed to come back to US and need to go to home country from Canada/Mexico.

There is no particular rule, but if visa officer thinks that you have to go back to your home country, then you are screwd.

There is a thread on immigrationportal specially for visa renewel in Canada, checkout that thread, you will get more info.

-SR

[zbd]

She said I should call embassy in Canada and ask them before doing that. She said we don't have to go to home country but she doesn't recommend to go Mexico neither.

I'm waiting for a good reason to go there. My be Canadian Immigration or nice vacation.

[SR2610]

'Visa revalidation in Canada' thread on Immigration Portal, very useful..

http://www.immigrationportal.com/sho...&page=90&pp=15

Thanks,
-SR

[sertasheep]

TSUSA, as mentioned in another email thread, you can get this done in an Canadian US consulate. There are lawyers that charge you a hefty fee for this, if you're nervous about going about it yourself.

[TSUSA]

Thanks guys. Can we get a single appointment for myself and my wife for visa stamping? or is it needed to take two appointments? In case If we take a single appointment for both of us and I am not able to use it then still can my wife use that appointment?
Thanks

[ychuck]

Originally Posted by TSUSA

Thanks guys. Can we get a single appointment for myself and my wife for visa stamping? or is it needed to take two appointments? In case If we take a single appointment for both of us and I am not able to use it then still can my wife use that appointment?
Thanks

Just call VFS and enquire. Much easier.

[black_logs]

Yes you can get 1 appointment for you and your wife. When you start the application you will fill one for yourself, then it allows you to add more applicants to your application. So you'll add your wife's application to your application. I don't know the answer to your other question. Write to the VFS system, I had written them and called them they replied to my emails promptly as well as answered my questions on the call very patiently.

Originally Posted by TSUSA

Thanks guys. Can we get a single appointment for myself and my wife for visa stamping? or is it needed to take two appointments? In case If we take a single appointment for both of us and I am not able to use it then still can my wife use that appointment?
Thanks

[jaihanuman]

I am in a similar situation though a little stickier. My F- visa expired in 2001 and I have been on a I-797 but I have never been to india and do not have any h-1 stamping. Can I get my stamping done in Canada or do I have to go to India?

[logiclife]

If you've never had H1 stamp on your passport, then Canada would be a bad bad idea and chances of rejection are high.

Best thing to do is to go to India and opt for drop-box application. The documents required and forms are very simple for drop-box and its a great way to get first H1B stamp.

I was in same situation in 2002 and got my first H1B stamp in India after being on H1(approved 797) for 2 years. At that time the only stamp I had was F1 on my passport. I was advised by my lawyers to avoid going to Canada for first time H1 stamp. If you already have a previous H1 stamp that has expired or changed due to change of employer, then Canada is a good option. Not a good idea if you've never had an H1 stamp before.

[Saurabh_tulika]

FYI, The Drop Box feature is no longer there in India now. I got my Visa Stamped in New Delhi Consulate 6 months ago. It went pretty smooth, if your papers and documents are clear then there should be no issue.

Be prepared to answer basic questions regarding your Job and Company and your Job Description, the councellor asked me questions related to above three (nothing Technical though)

Originally Posted by logiclife

If you've never had H1 stamp on your passport, then Canada would be a bad bad idea and chances of rejection are high.

Best thing to do is to go to India and opt for drop-box application. The documents required and forms are very simple for drop-box and its a great way to get first H1B stamp.

I was in same situation in 2002 and got my first H1B stamp in India after being on H1(approved 797) for 2 years. At that time the only stamp I had was F1 on my passport. I was advised by my lawyers to avoid going to Canada for first time H1 stamp. If you already have a previous H1 stamp that has expired or changed due to change of employer, then Canada is a good option. Not a good idea if you've never had an H1 stamp before.

[logiclife]

Yes, I remember, they've discontinued the drop-box process.

It was a great convenient process though.

Visa stamping is not a really big issue if you have always been in status and carry all neccesary docs especially the paystubs, IT returns etc to prove status.

[morpheus]

Originally Posted by sertasheep

TSUSA, as mentioned in another email thread, you can get this done in an Canadian US consulate. There are lawyers that charge you a hefty fee for this, if you're nervous about going about it yourself.

Who are these lawyers? Can you provide a link?

I'd pay a lot to avoid the hassle of flying to Canada and waiting for hours just for a lousy visa stamp!

[sertasheep]

My post wasn't probably clear. You have to go to the consulate in canada, in person. the lawyer will accompany you, just so that you have peace of mind.

Note : If you have violated your visa status in the past(overstay, etc.,) then, its not advisable to go to a consulate other than in your home country.

[puvathoor]

I have been in H1B a long time.. I have never had my visa stamped in India (except the first student visa).

As long as you have all the documents (recent pay stubs, employment letter, purpose of visit.. et al) there are no hassles. It also helps if you have stayed with the same employer through your H1b. If not, be prepared to discuss with documents how your present job is substantially similar to the previous one.

Overall, I think if you have the documents in order, been in status all through there are no real issues to get that visa stamp from any of the countries around or far away..

- Puvathoor..