Successful H1B stamping in Vancouver

[teky]

Vancouver stamping experience (Oct 2009):

Guys we successfully had our H1B visa stamping done in Vancouver, Canada. First let me start about Vancouver and man what a beautiful place it is. It’s also called Glass City but has its own natural side in which no city can come close.

We flew into Vancouver from Seattle, WA and stayed at Days inn near West Pender St, which we did not like at all. Also take some time for taking pictures inside Vancouver airport. I think they are beautifying the airport for the Winter Olympics in 2010 but the totem poles and some exhibits are worth watching. Taxi ride to the airport is about 30$.

One advantage with Days Inn on West Pender is walking distance to the US embassy. One the visa day we came at 9:00 AM (Tuesday) to the consulate with DS-160 confirmation letter. We uploaded the photos during our electronic submission but better to have additional photos as we have seen many people being sent out as the picture in the application was not clear. The whole process took about 2 Hours and I was back to the hotel room by about 11:30 AM.

After the consulate visit on Tuesday we immediately shifted to Century Plaza Hotel & Spa. We got a good deal for Century Plaza and were surprised at the level of luxury we got.

I was only asked for my H1B approval document. The officer asked questions about our previous work location as he was from the same place. I was told to collect the document on Thursday as Wednesday was a holiday. We booked our tickets for Friday as we thought it would take two days to get our passport back.

The Friday journey meant we had lots of time to visit some amazing places in Vancouver, Canada. We visited Stanley park (must visit), Granville Island (very expensive-not much to do-liked the boat taxi), Canada place (beautiful spot for a great view), Robson street (nice street for shopping), Victoria Island (long travel but a worthy one), Caplilano suspension bridge (Did not find it too surprising), Bushart gardens-Victoria Island (must visit) and Parliament building-Victoria Island (must visit). Heard lot of good reviews about British Columbia history museum but missed it. Public transportation is great in Vancouver but do take enough time if you are planning for it. Also do take two days if you want to cover Victoria Island. The journey (Bus+BCFerry) itself takes half day.

Some of the places I would recommend for food are Banana leaf Malaysian restaurant, India Bistro and Sala Thai.

We were very depressed by the thought of another Visa stamping but Vancouver visit changed the entire episode. Been to Toronto and Ottawa before but nothing like Vancouver.

[looivy]

How early do I need to apply to get an appointment at vancouver or Toronto or Mexico?

Originally Posted by teky

Vancouver stamping experience (Oct 2009):

Guys we successfully had our H1B visa stamping done in Vancouver, Canada. First let me start about Vancouver and man what a beautiful place it is. It’s also called Glass City but has its own natural side in which no city can come close.

We flew into Vancouver from Seattle, WA and stayed at Days inn near West Pender St, which we did not like at all. Also take some time for taking pictures inside Vancouver airport. I think they are beautifying the airport for the Winter Olympics in 2010 but the totem poles and some exhibits are worth watching. Taxi ride to the airport is about 30$.

One advantage with Days Inn on West Pender is walking distance to the US embassy. One the visa day we came at 9:00 AM (Tuesday) to the consulate with DS-160 confirmation letter. We uploaded the photos during our electronic submission but better to have additional photos as we have seen many people being sent out as the picture in the application was not clear. The whole process took about 2 Hours and I was back to the hotel room by about 11:30 AM.

After the consulate visit on Tuesday we immediately shifted to Century Plaza Hotel & Spa. We got a good deal for Century Plaza and were surprised at the level of luxury we got.

I was only asked for my H1B approval document. The officer asked questions about our previous work location as he was from the same place. I was told to collect the document on Thursday as Wednesday was a holiday. We booked our tickets for Friday as we thought it would take two days to get our passport back.

The Friday journey meant we had lots of time to visit some amazing places in Vancouver, Canada. We visited Stanley park (must visit), Granville Island (very expensive-not much to do-liked the boat taxi), Canada place (beautiful spot for a great view), Robson street (nice street for shopping), Victoria Island (long travel but a worthy one), Caplilano suspension bridge (Did not find it too surprising), Bushart gardens-Victoria Island (must visit) and Parliament building-Victoria Island (must visit). Heard lot of good reviews about British Columbia history museum but missed it. Public transportation is great in Vancouver but do take enough time if you are planning for it. Also do take two days if you want to cover Victoria Island. The journey (Bus+BCFerry) itself takes half day.

Some of the places I would recommend for food are Banana leaf Malaysian restaurant, India Bistro and Sala Thai.

We were very depressed by the thought of another Visa stamping but Vancouver visit changed the entire episode. Been to Toronto and Ottawa before but nothing like Vancouver.

[teky]

Give atleast 1-2 months for booking the appointment. It was a harrowing experience getting an appointment to the point where my fingers were aching. Also add in time for the Canada visa. We went to Canada consulate in DC for the Visa.

Regards,
Teky.

[looivy]

Originally Posted by teky

Give atleast 1-2 months for booking the appointment. It was a harrowing experience getting an appointment to the point where my fingers were aching. Also add in time for the Canada visa. We went to Canada consulate in DC for the Visa.

Regards,
Teky.

What about Ciudad Juarez or Nogales Mexico? Any idea how long?

[teky]

If its the same category Mexico works. Different category For. eg. F1 to H1 Mexico is not good anymore.

** This is what I know but please consult an attorney.

Teky.