I came to the US in 2004 for my MS degree on F1 visa. I graduated and started working on OPT in 2006. My H1B visa was approved and became valid from October 1, 2006.
I scheduled appointment (for mid-June) at the Ottawa embassy to get my passport stamped with H1-B visa, and I was planning a trip for around a month (at most) in case I have a common name and need clearance.
However, around two weeks after scheduling my appointment, I received a phone call from the Visa Information Center telling me that I would have to wait for a minimum for 3 months while I am Canada. I specifically asked if it was "upto 3 months" or "minimum of 3 months". I was told minimum.
My question is: is this standard procedure for anyone who is scheduling an appointment in Canada? If other people have received a phone call like this, does it actually take a minimum of 3 months? Or people generally get done earlier.
I would appreciate any feedback (and sharing of experience) as it would help me better plan for the trip.
Thank you.
I scheduled appointment (for mid-June) at the Ottawa embassy to get my passport stamped with H1-B visa, and I was planning a trip for around a month (at most) in case I have a common name and need clearance.
However, around two weeks after scheduling my appointment, I received a phone call from the Visa Information Center telling me that I would have to wait for a minimum for 3 months while I am Canada. I specifically asked if it was "upto 3 months" or "minimum of 3 months". I was told minimum.
My question is: is this standard procedure for anyone who is scheduling an appointment in Canada? If other people have received a phone call like this, does it actually take a minimum of 3 months? Or people generally get done earlier.
I would appreciate any feedback (and sharing of experience) as it would help me better plan for the trip.
Thank you.