Canada landing and H1B Stamping
Here is some info for the group. I just came back from Canada, after landing and getting my H1B visa stamped. It went smoothly, and there were no issues at all.
Immigration
* Drove up straight to the customs/immigration post where I was asked to pull over under the canopy and go see immigration first, and then customs.
* I was asked to take a seat by the immigration officer, and called up to the desk about 7-8 minutes later.
* I was asked for my landing papers, and my status in the U.S. I showed my passport with the expired visa, and the old I-94. I was asked to prove current valid status. I then showed my new 797, and the officer pointed out, slightly irritatedly, that this is for another 3 years, so when I do I move into Canada? I said "This is just a renewal, I plan to move in a few months. I just made this trip since I had to visit some friends and the date for landing was running out, so might as well get it done this time".
* He took all the documents, and asked me to take a seat.
* He made copies of all the documents, made me sign the confirmation of landing papers, stapled the 4th copy of the landing papers in my passport, and asked me to see customs.
- Overall, a bit stern officer (looks and talks), but by the books, if one has all the documentation, there should be no problem.
Customs
* Provided a list of items to follow. They seemed to have some issue (looked troubled, I had to change nothing) with the fact that I was not bringing in my car at the time. I told them I was going to sell it anyway - it's just on the list since I own it right now.
* Provided pictures of the jewelry that might follow. They just looked at it, but weren't very interested in keeping it. I still asked them to.
* I declared $10K, so they had to fill out another declaration that I signed. (Anything over C$10K needs to be reported). Nothing big there.
* Got a receipt (casual goods accounting document) and a stamped copy of the personal effects accounting document, and a stamped copy of the list, that I kept with me.
- Overall, Nothing to be scared about - Customs just records everything you intend to bring. If you have the right documentation (arrange it neatly, that helps), you are all set.
H1B Stamping
* Had a 9:30 appointment (first available). Got there at 9:00 a.m., and there were already 20 people ahead of me. Apparently, people do walk in. The consulate has a few computers where you can fill out the DS-156 online.
* A security guard checked the necessary documents (156, 157, $100 and $50, passport, and 797)
* Went to the cashier to pay the $100.
* After about 10 minutes, was called to another window where the documents were reviewed, the 156 barcode scanned, numerous punches on the keyboard, and a few questions about my visit to Canada asked:
Q: When did you come to Canada?
A: 2 days ago.
Q: Where are you staying in Canada?
A: With my friend
Q: Are you here just for your H1B stamping?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you just finish your landing?
A: Yes.
Q: I'm sorry. That's what I was asking you before - if you were in Canada just for H1B or for another purpose.
A: Oh, I'm sorry. I did not get that.
Q: Nothing else, this will just save you $50 reciprocity fee.
* Was asked to take my seat. After about 10/15 minutes, I was called for the interview. Conversation:
Q: So, what do you do for XXXXX?
A: I work as a XXXX. I do XXXX.
Q: For them, do you do YYYY as well?
A: No, I don't, but I do XXXX to support YYYY.
Q: What does your spouse do?
A: Told what she does.
Q: Where is the rest of your family?
A: India
Q: Ok. I will need you to put your index fingers for the prints.
After the prints, I was told to come back to collect the passport later the same day.
Remeber to take: original 797, letter from employer, lawyer certified copy of labor application, and 3 most recent paystubs. Arrange it neatly, and it helps.
Here is some info for the group. I just came back from Canada, after landing and getting my H1B visa stamped. It went smoothly, and there were no issues at all.
Immigration
* Drove up straight to the customs/immigration post where I was asked to pull over under the canopy and go see immigration first, and then customs.
* I was asked to take a seat by the immigration officer, and called up to the desk about 7-8 minutes later.
* I was asked for my landing papers, and my status in the U.S. I showed my passport with the expired visa, and the old I-94. I was asked to prove current valid status. I then showed my new 797, and the officer pointed out, slightly irritatedly, that this is for another 3 years, so when I do I move into Canada? I said "This is just a renewal, I plan to move in a few months. I just made this trip since I had to visit some friends and the date for landing was running out, so might as well get it done this time".
* He took all the documents, and asked me to take a seat.
* He made copies of all the documents, made me sign the confirmation of landing papers, stapled the 4th copy of the landing papers in my passport, and asked me to see customs.
- Overall, a bit stern officer (looks and talks), but by the books, if one has all the documentation, there should be no problem.
Customs
* Provided a list of items to follow. They seemed to have some issue (looked troubled, I had to change nothing) with the fact that I was not bringing in my car at the time. I told them I was going to sell it anyway - it's just on the list since I own it right now.
* Provided pictures of the jewelry that might follow. They just looked at it, but weren't very interested in keeping it. I still asked them to.
* I declared $10K, so they had to fill out another declaration that I signed. (Anything over C$10K needs to be reported). Nothing big there.
* Got a receipt (casual goods accounting document) and a stamped copy of the personal effects accounting document, and a stamped copy of the list, that I kept with me.
- Overall, Nothing to be scared about - Customs just records everything you intend to bring. If you have the right documentation (arrange it neatly, that helps), you are all set.
H1B Stamping
* Had a 9:30 appointment (first available). Got there at 9:00 a.m., and there were already 20 people ahead of me. Apparently, people do walk in. The consulate has a few computers where you can fill out the DS-156 online.
* A security guard checked the necessary documents (156, 157, $100 and $50, passport, and 797)
* Went to the cashier to pay the $100.
* After about 10 minutes, was called to another window where the documents were reviewed, the 156 barcode scanned, numerous punches on the keyboard, and a few questions about my visit to Canada asked:
Q: When did you come to Canada?
A: 2 days ago.
Q: Where are you staying in Canada?
A: With my friend
Q: Are you here just for your H1B stamping?
A: Yes.
Q: Did you just finish your landing?
A: Yes.
Q: I'm sorry. That's what I was asking you before - if you were in Canada just for H1B or for another purpose.
A: Oh, I'm sorry. I did not get that.
Q: Nothing else, this will just save you $50 reciprocity fee.
* Was asked to take my seat. After about 10/15 minutes, I was called for the interview. Conversation:
Q: So, what do you do for XXXXX?
A: I work as a XXXX. I do XXXX.
Q: For them, do you do YYYY as well?
A: No, I don't, but I do XXXX to support YYYY.
Q: What does your spouse do?
A: Told what she does.
Q: Where is the rest of your family?
A: India
Q: Ok. I will need you to put your index fingers for the prints.
After the prints, I was told to come back to collect the passport later the same day.
Remeber to take: original 797, letter from employer, lawyer certified copy of labor application, and 3 most recent paystubs. Arrange it neatly, and it helps.