Visa stamp @Toronto
I got my visa stamp for my inital H1B1 @ Toronto on Feb 2002.
I know, its a while ago, but I'd like to share anyway.
I was told by my friend that I shouldn't say I'm going to get visa stamp at the border. Stupid me, believed it and the immigration officer stopped me. So I quickly told her real story. I began to show her all prepared document I had with me.
Then, she smiled and told me "there is nothing wrong saying that. Actually it is even better to tell us honestly than believing rumors like that"
Only problem was that she took my I-94 at there. (maybe because she thought I was suspecious travelar? anyway, according to my lawyer, the I-94 shouldn't be taken @ there if you are traveling for few days)
Anyway, the process at embassy was very, very smooth.
There were a long line that kept me standing for 1 hour.
However, at the window, only questions I was asked for, was following,
my salary, my position, the date of graduation.
The lady asked me to show her my diploma, and open my transcript for her. She was polite, and very nice.
I prepared all related documents, plus SSN card, employement letter, etc. but they weren't really asked.
According to the web-site, it was supposed to take overnight to get my passport back, but it was returned on the same day @3pm.
I drove back from there. At the border,the officer was very nice and did check my car's trunk and seats. About my passport, they just looked at my attached I-797 and newly stamped visa and told me "welcome to U.S"
I was a bit nervous doing so, becuase it was after 9/11.
Anyway, all process went very smooth.
Toronto was very beautiful and friendly. Public transportation was very organized.
Just make sure reasearch well on the back you need to use.
good luck
