H1-B stamping advice needed

M

mjakub76

Registered Users (C)
Hi,
I got my H1-B 2/2003. I change my status from student visa. In 2005 I went to my country for 2 weeks, and went to US embassy, and got visa in my passport. But that visa expired 2/2006. I extended my H1-B (valid until 2/2009), but have no visa in passport.
My question is: Do I have to go to my country to get visa in passport again (I don't want to spend neither time nor money to travel to Europe), or I can get the visa in any other country (I'm planning to visit Mexico).
Any other suggestions? How to get the visa in my passport easy and cheap way? Since I live in Chicago, maybe I can go to Canada (Toronto), and get it done in 2-3 days including the driving.

One more thing. I'm reading official websites from US consulates from Mexico and Canada, and I see that in case of H1-B, passport with visa will be mailed in 4-5 days to the address of my choice. But I don't live in Mexico/Canada, I'm traveling/visiting only. What should I do? Is there any process I can be IN and OUT with my visa stamped in one day? How it works? Some people say on this forum how they did it, and it seems to me, it may happen in one business day. When I did it last time in Poland, I received my passport to my home address, but on that trip I had time for that, now I will not.
Thx for help.
:)
 
The H1-B document you have (valid until 2/2009) authorizes you to work in the US legally and shows your status. The H1-B visa that you recieve in the passport (based on this document) allows you to enter the US when coming from abroad.

But Why go through the hassle of getting a visa stamped on your passport when apparently from your signature, you have already recieved your AP? Just use your AP to enter the US, if you plan on visiting abroad. Also, if I'm not wrong, using AP will not invalidate your H status. There have been earlier discussions on this, apparently using your EAD card to start work somewhere will invalidate your H1-B, but just using your AP should not.

Good luck.
 
jwdkhan said:
But Why go through the hassle of getting a visa stamped on your passport when apparently from your signature, you have already recieved your AP? Just use your AP to enter the US, if you plan on visiting abroad. Also, if I'm not wrong, using AP will not invalidate your H status. There have been earlier discussions on this, apparently using your EAD card to start work somewhere will invalidate your H1-B, but just using your AP should not.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

I know AP is the easiest way, but .... I'm planing to get married with non US resident, and just in case ($300-400 extra) I would prefer not to use my AP if not needed. I want to prevent future problems (I know, I know, using AP SHOULD NOT cancel H1-B, but we never know), and extra $ is not a big problem. Staying on H1-B lets me bring my spouse to US on H-4.

My bigest concern so far is:
If I schedule my visit in Nuevo Laredo (example), can I get my visa stamped in one day? I cannot find any concrete info online.
I can schedule an appointment, but I'm not sure how long it takes to issue a visa.
Thank you for your help
:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
In your case it is necessary to obtain H-1B stamp. U.S. Consulates in Mexico (bordering areas) only, will issue the visa on the same day (as per the postings in this forum).
 
thank you for your inputs
I just talked to my lawyer, and she is suggesting to go to Poland for stamping, as I did 2 years ago. But I cannot find anywhere on the official websites, info which would suggest the same. I'm not afraid of the name check problems, since I don't do any special job.
So, what do you think, can polish citizen, who lives 7 years in US go to Mexico for H1-B visa?
:)
 
You should not have any issues ;) if you do go down to any of the Mexican consulates for your H1-B visa stamping. Just make sure you have all necessary documentation with you. Read up on some postings from other folks who have gone down. You can read my experience from my signature link, but do not let that discourage you. I think you will be OK.

Good luck again.
 
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