Don't Worry - I am in the same situation, and I use the AP every week
Hi All,
My case is similar to
LABORGUY. I have been in the US on H1B since last 6 years, with extended H1 for the 7th year, and lately I even applied for the 8th year extension.
I have never been out of the Country since last 7-8 years, and I don't have the H1B stamp in my Passport. (Make sure, you have been legal - all the while you were in the US - I mean between jobs, and etc.)
I now have my AP through my spouse.
Last month, I happened to get a project in Canada, and got the opportunity of using AP.
As I write this, I have used my AP for 3 times. Three times, I came across three different officers, and my experiences are as below:
While flying into U.S. from Toronto, the immigration is done in TORONTO itself (as many of the flights (Domestic and International) fly through Chicago).
My 1st Incident:
I walked to the Desk of an immigration officer, and I gave all my documents to the Officer.
a. First thing he did was silently go through the passport and look for the last U.S. Visa (any kind - B2/B1, F-1, L, or H) stamp used to enter into US. In my case, I had a Visa (B2) stamped about 7 years ago. I showed him that, and he said OK, and started sliding the Visa through a Scanner/Reader.
b. He punched couple of Keys, and started looking for some stuff. ( I have no clue, what he was looking for.
c. He said 'Come along with your bags', and slowly walked me into a Big office, with some small office rooms and chairs for the Visitors. He asked me to sit down, and said, 'Please take your seat, and we will work on this ASAP, and we'll get you going". That last word kinda gave me relaxation.
d. After about 10 minutes, a lady Officer called me and asked me the following
i. Who is your employer?
ii. Where do you reside?
iii. Your address on the AP shows Atlanta, and you live in California?
A. Yes, I used to live in Atlanta, and lately I moved to California, and I ahd informed the USCIS.
iv. Who is sponsoring? - My wife's employer
v. Name of the Spouse's employer?
vi. What does she do?
vii. What do you do?
All this was recorded in a camera, and she had old me that whatever you say will be recorded
Finally she said you are good to go and stamped on the I-94, the Customs Form, and the Boarding Pass.
Second Time
Second time, I had a more serious Officer, and he got bit upset, because I had not filled my I-94 form, till I reached his desk. Any way, he asked me the same question, about last Visa, and punched in a few keys on the Keyboard, and looked through some stuff, and finally walked me to the Office and made me sit there.
After few minutes, another Officer had called me in. He was also a serious person. Initially he could not figure out what was going on with my case all together.
Q.1. On what status did you enter the U.S. ?
A.1. B-2
Q.2. All the while you were on B-2 Visa and staying in the Country?
A.2. No, I had been on H-1B.
Q.3. Were you with the current Company since 1997? (I guess, they could get my current Company Name, but I am not sure)
A.3. No, I had changed couple of companies, since then. (and started giving out names)
Q.4. So, later you got your resident permit processed and then you have the permit?
A.4. I said, yes, I have the AP through my spouse, and my H1B extension is also filed with the current company. ( I showed him the copy, and he did not bother much, but just peeped at it.) Finally he could look at, all the records - from my first company till date.
He said, you are OK, and stamped on the I-94.
He asked me, if I had any questions.
I said yes, and asked him about the I-94 being dropped off when leaving the Country. I was told by the previous officer, that, every time, I need a I-94, I need to go through this exercise. So whatis the other solution, if I don't have to come in again.
He answered me pretty well.
He said, that if I am leaving to any of the two countries in North America (Mexico and Canada) and provided I am returning within 30 days, I don't have to drop off the I-94.
I thanked him, and left with the Boarding Pass.
Third Time
This time, as I already knew the process, I was very comfortable. ( I know, you all are thinking why did I drop off the I-94, if I was coming back within a week. - Well, I needed to find out more stuff (basically more Questions) for one of my friend's who is in a similar situation like we all are)
But Guess What, though this time I had been taken into the room. One of the Officer's went through my Passport, and took couple of minutes, and came out of his office, and gave me the Passport and said - 'Mr......... you are all set and you can go'
I thanked him and got out of that Place.
This week will be my fourth week, and I need to see ......
Hope this helps (Sorry for the Long Story - but I thought of giving every thing)
