H1 Stamping Info

[metamorphosis]

Hi
I would like to know the following information regarding H1B stamping:
1) What is the current wait period to get a stamping appointment in the US consulate in Mumbai and in Canada
2) Is it better to get H1B Visa stamped in Canada compared to doing it from Mumbai if your country of Nationality and Education is India but presently working in the USA?
3) Is receipt number enough to schedule an appointment for stamping or do we require the actual Approval notice prior to scheduling an appointment at the Consulate.
4) My H1B extension will be filed next weekby my present employer. By when should I expect the Approval notice back from INS?
5) What is the cost of normal processing and premium processing for Extensions?

 

[ginnu]

Hi
I would like to know the following information regarding H1B stamping:
1) What is the current wait period to get a stamping appointment in the US consulate in Mumbai and in Canada
------------- you can visit DOS site they post the times for each consulate. I think Bombay at this time is taking about 70 days
2) Is it better to get H1B Visa stamped in Canada compared to doing it from Mumbai if your country of Nationality and Education is India but presently working in the USA?
------------------ risk in Canada or Mexico is that if Visa gets rejected you need to go Directly to India from Canada or Mexico
3) Is receipt number enough to schedule an appointment for stamping or do we require the actual Approval notice prior to scheduling an appointment at the Consulate.
---------------- how you can get Visa with filing Reciept? you need H1 approval for appointment ???

4) My H1B extension will be filed next weekby my present employer. By when should I expect the Approval notice back from INS?
-------------- depends on service center and If filed through Premium processing then in 15-20 days
5) What is the cost of normal processing and premium processing for Extensions?