Sucessful stamping in Ottawa, Canada on Sept 6th
can_immig said:
Hello All,
Here is my situation please advice, any help is greatly appreciated.
I have an appointment in the first week of Sept in Ottawa, 7th year 3 yrs extension. I am a canadian PR I got my canadian PR in 2003 but, I never lived in Canada after I landed and received PR( was there for a week).
I am wondering on what questions will they ( Canadain and US) border may ask. And also in the consulate. ( will they ask me why I am not in canada?)...
Is anyone who got stamped are/were in similar situation. I am kind of nervous, any information would be helpful Thank you in advance.
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Hello All,
I would like to thank the forum for the help on questions I had before I went for my VISA renewal in Ottawa.
I wanted to share my experience and answer any questions.
I had my interview scheduled originally at 8:00 AM, I reached the consulate at 7:30 and was in the line for few minutes when my turn came the security guard checked my name in the list he had and said that my appointment is at 9:00 and I have to be there 15 minutes early..
I went back at 8:40 and he let me in after asking usual questions like if I had any bags, electronics, gum...etc. I went in thru the security process much like the airport security process. Security guard told me to go to window#7.
I went in to the sitting area in front of the interview counters, few people were in line at window # 7, when my turn came I was asked to submit DS156, DS 157 , Passport, I-797 and my Canadian PR card with $100 fee. He returned my PR card and instructed to be seated until my name is called.
There were quite a few people waiting. 2 counters were open for the interview process. My name was called after an hour 20 mins later at window# 2 ( Male VO). Here is the transcript of what was asked.
VO: Hello, Good Morning, How are you today?
Me: Good Morning, I am doing great Thank You.
VO: Please place your left index fingure on the scanner
Me: I did the same for both hands.
VO: How long have you been working in the US?
Me: 6 years
VO: Where were you working all these years.
ME: Answered.
VO: How about your education?
Me: Masters from so and so univ (Just to let you guys know, I completed my MS this year, my labour for 3 years extension based on approved I-140 was filed on my Bachelors (non-computers) from India.)
VO: What kind of work do you do?
Me: Explained on what I do.
VO: Show me the letter you got from your employer
Me: I gave him the letter ( while I opened my file, he said he wanted to the documents that I received from the employer, which included, I-129, approved I-140 and LCA copies)
VO: Show me your PR card
Me: I gave him my PR card
He gave me all the documents except my employer's letter and a receipt and said to come back at 3:00 PM tomorrow to pick up my PP and have a great day.
The whole process took less than a minute ( a long minute thou).
I went back next day at 2:45 PM and picked up my PP and started driving back. At the border while re-entering to the US I was asked the follwing questions:
CO: Hey, there
Me: Hi and gave him my PP and current valid I-94(not from the 797)
CO: Where are you coming from
Me: Ottawa ( he was flipping thru my PP)
CO: Can I see your 797
Me: Gave him I-797
CO: You went to get your VISA?
Me: Yes
CO: He gave back PP, I-94 ( the one I gave to him), 797.. have a great day.
Just to let you guys know, my current VISA before I went to stamping was valid till end of October 2006 and so was my I-94. So you can book an appointment even thou on the site it says only 10 days before. And I didn't get new I-94 while entering back to the US. I still have my old I-94 which is valid till end of Oct and the one attached to 797 valid till 2009.
I hope I wrote in detail the whole process. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.. And Thank you all again for the moral support I needed before I went.. Good Luck to all.