H4 - H1 COS Stamping - Urgent plz!!

[neenameena]

Hi Experts,

First of all I thank each one of you who share your thoughts on immigration issues. I found this site really helpful.

I would like to get some clarification on my H1B case. I came to US in Jan 2007 on H4. After reaching US I applied for H1B and got approval on 1st Oct 2007 and started working that month itself. Now I have an urgency to go to India. So I have to get my H1 stamped. I have a 4 year bachelor's degree from India(no US degrees) and a total work experience of 1 year and 6 months. I would like to get clarification on the following questions:

1) Since this is an H4 to H1 change of status(COS - first H1 stamping
after H4), will it be possible for me to get the VISA stamped from Canada or Mexico before going to India. I heard from some of my friends that VISA stamping from Canada/Mexico requires a master's dgree from US or it should be a revalidation of already stamped H1. Can you please share your thoughts on this?

2) I have heard a lot about the issues with Chennai consulate and the high chance for getting rejection for no valid reasons. Due to this, people say that Delhi consulate is better off. Since mine is an H4-H1B COS and since my zone is Chennai, do I have an option to go to Delhi instead of Chennai? Will they redirect me to Chennai saying that I have to get it stamped for the first time from my zone(Chennai) itself?

3) I have 1 year and 6 months of combined experience(India 11 months + US 7 months). Can you please tell me if this experience is sufficient for me to get through the H1B stamping since I have a 4 year bachelor's degree(engineering)?

Thanks a lot for your help in this regard. Hope and pray that all visa candidates get through with the help of this site.

Thanks once again!
Regards
Neena

 

[manwithnoname]

Answers below:
1. Yes you can go for stamping in Canada. Please carry the educational evaluations from the U.S. This is clearly mentioned int he AMCITS website.
2. I haven't done that but it seems that (from several postings) that it is possible to select any consulate of your choice if you are living in the U.S. Try booking an appointment at New Delhi through VFS-USA website. Consular jurisdictions applies only when you are currently living in India.
3. Your experience duration should not matter - as long as the application is genuine and well documented (if necessary) you have a good chance.

 

[neenameena]

Thanks a lot for your quick response. Based on your response #2 I have decided to go to delhi consulate. your point #3 is also a great relief for me

Thanks once again!
Neena