Just returned on a Hi-B visa
Aslamualaikum. I left for Hajj (via Pakistan) on November 24, 2007 and returned on Dec 30, 2007. On my way out (flying from Dallas to London Heathrow), I had my Special Registration done at Dallas (DFW) airport. It took about 20 minutes, I just had to wait in a room until someone came back with my passport (with an exit stamp). I'd also provided my H1-B work approval I-797 document and flight ticket with boarding pass to them.
On my return through Chicago airport, I was asked if I had done my exit special registration. I showed them the exit stamp. I was then asked to go for my secondary interview (as always, this is the entry special registration). This took 10 minutes because there was only one person infront of me. I had my fingerprints and digital photo taken. Simple questions about employer, reason for leaving etc. Looking at my customs form, I was asked if I'd gone to Saudi-Arabia for Hajj and I replied with an affirmative.
I asked what happens the next time I travel since I now have my Advance Parole document waiting for me at home. I was told I'd have to go through the same procedures minus the fingerprinting and photo. But I will have to report for my exit special registration and will have my entry secondary interview done also.
My advice would be to always show up a bit early for your international departure flight, check in your baggage, get your boarding pass and then have your exit special registration done. More time gives you peace of mind. I have left and returned several times over the past 3 years and it does get a bit nerve wrecking whenever there is little time left in your international flight and you are still waiting on the special registration folks to stamp your passport. Always good to have some time cushion incase you need to look for the special registration office or if it is in a different terminal, so you have time to return to your departure terminal in time also.
Good luck,
Jawad