I owe a lot to this forum. I thank everyone who posted their experience during visa stamping. The information I found here was very valuable. It is now my turn to give my "report". I had my visa (H1-B for 7th year) stamped yesterday. Here are the highlights of the trip:
(Note: this might be a bit long, so grab for yourself a big cup of coffee, sit back, and relax as you read this.)
Sept. 24 (Sunday):
==============
- Flew in to Tucson airport from New Orleans (via Dallas)
- got a car rental from Dollar Rent-A-Car. They have very reasonable rate. I took an economy car (PT Cruiser) and paid 55 dollars for 3 days.
-Upon arrival in Nogales, AZ (1 hour drive from Tucson), I parked the car at Ed's Parking, next to McDonald's. Parking Fee is 4 dollars for the whole day.
- Walked across the border which is very close to the parking lot
- There is one Mexican Customs officer sitting close the the turn-style door "observing" (not checking) the people coming in. You need to press a button which will light either green or red. If green, you can proceed, if the light is red, then you need to show what you bring-in (bags or any stuff you have) to the officer. I observed that 100% of the time, the button gave green light. I have no idea what was their setting for the random check.
- NO IMMIGRATION Officer to check if you have Mexican visa or permit.
- took a cab from the border (a lot of them lining up waiting for passengers).
- I showed to the driver the address of the BANAMEX bank that is Open on Sunday, the EL Greco branch kilometer 4.5 ( I got the information from the net). The driver brought me to the bank stated in the address I gave to him. The bank was close!!!! Fortunately, there was somebody in the bank using the ATM, and since I can communicate in Spanish, I explained my situation. He then directed me to the Banamex located in the same area but it is located inside the LEY SUPERMARKET.
*This is important for those who are planning to go pay the BANAMEX on Saturday or Sunday to tell the taxi driver to bring you to the LEY Supermarket in El Greco Avenue. The Banamex branch is a very small "stall" located at the right hand side of the building. They do accept visa payments. I paid 107 dollars. This depends on the prevailing exchange rate on the day that you pay the visa.
- I also exchanged some Mexican pesos. Ten to fifteen dollars changed to Mexican Pesos is enough to spend for a meal, bottled water, and some souvenirs.
- From Banamex, I returned to the border using the same taxi cab. The driver was so courteous to offer to wait for me and bring me back to the border. I paid 16 dollars for the round trip fare (including the waiting time and the tip). It was very well appreciated by the driver. Regular pay for one-way is 7 dollars.
- At the border I showed them my passport. I have a valid US visa and valid I-94. I was directed to other person who checked my name on the computer, then escorted me to the second floor for passport stamping. I waited for 2 to 3 minutes. When the officer saw my passport and I-94, he said that there is no need to "process" my documents since I have legal status. I was then direct to exit and to proceed the the US side.
- took my car from the parking lot and drove to the hotel which about 1.2 miles from the border. I checked-in at Best Western and met the Sept. 25 group of visa applicants.
- Best Western is a nice decent hotel, comfortable rooms, with high speed wireless internet connection, and provides continental breakfast. Room rate is 73 dollars.
Sept. 25: Monday
==============
- Had breakfast at 6 AM.
- Left the hotel at 6:45 AM, parked the car at the same lot (Ed's Parking)
- Crossed the border at around 7:15 AM. Since it is very early, no one was at the Mexican customs, no Immigration officer, the red-green light is not even operating! Everyone is free to just walk-in.
- Took the cab from Border to the US Consulate. Paid 7 dollars.
- My appointment is 8:30 but I was allowed to stand in-line together with the 8:00 applicants. While standing in-line outside the building, somebody will check the documents and will tell you the forms that you need to have on-hand
- As mentioned in other posts, you are not allowed to bring any electronics (cell phone, camera, I-pod, remote-control car key, etc). Also, drinks, lighters, medicines, or any liquid are not allowed. I think, infant formula or milk is an exception. There is place with green gate next to the consulate building who will accept your things for safekeeping. The charge depends on the item that you will leave there. I left my camera, cell phone, and car key and they charge me 4 dollars. I think this is too much, but I have no choice.
- Once inside the building, you will be screened (exactly what they do in the airport). After screening, they will direct you to the counter which will again check your documents, and will give you priority number. My number was 8.
- After the priority number is given, you will be asked to sit and wait for your number is called. This is the Biometrix section. Once your number is called, you will go to a booth. The officer will verify the information that you filled in the forms. Just 2 or 3 questions verifying your address, date of birth, etc. Finger printing follows and then they will take your picture (Photo ID).
- After biometrix part is done, you will be asked to move to another section in the hall and wait for your turn again using the same priority number. This is the inteview proper with the consular officer. This is "the real thing"! Questions will vary depending on your case (F to H1, H4 to H1, H1 revalidation, H1 extension, etc...)
Just relax, answer the questions directly, provide the documents that they want to see. In my case, I applied for an H1-B extension. The documents they asked were:
1. Approved I-797 and
2. the letter from my employer stating that they still want me to continue to work form them
That's it!
Fortunately, all the information they need as to the salary, the nature of work, and my reporting responsibilities are stated in my employer's letter. The only question asked was, (i know this is just a side question): "Are you happy with your current job?" I said, "I cannot imagine myself working for another employer. I have the best employer and job in the whole world." In less than two minutes from the time my number was called, I was given the notice that my visa has been approved, and that I have to return at 3 PM same day to claim my passport with the US visa.
-After the interview, depending on what country you come from, you need to pay a 50 dollar reciprocity fee. In my case, I was not asked to pay the reciprocity fee.
- Before you exit the building, you will be asked to enter your information (Name, date of birth, citizenship, passport number, etc) into computers located inside the hall. This will be used at the border crossing.
- I was out of the building at around 9:15 AM. Once outside the building, you have all the time to spend waiting for the 3 PM visa release time. YOu can go to WALMART located behind the consulate building. The Nogales Mall is also located in the same area where WALMART is located, unfortunately, the stores and fastfood opens at 12 PM. So Walmart is the only choice you have to spend time while waiting.
- at 2:50 PM we started lining up again for the visa issuance. The same thing, you will not be allowed to bring any electronics inside the building.
- it was again a long wait outside the building (but inside the fence in a shaded area) because they allow only 4 or 5 persons to enter the building. The visa release window is located just as you enter the main door. It is at the same area where the x-ray machine or the screening area is located.
- I got my visa at approximately 4:20 PM.
- took the cab with others going to the border (7 dollars)
- At the border, you will be asked to present any items that you bought while in Mexico, the officer will ask if you are a US citizen. I gave my passport to the officer. Together with other non-US citizens, we were brought to the second floor of the building for visa processing / verification and issuance of new I-94. This took almost an hour. Be prepared to have 6 dollars in cash for the I-94 payment. At the time when I was there, the credit card machine was not working and they accept cash only.
- Got out of the border and finally made it on the US side at around 6:10 PM.
- Went to the parking lot, got the car, drove to Tucson and spend the night there and relax for the following days flight back to Dallas and New Orleans!
That ends my “Nogales Adventure”. I am now back here in New Orleans at 5:40 PM Central time Tuesday, Sept 26th.
I am happy to have met new friends whom I had initial contact through this forum. Many thanks to NIYANT, ASHU, ARAVIN, FINO, and others whom I failed to get the names. I am the only Filipino in the group. I am grateful to these friends for all the help and for making me feel that I am one of them. My sincere thanks to you, guys!
(Note: this might be a bit long, so grab for yourself a big cup of coffee, sit back, and relax as you read this.)
Sept. 24 (Sunday):
==============
- Flew in to Tucson airport from New Orleans (via Dallas)
- got a car rental from Dollar Rent-A-Car. They have very reasonable rate. I took an economy car (PT Cruiser) and paid 55 dollars for 3 days.
-Upon arrival in Nogales, AZ (1 hour drive from Tucson), I parked the car at Ed's Parking, next to McDonald's. Parking Fee is 4 dollars for the whole day.
- Walked across the border which is very close to the parking lot
- There is one Mexican Customs officer sitting close the the turn-style door "observing" (not checking) the people coming in. You need to press a button which will light either green or red. If green, you can proceed, if the light is red, then you need to show what you bring-in (bags or any stuff you have) to the officer. I observed that 100% of the time, the button gave green light. I have no idea what was their setting for the random check.
- NO IMMIGRATION Officer to check if you have Mexican visa or permit.
- took a cab from the border (a lot of them lining up waiting for passengers).
- I showed to the driver the address of the BANAMEX bank that is Open on Sunday, the EL Greco branch kilometer 4.5 ( I got the information from the net). The driver brought me to the bank stated in the address I gave to him. The bank was close!!!! Fortunately, there was somebody in the bank using the ATM, and since I can communicate in Spanish, I explained my situation. He then directed me to the Banamex located in the same area but it is located inside the LEY SUPERMARKET.
*This is important for those who are planning to go pay the BANAMEX on Saturday or Sunday to tell the taxi driver to bring you to the LEY Supermarket in El Greco Avenue. The Banamex branch is a very small "stall" located at the right hand side of the building. They do accept visa payments. I paid 107 dollars. This depends on the prevailing exchange rate on the day that you pay the visa.
- I also exchanged some Mexican pesos. Ten to fifteen dollars changed to Mexican Pesos is enough to spend for a meal, bottled water, and some souvenirs.
- From Banamex, I returned to the border using the same taxi cab. The driver was so courteous to offer to wait for me and bring me back to the border. I paid 16 dollars for the round trip fare (including the waiting time and the tip). It was very well appreciated by the driver. Regular pay for one-way is 7 dollars.
- At the border I showed them my passport. I have a valid US visa and valid I-94. I was directed to other person who checked my name on the computer, then escorted me to the second floor for passport stamping. I waited for 2 to 3 minutes. When the officer saw my passport and I-94, he said that there is no need to "process" my documents since I have legal status. I was then direct to exit and to proceed the the US side.
- took my car from the parking lot and drove to the hotel which about 1.2 miles from the border. I checked-in at Best Western and met the Sept. 25 group of visa applicants.
- Best Western is a nice decent hotel, comfortable rooms, with high speed wireless internet connection, and provides continental breakfast. Room rate is 73 dollars.
Sept. 25: Monday
==============
- Had breakfast at 6 AM.
- Left the hotel at 6:45 AM, parked the car at the same lot (Ed's Parking)
- Crossed the border at around 7:15 AM. Since it is very early, no one was at the Mexican customs, no Immigration officer, the red-green light is not even operating! Everyone is free to just walk-in.
- Took the cab from Border to the US Consulate. Paid 7 dollars.
- My appointment is 8:30 but I was allowed to stand in-line together with the 8:00 applicants. While standing in-line outside the building, somebody will check the documents and will tell you the forms that you need to have on-hand
- As mentioned in other posts, you are not allowed to bring any electronics (cell phone, camera, I-pod, remote-control car key, etc). Also, drinks, lighters, medicines, or any liquid are not allowed. I think, infant formula or milk is an exception. There is place with green gate next to the consulate building who will accept your things for safekeeping. The charge depends on the item that you will leave there. I left my camera, cell phone, and car key and they charge me 4 dollars. I think this is too much, but I have no choice.
- Once inside the building, you will be screened (exactly what they do in the airport). After screening, they will direct you to the counter which will again check your documents, and will give you priority number. My number was 8.
- After the priority number is given, you will be asked to sit and wait for your number is called. This is the Biometrix section. Once your number is called, you will go to a booth. The officer will verify the information that you filled in the forms. Just 2 or 3 questions verifying your address, date of birth, etc. Finger printing follows and then they will take your picture (Photo ID).
- After biometrix part is done, you will be asked to move to another section in the hall and wait for your turn again using the same priority number. This is the inteview proper with the consular officer. This is "the real thing"! Questions will vary depending on your case (F to H1, H4 to H1, H1 revalidation, H1 extension, etc...)
Just relax, answer the questions directly, provide the documents that they want to see. In my case, I applied for an H1-B extension. The documents they asked were:
1. Approved I-797 and
2. the letter from my employer stating that they still want me to continue to work form them
That's it!
Fortunately, all the information they need as to the salary, the nature of work, and my reporting responsibilities are stated in my employer's letter. The only question asked was, (i know this is just a side question): "Are you happy with your current job?" I said, "I cannot imagine myself working for another employer. I have the best employer and job in the whole world." In less than two minutes from the time my number was called, I was given the notice that my visa has been approved, and that I have to return at 3 PM same day to claim my passport with the US visa.
-After the interview, depending on what country you come from, you need to pay a 50 dollar reciprocity fee. In my case, I was not asked to pay the reciprocity fee.
- Before you exit the building, you will be asked to enter your information (Name, date of birth, citizenship, passport number, etc) into computers located inside the hall. This will be used at the border crossing.
- I was out of the building at around 9:15 AM. Once outside the building, you have all the time to spend waiting for the 3 PM visa release time. YOu can go to WALMART located behind the consulate building. The Nogales Mall is also located in the same area where WALMART is located, unfortunately, the stores and fastfood opens at 12 PM. So Walmart is the only choice you have to spend time while waiting.
- at 2:50 PM we started lining up again for the visa issuance. The same thing, you will not be allowed to bring any electronics inside the building.
- it was again a long wait outside the building (but inside the fence in a shaded area) because they allow only 4 or 5 persons to enter the building. The visa release window is located just as you enter the main door. It is at the same area where the x-ray machine or the screening area is located.
- I got my visa at approximately 4:20 PM.
- took the cab with others going to the border (7 dollars)
- At the border, you will be asked to present any items that you bought while in Mexico, the officer will ask if you are a US citizen. I gave my passport to the officer. Together with other non-US citizens, we were brought to the second floor of the building for visa processing / verification and issuance of new I-94. This took almost an hour. Be prepared to have 6 dollars in cash for the I-94 payment. At the time when I was there, the credit card machine was not working and they accept cash only.
- Got out of the border and finally made it on the US side at around 6:10 PM.
- Went to the parking lot, got the car, drove to Tucson and spend the night there and relax for the following days flight back to Dallas and New Orleans!
That ends my “Nogales Adventure”. I am now back here in New Orleans at 5:40 PM Central time Tuesday, Sept 26th.
I am happy to have met new friends whom I had initial contact through this forum. Many thanks to NIYANT, ASHU, ARAVIN, FINO, and others whom I failed to get the names. I am the only Filipino in the group. I am grateful to these friends for all the help and for making me feel that I am one of them. My sincere thanks to you, guys!
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