Hello Folks,
Need some help from the experts here. I was so glad to find this site and am hoping to get some answers
.
Currently, I am on a H1B Visa in the US. My current Visa stamp in the passport is based on my previous employer and is valid until October 31 2006.
My I-797 with my current company is in good shape and is valid until Apr 2008.
Now, earlier when I entered the US in 2005, I was issued an I-94 that expires in May 21 2006 (because my old passport was expiring then). I have renewed my passport and have a new passport --- but my current company requires me to have a valid I-94 to be able to work. So, I have to re-enter the US to obtain a new I-94 for which they want me to make a trip to Canada.
Now, since I will be going to Canada, I was wondering why not get my passport re-stamped with the new company's Visa while I am there. If not now, I will have to do that after Oct 2006 anyway
Question 1: Can we apply for re-stamping even before the current Visa (based on old company) has expired ?
Question 2: Ottawa and Calgary seem to be the best options for me at this point because of the availability as I have to do this soon. Any tips on which one would be preferable? I have never been to Canada and so have no idea on this.
Question 3: I did my Masters in the US and had a previous H1B Visa (earlier employer). So, based on what I read, re-stamping in Canada should not be a problem. Should I be concerned about anything?
Question 4: This is the one I am having a hard time with. I was looking at the documents needed by Canadian embassy for the Canadian Visa. They are asking for the original I-797. Do we have to send the original I-797 along with the passport to get a Canadian Visa from here in the US?
Thanks for your help guys
-Prem
Need some help from the experts here. I was so glad to find this site and am hoping to get some answers
.Currently, I am on a H1B Visa in the US. My current Visa stamp in the passport is based on my previous employer and is valid until October 31 2006.
My I-797 with my current company is in good shape and is valid until Apr 2008.
Now, earlier when I entered the US in 2005, I was issued an I-94 that expires in May 21 2006 (because my old passport was expiring then). I have renewed my passport and have a new passport --- but my current company requires me to have a valid I-94 to be able to work. So, I have to re-enter the US to obtain a new I-94 for which they want me to make a trip to Canada.
Now, since I will be going to Canada, I was wondering why not get my passport re-stamped with the new company's Visa while I am there. If not now, I will have to do that after Oct 2006 anyway
Question 1: Can we apply for re-stamping even before the current Visa (based on old company) has expired ?
Question 2: Ottawa and Calgary seem to be the best options for me at this point because of the availability as I have to do this soon. Any tips on which one would be preferable? I have never been to Canada and so have no idea on this.
Question 3: I did my Masters in the US and had a previous H1B Visa (earlier employer). So, based on what I read, re-stamping in Canada should not be a problem. Should I be concerned about anything?
Question 4: This is the one I am having a hard time with. I was looking at the documents needed by Canadian embassy for the Canadian Visa. They are asking for the original I-797. Do we have to send the original I-797 along with the passport to get a Canadian Visa from here in the US?
Thanks for your help guys
-Prem