Stamping

Kapil101

Registered Users (C)
Hi, I got my HIB on september01. I graduated from the US(bachelors) and worked on PT until I got my H1B approval. I am planning on going to india this december and i am confused regarding stamping. Is it okay if i get my stamping done in India (madras consulate using the drop-box) or am i better off going to canada/mexico? --please advise!!! - also, how much time does it take to get appt in canda/mexico?
 
I think its ok to get the visa stamp in India. ( However I am not sure if you qualify for drop box- it used to be valid for only those people who already had a H-1 visa but you can check at the embassy site.




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DONOT CONSIDER THIS A LEGAL ADVICE
 
SEVIS

First time H1B applicants also qualify for drop box at Chennai...

You can get the visa in Chennai. But keep track of changes and possible time delays in the coming months. Right now (Sept) it is not clear what the delays are. All consulates have been mandated to update their systems to be SEVIS (the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) compliant by Jan 31, 2003. This means that for any applicant for F1, J1, M1 or their dependents, the overseas consulate (all of them, not just in India) will need to verify directly with the school using the SEVSI system before a visa is issued. Now the U.S. Congress mandated activation by September 11, 2002 of an interim, pre-SEVIS measure to track international students and scholars. So there are, and could be a lot of delays around this time. Technically only F1, J1, and M1, and dependents are affected, but the consulate might slow down on all visa categories while preparing to update their systems. It is hoped that delays are temporary. Also changes can take place between now and Dec.

Now if anyone has information/experiences on getting visas in Indian consulates after Sept 1, 2002, could you please post your experiences? Maybe we should start a tracker for consular visa experiences? Does anyone know how to set this up, such that the thread comes up on top always?
 
Thanks guys for your advice. I do think that I qualify for the drop-box.

Now I need to decide btwn India and Canada/mexico. In any case, Normally, how much time does it take to get an appointment in canada/mexico? I mean, if i try for one now - what appt data am i looking at?
 
why dont you try yourself in nvars.com. You can always not "submit the appointment request.
 
H-1 stamping in Canada/Mexico

Please keep in mind that 3rd countries are not obligated to issue the visa. If the 3rd country denies you your visa, and you do not have a valid visa in your passport, you will not be able to re-enter the US.


The information for visit to Canada or Mexico for a visa stamping are as follows.

1. An applicant needs to make an appointment in the appropriate U.S. Consulate. This can be done through the online system at http://www.nvars.com If an applicant is a permanent residenty or citizen of Canada or Mexico, they may not need an appointment in their country of permanent residence/citizenship.

2. You will need to obtain a visa for Canada or Mexico. Contact the appropriate consulate for information.

CANADIAN CONSULATES:
http://www.canadianembassy.org/splash/

MEXICAN CONSULATES:
http://www.embassyofmexico.org/english/2/consulateseng.htm


3. Once you make an appointment through the nvars web site, the U.S. consulate will send you a list of documents to bring with you. You should also check out the web site of the appropriate U.S. Consulate in Canada or Mexico from:
http://www.immigration.com/links-consulates.html
 
Thanks so much for the information Anna and Jaxen.

Can anyone tell me how much time it takes to get an appointment in canda/mexico consulates? Also, what consulate is a better option for stamping?

Thanks
 
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