Successful H1b Stamping from Ottawa (Visa revalidation) !!!

R

rajgotit

Registered Users (C)
:) Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my H1b stamping experience in Ottawa September 9th 2004.

Like everyone I had soo many questions like do i have to go to the home country for stamping and all my tax documents(w2) is needed for stamping and will they do the background check or name verification from FBI....like that i had soo many questions. By God grace and luck, i got my stamping in a cool and smooth way.


1. I got my appointment for the Visa interview(which is a must) via https://www.nvars.com by paying CAD $15. Once you get the appointment, you can print the confirmation letter right away, besides US consulate will mail you the appointment confirmation in 4-6 days.

2. I booked my air ticket to Ottawa from Newark(costs around CAD $300), I came to know people drove over there.

3. Obtained my visitor visa to canada, which was a single entry visa cost me $55 and I went to the canadian consulate in NewYork. No appointment is needed for this visa. For address info check http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/new_york/. I got the visa the same day.
Req. docs
* Application form : IMM5257
* Two passport size photo
* Appointment letter from US consulate, Ottawa
* Pay stub or Bank statement, to prove the finance available to spend in canada
* Proof of return ticket from canada (copy of eticket print out)
* Photocopy of current immigration status in USA

4. I reserved a hotel in Rideau St, Ottawa. Because the US consulate is down the Rideau street on Sussex Dr. around 15 mins walk.

5. For the H1b visa stamping documents checklist , please verify your appointment letter, it will have the checklist.

5. On the day of my interview I was there in the consulate 30 mins before my appointment time. The Gurad verified my appointment letter and Asusual security checkup,then the second guard asked my application forms i156&157, passport, 1 photos, I797 approval document and $100 thatz it.

6. First counter guy collected the fee wiht the above mentioned docs and asked me to be seated and wait for my name to be called.

My background : I came to US by 2000 and had a bad w2 filing for the yr, 2002 due to long bench period, H1b stamping expired on 2003. one time h1b transfer rejected due to wrong LCA(I was working in NY, but my employer from california filed transfer with Calif LCA). But i had paystub for 2 years to present the consular. First most h1b was revoked after leaving the emp.

7. After 50 mins of breathless moments, my name was called and presented myself before the counter. and tried smiling nice and greeting him. He started with my finger print left pointing finger first and then right.( i was nervous and delayed this process..heeee).

8. The interview started with
1. Why are you changing your employer ?
I told him I moved to east cost. He asked my employment letter and read it for 20 secs.

2. Who is your previous employer ?

He gave me a pink receipt and told me to goto the next counter and pay $50 fee (resipro...fee)

3. I showed him the receipt, he said, Okay you can come by 3pm and collect your passport.

(All I presented was my application forms, passport, 1 photo, I797 approval original, fees (100 + 50), offer letter from the employer(or employment letter).

Thatz it, unbelivable he didn't even asked my paystub....Oh my god, for this 40 seconds, i was worried for 2 months.

* Besides I saw couple of guys before my interview, spent only less than 2 mins in the interview. And by 3 pm I saw 4 other guys with happy face.



9. At the customs(port of entry) he asked me the reason for my visit to US and Asked how long i will be staying...Thatz it, I AM IN !!!!!!!!! THANK GOD !



* I did soo many research about the stamping this site and found some helpful guidence. Thanks everyone and all the best.

And...I lived happily ever after...............;).

Hope this helps! If you have any questions, please post and I will try to answer as much as I can.


* Please do more research on your case, its always different for different applicants and depends on the consular who interview you.
 
Thanks

Raj,

Thanks for the info. Well written. I have my interview in Toronto end of this month and trying to get some info. But hardly anythin available on recent cases. :)

Can you let me know which country are you from. Some apparently had extra security checks due to country.



rajgotit said:
:) Hello everyone,
I wanted to share my H1b stamping experience in Ottawa September 9th 2004.

Like everyone I had soo many questions like do i have to go to the home country for stamping and all my tax documents(w2) is needed for stamping and will they do the background check or name verification from FBI....like that i had soo many questions. By God grace and luck, i got my stamping in a cool and smooth way.


1. I got my appointment for the Visa interview(which is a must) via https://www.nvars.com by paying CAD $15. Once you get the appointment, you can print the confirmation letter right away, besides US consulate will mail you the appointment confirmation in 4-6 days.

2. I booked my air ticket to Ottawa from Newark(costs around CAD $300), I came to know people drove over there.

3. Obtained my visitor visa to canada, which was a single entry visa cost me $55 and I went to the canadian consulate in NewYork. No appointment is needed for this visa. For address info check http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/new_york/. I got the visa the same day.
Req. docs
* Application form : IMM5257
* Two passport size photo
* Appointment letter from US consulate, Ottawa
* Pay stub or Bank statement, to prove the finance available to spend in canada
* Proof of return ticket from canada (copy of eticket print out)
* Photocopy of current immigration status in USA

4. I reserved a hotel in Rideau St, Ottawa. Because the US consulate is down the Rideau street on Sussex Dr. around 15 mins walk.

5. For the H1b visa stamping documents checklist , please verify your appointment letter, it will have the checklist.

5. On the day of my interview I was there in the consulate 30 mins before my appointment time. The Gurad verified my appointment letter and Asusual security checkup,then the second guard asked my application forms i156&157, passport, 1 photos, I797 approval document and $100 thatz it.

6. First counter guy collected the fee wiht the above mentioned docs and asked me to be seated and wait for my name to be called.

My background : I came to US by 2000 and had a bad w2 filing for the yr, 2002 due to long bench period, H1b stamping expired on 2003. one time h1b transfer rejected due to wrong LCA(I was working in NY, but my employer from california filed transfer with Calif LCA). But i had paystub for 2 years to present the consular. First most h1b was revoked after leaving the emp.

7. After 50 mins of breathless moments, my name was called and presented myself before the counter. and tried smiling nice and greeting him. He started with my finger print left pointing finger first and then right.( i was nervous and delayed this process..heeee).

8. The interview started with
1. Why are you changing your employer ?
I told him I moved to east cost. He asked my employment letter and read it for 20 secs.

2. Who is your previous employer ?

He gave me a pink receipt and told me to goto the next counter and pay $50 fee (resipro...fee)

3. I showed him the receipt, he said, Okay you can come by 3pm and collect your passport.

(All I presented was my application forms, passport, 1 photo, I797 approval original, fees (100 + 50), offer letter from the employer(or employment letter).

Thatz it, unbelivable he didn't even asked my paystub....Oh my god, for this 40 seconds, i was worried for 2 months.

* Besides I saw couple of guys before my interview, spent only less than 2 mins in the interview. And by 3 pm I saw 4 other guys with happy face.



9. At the customs(port of entry) he asked me the reason for my visit to US and Asked how long i will be staying...Thatz it, I AM IN !!!!!!!!! THANK GOD !



* I did soo many research about the stamping this site and found some helpful guidence. Thanks everyone and all the best.

And...I lived happily ever after...............;).

Hope this helps! If you have any questions, please post and I will try to answer as much as I can.


* Please do more research on your case, its always different for different applicants and depends on the consular who interview you.
Click to expand...
 
I am from India

Jaguar2004 said:
Raj,

Thanks for the info. Well written. I have my interview in Toronto end of this month and trying to get some info. But hardly anythin available on recent cases. :)

Can you let me know which country are you from. Some apparently had extra security checks due to country.
Click to expand...
 
Can the whole process of stamping beginning a trip from Newark and return to Newark be done in a single day? What was your port of entry?What questions did they ask at POE?

Is it possible to opt for an appointment during morning so that we don't have to wait until next day to get the passport. DS-156 what is it that we have answer for the question has anyone filed immigration visa on your behalf? My case is labor pending

Thanks
Kb_gc
 
Hello to all of U.

If any of you have any Tax Question. You can post here. Our accounting firm has vast experience in dealing with Immigration related Tax Questions/Problems.

Even if you want to talk to us you can call me on my cell

We file All types of taxes for all 50 States

You can also ask question about New Corporation , Individual tax , Payroll , Pay stubs , Sales Tax , Partnership Tax, Corporation Tax

This is absolutely free service.


Tanveer Ahmad
Cell:718-974-2813
 
Rajgotit,
How far into your H1-B stay have you been..?
Are you in your 7th year..?

I was wondering if they treat requests differently if it is for ppl who are in their 7th year of H1-B Visa, when they go for Stamping..?

Any inputs/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
My stamping process took exactly 5 hrs. I mean, I gave interview by 10am and got my passport back at 3pm. The POE is nothing matter of 2 mins and couple of questions like "why are you entering USA" "how long will you be staying this time" thatz it.

You can take appointment anytime from 8am i guess till 12 noon.

DS-156 is to mention you Ex-employers who filled for your visa earlier...


kb_gc said:
Can the whole process of stamping beginning a trip from Newark and return to Newark be done in a single day? What was your port of entry?What questions did they ask at POE?

Is it possible to opt for an appointment during morning so that we don't have to wait until next day to get the passport. DS-156 what is it that we have answer for the question has anyone filed immigration visa on your behalf? My case is labor pending

Thanks
Kb_gc
Click to expand...
 
Hi,
I am in my 4th Yr. I am not sure about your question, I heard ppl do get their 7th year stamping in Ottawa.

waitingforgc04 said:
Rajgotit,
How far into your H1-B stay have you been..?
Are you in your 7th year..?

I was wondering if they treat requests differently if it is for ppl who are in their 7th year of H1-B Visa, when they go for Stamping..?

Any inputs/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
Hi Rajgotit,
So to the question of "Why you are entering USA?" you did say that u work there and plan to stay there for a while..?

-Thanks
 
Thanks for the post Raj. It was very informative.
I had a question on the confirmation pdf you'd have received when setting up the appt.
Did it include a paragraph like this...

IF MY VISA IS APPROVED, WHEN WILL IT BE READY FOR COLLECTION?
Beginning January 1, 2004, the consular section will no longer be able to return approved visas on the same
day. After that date, due to database checks, all visas may take up to three working days to be processed to
completion.
<truncated>

I set my visa appt in Vancouver after checking that it had same day processing acc to http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php
But the confirmation I received from nvars says otherwise. Just wanted to find out if this a generic warning for all consulates.

Thanks and appreciate your reply.
 
Yeah, thatz obvious. I did said them and went to canada for couple of days to get my visa revalidation.

waitingforgc04 said:
Hi Rajgotit,
So to the question of "Why you are entering USA?" you did say that u work there and plan to stay there for a while..?

-Thanks
Click to expand...
 
The below statement about the "returning the visa on the same day", its nothing to worry. They just reserve their rights to hold, if needed. Mostly, after a successful interview they do ask you to come back 3pm the same day to collect the passport. I literally heard this myself and for other bunch of guys.

All the best !!!!!!!!! ;)

infoplz said:
Thanks for the post Raj. It was very informative.
I had a question on the confirmation pdf you'd have received when setting up the appt.
Did it include a paragraph like this...

IF MY VISA IS APPROVED, WHEN WILL IT BE READY FOR COLLECTION?
Beginning January 1, 2004, the consular section will no longer be able to return approved visas on the same
day. After that date, due to database checks, all visas may take up to three working days to be processed to
completion.
<truncated>

I set my visa appt in Vancouver after checking that it had same day processing acc to http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php
But the confirmation I received from nvars says otherwise. Just wanted to find out if this a generic warning for all consulates.

Thanks and appreciate your reply.
Click to expand...
 
That is exactly my problem right now. I used to do this in the past years easily everytime I switched jobs, etc in one single day. Now it says it might take up to 3 days or in special cases 15-45 days. It sounds like they just reserve the right to take longer for H1-B...

Chris
 
ds 1-56 ques - plz reply

Can you please let me know if you have left the fields blank or

have you used none or N/A in the DS-156 FORM the fields which are not

relevant to the person filling the form.


* Two passport size photo
* Appointment letter from US consulate, Ottawa
* Pay stub or Bank statement, to prove the finance available to spend in canada
* Proof of return ticket from canada (copy of eticket print out)
* Photocopy of current immigration status in USA

4. I reserved a hotel in Rideau St, Ottawa. Because the US consulate is down the Rideau street on Sussex Dr. around 15 mins walk.

5. For the H1b visa stamping documents checklist , please verify your appointment letter, it will have the checklist.

5. On the day of my interview I was there in the consulate 30 mins before my appointment time. The Gurad verified my appointment letter and Asusual security checkup,then the second guard asked my application forms i156&157, passport, 1 photos, I797 approval document and $100 thatz it.

6. First counter guy collected the fee wiht the above mentioned docs and asked me to be seated and wait for my name to be called.

My background : I came to US by 2000 and had a bad w2 filing for the yr, 2002 due to long bench period, H1b stamping expired on 2003. one time h1b transfer rejected due to wrong LCA(I was working in NY, but my employer from california filed transfer with Calif LCA). But i had paystub for 2 years to present the consular. First most h1b was revoked after leaving the emp.

7. After 50 mins of breathless moments, my name was called and presented myself before the counter. and tried smiling nice and greeting him. He started with my finger print left pointing finger first and then right.( i was nervous and delayed this process..heeee).

8. The interview started with
1. Why are you changing your employer ?
I told him I moved to east cost. He asked my employment letter and read it for 20 secs.

2. Who is your previous employer ?

He gave me a pink receipt and told me to goto the next counter and pay $50 fee (resipro...fee)

3. I showed him the receipt, he said, Okay you can come by 3pm and collect your passport.

(All I presented was my application forms, passport, 1 photo, I797 approval original, fees (100 + 50), offer letter from the employer(or employment letter).

Thatz it, unbelivable he didn't even asked my paystub....Oh my god, for this 40 seconds, i was worried for 2 months.

* Besides I saw couple of guys before my interview, spent only less than 2 mins in the interview. And by 3 pm I saw 4 other guys with happy face.



9. At the customs(port of entry) he asked me the reason for my visit to US and Asked how long i will be staying...Thatz it, I AM IN !!!!!!!!! THANK GOD !



* I did soo many research about the stamping this site and found some helpful guidence. Thanks everyone and all the best.

And...I lived happily ever after...............;).

Hope this helps! If you have any questions, please post and I will try to answer as much as I can.


* Please do more research on your case, its always different for different applicants and depends on the consular who interview you.[/QUOTE]
 
H1 Renewal and passport expiry - Canada - Pl help

I am Canadian Landed immigrant, can I apply for visa in Canada or I
Can I got for H1 visa revalidation in Canada ?

Question 1 -
My passport expires before at least 6 months past the intended stay in the U.S.
From what I understand "intended stay in the U.S." is the time my new H1 expiration date.

This links says http://www.amcits.com/visas.asp#ability
Valid Passport (at least 6 months).

However, link
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_waivers.html talks about

Exerts from above link 7 (B) (i) "is in possession of a passport valid for a
minimum of six months from the date of expiration of the initial period of
the alien's admission or contemplated initial period of stay authorizing the
alien to return to the country from which the alien came or to proceed to
and enter some other country during such period, or"

Question 2 - Do i need education qualification to be able to appy in canada.

This links says http://www.amcits.com/visas.asp#ability

Evidence of qualifications must be original or certified copy. Consular officers in Canada may refuse to issue a visa to H-1B applicants if their education and /or work experience is solely or predominantly from a country other than the U.S. or Canada.
 
All,

I am in NJ. Which of the consulates would you suggest in Canada for visa stamping.

Thanks
 
H1b 7th Revalidation with Canadian PR

Anyone in situation like me or had already done 7th year extension in Canada, specifically Toronto please respond.

I am landed immigrant in Canada and have Canadian PR Card.
I have my 7th year H1-B extension and want to revalidate H1-B visa in Toronto, Canada.

1. In H1-B Visa appointment confirmation letter its mentioned that one should have "Proof of Income / Ties to Canada" and following Canadian document are generally useful to establish ties:
-It is mandatory Current letter of employment
-Pay slip and tax document
-Property deeds
-PR Card
-Montly Bank Statement

Out of above list, I only have PR Card as I have never worked in Canada, but work and live in US.

Can I Revalidate 7th Year H1-B in Canada ?

2. If anyone in same situation as mine, has gone through this, could you share your experience and list documents and question that you were asked?

Thank You.
Vive
 
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