Prakash_78
Registered Users (C)
I am a F1-OPT-H1B with a Canadian PR. I will strongly recommend Toronto Consulate to anyone with a similar case.
How to get there:Toronto has a preety good subway system. One way charge is $2.25. The consulate is situated between Osgoode and St. Patrick subway stations. Get off at any of the stations and you will have to walk for less than 2-3 mins. You will have to go at the rare entrance of the consulate which is located on Simcoe Street. (I have attached the Toronto subway map)
At the consulate:
The standard procedure – go thro the security clearance and then wait in the queue to enter the waiting hall. They ALLOW bags and purses inside the consulate. I was under the impression that they won’t allow and hence was carrying my documents in a plastic folder.
At the front window you submit your appointment letter, 156, 157, 797, bank deposit slips, and passport (hope am not forgetting anything!). Then you sit in the waiting area and watch the cartoons on the TV (that’s what they play!) and wait for your turn. The Officer will call your name and window # (e.g. Indian passport holder Amitabh Bachchhan come to window #1)
My interview lasted some 20 secs. Here is what happened:
Me - Good Morning, Officer!
Officer - What is your designation?
Me - Sir, I work as a ---
Officer - What do you do as a ---
Me - (I described my duties in 2-3 sentences)
Officer - So you did your OPT too with your current employer?
Me - Yes, thats correct!
Officer - Ok, I am granting you a Visa. You may collect your passport tomorrow between 3-4pm.
Me - Thank you, Sir! Do I need to pay my reciprocatory fees?
Officer - No, since you are a landed immigrant of Canada, your $50 fee is waived.
Me - Oh, wow! Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Photo:
If you wear glasses, take your photo without glasses. Also, make sure to carry $5 in Canadian currency in case they don’t like your pic and want another. There is a photo machine inside the consulate that accepts $5 bill (4 pics for 5 bucks – btw, they just need 1 pic).
Word of caution:
I was asked to collect my passport on Fri between 3-4pm. I reached there around 3:10pm and the security guard told me that the consulate is closed. I had to go thro some rough moments and a very long argument with him and his supervisor to finally get my passport. For collecting your passport the next day, REACH THE CONSULATE VERY EARLY – MAYBE AROUND 2PM even though it says between 3-4pm – just in case they close down early for some mysterious reason.
There are lots of nice coffee shops where you could wait. There’s one right at the corner of Simcoe Street (its called Tim Hortins) and the other opposite to the front gate of the consulate – called Timothys (right across St. Patrick subway station entrance). Tim Hortins is always too congested and loud while Timothys is a very cozy and spacious place.
There’s also a Staples shop across the street from front entrance – just in case you need any supplies at the last moment.
And, there is a Kinko's too - maybe 3-4 mins walk.
Entering USA:
I took a flight from Toronto to US. REACH THE AIRPORT "AT LEAST" 2 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME.
You customs & immigration will be done at the airport. I have done this twice and there is always a very long queue. Be prepare for that.
Keep a pen handy as you will have to fill up a declaration form. The security officer won't hand you a white colored (immigration form?!? - the one that has the I-94 at the bottom) form but since you are entering on H1 and there's a change of status - you will have to. You will find the white form lying on one of the tables around.
The immigration officer will take away the I-94 from the bottom of your 797 and staple this white I-94 to your passport.
Btw, Toronto has a cool nite life. Don't miss the chance!
How to get there:Toronto has a preety good subway system. One way charge is $2.25. The consulate is situated between Osgoode and St. Patrick subway stations. Get off at any of the stations and you will have to walk for less than 2-3 mins. You will have to go at the rare entrance of the consulate which is located on Simcoe Street. (I have attached the Toronto subway map)
At the consulate:
The standard procedure – go thro the security clearance and then wait in the queue to enter the waiting hall. They ALLOW bags and purses inside the consulate. I was under the impression that they won’t allow and hence was carrying my documents in a plastic folder.
At the front window you submit your appointment letter, 156, 157, 797, bank deposit slips, and passport (hope am not forgetting anything!). Then you sit in the waiting area and watch the cartoons on the TV (that’s what they play!) and wait for your turn. The Officer will call your name and window # (e.g. Indian passport holder Amitabh Bachchhan come to window #1)
My interview lasted some 20 secs. Here is what happened:
Me - Good Morning, Officer!
Officer - What is your designation?
Me - Sir, I work as a ---
Officer - What do you do as a ---
Me - (I described my duties in 2-3 sentences)
Officer - So you did your OPT too with your current employer?
Me - Yes, thats correct!
Officer - Ok, I am granting you a Visa. You may collect your passport tomorrow between 3-4pm.
Me - Thank you, Sir! Do I need to pay my reciprocatory fees?
Officer - No, since you are a landed immigrant of Canada, your $50 fee is waived.
Me - Oh, wow! Thanks and have a wonderful day!
Photo:
If you wear glasses, take your photo without glasses. Also, make sure to carry $5 in Canadian currency in case they don’t like your pic and want another. There is a photo machine inside the consulate that accepts $5 bill (4 pics for 5 bucks – btw, they just need 1 pic).
Word of caution:
I was asked to collect my passport on Fri between 3-4pm. I reached there around 3:10pm and the security guard told me that the consulate is closed. I had to go thro some rough moments and a very long argument with him and his supervisor to finally get my passport. For collecting your passport the next day, REACH THE CONSULATE VERY EARLY – MAYBE AROUND 2PM even though it says between 3-4pm – just in case they close down early for some mysterious reason.
There are lots of nice coffee shops where you could wait. There’s one right at the corner of Simcoe Street (its called Tim Hortins) and the other opposite to the front gate of the consulate – called Timothys (right across St. Patrick subway station entrance). Tim Hortins is always too congested and loud while Timothys is a very cozy and spacious place.
There’s also a Staples shop across the street from front entrance – just in case you need any supplies at the last moment.
And, there is a Kinko's too - maybe 3-4 mins walk.
Entering USA:
I took a flight from Toronto to US. REACH THE AIRPORT "AT LEAST" 2 HOURS BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT DEPARTURE TIME.
You customs & immigration will be done at the airport. I have done this twice and there is always a very long queue. Be prepare for that.
Keep a pen handy as you will have to fill up a declaration form. The security officer won't hand you a white colored (immigration form?!? - the one that has the I-94 at the bottom) form but since you are entering on H1 and there's a change of status - you will have to. You will find the white form lying on one of the tables around.
The immigration officer will take away the I-94 from the bottom of your 797 and staple this white I-94 to your passport.
Btw, Toronto has a cool nite life. Don't miss the chance!
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