Tijuana Stamping on Nov 16

[ps_gc]

I have an appointment scheduled on nov 16 in tijuana, this will be a 3 year extension based on my I-140 approval.
1. I read most H1-Bs have gone to Tijuana without a mexican visa. Is this ok?
2. I have the appt at 10:00 AM, so I am hoping to get the checks on the same day when bank opens at 9:00 AM, which I suppose is beside the consulate.
3. Any specific advice with my situation (3 yr extension, 1 month left on my existing stamp)

Is anyone else going the same day?

Experienced guys, please help confirm my assumptions.

 

[sandeepk1999]

Tijuana

I had my stamping in Tijuana on Oct 26th. Reach the border by 8AM. Take a cab and make sure you ask them how much. They will say $10 (if you negotiate they will drop you for $7). Couple of door steps from the consulate is the bank which will open at 9. It will not take more than 10 mins in the bank.

As soon as you done with the bank you can go to the consulate and talk to the person who knows English.

The BIGGEST problem is that most of the people in consulate dont know English and they will make you wait like most others. In fact if you have an appointment they will take you directly to the finger printing, even if you are early for the appointment. After finger print processing, go straight to the interview line. There is one person inside who knows English, talk to him he will tell you to wait in line for interview. If you talk to security guys they will tell you wait outside (which is for local people who dont have appointments). I did that mistake and wasted one hour.

Nothing specific was asked in the interview, except where in India from and what my job title. Thats it, told me to pay the fees and pick the passport at 3PM. everything was done by 11. By the consulate there will be cab drivers waiting and they everything, after the appointment everyone goes to downtown, they will take you there for $10. If you tell him he will pick you up at the given time at a particular location (if you want).

Got my passport by 3:15 and came straight to the border. In the border there was a big line. As you will need a new I-94, do not stand line and go to the special processing office (it is a separate office before the border gate). Go there and get a new I94, then cross the border.

In short, people with appointment get special treatment.

Sandeep

 

[ps_gc]

Thanks for your help Sandeep.

 

[ps_gc]

Successfully completed my h1-b stamping at Tijuana. And I owe a lot to all my predecessors in these forums who have diligently posted their experience.
I'll post my detailed experience soon even though it is some what redundant.