If your visa is not approved, you can stay back in Canada as long as your Canadian visitor visa is valid. It is not possible to provide precise wait times for immigrant visa appointments, as facilities, staffing resources, and local conditions all affect capacity and scheduling. If indians are not trapped here this way the economy going to impact in some extent. Posted November 11, 2012. swame_sp; Members; 12 Report; Share; I am in Vancouver came from US with my family. But in most cases, the administrative processing may take upto 4-6 weeks and staying back in Canada may not be the most financially optimal solution. I am on F1 Visa. Hey Kandarp, can you please share dropbox experience of visa stamping in canada? Hi all,. It is also recommended that H1B visa holders should be provided with advanced travel documents so that they dont get stuck back home and can re-enter the US on an expired visa. Answer (1 of 3): There is nothing advisable or otherwise. #3 I received my visa after January 1, 2008 Change to the appropriate LOOMIS location as well, and it should show you the approx wait time for the other consulate. Five things to keep in mind while buying insurance for parents visiting USA !!! I have got my visa appointment date but i dont see anywhere about the Biometrics. will they send my passport with in 3 to 5 business days with VISA stamped. While not required, we encourage all visitors over age two to wear a mask for the health and safety of our staff and visitors. Please share your experience if you have. canada visa stamp on passport processing time. I am in a similar situation. swame_sp. Can you please update it? Verify which agency is handling your case and use the following links to check current wait times: US Citizenship and Immigration Services Processing Times -To verify the currently listed processing time for your . So u mean 9th February date shown is estimate, right? As of February 1, 2023, most Immediate Relative and fianc(e) visa cases being scheduled for interview in Montreal were documentarily complete at the National Visa Center in November 2022; most Family Preference cases with visa numbers available that are being scheduled for interview were documentarily qualified in August 2022; and most Employment cases scheduled for interview were documentarily complete in January 2021. A sizeable number of H1B visa holders travel to India for visa renewal/extension every year. The average waiting time for visitor visa is over 500 days i.e. how easy it is here in Canada? Does that mean I can still get visa interview appointment after 22 days or I will have appointment only on 9 Feb, 2017 ? U.S. citizens living in Canada are eligible for passport renewal by mail: Visit Passport Services U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada (usembassy.gov) for more information. I would appreciate if you please clarify them: For my DS-160 (H1b): 1. Nonimmigrant visa applicants with urgent travel: If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided on theFAQ pageto request an emergency appointment. Although visa processing time is approximately 5-10 business days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. Current Wait Time and Availability. I am in the same situation at the same consulate location and any inputs would be helpful. Did you know in FY2014, as many as70% of total315,857 H1B Visas (including initial as well as continuing employment) were approvedforpeople with Indian origin. I am wondering if some one can let me know what is the current waiting period in any of the VISA centers for appointment. Hmmmm..yeah then might be difficult to get early appointment. Note: Embassies and Consulates may have a separate . Would you be put in admin hold and have to travel back to India to get stamping done? US Visa Stamping Trackers. Would help me to schedule one, I'm not sure if I could check before submitting DS-160. H1B to H4 COS allowed. 3. If your education has been predominantly done in your home country, or any country apart from the U.S. or Canada, they may not stamp your visa. i have received the confirmation of permanent residency from canada and now i am thinking to go to India for H1b stamping (first time stamoing from F1 to H1B). You can still give it a shot at Argentina consulate, just keep in mind that you will have to arrange a stay there if your case goes to Administrative Processing. After you get your H-1B visa stamped, you can enter the U.S. only ten days before you start working. This is just a recommendation nothing else. If you come to ask her for money at this time, I'm afraid I can't wait to buy a house or a car.It's really a day when I'm used to clothes, hands, food, and mouth, and even these things I want others to give him. The website shows that average wait for a visa appointment in the US consulate at New Delhi is 522 days for visitor visas and 471 days for student visas. This is good, I believe it will be a win win situation for the aviation industry. Everything is tightened on H1B and dependents except one exception and that is H4 EAD. The H-1B visa typically has a maximum validity period of six years. The current wait time for Appointment dates for H1B stamping in India (All cities ) is insane, mostly Mid to Late 2023. Montreal. By FAQs, U.S. Mission to Canada Funding Opportunities. 2. Finger print and interview will be done at the same day (back in India , it goes for two days). hi. The website has no information about it. It takes around 12 to 15 months for them to . Thank you! Good luck! Whats the purpose of your visit to consulate? If the I-797 is a blanket permit, bring a copy of the I-797 and I-129. so can i go to canada directly to get h1 stamping and collect the PR card (both at the same time). I am unable to decide what to do, travel home or Canada, since I had 221g earlier will it affect my application during Dropbox or in-person interview? Or, Should I get it done beforehand during September, 2017 before flying out or is it going to be too ambitious? Were you previously issued a visa to enter the United States I do have prior H1-Bs but none from consulates in Canada. Knowing the H-1B visa stamping process is crucial to finalize your application correctly and eventually starting your job in the U.S. or continuing to work in the country. If you are in this category, it is probably a good idea to go elsewhere to have your visa stamped. To get the entire stamping process . from state dept: Typical Wait Time (Calendar Days*) for a Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Appointment Visitors Visas: 29 Days Student/Exchange Visitors Visas: 29 Days Here is the wait time in Ottawa now. What are the waiting lines in those 2 consulates ? The service for the renewal or stamping of non . Any Help of giving Indian family details and procedure for visa, Hi Varsha, Can you please email me about your experience for stamping H1B in calgary, Like how much time its take to get the passport stamped after interview and where we need to go to collect the passport and how was your travel and stay experience in calgary. I know nobody in Canada so dont have a mailing address they can ship it back to. I have the Canadas visitor visa stamped. US Visa Approval & Refusal Rates by Country and Visa; H1B Visa Tracker (FY 2024) US Visa Stamping Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker; US Visa Emergency Appointment Tracker; USCIS Processing Times; H1B Stamping India. Do you have any immediate relatives, not including parents, in the United States? Here is a step-by-step guide for H1B visa stamping in Canada. Website. Recently, my Canada PR was approved. U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call: 613-238-5335, Outside of Office Hours, contact: 613-238-5335. However, if you want to continue living in the United States, you have the opportunity to apply for a green card, provided you meet the requirements. Sometimes people cancel their appointments so the real wait time is likely shorter. The resumption of H1B visa stamping in the US was unanimously recommended in October 2022 by the US Presidents advisory commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). I have not yet paid my fee and no appointments has been scheduled. The U.S. Consulate General in Montreal is processing immigrant visas according to the Departments most recent operating status update, available here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/visa-services-operating-status-update.html. Here, the user is an H1B worker in the USA and is planning to visit India for a new H1B visa stamp using the approved H1B extension i797. At the most, you can schedule your appointment three days prior to your interview appointment but no later than that. Now I from past 1.5 years I am staying here in Canada and working for same employer who transferred me from US to Canada , now they want me there for 3 year project. Mar 12, 2019 . . But first, a new I-129 petition with applicable fees and required documents showing . This also depends on the service center. Since we all be going to Canada together, should I mention my wife and kids detail here or not? Note to joslanki:Please kindlyupdate this thread when you clear the visa interview process. If I must move later in my career from cap-exempt H1B read more However, you can still apply in Canada and I have known cases who got their first H1B approved in Canada itself. Copy of I-140 Immigration petition for Alien worker (required if one is renewing his H1B visa beyond 6 years). All posts are moderated, so it will take time for your post to appear! Q) Why cant I apply for my immigrant visa at a consular section other than Montreal? For travel information, you can provide a tentative itinerary with address of any hotel in the city of Consulate. Is it fine if I go to Vancouver. Hello,I am currently on H1 in US. Can anyone share their experiences ? All Rights Reserved. This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada. First time H1B stamping in Mexico, Canada for Indian, chinese in USA. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=ec2111fb-0cd9-4ce4-871c-b681b73c0146, https://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/immediate-relatives, How to watch Cricket World Cup 2019 in USA, Three Best visitors insurance plans for parents visiting USA in 2020. It would be basic human decency for America to offer visa stamping here. Travel Beats celebrates the achievements of young Indians and publishes exclusive stories from the US and India. Contents1 Can I renew my F1 visa [] Message. 2. If I pay visa fees for Toronto US embassy and if I find earlier date in Montreal, do I require to pay fees again? Entire DS-160 form is not required. Appointment Requests forNotarial Services:Please usethis form. If you do, shops located on opposite side of consulate charge 5$ to keep your bag while you are in consulate. You missed 2 more consulates in Canada that issue visas viz CALGARY & QUEBEC CITY. CanadaVisa.com | 1303 Greene Ave., Suite 200 | Westmount, Montreal, QC, Canada | H3Z 2A7. Copy of your employersNon-immigrant Visa Petition filed with the U.S. So put that time frame in mind when you book your flight. Example: If you got your first-time H1B visa stamp in Mexico or Canada or any other US embassy outside India. VO asked many questions like my degree, Payslip , My job specifications. Your US Visa must not be expired when you use dropbox; Your H-1B visa was stamped after 1 January 2008; You have not received any denials for other visa applications while you were on your H-1B; You received the H-1B stamp after you turned 14; Your visa stamp has clear annotations of Clearance Received or similar. I was given a 221g during my F1 visa interview but the visa was approved within a few days. Dont start packing your bags once USCIS approves your H-1B visa. Nonimmigrant Visas:For appointments, please applyhere. I will be Third party National but atleast have canadian work permit and working for same employer in Canada who is looking to send me back to US on L1b. Hello fellow H1BWiki readers. Should I include, mine, my wife and other son information here or not? Given advanced travel documents, you will be able to choose a round-trip flight between USA and India over two one-way flights. Trust , these things pop up time to time but unfortunately nothing going to change. Diplomatic, Official, and International Organization Visas, Remarks by President Biden, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, and President Lpez Obrador of Mexico in a Joint Press Conference, Remarks by President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada Before Their Bilateral Meeting, Declaration on the North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice, Statement from U.S. Applicants who intend to apply for an H-4 visa for their spouse and dependent children should bring: Inquire at the U.S. consulate in your country about which documents you need, as the list might be different in each country. USCIS can reject your H-1B application for different reasons including issues with fees, documentation, or fraud suspicion. Hi I am trying to fill the DS160 form but it is constantly asking for my travel plans in US, I am travelling to Canada to get the stamping done. I had same experience back in late 2015 as well. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this post today. Waiting until you have entered the U.S. is safer than getting an H-1B transfer before stamping since your employer's petition cannot be withdrawn after the visa has been stamped. On a contradictory to your comment, No one will go to India only for stamping, of they have some purpose to go Stamping is stopping them to go to India. Residents in Canada can check wait times here: Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov). The H1B visa is popular amongst those who would like to become employed in the US for a specified period of time. Sneak Peek into Epic Journey of Indias First Oscar Winner Bhanu Athaiya who Remained Unsung till Her Death, Emirates Airlines Explores Codeshare Partnership with Air India for Growing Indian Diaspora Traffic, USA Extends F and M Student Visa Application Timeline to 365 Days; Check Advantages of the Updated Policy, US visa renewal appointment delays in India, Save more than $1000 on traveling to India from USA this Holiday season, A Digital Travel Pass is Underway to Reopen Borders for Normal International Flights Early in 2021, Special Air India Flights to and from India Cost Nearly Rs 2 Lakh per Traveler for One-way Journey. They can advise you on filing Form DS-160 and taking the necessary steps in completing your H1B visa stamping process. However, your spouse or dependents H-4 status is only valid as long as your status is valid. I am recently approved for first H1B visa. Country of Permanent Residence. All rights reserved. If you could answer that for me. Yes, this will solve H1-B travel issues. Q) How long will it take to schedule my immigrant visa appointment? Something is fishy for sure. First up, thanks for your extremely useful post. I really thanks you for such a really nice post. However, to make things easier for you, here is what you should expect from the stamping process in each country. Citizenship and Immigration Services on your behalf. Fill the online application, pay the fee, and wait for the approval via e-mail. DHS Extends Form I 9 Requirement Flexibility (Effective May 1, 2022), DOS Update: International Travel Recommendations, , CANADA ANNOUNCES NEW MEASURES TO ADDRESS LABOR SHORTAGES. Lot of people are just not able to travel because of uncertainty of them securing visa. Hi Varsha, I am sailing in the same boat. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. I have filled up DS-160 forms for me and my family (H4s). Obtain Canada Visitor Visa: Required before traveling to Canada. Anyone has any suggestions , please help. BUT in some cases they can extend the validity of the visa by a couple of months - but it is strictly on a case to case basis. You are using an out of date browser. This process was working before few years and I guess presidential executive order bring it back. This is the most important document as it has your designation and salary details). Below is a 4-step process to get your visa stamped: To get the entire stamping process started you must do the following: After paying the required fees, the foreign professional must schedule interview appointments. Submit Application Payment and Schedule the H-1B Visa Appointment, U.S. Government Documents for H-1B Stamping, Documents for Spouse and Dependent Children, H-1B Visa Stamping in India: Appointment Dates, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The U.S. Consulates require that the letter should not be more than 30 daysold at the time that it is presented at the visa application interview. Hi I am working in Canada on work permit . The H-1B nonimmigrant visa is typically good for about three years, at which point you may become eligible for a three-year extension. One pandemic-related change is that the in-person interview is waived for certain H-1B petitioners until 31 December 2023. 447 reviews. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Anyone here have same situation like me (need h1b visa stamp), but the wait time is so long? You should have a soft copy of your latest photo not older than 6 months. To get entry into the country, you need to go through the H-1B visa stamping process. The pandemic and now the long waiting time for getting an appointment in India for the visa stamping has affected families deeply. 2. One will be with the Offsite Facilitation Center, and the other will be with the consulate or embassy. This page will allow the applicant to select the best-fitted payment information for the individual. We recommend open-ended air tickets to our customers without certain return travel dates, said the chief ticketing officer of IndianEagle.com, a leading travel-booking partner of Indians in America. can I get some guidance on answering those? I plan to get the interview done and then travel around canada while waiting for my visa being issued. Can we transfer H1B without stamping? USCIS Draft Guidance on When to File an Amended H-1B Petition after the Simeio Solutions Decision. There is a three-year H1B visa valid for that period, and it can be extended once. Can you please suggest if I can go to Canada for H1B stamping and if yes would the above mentioned process holds good. Did you make this trip for your h1b stamping? If your US visa has expired, you need a transit visa to travel to India via Europe. An appointment with the consulate or embassy is required for the same. Thank you! Currently, the nightmare drags on over the US visa renewal appointment delays in India. If you are in the US legally, say with an F-1 visa and you won the H-1B lottery, t. The answer to this question depends on your current status. Here are four H1B Via interview experiences that was shared by F1 Visa Facebook Group members. H1B : Visa Stamp ; H1B Stamping in Canada : Regarding Appointment Wait Times H1B Stamping in Canada : Regarding Appointment Wait Times. question is can an H1-B be re approved or do you just get one shot at it? Knowing the H-1B visa stamping process is crucial to finalize your application correctly and eventually starting your job in the U.S. or continuing to work in the country. 4. While its normal to only include whats required, there are some H-1B documents for stamping that we recommend you bring with you, even if USCIS does not require them. Other Countries - Visiting, Living in, Moving to o, Canada - Visiting, Living in, Moving to or Moving. The US state department website says the wait time for an interview in Toronto is 9 days. I am trying to know the level of risk in going to Canada for stamping with consular H1B approval in hand and also do US consulate in Canada do stamping for change of status (I mean can we go to Canada for the first H1B stamping rather than extensions). Current Appointment Wait Time in Tallinn. Let us go through the following steps regarding the renewal of H1B visa in Canada:-. I attended an H-1B visa interview in Ottawa, Canada on the 17 th December 2012 . 4 First Time H1B Visa Stamping Experience - Jan 2021 - Exempt from PP1052. If the location is changed to Mumbai, the . So, do you know if we have to go for biometrics again before the visa interview? i am on F1 Visa. The H-1B allows you to switch employers at will, but choosing the right time to switch is crucial. My other Q is this my current H1 expires in July. (213) 376-3107. I have a work related travel coming up in the first week of October when I would ideally change status from F1 to H1-B. If you have previously been scheduled by NVC and could not attend your interview, please click here to reschedule your interview. Can anyone please clarify if you have already done like this? Hi, I got on H1B visa status recently and want to travel to Canada for stamping as wait times in my home country India are very high. If it is a fee or documentation issue, you should try to reapply and get an H-1B visa appointment again. Disclaimer: Website, software platform and administrative support are provided by VisaNation Inc., a Delaware corporation. thanks. Also, if USCIS revokes your I-140, your H-4 spouse or dependent cant renew their EAD. Were working in earnest on plans to restart this service for certain petition-based non-immigrant visa categories. On the other hand, the Vermont Service Center has a much higher processing time for H1B visas. So am I eligible to get stamping done in countries other than my home country? Or would you just need to stay in Canada for the duration as they verify your documentation and approve your VISA? What is the easiest way to get my first H1B visa stamped if I am already in the US? It also does not guarantee that USCIS will approve during the H-1B visa stamping process. Have you done masters in US. At the time of booking the interview slot, I am not a Canadian PR yet. (For Vancouver, you could give Hyatt, Century Plaza. I presume I cant come back in May with my new stamp because that would start only in July. S. Samoinp Hero Member. The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. I am looking to take up a job in a non-profit organization and they are filing for a camp-exempt H1B visa. This visa allows citizens of other countries to work in the United States. Its easy to commute here without renting out a car. Take all relevant documents with you and be ready to answer all questions confidently and honestly. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada, administers a Public Diplomacy Grants Program for individuals and organizations to carry out virtual programs to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Canada. Please kindly update, if you ignore, you may not receive any help from any of the members from this forum in future . I am also exploring the option of stamping h1-b visa for myself in canada, were you able to get more details on it, as in what are the steps to follow, if it does not get approved in canada. The I-129 of the main applicant. U.S. Mission to Canada Funding Opportunities. If u pay the fees and if u keep checking constantly u will find the date u need. Hotel stay Hotels in Toronto downtown are quite expensive too. However, there are times when the USCIS will suspend premium processing to give preference to long-neglected petitions. Without worrying about visa stamping in India and needing a transit visa for Europe, you will be able to visit your parents and attend to their medical needs back home. Now I am currently in process to make appointment for interview at Toronto. If you want to take a chance ..go for emergency appointment or wait for cancellation. ago. H1B Stamping in Canada : Regarding Appointment Wait Times. Legal services are provided by VisaNation Law Group PLLC, a Florida professional limited liability company. Is it only for H1B visa holders or are they going to implement it for L1A also ? Hello, I am currently working in US on H1B visa. Here is how i made visa transition in USA from B1/B2 to F1 to OPT to H1B in April 2016. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. What is the worst that could happen if your VISA is not approved? You will have to fill up the application form online, pay the fees and wait for your approval by email. Does any one have the same experience ? February 26, 2023 . They are never going to move the stamping process to USA. Present all the following documents: The best way to ensure you get the H-1B visa stamp is to get all your documents in order for submission and the interview. Can I go to Canada in May for visa stamping despite current visa expiring in July? When filling the DS 160 form, what is the Home address and Mailing address I need to give? An H1B visa stamp is required for a foreign national to enter the United States and work in a "specialty occupation." A specialty occupation is one that requires the . F to H4 stamping not allowed in Mexico. Immigration Attorney in Los Angeles, CA. I work full time for a company XYZ, and have been working for the same employer past 2 years. Canada visa required. Are you working at clients place? US Visa Appointments. You can otherwise spend some time in India with your family/friends and come back to US, when you get your H1B stamped again. will it be smooth or any issues? yes the earliest available appointment is on October. If you find something you like, fill out a new DS form and schedule your appointment. Wait times for all. I booked this an year back. I mean to get a visa appointment if I'm applying today. If it expires and USCIS approves your new one, you can get it re-stamped. I am on F1 visa, need to get h1B stamped. The Visa Application Center (VAC) obligates the foreign professional to schedule an H-1B visa appointment at least two days before the scheduled interview with the consulate/embassy. Processing Time Last Modified More; What's New on VisaGrader? Before going in for your interview, make sure you are well prepared. Please advise. Before my first H1B stamping, I went for biometrics on day 1 and on day 2 was the interview. Visa Processing Time. I have an approved petition for me and my wife. H1-B Visa Stamping Experience. May . While the Embassy and Consulates aim to schedule appointments and process cases as soon as practicable, there are likely to be increased wait times for appointments and processing due the pandemic. Thank you for all replies and information. If you already live in the U.S., bring copies of your utility bills and rental agreement. As long as . H1B Visa 2024 Tracker. As reported in article, I hardly know someone who just travels to India just for stamping, OTOH, if stamping provided in US, it will boost US-India travel, since people know they can return back without hassles. The H-1B stamping process in India is not different than any other country. Visa stamp on my passport got expired last year but I have a valid 797 for next 3 years . Be sure to print the confirmation form and save it for future use. https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv/information/tcn, https://usvisastampinginmexico.com/us-visa-interview-questions/, https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/. The Canadian border is CLOSED to all but citizens, permanent residents and essential personnel. While filling DS-160, I found some questions which I am not clear what to answer. Last updated: 2-28-2023. Diplomatic, Official, and International Organization Visas, Statement from U.S. I am completely agreeing with Harish comment, more people will fly if they do not have visa concern. Even though I am TCN here in Canada as I am yet to get PR Here (waiting for Invivitation already in the pool) can I get stamp here? Is that correct as I never had stamping done in Canada? I am on work permit in Canada. Generally, the total validity period for an H-1B visa is six years. Is this your first time getting your H1-B visa stamped? . visa."This fall will be the first that we'll be able to put out a call for applications. H1b visa stamping inside USA will actually provoke more travel back and forth from USA to India and it will not affect aviation economy and in fact it will boost aviation economy. So, the Montreal Consulate accepts both L1B-L2 visa application? 1) I heard that going to Canada or Mexico is not advisable as they are not accepting candidates for first H1B stamping anymore. The estimated wait time to receive an interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate can change weekly and is based on actual incoming workload and staffing. Lastly, can a person on H1B travel to Canada and return without stamping? Usually, premium processing is a service that only speeds up the time it takes for the USCIS to process your I-129 petition. Nonimmigrant Visas: For appointments, please applyhere. As far as i can tell, first time stamping has to be done in home country. Outside of Canada: 613-238-5335 I am Indian living in the US with an approved H1B petition. If not, please let me know how to select a pick up option or any alternate addresses (eg. If you are transferring your H1B status to a new employer, but still have time . The California and Nebraska Service Centers process H1B visas for an average of 2.5 to 4.5 months. I am yet to land in Canada. However, the pandemic has made situations different for embassies and consulates around the country. Some visa types may have longer wait times for the application appointment and processing. Hi , I have attended H1-B interview in Vancouver, Canada. I have got H1B approved. Second, my husband and I are planning to go to Canada for our visa stamping (hes on H-1B and Im on H-4). I found that Montreal embassy has 71 days wait period, any approximate idea of how long is the wait time for other embassies?