H1B, H4 Visa

This is my 2nd time H1B visa stamping and 1st time H1B visa Stamping in Canada. Previously I had H1B visa stamping in India. This time I am looking to book appointment in Toronto, Canada. I am going there on Tourist/Visitor Visa. Does anyone have latest experiences or anything to guide ?

I'm sorry for posting in experience page. I promise I will post my experience once I finish my interview in Chennai.
Any of you know how long it is taking to get your passport back in Chennai assuming there are no hiccups/ 221g etc

Hi I am travelling to India next week after 12 years. Some relatives emergencies. I need to H1B visa stamping. My Indian passport is the only Indian photo ID proof I have. I don't have Adhar, PAN or any other Indian photo ID card. Since I don't have any Indian ID card except Indian passport which will stay with US embassy for h1b stamping how will I board the domestic airport/flight to go to my home state. Please help with ideas, experiences and help.

Taking almost 4 week for whole process. Timelines for reference
12 Feb: Dropped H1/H4 (total 4) in Chennai
27 Feb: Application Received
28 Feb: Again Application Receid
4 Mar: Application Received and then Approved in afternoon (3 approved and 1 Refused- kid turned 14 within the same month). Extemely stressful situation
6 Mar: Passport Ready for Pick up at Chennai
7 Mar: Picked up passports. The 14 year old was called for in person interview. Walkin anyday
8 Mar: Appeared for interview and they took just the fingerprints. Visa Approved. Relief
11 Mar: Issued

Waiting for passport pick up email. Hope the timelines will help

Hi, I had my interview on Jan 23, since then there is no further update. Anyone with similar experience ?

I have been in USA 7 years , i140 approved but visa has expired 5 years ago. Im planning to visit Canada and apply for H1B visa from there in early 2024. Does anyone know the average processing time, which consulate is faster, any risks or things to remember before apply there, etc. I couldn't find a site which would shed some light on these questions. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Everyone,

I have an appointment for H1,H4 Drop Box and i havenot received my I797A in mail. Can i go ahead and dropoff the documents with I797C (Courtesy copy). Please provide your suggestion if anybody has faced this situation.

Thanks,
rag

All, Sharing the timelines for of my DUI case and stamping:
1. Incident and State: DUI (Highest rate of Alc) ,PA
2. Month/Year of Arrest: Feb 2021
3. Disposition: Pre-trial diversion(no finding of guilt criminally) completion and expungement order(May 2023)

VISA dropbox date: September 07,2023, Mumbai Consulate

Status 1: Application Received from 11th September 2023 - 24th September 2023

Status 2: Refused with 221(g) asking for medical report on September 25th, 2023 -->Passport collected on September 29th 2023

Called up Rele Clinic the same day(Friday) but got an appointment on Tuesday October 3,2023, medical (blood + chest X-RAY + Psych evaluation) completed on Oct 3

Passport submitted on October 10,2023.

Status 3: Refused with 221(g), this time called for an interview anytime between 10:30-11:00 am on a working day as mentioned on the slip. Passport collected on october 16,2023

Interview completed on October 18,2023, the VO was co-ordial and to-the-point.

VO: I see you have a DUI incident
Me: Yes ma'am
VO: Do you have any court documents?
Me: Showed the court certified disposition and certified expungement order. The VO was typing something continuously on her screen. Also handed the FBI idHS check for her reference.(dont think this is required though)
VO: Have you had any other interaction with law enforcement other than this?
Me: No ma'am.
VO: Ok, which company do you work for, what is your position and is it a FT role.
Me: Mentioned the details
VO: Ill keep the court documents and I797 approval notice, your VISA is approved.
Me: Wished her a good day and left.

Status 4: Approved on October 18,2023 waiting to receive the passport with the stamped VISA hopefully soon.
Many have mentioned previously, please do not Drink and Drive, not worth the hassle and be honest about it in DS-160 and immigration purposes even if the case is expunged.
Expungement has limited value in terms of immigration. Honesty is the best policy

I am a Canadian PR who is currently working with a Canadian employer. Up till end of 2022, I was working with a US employer on an H1B visa. I got a new job with another US employer who filed an H1B transfer in Consular processing. This is my timeline:
1. Got a visa appointment for October 6 at Calgary Consulate
2. Interview lasted around a minute and they asked me if it was my first H1B, how long have I been in the US, and my US masters degree. They said my photo was not up to mark and asked me to get a new photo and submit it by 3 PM.
3. I got a new US visa photo and submitted it to the consulate.
4. Later in the day, my visa status changed to 'Approved'

I am now waiting for the next update on when the visa is issued and dispatched. Will keep everyone updated.

I'm currently on an F1 OPT STEM extension that expires in Feb 2025. My approved H1B, obtained via consular processing, will be revoked due to layoffs in mid-November. I then have a 120-day grace period to secure another job or leave the US. My husband's employer is willing to apply for my H4 and H4 EAD.

I have questions for three different scenarios:

Scenario 1: I'm curious to know if I find a new job within this grace period, would I need to go through the H1B lottery process again if the new employer is willing to sponsor my H1B?

Scenario 2: If the new employer isn't willing, my plan is to switch to H4 EAD. I understand H4 is typically approved first, followed by H4 EAD a few months later. If I apply for H4 and H4 EAD together with a change of status effective six months from November (around April 10th), does that mean my visa changes from F1 to H4 on April 10th, and my EAD also starts the same day? Or will there be a delay in receiving the EAD, leaving me stuck on H4?

Scenario 3: Lastly, if I don't secure a job within the F1 grace period ending mid-March and the change of status to H4 is effective from April 10th, what would be my visa status in the interval from mid-March to April 10th?

Really appreciate if someone could help me with answers to these queries!