Visa Stamping from Canada/ Mexico

H1B stamping in Calgary, Canada

I found this forum quite useful in gathering data, and now its my time to contribute back.

My spouse and I went to India for our first H1B stamping (changing status from F1) and this was our second H1B term for which we chose Canada.

When I first tried to book an appointment in Canada (in mid-Aug), I found dates available only for Feb 2020 or later. I then called the US consulate in Canada and they asked me to select ‘No’ for the following question, since we were Canadian PRs - this allowed us to get dates much earlier.

“Are you traveling from another country to apply for a US Visa in Canada?”

According to the help (?) section by this question, it says only Canadian citizens should select ‘No’ for the above question, but I checked with the consulate and they confirmed that PRs can choose this option as well.

Appointment date: 12-Sep, 8AM
Appointment location: Calgary, Canada

We stayed near downtown and hence, walked to the consulate with no cellphones, backpack or any other electronics. The security allowed us inside after checking our appointment confirmation. We were asked to share our Passports, PR cards and I797s. One of the ladies verified them real quick, bundled our passports and PR cards, and gave it back to us.

Next, we went through security. We were asked to remove our jackets for screening but they allowed us to keep it right after. We accidentally carried one of our smart watches and they took it to retain in a locker along with one of our IDs (US driver’s license) - and asked us to collect it back from security after the appointment.

Thereafter, they took us to a different floor where we had 3 counters. First counter again verified all our documents and said our photo seemed old (although the photo was taken less than 6 months ago). She stuck a yellow circular sticker to both our passports and gave us a slip that said “Admin Processing - Photo”. She asked us not to worry and submit a new photo before 12 noon the same day or mail it later. We were worried as we had planned for a return flight back to US a week later.

Second counter, took our fingerprints and asked basic questions - did we ever change our names, etc.

Third counter, was the place where the final call was made. They asked us which companies we worked for (both me and my souse work for the same company but different entities. Popular tech company in Bay Area). We were both asked the following questions -
1. What is your role?
2. How long have you worked here?
3. Can you briefly explain what your duties are?

The officer said our visa was approved, and asked us to submit our photos for them to process.

We came back to the lobby and asked the security guard if there were photographers nearby. Thankfully he pointed us to a store right next door. She took our photos in less than 10 minutes and we came back to submit the form they had given us, along with our pictures (Form: Admin Processing - Photo). We were asked to write our full names with DOBs behind the picture. We also collected our Driver's license and smart watch from the locker.

Since we had a morning appointment (8AM), we were able to go to the photographer next door by 9:50 AM and submitted our docs right after.

Status on the day of appointment (12-Sep): Administrative Processing
Status on 13-Sep, 12 noon: Issued

All the best to others seeking US visa!