H1B, H4 Visa

Hi All,

I recently had my Visa stamping @Tijuana, thought sharing my interview experience will help for people who are going to Tijuana.

Day 1 (Friday): I drove to San Diego, parked my car nearby airport, there are many parking places available, they charge $15 per day.

I took an agent help since I am going to Mexico for the first time. He charged me $700 (includes hotel stay for 5 days).

This agent provides service to pick up(San Diego -> Tijuana) & drop off(Tijuana -> San Diego) in his car. (this service included in the package)

He picked us from the parking lot and crossed the border and entered into Mexico.
No security check at Mexico border, generally they do random security checks.

Went directly to ASC for fingerprinting, they allowed us 30 min before our actual appointment time.
it took 30 min to complete the work @ASC.

Documents required @ASC:
1) DS-160
2) Passports
3) Visa Appointment Letter
4) Payment receipt

Day 2 & Day 3 (Week End); Just stayed at the hotel, went to nearby shopping mall and restaurants.

Day 4: (Visa Interview)
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(Note: Cell Phones, USB, and any other electronics are not allowed inside)

I forgot to take out USB from my backpack, they asked me to store it outside, there is a shop outside you can store your belongings there. (They charged me $1 for storing USB)

I have to go through the security check again, then they let us into the consulate.

Once you entered into the consulate, they will issue a token number that will be called at different stages.

Step1: Your token number will be called, they will verify all your documents(ds-160, passport, I-797) are correct.

Step2: You have to verify your fingerprints.

Step3: They will the same token number again for Visa Interview.

here are the questions that VO asked me.

me: Good Morning
VO: morning

VO: can I have your passports, DS-160 and I-797
me: I passed them to VO

VO: Are you working for YYYY company
me: yes

VO: are you a direct employee or contract
me: I am a full-time employee

(VO started canceling my old visas stamps, I got a feeling that she will approve my visa.)

VO: what is your highest education.
me: I did my YYYY

VO: Did your employer started your green card process, do you have I-140.
me: yes

VO: what is the priority date.
me: YYYY ZZZ

VO: what is your current salary
me: YYYY YYYY

VO: your visa is approved you can collect the passport tomorrow.
and she returned my old passport(I have both old and new passports)

(Note: They keep your I-797 along with your passport if your visa is approved)

Day 3: Passport collection

I reached US consulate by 2.30 PM, passport collection window opens at 3 PM.

they will ask for your photo Identity card to hand over your passport and I-797.

it took 10 min to pick up the passport.

verify your passport, stamping and I-797, just to make sure all information is correct.

Updating your i-94 at the port of entry:
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The agent dropped us @ US customs and border protection office.

It will take 1 hour to 3 hours to complete your I-94 update and cross the border.

They still issue I-94 cards at this border, you have to pay $6 for each I-94 card.

Get your I-94 card, you have to go inside a room to update your I-94.

There they will take your fingerprints and picture. show I-797 and ask them to update date on I-94.

Though they issued card, the I-94 status got updated online next day.

It took me one hour to complete all the process and enter into US border.

There is shopping mall at US border, (transportation facility is available from here to San Diego airport).

Since I took the agent help, he dropped us at the parking lot where I parked my car.

The agent service also includes pick up and drop off to ASC, US Consulate at Hotel.