H1B, H4 Visa

I have planned my H1B Stamping in Matamoros, Mexico based on my research from forums in the internet and friends in network. I was bit nervous regarding my visa stamping even though I have all the documents from past 8 years in US. Couple of my friends who went to India in 2010 and 2011 were struck in India could not able to come back to US due to 221g issues.
I have booked my Biometric (fingerprint) appointment on 10th March 1:30 PM and Visa interview in US Consulate @ 10:00 am on 11th March. While you are filling DS-160 form forces you to select DHS location for Passport pick up different location in Matamoros. You can select the DHL Location in Matamoros. You can pick your passport in the US Consulate Matamoros itself. No need to go to DHL office.
As per Immihelp review from “Sunny1984IT” user I found Salvador Castaneda owner of Best Western from Matamoros, Mexico who lives in Brownsville, Texas and own his business in Matamoros.
Following is the details of Salvador http://www.immihelp.com/us-visa/mexico/us-visa-stamping/
After I did speak to Salvador I decided to go ahead with him price he charges @ 93/night for the Hotel and transportation once you landed in Brownsville he picks from the Brownsville Bus station near border and drops you back near border until your work is completed.
Following is the complete trip details and experience
I flow from Bay Area San Jose to Brownsville, Texas reached to Brownsville airport @ 6:00 pm. As per Salvador instructions I choose a cab from Brownsville airport to Bus Station[ Cab guy charged around \$19.00 as per the meter] Once I reached Brownsville bus station Salvador picked me from Bus station then we went to Mexican border. I had previously multiple entries Visitor visa to Mexico without dates mentioned in visitor visa based on US Visa expired in Oct 2011.
In the Mexican border I wanted to get Mexican visa in order to make sure I enter legally without hassle. In the border check post most of the staff is speaking Spanish except few people only speaking. Salvador spoke to the border staff I am travelling to US consulate in Matamoros for visa stamping. Boarder staff informed no need to get visa if I am travelling for US consulate. If my trip takes more than 72 hours [3 days] I can come and get visa in the border on the 3rd day prior to 72 hours duration.
Please make sure to return your I-94 to US Customs /border security when entering to Mexico.
Hotel stay was very nice I liked the hotel for the price I paid I do not have any complaints. I met one more guy in the hotel who is also attended H1B interview with me on the next day 11th March.
My biometric appointment is @ 1:30 pm on 10th March 2014 but Salvador took me to the office morning 8:00 am I finished my biometric appointment in 10 minutes we went to hotel. I was mostly working two days even though I have biometric and visa interview.
Big day: Myself and other friend who met in the Hotel have our Visa interview appointments @ 10:00. Make sure do not carry electronics or cellphones to consulate. After completing complimentary breakfast Salvador took us to Consulate and dropped us @8:30 am. We are waiting in the queue for 10 minutes and completing the security check-in i did receive the token. The same tokens will be displayed on the screen. Total 10 counters first 4 counters are US VO and remaining 6 of the counters are Mexican staff to collect all of your documents.

Mexican Officer Interview took 3 to minutes asking general questions:
Q 1) Name of the employer? And Location, Job Title ?
Q 2) Current Address:
Q 3) why are you stating in different state when your employer is in different state?
Ans) Did mention working at Client location:
Q) Do you have letter from the client:
 Presented the Client letter then he kept passports, I-797 and Client letter and gave me back go and wait for the number to be called.

US Visa Interview: Greeted each other’s

VO: 1) Who is your employer? YYYY
        2) Where are they located? YYYY
        2) How long you are working? ZZZ
        3) What is your role? ZZZ
        4) What is your salary? : ZZZ
        5) Did they file your Immigrant petition? (Since I crossed my 8 years): Yes
        6) Your petition is approved? Yes
        Come and collect your passport 3:30 pm. mostly it will be ready by 3:30 pm. Thanks a lot sir.

Other friend who attended with me for H1b he also got approved his visa. Even to him VO did not mention your visa is approved. Informed him the same like me to come and collect passport 3:00 pm

Started after lunch 2:30 pm myself, Salvadaor and other friend and reached to consulate and picked our passports around 4:00 pm.

After we picked our passports Salvador dropped us in the border. We entered in the Queue for crossing the border waiting for long time more than an hour. That Queue is not for the Immigrants like us. Mexican People who has US passport they can stay in the queue and cross the border. Like us [Indians] Immigrants no need to wait In the queue. We can go directly to the border checking the passports need to give it to the one of the officer who collects the passport and give us I-94 card. [ \$6 Keep it ready ]
For us it took 2 hours waiting in the queue for getting our I-94 card issued.

We crossed boarder and successfully entered US border.

Thanks a lot for all Help from Salvador making it our trip is easy and smooth. I highly recommend his services who are planning to attend H1 or any visa interviews planning to attend in Matamoros, Texas

 some one else's US visa is stamped on my passport and my visa is stamped on that some one else passport . We have sent the passport for correction . Will I get my Visa stamped or is there any possibility for Rejections ." This is a manual error by the embassy . Will they give me the correct Visa or not .

Hi all

First of all thanks for everyone, who has spend their time and shared their experience here.
Here i am going with mine:

Case: In-house project, small employer
Interview: is on March 12th 8AM and my visa got approved :)

documents which i don't have:
No Client Letter
No Project Documentation
No Tax returns
No Vendor letter
No any other document

Then, the docs which i have:
i797
i129
offer letter from employer

a letter from employer which describes my roles and responsibilities
and finally, a pdf document of my project description of 5 pages...that's it

VO is a lady, rejected a visiting visa in front of me and approved a L1 visa of a family with a kid..after that it's my turn and it went like this.

Me: Good morning mam, how are you (with a smile)
VO: Hey I'm good

VO: give me your passport and i797
Me: handover those two docs

VO: (did something in the system for 10 seconds and asked me)
What kind of a company is this YYYY (my employer name), what they will do?
Me: They are into consultancy services, it's a startup company

VO: so are you going to work for any client
Me: I will be working on a employer location, it's an in-house project

VO: you said it's a consultancy service company
Me: yah, it is a consultancy services and they have product development as well

VO: what? it's a startup company and project development, what project are you going to work
Me: explained my project in just two lines

VO: ok then, show me your project documentation?
Me: (I have taken out that file of pdf with 5 pages and handovered)

she looked it for 5 seconds and said
VO: it is just a PDF document, like a ppt, where is your project documentation, I am asking about that?
Me: I don't have a project documentation, it is with my employer.

VO: Is it with your employer, how could you come to the interview without your project documentation... it is like a big negative sign do you know that?
Me: It is an employer document, and I have the documents which are sufficient for attending a visa interview.

VO: No, these documents are not sufficient to attend the interview, ok then show me your other sufficient documents?
Me: I have handovered all the documents that I have (the 5 documents mentioned above which I have)

she look at them very quickly in 3 seconds and said
VO: with these documents you came for the interview, I have no choice of approving your visa.
Me: just looking at her without any expression change and without any confusion face and I said 'OK'.

VO: ok then, give me some time and enjoy the Hyderabad weather, I will call you back
Me: Ok thanks.

and I went outside and waited for 60 mins... and I have called back by a person and asked me to go and stand in the same counter..
I stand at the line and again it's my turn

Me: hello mama (again)
looked at me and did something for a minute in the system and then said
VO: take back all your documents and keep them with you
Me: I said 'OK' and took back them

VO: Typed something on the system again for 1 min and scanned my passport and surprisingly the words come out saying
'I am going to approve your visa, you will be receiving it in a couple of days'
Me: thank you mam and have a nice day.

So, it is happened like this to me, little strange and little bad...but finally don't know what helped me to get the visa.

however, all the best for the ones who are going for the interviews ...
if you study my case carefully, you ppl will understand few things and definitely get some confidence for the interview.

Thanks

a letter from employer which describes my roles and responsibilities
and finally, a pdf document of my project description of 5 pages...that's it

VO is a lady, rejected a visiting visa in front of me and approved a L1 visa of a family with a kid..after that it's my turn and it went like this.

Me: Good morning mam, how are you (with a smile)
VO: Hey I'm good

VO: give me your passport and i797
Me: handover those two docs

VO: (did something in the system for 10 seconds and asked me)
What kind of a company is this YYYY (my employer name), what they will do?
Me: They are into consultancy services, it's a startup company

VO: so are you going to work for any client
Me: I will be working on a employer location, it's an in-house project

VO: you said it's a consultancy service company
Me: yah, it is a consultancy services and they have product development as well

VO: what? it's a startup company and project development, what project are you going to work
Me: explained my project in just two lines

VO: ok then, show me your project documentation?
Me: (I have taken out that file of pdf with 5 pages and handovered)

she looked it for 5 seconds and said
VO: it is just a PDF document, like a ppt, where is your project documentation, I am asking about that?
Me: I don't have a project documentation, it is with my employer.

VO: Is it with your employer, how could you come to the interview without your project documentation... it is like a big negative sign do you know that?
Me: It is an employer document, and I have the documents which are sufficient for attending a visa interview.

VO: No, these documents are not sufficient to attend the interview, ok then show me your other sufficient documents?
Me: I have handovered all the documents that I have (the 5 documents mentioned above which I have)

she look at them very quickly in 3 seconds and said
VO: with these documents you came for the interview, I have no choice of approving your visa.
Me: just looking at her without any expression change and without any confusion face and I said 'OK'.

VO: ok then, give me some time and enjoy the Hyderabad weather, I will call you back
Me: Ok thanks.

and I went outside and waited for 60 mins... and I have called back by a person and asked me to go and stand in the same counter..
I stand at the line and again it's my turn

Me: hello mama (again)
looked at me and did something for a minute in the system and then said
VO: take back all your documents and keep them with you
Me: I said 'OK' and took back them

VO: Typed something on the system again for 1 min and scanned my passport and surprisingly the words come out saying
'I am going to approve your visa, you will be receiving it in a couple of days'
Me: thank you mam and have a nice day.

So, it is happened like this to me, little strange and little bad...but finally don't know what helped me to get the visa.

however, all the best for the ones who are going for the interviews.
if you study my case carefully, you ppl will understand few things and definitely get some confidence for the interview.

Thanks

Hi

I have been a reader of this form and would like to thank all the people who have been sharing their experiences
and helping those in need. My case is below

I came back from US in feb 2011 for h1b stamping and was given 221G as I was working on EVC model at that time.
I continued working for same company from March 2011 till now from India, I was working as a sub contractor
from India for them. Now, this company filed my h1b and it was approved.
Its an IN-HOUSE project which I will be working on.
I have filed my taxes in India from past 2 years and will be filing it this year as well.

I have few questions for which I need answers for. I will be going for my H1B visa interview soon. If the VO asks me below questions, what should be my answer

Ques. What is the duration of your project OR How long are your required there for this project?
Ques. Has you visa ever been refused/rejected ?
Ques. Do I need to carry my pay-stubs (I don't have any) or do I need a letter from the bank stating that I was getting my salary in my Indian account ?
Ques. How long you have been working with this company ?
Ques. What all documents apart from the regular one's, do I need to carry to strengthen my case ?

Kindly help me out .. Thanks a lot in advance .. Really appreciate the same.

Hi,

I had an interview in hyd today. After asking all the questions they have given a white slip saying for additional admin processing.Mine is a small employer and VO was suspicious about the client.I have given all the docs including tax docs for the previous 3 years and w2 docs and also the photographs of the new company..They dint ask me any new documents to be submitted. But given me a white slip saying admin processing..When i asked VO she said it will take 3-4 weeks for processing. Generally how many days it will take.Is there anyone on the same boat...

For h1b it is better to go chennai or mumbai. otherwise you may need to believe in the luck.

Hello Everyone,
 
Foremost, Thank you for sharing your experiences here. It really helped me prepare.
 
Below, I have shared my experience in the Chennai OFC and consulate for H1B. Hope it helps.
 
Sunday, 9th March 2013.
Venue : Chennai OFC, Teynampet.
 
Only DS 160, Appointment Confirmation letter and Passport is all that is required.
So, keep them handy and ensure that, the personal details in DS 160 and appointment confirmation letter is a perfect match with the same in passport.
I need to stress upon here that, there is absolutely NO need to go early for the queue. I saw people arriving 90-120 mins earlier to their scheduled appointment time. You just have to wait in the queue if you arrive early. My suggestion would be that, just go 20-30 mins prior and that would be ideal.
 
The staff at OFC were very courteous, and things will go smoothly if you follow their instructions. The staff speak, English, Hindi and Tamil. The DS 160 form shall have a seal and your passport will have a barcode stuck to it. This is apart from your fingers imprints and photograph being taken.
 
The entire procedure just took 40 mins for me.
 
Monday, 10th March 2013.
Venue : US Consulate, Gemini Flyover, Chennai
 
There was a bigger crowd and queue here. I had arrived 20 Mins prior to my scheduled time and that was optimum. You need to switch across 2 queues to reach the security check.
I have listed my interaction with the Visa Officer (VO). He didn’t ask for any other document except for my passport.
 
Me : Good Morning Officer, How are you doing today?
VO : Very Good Morning Gentleman, Thanks for asking. I pretty good today.
 
VO : So, whom do you work for?
Me : Answered.
 
VO : What amount of experience do you carry ?
Me : Answered.
 
VO : Which client will you be traveling to and where are they located ?
Me : I travelling to ABC company, located at PQR city in the state of XYZ.
 
VO : Can you Spell the name of your client ?
Me : Spelt.
 
VO : Can you briefly describe about your client ?
Me : Answered in 3 - 4 sentences.
 
VO : Are you married?
Me : Answered.
 
VO : (Pushing a white booklet) Please go through this document, this is very essential for your stay in the USA.
Me : Certainly.
 
VO : I am approving your VISA. Have a safe journey and a rewarding time.
ME : Thank you officer.
 
VO : You can collect your passport in 2-3 days and watch out for a mail on the same form us.
Me : Alright, Thanks again and have a great day.
 
My tips for the interview would be,
1. Be Calm and confident.
2. Know the information in your DS 160 and I797, like the back of your hand.
3. Maintain eye contact and keep smiling.
4. Most importantly, Don't get into a chat with other fellow applicants and discuss things. These friendly banters, have high potential to disrupt your concentration and focus.
 
Just go there with the right attitude and mindset, things should happen.
 
Hope it helps !!

I had attended the Visa interview along with my wife today and Singapore US consulate has issued me a 221g asking for additional documentation to be provided. Below are the documents asked for.

I got a pink slip with additional documentation as requested.

Now, the question is after I submit additional documentation, how many days would it take to issue the VIsa or would there be any additional documents again asked for? Please advice

They asked me to bring ALL the documentation they have requested for in as below at a time and submit it in the embassy in person

1) Complete list of Petitioner's active projects.Provide contact info for clients.

2) Petitioner's certified or notarized federal tax returns for the last three years ( 2011 &2012)

3) W-2 forms and payroll records for all people employed by the petitioner for last 2 years.

4) W-3 for 2012 and 2013.

I had to wait for almost like 1.5 hour near the interview counter as there were only 3 interviewers, my interview just lasted for 2-3 minutes . Almost all people who were interviewed before us got 221g or rejections in case of L1. Overall what I observed was , Singapore consulate is very very strict and I saw people being literally screwed and offered rejections.

Below was the conversation.

VO: Who is the employer
Me: Answered

VO: From when employer is in the business
Me: Answered

VO: How did you get to know about this job?
Me: I uploaded my resume in job sites and they had contacted me regarding an opening matching my profile.

VO: Did they contact you.
Me: Yes.

VO: Would you be working for a client ?
Me: Yes, Gave the client name.

VO: How many employees does current employer have
Me: Answered

VO: What would be your role at the client.
Me: Explained as per the petition

VO: Is it a new project?
Me: Yes, it's kind of new project

VO: What is your current salary? And how much would you be paid.
Me: Answered.

Then she said I would need additional documentation for this to be processed with out even asking for what documents I have.

I saw her writing white paper of the project as the required doc and ticking other stuff in 221g

Me: I told I have already submitted the petition cover letter at the finger printing counter , which has the project details. She looked in to the letter and said I don't see it, then I told its in the later pages. She rechecked it and marked out white paper of project required in 221g and kept ticking other options

Me: I have other documents which my employer sent like client letter
VO: She did not even bother to ask if I had any documents until I told her,then she asked me to pass all the documents and kept with her

 I passed her
1) My client letter
2) Offer letter and
3) Offer Agreement letters
4) Client agreement letter between employer and client

She did not check any other stuff in 221g and asked me to come back and attend the interview in person with all the documents they have asked for. She kept back all the documents which I provided including I797 and returned our passports.

I got a pink slip with additional documentation as requested.

Now, the question is after I submit additional documentation, how many days would it take to issue the VIsa or would there be any additional documents again asked for? Please advice on the general time lines being observed in such cases.

Awaiting your responses. This forum was very helpful for me though the result in my case was not expected.

Thanks,
Kumar..

Hi All,
I have 4+ years of exp in IT . Out of 4 years first one year i workded with ITC InfoTech on contract based. Currenlty i'm working with Mphasis Limited for 3 years.
Now I am going to apply for H1B with some consultancy.
Qurey: I don't any document with ITC InfoTech because i worked with consultancy, so that i can provide documents provided by Consultancy.

Do we need to show any documents providing by ITC while stamping.

Please help me on this.

Regards,
Prasad

Hi ,

I received an offer from Yahoo which as you know is a very large IT company. I received an email from the lawyer telling me they cannot file the H1B for me this year because my export compliance license is still "Pending".

I talked to many of my friends at other companies (Google , Facebook and Microsoft) and they told me Export Compliance License takes a very long time to be obtained (sometimes it's issued after starting a job with H1B) and it's usually impossible to obtain it before April 1st so it's not necessary to obtain in order to apply for the H1B.

Do you have any information regarding this issue ? Do I need to have Export Compliance License to file H1B ?

Best Regards,
Arian