Visa Stamping from Canada/ Mexico

I had my Visa interview in Ottawa and same basic question. But as my company had merger 2 years back and I did had old company H1b stamping in my passport but my approved petition is of new company. after that VO was saying I'm seeing something different in my system. We need to review your case and it will take 2-3 days to get back to you. I did ask Mam how long it will take she told again 2-3 days.
EVC model , no client letter but I have all the contracts, PO and vendor letter , office emails .. nothing asked.

No documents requested and she kept the Vendor letter with her rest all doc including passport returned.

 Any thoughts guys?

Online status - Admin processing.

My appointment date was 03/13. It was super smooth experience the second time, first one being in Montreal last year.
Not mentioning the appointment taking process in website and DS-160 etc. but just mentioning the interview experience.

1. Took all necessary documents e.g. (All I-797 copies, Passport, DS-160 appointment confirmation, Tax returns, Bank statements, Paystubs, Original marksheets, Marriage certificate, marriage fotographs, 2 recent 2x2 photos, releiveing letters from previous companies, Appointment letter from current company, I-140 approval notice etc.)

2. During the whole process only the following things were asked for, rest all documents remained in my folder as it is : Passports, DS1-60 appointment letter, current I-797, recent 2x2 photographs

3. After security scanning at the gate we were asked to enter the main gate and wait for a click sound on the second gate before we progress further.

4. There was a desk inside where another screening of documents was in progress and once the person moved further, the click on gate happened and we were signalled to move in.

5. The lady at the desk asked for the douments mentioned in #2 above. After checking everything she asked us to go to next level of metal detetctor scanning. She asked when did we arrive in Canada and if its the first time.

6. We were asked to remove any metol from body i.e. belt, bags, coats etc. and deposited keys, pens and money. Cell phones and wallets were kept in the car itself. After screening we were asked to wait in queue for our turn at window 6 or 7 or 8.

7. There were approx 10 people ahead of us in the qeueue and once the cleared off we were called at window 5.

8. The lady on the other side of window asked for same docuemnts as #2 above and returned the DS-160, H4 I797 and old passport and kept only new passport, H1 I 797 and photographs for scanning.

9. Then after entering all data we were asked to do finger printing and asked a question who am I work for. After that asked us to proceed to the interview queue.

10. The interview queue was empty by the time we reached and got immediately called upon.
Another lady at the counter asked me "What do you work for?" . I used an acronym for my department and so she asked what does that stands for.

11. After entering all details she asked for another finger print for only right hand and asked my wife about what she does. Since she is a student on H4, she explained the same and asked what subjects she studies which she answered again,

12. After further entering details she confirmed our Visas are approved and that it'll be couriered.

13. While we crossed the half way down the hall to make return, the lady announced on mic asking us to return back to the countering apologizing for doing so. She forgot to verify by wife's finger print and once that got done she apologized again and we left from that point.

14th March, received an email that Passports are shipped with Canada Post confirmation number.
15th March received and email confirming delivery, upon which we picked our passports and job well done.

Since we drove from New Jersey to Ottawa via Thousand Islands border crossing, the to and fro was smooth as well.
While entering Canada person just asked where are you going and purpose of visiting Canada and what do we do in US for living.
While entering back in US, after checking our passports and Visas, lady officer asked us to pull our car to the Car Port to go inside the Immigration office for further steps (usual process as we experienced it last year as well) and mentioned that passports will be collected from inside,

Inside Immigration counter we waited for our names to be called as our passports were already taken at the first Toll counter . Once called we stepped up and the officer just enquired about whom I work for thats it.

While he was making data entry, the news on the television set flashed saying Trump's second executive order for immigration ban was also asked to be kept on hold etc., to which he reacted humorously saying don't know what these guys are up to, people just need valid visas, thats it. Folks without valid visas are anyways banned :)

We took our passports and drove back to our abode.

Only bring papers required for interview in transparent cover (don't bring backpack). Avoid bringing mobile, any other electronic device.

Reached 45 minutes early to scheduled time.
>> Go to suite number 100 A in main lobby where they will check your interview appointment paper, passport, photo (Photo which i brought had slight shadow and it was not accepted, i got new photo from a shop that was around the corner).

>> They will not stop you to give the interview if photo is not accurate, they will give you a slip, you can submit your photo along with slip by noon same day otherwise your visa issue can get delayed.

>> After which they will perform similar checking as in airport, and then they will ask you to sit in the chairs and wait. Once there are 5 to 10 people to go for interview, security personal will take you to Floor 10th where interview will be conducted.

>> Counter 1 : They will check your required papers.

>> Counter 2 : Finger print.

>> Counter 3 : TDeposit fraud fees.

>> Post which wait in line till VO calls you. During my time there were 2 counters open for interview.

>> One thing to call out, go properly dressed (in formal attire).

Questions :
Which company do you work for ?
How long you had been in US?
How long you had been employed with your current employer?
Do you have family in US?
What is your highest level of education and where ?
How long you are planning to stay in canada?
Since when you are working for the current client?
What will be your salary for this assignment?
Your visa is approved.

Interview date : March 14th 2017.

Visa Status tracking :
March 14th 2017 11 AM MST : READY
March 14th 2017 6 PM MST : ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING
March 15th 2017 9 AM MST : ISSUED

Passport Tracking :

Date Time Location Description Retail Location Signatory Name
2017/03/16 11:13 CALGARY, AB Delivered
2017/03/16 10:24 CALGARY, AB Item available for pickup at Post Office CALGARY CENTRAL PO
2017/03/16 05:53 CALGARY, AB Item in transit to Post Office
2017/03/16 05:53 CALGARY, AB Item processed
2017/03/15 18:27 CALGARY, AB Item processed
2017/03/15 15:22 CALGARY, AB Shipment picked up by Canada Post
2017/03/15 Electronic information submitted by shipper

No personal belongings allowed (Cell phone, fitbit type trackers, bacpacks) - don't create problems for yourself by forgetting these basics.

Total time: 1.5 hrs from waiting to finally being out (Terribly cold weather)

Questions:
How long have you been on H1B
Did anyone file I140 for you
How many employers have you had since you first got h1-B
What's the highest level of education you have
Which university
Do you have family in Canada
Do you have family in USA, that are on work Visas
Have you traveled outside USA since your first H1b
What is your title (at work)

Take all your documents to avoid any delays, be prepared for basic questions, this is like my 4th time for a visa interview in 14-15 years in India and Canada, and I've never worked for a consultancy so it's always been straightforward.
Of course there are some complications like I didn't maintain active H1-B since 2013 (was on EAD/AP since then) and now jumping back to H1-B etc., so even if the visa history is long, they ask to the point questions and as long as you have answers that are correct, there's nothing to worry.

Appointment: March 13, 2017, 8 am
Status at March 14, 8 am: Administrative processing
Visa issued: March 14 between 10 am - 11 am
Passport shipped: March 14, 3 pm from Richmond
Passport available for pick-up (expected): March 15, Vancouver Main PO

I had a large bag, and I was turned away.
I got back to the consulate around 8:15 am, lined up, and entered the building around 8:45 am.

I was wearing a fitbit; I was turned away.
I went down to the entrance with a security officer, and left my fitbit with another security officer who was greeting and screening applicans.

I went through the security check and I submitted my forms to a consulate staff member. My ID photo did not meet the standard; and I was asked to take another picture with an instant ID machine in the same room. I paid $10 and got a new ID picture.

I was then escorted to floor 20 for an interview.
The interview was quick; less than 3 minutes.
I was then told that my visa was approved.

It was around 10 am when I got out.

Hi All,

Thanks to this forum, as i have been following visa stamping experiences and decided to visit Calgary, Canada for H1-B visa stamping. 

BackGround - Visa renewal stamping with I-140 approved. Have been previously to Calagary, Canada for visa stamping.

Visa Interview - 7th March 2017 - 8:30 AM

Passport Received - 10th March 2017 - 11:30 AM

Back to US - 11th March 2017

Consulate Process

8:10 AM entered the US consulate building. DS-160, photo and passport checked, then security check and security guard takes the batch of people through elevator to the visa interview room.

Instructed to hold on to the passport, 797 and photo. One of the officer checks the ds-160, photo and passport. Will enter the information and ask if any missing information. I was asked for a new photograph with a white background, as mine had a lighter background (not white)

Next its finger printing and then the visa officer calls for the interview.

Visa Interview 

VO: which company?

Me: YYYY Inc.

VO: Are you the only one from your company in the team at client location?

Me: Yes

VO: Are there any other people working at client from your company?

Me: I am the only one in my team, but client has many other people at different locations from my company.

VO: Did they apply GC?

Me: Yes.

VO: Show me the proof?

Me: Gave approved I-140

VO: Submit a new photo and your visa will be approved.

Me: Thank you sir

VO gave back I-797 and I-140 and kept the passport

Took a new photo downstairs in the same building and submitted it immediately.

Port of Entry

Immigration Officer: where are you going?

Me: Told my location

Immigration Officer: Which visa?

Me: H1-B

Immigration Officer: what do you do?

Me: Told my job title

Immigration Officer: do you have a degree?

Me: Yes, Masters

Immigration Officer: Which major

Me: YYYY XX

Immigration Officer: Have a safe trip

Me: Thank You sir

Hi Folks

I thought I will share my H1B stamping experience at Ottawa US embassy. Mine was a mixed bag experience so this might help some folks here.

My interview was on 6th March at 7:45 AM. I had gone with my wife and kid. I work for one of the big three technology companies and have been with them for the last 12 years.

As has been described by many on this forum, the process starts with the security guard checking your DS-160. Then he does a scanning and lets you in. At the next counter there was a lady, she took our passports, DS-160’s and photos. She then checked the information on her tablet and put a sticker on each of the passport. Then you go through security screening. They kept my watch and gave me a token. Then we were directed to a counter to validate the application and take finger prints. The lady there was very nice. After validating the information, she put the DS-160 in the relevant passport and directed us to stand in line in front of counter 3 and 4.

We were called at counter 3 by a lady officer. She requested for my petition 797-A. She asked routine questions (see below). This was my 4th or 5th H1B visa re-stamping, so I was confident about responding to the questions.

Which company you work for?
What’s your role?
To my wife - what’s your status?

Then she asked - do you have a copy your old petition? I said “no, I don't have it with me right now (I didn't realize that I had my I-129 packet which had the old petitions submitted to USCIS)”. She said I would like to see that. The reason she gave was that in my case between the last H1B visa stamping and the new petition, there is a gap and so she would like to validate I had legal status during that time. This was the case because between my last petition and current petition I did not go out of the US, so never needed an H1B visa stamping.

She kept the passports and said your visa is approved pending receiving a copy of the old petition. She issued me a 221g with request to email a copy of old 797A.

I came back to hotel and emailed the copy right away. In 3 hours I received an email (not the automated one) confirming that we have received your document.

That day there was no update on my status, on the immigrant visa petition tracker it indicated "Your case is missing some required documentation. The interviewer mentioned to you on the date of the interview the course of action. If we need additional information we will contact you. Administrative processing can take several weeks."

It was a bit scary for me because I was not sure how much time they would take for admin processing once I submitted the copy of my old 797 A. I sent them an email in the evening indicating that my return ticket was in 4 days and that my daughter's school starts in a week. The next day, on the 7th of March there was an update on my status (by the way you don't get these notifications, you will have to check the status on your own).The missing document piece was removed from the status "Your case is under administrative processing. If we need additional information we will contact you. Administrative processing can take several weeks."

On the morning of 8th March, the status got updated – “Visa Issued and your passport has been released”

I had requested for my passport to be picked up at Toronto as I had some plans there. I collected the passport on the morning of 9th March at Toronto. We had our immigration clearance at Toronto airport. That was pretty straightforward - is this your first time in US. I said I have been in US since 2005 and with the same company. Stamped and done.

Overall I would say that as long as you have the right documentation and are confident you should be fine.

Looking back I am not sure if there was a real need to request for my old petition as how in the world can someone like us legally in US, can receive an H1B renewal (797-A) from USCIS if we are out of status. The officer could have also known that with my I-129, this information would have been submitted and could have requested for my I-129. The mistake or stupidity at my end was that I didn't think through that copies of the old petitions are filed with I-129.

My advice to all is that carry all your old petition copies and I-129s. All the best! If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Yet another silent reader here who would like to thank all the contributors and now share my own experience. This is going to be long. I am from Pakistan and this was my second H1-B stamping in Ottawa with the same employer. I request people whose visa got rejected to please post their experience so others can better prepare and ascertain risks before heading out. I however saw no rejections during the few minutes I was there.

Obtaining Canadian visa:
----------------------------------
Took almost 2 months to get the Canadian visa from the date of submitting my application and biometrics. Here is the timeline:

July 26, 2016: Submitted application electronically and got confirmation of submission.
July 27, 2016: Went to local USCIS office to provide fingerprints.
Sept 16, 2016: Status updated and asked to submit my passport.
Sept 30, 2016: Got passport back with 4-year multiple-entry visa.

NOTE#1: Providing 10-year education/employment history in the application is the hardest part of the application to understand and takes several tries for a first timer to get it right because Canadian embassy wants the history to be on additional application form printouts and not on plain paper if space runs out on the original application. If there are any gaps in education/employment, put that in 10-year history also. If you make any mistake with this part of the application, they will return your application.

NOTE#2: Number of uploads allowed is less than the number of forms and supporting documents (pay stubs, employment letter, etc.) we are supposed to provide. Use some pdf merge tool to merge multiple related documents together. Merge the extra 10-year history forms as well.

Canadian POE:
---------------------

Q: Why are you visiting Canada?
A: For US H1B visa interview.

Q: (Already stamped passport and marked customs form) what do you do there?
A: I am a ZZZ.

US Visa Interview:
------------------------
My appointment was at 07:45 AM and I was the first one to enter the embassy. I had two plastic merchandise bags full of documents. The security guard outside the embassy had low IQ and wasn’t able to understand that I cannot raise my hands sideways while holding those heavy bags but he made me do that anyway and didn’t allowed me to put documents on the ground first. Then he checked DS-160 confirmation page and passport. Then allowed me in.

I went inside, and there was another locked door and an old woman behind that door was trying to get her stuff ready. Once she unlocked the second door, I went in. She asked for DS-160 confirmation page, i-797 and passport. I was not able to find my I-797 but suddenly found it in my jacket’s pocket. That was a BIG mistake, which I had made at the Canadian POE a day before. She asked my status in Canada. After that, she put a barcode sticker on my passport and returned everything to me.

There was another security check like those in airports. They took my watch and gave me a token, which I used later to get my watch back. Now I was in another queue-area in front of two counters and went to one of the counters. Lady there asked me for my DS-160 conf. page, passport and I-797. I gave her those things along with a single-page email correspondence printout I had a month ago with the embassy regarding a mistake in declaring the charities and mosques I donated to in DS-160. I explained her briefly the contents of the printout. She asked when the uploaded picture was taken. She first did her regular thing with the DS-160 confirmation and passport. Asked me my status in Canada. Then she turned her attention to the DS-160 mistake issue. She told me some of the names were already added. Then returned all documents to me saying this will not affect my visa. I had created another DS-160 with the fix just in case and told her that but she said current DS-160 looks fine. I did not wanted to irritate her so did not pressed her further to add the remaining names as well.

Now I moved to another queue area for the interview:

VO(Young guy in 20s): Good morning.
Me: Hi, good morning.

VO: (Asked for passport, I-797 and DS-160 confirmation page) Is this a renewal?
Me: Yes.

VO: Do you work at YYYY ?
Me: Yes

VO: What do you do there?
Me: I am a YYYY and build YYYY and ZZZ.

VO: How long have you been working there?
Me: 4 years.

VO: What is your highest level of education?
Me: I did my masters from ZZZ. (US University)

VO: In which field?
Me: ZZZ

VO: Did you do any research or thesis?
Me: Yes in ZZZ.

VO: What kind of work you did?
Me: I worked on YYYY (I had my thesis with me)

VO: Is it related to the work you are doing now?
Me: Now its more on the YYYY side of things.

VO: Do you do any kind of research?
Me: No. I build tools that are used by researchers.

VO: What is your job title?
Me: ZZZ.

VO: What is your salary?
Me: ZZZ

VO: Your visa is approved and you’ll get email in 2-3 days.
Me: Thank you.

Car rental: For non-Canadian driver’s license holders, Enterprise wants valid passport to rent a car.

CAEC status:
------------------
March 02(before interview): Ready
March 06: (after interview): Administrative processing.
March 07: Issued (Got tracking number email from usvisa-info)

March 08: Passport ready for pickup toward end of business day.
 
US POE:
------------

Q- Hello. Passport. Where are you going & why?
A- Hi. Nashville. I work there.

Q- What do you do & where?
A- I’m a YYYY at YYY.

Q- (Relaxed and smiling) so no teaching classes, isn’t that even better?
A- Yes. Just work.

Q- Are you bringing things other than maple syrup from Canada?
A- No.

Q- Your trip was limited to Canada or you went elsewhere as well or Pakistan?
A- Just Canada.

Q- (Typing continuously) Just bear with me, I’ve to make these entries. Alright, enjoy your flight(returned passport). Khudahafiz(Yes, he said that!)
A- Khudahafiz (with a bigger smile). Thank you.

Observations:
------------------
 I’ve a feeling that DS-160 with scheduled interview couple of months ahead of time mitigate the chance of post-interview delay due to security checks, delay due to RFEs will still happen though. This only applies when interviewing in Canada though. I don’t have any evidence for this but if I connect the dots in some articles, the locking of DS-160 and other regulations together, it makes sense. Some people get delayed in 1st stamping, some in 2nd stamping so over-prepare. Do not rule out possibility of getting denied when preparing for variety of possible scenarios. VOs always surprise me with unexpected line of questioning whenever I appeared for the visa interview.

Total expense including Canadian & US visa fee, travel and accommodation, etc. (approx.): $1100/=

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are staying in the US on a J1 and J2 visa, respectively. We were thinking of getting our next visa stamps at Vancouver, upcoming July. However, rather than waiting in Vancouver to get our passport back, we were hoping of making it into a trip and traveling on to Calgary for 10-12 days.

I have been reading your experiences, which has helped a great deal, so thanks! However, I am still wondering about the procedure to get your passport back. I am reading about pick ups at post offices, mostly? Can you chose where they send your passports to - and if so, do you think we could have them send to a post office in Calgary or some type of hotel along the way? Or how does this work usually, as you don't want them send to your "home" address in the US?

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!!!

Ruth

Hi All,

Is anyone planning for h1b stamping in March Last week? plz send me email @ bengenhomeATgmail.com for room or other info sharing's.

Thnx
Ben