We had a successful H1B/H4 stamping in Matamoros, Mexico on 26-JUL-2007.Thanks a lot to Chanda
for the post you made below under the name CV.It was very helpful and also your time in replying my queries.
Steps were:
1. Booking the appointment date thru the website -
http://www.usvisa-mexico.com/visa-web/index.jsp?locale=es_MX
Took the appointment date on Thursday just to keep Friday as a backup.Heard from CTS (Alberto) that the
consular officers are taking off Fridays also so my suggestion is try to book on Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday.
2. Filling up the forms DS156 and DS157 (only for male above 18) in the same website and keeping saved copies
(and backups).Photos not needed though we carried some.
3. If your kid is US citizen carry his/her passport/Birth Certificate.They allow kids even if they don't have
any stamping.There is a play area inside the consulate.Also if the queue is very long please request the security
to allow inside and they do.We requested and they allowed us otherwise it is very diff. as it is very hot and humid
outside.Please carry a stroller for the baby.You will need it in airports / consulate/ I-94 office.
4. We took the service from CTS.Sent all the docs/cheque to CTS (Alberto).He will ready the draft/mexican permit.
5. Arrived previous day evening at brownsville,TX and checked in at Days Inn.Rented a car at the airport itself and visited
South Padre Island.It is simply superb.Zoo is another place where you want to take your kid.All went to bed early.
6. Woke up early at 5 am.Kids need to be fed properly to make them ready for atleast 6-7 hours.You can carry milk inside
the consulate.Carry some biscuits/ other foods and keep in the CTS van.Once stamping is done you can feed the kid again
at I-94 office (it is a long and boring wait there).
7. Manuel picked us at 7.15 AM.Verified the docs, Drove to border, we got the drafts there (IMP - If you have to claim the
visa fee from your company ask Manuel to give copies in advance), then straight to consulate.Our appointment was at
8.30 am.But there time doesnot matter much.The line was big.Went in.
8. Consulate - i> submit drafts and get a token
ii> token called for pictures and DS156/157.
iii> interview (company name, how long working, paystubs,employment letter,
did you have any police/immigration problem ..i think he was just double checking.
iv> i asked the officer to return me the visa fee receipt and he gave :-) as manuel had given only 1 copy
v> visa approved and got the stamped passport within 20 mins
IMPORTANT : If your kids are indian citizens be prepared for additional 2-3 hours wait as they do some additional check
in their stolen children database.ASK ALBERTO/Manuel in details about time taken or any other questions on this.
9. Manuel dropped us to US border - keep some 25/5 cents changes.walk to the I-94 office.
10. I-94 Office - MUST CARRY AN ADDRESS PROOF (DL, Electric bill ).
i> officer took the passport/I-797/DL after verification of passport/i-797/address proof
ii> called inside for fingerprints
iii> waited for 70 minutes
iv> called for I94 issuance - only question was 'designation'
v> paid 6$ each and got the I94 for us
11. Walked to US side, no need to stand in long line, just push in and called Alberto.He came and drove us to hotel.
12. Rest, South Padre, Good Food, Sleep and came back happily to Durham,NC.