This means that you could work in the US for a maximum of six years. Appointment Requests forNotarial Services:Please usethis form. Transit Visa Via Frankfurt is not required now. 1. I attended in person appointment for H1b for a new employer in Toronto consulate on Dec 30 2022. Check with your employer or your employers legal team though before booking an appointment. Once my visa was approved, do they mail my passport to where I stay or can I pick it up at the embassy? The Canadian PR visa is valid for 1 year after the medical therefore your visa will be valid till Nov 2005(i.e. Also for the mailing address I guess some hotel address of Canada where I will be staying needs to be provided? Entire DS-160 form is not required. Immigration wait times are divided by the agency and or type of case and can be checked directly with the agency handling your case. Breaking News (10 FEB, 2023): Reportedly, the US government is mulling over the plans to recommence the domestic visa revalidation service for certain categories of H1B and L1 visas. As of today, if your US visa has expired, you need a transit visa to travel to India from USA via Europe. Due to visa stamping approval/ denial issues, most of the Indian are actually reluctant to go to India and stuck in USA and so, providing visa stamping facility inside USA will be seriously a huge help for Indians to travel between countries. Did you know in FY2014, as many as70% of total315,857 H1B Visas (including initial as well as continuing employment) were approvedforpeople with Indian origin. It also does not guarantee that USCIS will approve during the H-1B visa stamping process. #3 I received my visa after January 1, 2008 My visa stamping expired last month and now thinking to go to Ottawa, Canada for re-stamping. You will Get H1B, L1 Visa Renewed in USA Soon; Domestic Visa Validation to Resume on a Pilot Basis Later This Year. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I am intending to select Yes for this and then choose Issuing Post not listed. I got my H1b I797B consular processing approval(Without I94 not Change of Status). This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada. Although visa processing time is approximately 5-10 business days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. I am trying to know the level of risk in going to Canada for stamping with consular H1B approval in hand and also do US consulate in Canada do stamping for change of status (I mean can we go to Canada for the first H1B stamping rather than extensions). I would like to share my visa stamping experience and the situations I faced in Canada and at the consulate. Answer (1 of 3): Not currently. Hundreds of thousands of H1B visa holders got stuck in India due to the pandemic-induced closure of US Embassy and consulates. The recommendation for the stamping of H1B visas in USA has more to it. Posted November 11, 2012. swame_sp; Members; 12 Report; Share; Q) Why cant I apply for my immigrant visa at a consular section other than Montreal? US Visa Approval & Refusal Rates by Country and Visa; H1B Visa Tracker (FY 2024) US Visa Stamping Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker; US Visa Emergency Appointment Tracker; USCIS Processing Times; I called US Embassy phone number to confirm and they said, once fees paid, no need to pay fees again for choosing another embassy. You can still give it a shot at Argentina consulate, just keep in mind that you will have to arrange a stay there if your case goes to Administrative Processing. This is a process wherein the H1-B visa is endorsed on the passport. Also Ill be updating same Waterloo address in DS-160 . H1B VISA RENEWAL QUESTION. The regular H1B visa processing time is from 1 month to 6 months. It also publishes the latest news about Indian Americans from different walks of life and lists upcoming Indian events in USA. I was trying to schedule an appointment but dates are far off in late November. In case of Admin Processing legally can we stay in Canada till the time Visa is approved and work form there ? canada visa stamp on passport processing time. Show me your EVL letter? An H-1B visa holder who has commenced their green card application process may extend his stay in the U.S. for more than six years. I have the Canadas visitor visa stamped. This is just a recommendation nothing else. I'm looking for options to score an appointment in Aug/Sep 2022 like trying other countries, following is what I know so far: * India ( Dates are in 2023 -> both dropbox & in-person) * Canada ( Dates are in 2023 -> in-person ) Over 800 days is the visa interview wait time at the US Embassy and Consulates in India. Both Mexico and Canada are accessible from the USA through land borders. Before my first H1B stamping, I went for biometrics on day 1 and on day 2 was the interview. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Does that mean I can still get visa interview appointment after 22 days or I will have appointment only on 9 Feb, 2017 ? As long as . However, the pilot program would begin with a small number of cases before scaling over the following 1-2 years, the Economic Times quoted a State Department spokesperson. Present all the following documents: The best way to ensure you get the H-1B visa stamp is to get all your documents in order for submission and the interview. Trust , these things pop up time to time but unfortunately nothing going to change. The short answer is: yes. Q) How long will it take to schedule my immigrant visa appointment? H1B to H4 COS allowed. or should i go India first to get H1b stamping and then canada to collect my PR card? The United States Embassy and Consulates in Canada have resumed routine U.S. citizen services and nonimmigrant visa services. This affects Indian families and causes their separation. By jsolanki, September 7, 2016 in H1B : Visa Stamp. While its normal to only include whats required, there are some H-1B documents for stamping that we recommend you bring with you, even if USCIS does not require them. JavaScript is disabled. I am in the same situation at the same consulate location and any inputs would be helpful. Canada visa required. The connectivity is quite good around most of the downtown area. Hi Venkat! For your application to be successful, you must bring all the relevant documents to the interview. The following are the appointment wait time as of January 2023 for H-1B stamping in India: These times dont include any administrative processing that specific applications may need. i am on F1 Visa. For Toronto, you could useResidence Inns address), When you file DS 160, you will have to chose a consulate .If you want to change the consulate later due to unavailability of dates, you have to edit your DS 160 and reflect the correct consulate. Advance travel planning and early visa application is important. Future of Air Travel post COVID19: Empty Middle Seats or All Seats with Cover on Economy Flights, Trumps Temporary Ban on Immigration amid COVID19 Targets Green Cards, not H1B and Other Visas, Indian American Researchers Develop AI System to Detect Brain Hemorrhage and Save Lives in Seconds. It is not possible to provide precise wait times for immigrant visa appointments, as facilities, staffing resources, and local conditions all affect capacity and scheduling. By Can we travel around canada by car while our passports are with US embassy for stamping? Given advanced travel documents, you will be able to choose a round-trip flight between USA and India over two one-way flights. F to H4 stamping not allowed in Mexico. If you are in this category, it is probably a good idea to go elsewhere to have your visa stamped. Does any one have the same experience ? Most visa holders return to their home country to obtain the H1B stamp (it cannot be done in the U.S.), but you can also elect to be processed in Mexico or Canada. Applicants who intend to apply for an H-4 visa for their spouse and dependent children should bring: Inquire at the U.S. consulate in your country about which documents you need, as the list might be different in each country. Dimensions: Minimum of 600 pixels by 600 pixels, maximum of 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels, The size of the photo cannot be more than 240 kilobytes, DS-160 Visa Application confirmation page with VAC stamp, Labor Condition Application (LCA) for H-1B & H-1B1 nonimmigrant, Payslips for at least three months (if you were working on H1B), Monthly bank statements (last three months), H-1B approval from your previous employer (if applicable), Official diploma certificate, degree, or both, Official transcripts from your undergraduate or official graduate universities. U.S. immigration will not allow you to enter the country earlier than that. Also does anyone knows that is there any eligibility for an indian citizen to get h1-b stamping in other countries eg canada or mexico? canada visa stamping processing time 2021 2022-11-08. anko punch needle kit 2022-10-26. . I have been approved for a H1B extension and I planned to travel from Boston to Toronto next month for my new H1B stamp. Q) Do I need to wear a mask when attending my consular appointment? The H-1B nonimmigrant visa is typically good for about three years, at which point you may become eligible for a three-year extension. I found out all wait times for processing visa at US consulates in Canada (toronto, ottawa, vancouver, montreal) are all over 30 days! All Rights Reserved. Ideas on the approval and execution timelines? By swame_sp, November 11, 2012 in H1B : Visa Stamp. Hi , I am planing to stay at my sisters place, Waterloo,ON. Fill DS-160 form - Start filling up DS-160 form here. Were working in earnest on plans to restart this service for certain petition-based non-immigrant visa categories. Anyone here have same situation like me (need h1b visa stamp), but the wait time is so long? Your email address will not be published. This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada. You can get your visa stamped at the U.S consulate in a neighboring country to the U.S., but that involves more risk and processes. The expiration of the I-797 may discontinue the H-1B petition. This would eliminate the need for visa renewal petitioners to travel abroad. Below is a 4-step process to get your visa stamped: To get the entire stamping process started you must do the following: After paying the required fees, the foreign professional must schedule interview appointments. Mar 12, 2019 . Currently, this process must be completed outside the USA. i hope not. If you have previously been scheduled by NVC and could not attend your interview, please click here to reschedule your interview. Yes you can. After you get your H-1B visa stamped, you can enter the U.S. only ten days before you start working. U.S. Citizens with emergencies, please call: 613-238-5335, Outside of Office Hours, contact: 613-238-5335. (I know its quite obvious but they still want to hear it from you). It is draining financially and mentally those who traveled to India for unprecedented reasons such as family emergency, and in the hope of getting their visa renewal applications processed during a definite period of stay. It shows: Wait Times for Embassy/Consulate for TorontoAll Other Nonimmigrant Visas = +- 22 Calendar Days* as Appointment Wait TimeWhile adding DS-160s and paying visa fees onhttps://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca, it showsFirst Available Appointments for Toronto as 9 February, 2017Now, what should I consider? It shows: Wait Times for Embassy/Consulate for Toronto . question is can an H1-B be re approved or do you just get one shot at it? However, if you are currently outside the U.S., then you will have to travel to a U.S. consulate or embassy to obtain your H-1B visa. Legal services are provided by VisaNation Law Group PLLC, a Florida professional limited liability company. Whats your designation and describe your work/project? I just went to Calgary, Alberta and had stamping within a week. American Citizen Services: Full services.Appointment Requests for Passport and/or CRBA: Please usethis form.Appointment Requests fornotarial services:Please emailHalifax-ACS@state.govNonimmigrant Visas:For appointments, please applyhere. Thanks so much! H-1B Visa Stamping Process in USA for 2023. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELPMany Thank you! The health and safety of our workforce and customers will remain paramount. Indian citizens on a H1B visa are literally trapped here. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates try to keep the visa issuance wait times as short as possible. If the location is changed to Mumbai, the . Here is the wait time in Ottawa now. Please attend the NVC-scheduled appointment in order to avoid delays in processing your case. Here, it should be my name or my employer details? When filling the DS 160 form, what is the Home address and Mailing address I need to give? . At the time of booking the interview slot, I am not a Canadian PR yet. so can i go to canada directly to get h1 stamping and collect the PR card (both at the same time). Hi, I am currently on F1 CPT . If I remember correctly while scheduling the appointment there is question asked.whether you are resident of Canada or something to that effect. It is your responsibility to give back your findings as many others may have to go through your situation. The trouble is that in some countries like India, applicants . I'm an Indian on H1B. To be precise, Travel Beats is a consistent effort by IndianEagle to bridge between Indians in America and India. Since we all be going to Canada together, should I mention my wife and kids detail here or not? I am unable to decide what to do, travel home or Canada, since I had 221g earlier will it affect my application during Dropbox or in-person interview? That said, the earlier you book your appointment, the more likely you are to be able to get the interview date and time you want. Schedule an Appointment Wait times for all. I am waiting for my passport. We understand your concern about visas and travel in light of the continuing impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and appreciate your patience as we safely resume our operations. will it be smooth or any issues? They are never going to move the stamping process to USA. Is that correct as I never had stamping done in Canada? Q) Is my situation an emergency? Even though I am TCN here in Canada as I am yet to get PR Here (waiting for Invivitation already in the pool) can I get stamp here? Last updated: March 1, 2023 at 2:35 pm EDT. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Travel Beats is an Indian Community portal by IndianEagle, a leading travel organization for Indians in USA. If it is a fee or documentation issue, you should try to reapply and get an H-1B visa appointment again. visa."This fall will be the first that we'll be able to put out a call for applications. The current wait time for Appointment dates for H1B stamping in India (All cities ) is insane, mostly Mid to Late 2023. Hello, I live and work in Canada Ontario, My US employer transfeered me to Canada in Feb 2021. Now I am currently in process to make appointment for interview at Toronto. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Is this your first time getting your H1-B visa stamped? Can you please suggest if I can go to Canada for H1B stamping and if yes would the above mentioned process holds good. All rights reserved. Arrived by 7 am and left mobile at locker for rs 50 they allowed us at embassy by 07:45 am all security checks completed with in 30 mins.. entered counters and 10 more candidates standing infront of us it's time 08:15 am waited in queue for 10 mins and by 8:25 am . I was told that no documents were required from my side. Thinking of going to Canada for stamping once we have babys passport, trying to weigh the pros and cons. So I dont understand how to answer this question. Nevertheless, those who successfully apply for the Immigrant Investor Programme receive Stamp 4 in their passport so the time they spend in Ireland with it counts towards reckonable residence. It does not make any sense to me to travel to India when I am working for Canadian employer and living here so worst case even if I get 221g It does not affect me as I will continue working for same employer another year on work permit so I can wait in Canada. Relevant law requires that applicants apply for immigrant visas in person. Contents1 Can I renew my F1 visa [] (a few months ago , Ottawa was current!!!) I am planning to get my H1B Visa and Wifes H4 visa stamped from Toronto, Canada. (For Vancouver, you could give Hyatt, Century Plaza. 4. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen on Canadas Announced Indo-Pacific Strategy, U.S. The website shows that average wait for a visa appointment in the US consulate at New Delhi is 522 days for visitor visas and 471 days for student visas. Can anyone Please advice / suggest what it is trying to show exactly? Currently, the nightmare drags on over the US visa renewal appointment delays in India. For my kids DS-160: 1. The U.S. Consulate General in Montreal is processing immigrant visas according to the Departments most recent operating status update, available here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/visa-services-operating-status-update.html. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen welcomes Greater Philadelphia Trade Delegation to Ottawa, Statement from U.S. The second appointment that you should schedule will be for your biometrics appointment. Would help me to schedule one, I'm not sure if I could check before submitting DS-160. Hi , I have attended H1-B interview in Vancouver, Canada. The presidential approval to the stamping of H1B visas in America will promise a host of benefits. It shows: Wait Times for Embassy/Consulate for Toronto, All Other Nonimmigrant Visas = +- 22 Calendar Days* as Appointment Wait Time, While adding DS-160s and paying visa fees on, First Available Appointments for Toronto as 9 February, 2017. Yes, this will solve H1-B travel issues. Questions around your client company and project. The Visa Application Center (VAC) obligates the foreign professional to schedule an H-1B visa appointment at least two days before the scheduled interview with the consulate/embassy. The following episodes were published in February 2023: Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast - Episode 37 - In this episode of the Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast for Canadians, we review recent US Immigration Updates including the upcoming H1B visa lottery and we answer several questions submitted by our listeners about US Immigration Law. Can I attend the visa interview in CANADA? I am seriously worrying and waiting to pay fees for Toronto US Visa Embassy. If not, please let me know how to select a pick up option or any alternate addresses (eg. I have got H1B approved oct/2018. Hotel stay Hotels in Toronto downtown are quite expensive too. Were you previously issued a visa to enter the United States I do have prior H1-Bs but none from consulates in Canada. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. While not required, we encourage all visitors over age two to wear a mask for the health and safety of our staff and visitors. I have visa stamping appointment in Mumbai but going back to India is costly so company is asking me to schedule an appointment in Canada so wanted to know that is this possible? I am also exploring the option of stamping h1-b visa for myself in canada, were you able to get more details on it, as in what are the steps to follow, if it does not get approved in canada. I have completed 1.5 Years in Canada. If you are in the U.S. under a different nonimmigrant status, then it is usually preferable and cheaper to have your status adjusted to H-1B at the start of your employment. Whats the purpose of your visit to consulate? The explanation for this field reads If you are not a citizen of the country where you permanently reside, select the country where you have been granted permission to legally work, study, or live. Do you have any immediate relatives, not including parents, in the United States? How long have you been working for this employer. If your US visa has expired, you need a transit visa to travel to India via Europe. Can anyone please clarify if you have already done like this? I have not yet paid my fee and no appointments has been scheduled. The general requirements to use dropbox in India for H-1B stamping are: Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions about H-1B visa stamping. Recently, my Canada PR was approved. The pandemic and now the long waiting time for getting an appointment in India for the visa stamping has affected families deeply. Residents in Canada can check wait times here: Visa Appointment Wait Times (state.gov). H1b Visa Stamping. This will help aviation economy for frequent flying, flexibility of traveling and mostly avoiding paying vendors with Rs.15000/ ruppes per person to book visa appointment in US Consulate in India. Example: If you got your first-time H1B visa stamp in Mexico or Canada or any other US embassy outside India. Hey Kandarp, can you please share dropbox experience of visa stamping in canada? I have a work related travel coming up in the first week of October when I would ideally change status from F1 to H1-B. I had to reschedule my appointment from Toronto to Vancouver. till the date you got your medical done last year). Please share your experience. 2. Alerts and Messages for U.S. visitors to Canada. This removes many of the risks and red tape posed by any other option while allowing you to have your interview in a familiar and more comfortable setting. Last updated: 2-28-2023. Generally, the total validity period for an H-1B visa is six years. Although visa processing time is typically three working days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. Few people know these 6 devastating things that May Deepavali become a federal holiday in the US or not; once the stamping of H1B visas within the US is resumed, this will surely be the best gift of the year to Indians. I am changing my status from F1 to H1B on 1st Oct and planning to go for H1B interview in Canada in 3rd week of October. Anyway finger crossed. Do you have any immediate relatives, not including parents, in the United States? As of the new rule released by the Department of Homeland Security in 2015, H-1B spouses and dependents on H-4 status can apply for Employment Authorization Documents if eligible and if you, the principal holder, have an approved I-140 immigrant petition with the USCIS. thanks. This requirement cannot be waived. Select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for current wait time information: COVID Test Required for Travelers from China; Continued Vaccination requirement for nonimmigrant travelers, MRV fee payments made on or after October 1, 2022, are valid for 365 days, Presidential Proclamation on Health Care Revoked, Official U.S. D.O.S. Your email address will not be published. I have got my first stamping from India in 2016. 2023 VisaNation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Also there might be risk of RFE going to middle east for stamping* Jamaica ( Couldn't find any dates for appointment )* Dominique ( Stopped non-immigration visa appointments), The other countries on my radar are:* Nepal* Malaysia, * South KoreaBut I could hardly find any info on the feasibility and availability of non-immigration (H1B) appointment dates for Indians in these countries, Does anyone has experience of getting Visa stamping done/have insights into* Getting Visa appointment in other nations (outside India esp Malaysia/Mexico/Nepal) for H1B in 2022* If you know of any other means to get slots in India ( ex: using reliable agents; NOTE: I reached out to few and they confirmed the no slots in 2022 but said they can monitor openings from cancellation to immediately book the slot )* If you had experience in getting emergency Visa appointment with Family Emergency successfully ( ex: serious illness/surgery ) in India or other countries (Malaysia/Mexico/Canada/Nepal), I'm on the following telegram groups monitoring for visa slots:* H1B/H4 Visa Dropbox slots* H1B/H4 Regular visa slots. I have a family emergency that requires me to travel to India as soon as possible. . Good luck! (213) 376-3107. Nonimmigrant visa applicants with urgent travel: If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided on theFAQ pageto request an emergency appointment. I have a valid visa which is expiring soon and but an approved I797. I completely agree to this point. This visa allows citizens of other countries to work in the United States. Is it advisable to go to Canada for first time H1B stamping? Hello,I am currently on H1 in US. Also Check: Save more than $1000 on traveling to India from USA this Holiday season. Answer (1 of 3): There is nothing advisable or otherwise. Waiting until you have entered the U.S. is safer than getting an H-1B transfer before stamping since your employer's petition cannot be withdrawn after the visa has been stamped. My H1-B status shows approved awaiting the official letter by mail. CanadaVisa.com | 1303 Greene Ave., Suite 200 | Westmount, Montreal, QC, Canada | H3Z 2A7. After living in the country for a certain qualifying period of time (at least 5 years), you will have the right to apply for Irish citizenship by . My other Q is this my current H1 expires in July. The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada, administers a Public Diplomacy Grants Program for individuals and organizations to carry out virtual programs to strengthen bilateral ties between the United States and Canada. Hoping the approval comes by October end. On 9/7/2016 at 4:29 PM, premkalyan521 said: 2023 Murthy Law Firm. Posted on Sep 5, 2021. Take all relevant documents with you and be ready to answer all questions confidently and honestly. Now, with the new Final Rule in place, a 60-day grace period extends from the moment you stop working for your sponsoring employer. In addition, if you spent a considerable amount of time outside the U.S. during your H-1B stay, you may be able to recapture that time spent abroad by requesting it from the USCIS when you file your extension. Ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen on Canada Day, Ambassador Cohen: A brief reflection on the year that was and looking forward to a promising year ahead. A lot of people in USA, opt for Canada or Mexico as they are close by. It is initially issued for three years, depending on the contract between the foreign professional and the employer. Appointment Requests for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad or Adult Citizenship Claims:Please email TorontoCRBA@state.gov. Makes me wanna select US as I am authorized to work here but I dont have a GC so its confusing. At the most, you can schedule your appointment three days prior to your interview appointment but no later than that. If you are planning on using USCIS dropbox for stamping, you should be aware that you can do so 48 months prior to the expiration of your status. Applicants that are not resident in Canada can anticipate a . Everything is tightened on H1B and dependents except one exception and that is H4 EAD. Unfortunately, after 2+ years of serving clients as a Cybersecurity Consultant, my role has been | 10 comments on LinkedIn They can advise you on filing Form DS-160 and taking the necessary steps in completing your H1B visa stamping process. Hi Varsha, I am sailing in the same boat. It would be basic human decency for America to offer visa stamping here. Canada hasalways been a popular destination for US visa renewals and approvals. Select the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply for current wait time information: Calgary.