New Visa Appointment Reservation
System page: Check out http://www.nvars.com/
Awards :
Links :
You need to have an appointment to visit any consulate
starting May 1st 1996. The US Consulate has a 900 number : 1-900-443-3131. The rates are
$2.85 per minute(they're screwing you, but you're helpless!) Don't be fussy about the
dates, I wanted to go there on a Monday morning, but never got an appointment for a
Monday, spent 3 calls and $50, and finally settled for the first available date. The
latest on the 900 number is that all the appointments scheduled are done by the automated
process and you cannot talk to a rep. for making an appointment.
For your convenience, here is the menu of the automated system (Hey Sriram is just trying
to save you some bucks...) :
1. Enter your numeric passport number
2. Enter your reference number, if you are a first caller, it will give you a reference
number
3. Press 2 to make an appointment
4. The consulates number codes are...
01 - Vancouver, 02 - Toronto, 03 - Montreal, 04 - Calgary, 05 - Halifax, 06 - Ottawa, 07 -
Quebec, 08 - Tijuana
Again, don't be fussy about the dates. My roomie wanted me to set him a date(with the
consulate of course ;-), and the only date I could get him was with Halifax! Toronto has a
90 day advance booking period, the others have a 21 day booking period, so the others are
usually booked except for Halifax which is like in the end of the earth...
And if you need to cancel your appointment, you can call a TOLL FREE, yes TOLL FREE
number(viva US Consulate!), which is 1-888-611-6676
For more info on the 900 number, check out the Department of State's web site.
Recently the visa appointment reservation website at http://www.nvars.com/
Applied for the visa in the Canadian Embassy in Downtown Detroit at 600 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1100, Detroit, MI 48243. You could get some brochures and maps of Ontario for free, while you wait, which has the attractions of Toronto and some coupons too. If you go there before 8:30 am, you'll get the visa at 10:30 am. The number for consulate in Detroit is (313)-567-2085 and you could ask them to send an appl. form by mail to save some time. You can now also ask them to fax over an application form with the automated system. Getting a multiple entry visa is perfectly legal, so don't be a typical desi and say you are visiting Canada to see Niagara Falls or a relative (some netters were even asked for their fictitious relatives' address)!!
Documents needed for a Canadian Visa:
* Application(you can ask them to send you one by mail)
* Passport
* I-797
* Banker Rs check or money order for $55.00(single entry), $110(Multiple)
The Canadian Embassy takes 5 days to process the visa by post, but in one case, it took more than 10 days and the person got the appointment for the interview and the Canadian Visa took longer than expected. The person had to come down to Detroit to get the visa after asking them not to send the visa by post.
94 E, take Tunnel to Canada, Pay $2 toll, Canadian immigration would stamp your passport, take 401 E towards London/Toronto, Exit at Don Valley Parkway South towards downtown. West on Richmond Drive. Right on Richmond Drive into the University Avenue. Head North on University Avenue till you reach Dundas Street. Go past Dundas St. Make a U-turn on the University Avenue and then make a right turn into Dundas St reet. You would be heading west on Dundas Street. The street after University Avenue is Simcoe Street. Make a left turn and then a left turn again to enter Simcoe street heading north. The US Consulate is at 225 Simcoe Street which is one way street heading North.
1 The form they sent you (OF-156) with the Appointment
Letter(Imp.)
2 Cash $20(Processing Fee) + $100(Reciprocity Fee) in $20 bills
3 Passport with I-94
4 Employment letter stating Job Title, salary, start date, reason for multiple entry(if
possible) etc.
5 Original H1-B approval Notice (I-797) with I-94
6 Labor Conditioning Document (ETA-9035)
7 I-129 (Petition by lawyer for a non-immigrant worker)
8 2 Passport size Photographs (37mm x 37mm)
9 A few latest pay-stubs
10 Degree Certificate (Original) and transcripts
11 Old I-94 (This is stapled to your passport and should *not* be surrendered when you
cross the border and enter Canada.)
12 Original I-20, if F1 was UR previous status
13 W2 forms and tax filing (optional)
14 EAD (Your PT Card)
15 Your Company ID/Badge SSN Card (optional)
16 RESUME' (Added by Srinivas Ganesan, May 97)
17 Company brochures/ Product data sheets, for people from companies which are not all
that well known (Added by Vishy Lakshmanan, June 97)
Checklist for H4:
* (Star) indicates importance. Each visa application needs a fee of Rs. 720 *** ($20 equivalent) to be paid in the form of a bank demand draft drawn in favor of American Consulate General Very important as the security guys outside only checks to see if you have an application and a DD in rupees of $20 equivalent.
1. Original H1 Visa approval (I 797)
2. Copy of H1 petition filed (I 129)
3. Copies of passport pages of H1 holder (visa page very important) **
4. Copy of Labor Condition Application (LCA)
5. Original Letter from Employer - with position, salary, address. *
6. Original Paystubs + Original Bank Statement - last 1-2 *
7. Copy of last tax returns
8. Original Marriage Certificate **
9. Original Notarized Affidavit of Support (I 134 or I154 ??)) *
10. Original Marriage Invitation Cards (both bride and groom) *
11. Marriage photographs album/video
12. Community certificate (for caste)
13. Spouses degree certificates
14. Copies of H1 holders degree certificates / Transcript
15. Letter by H1 holder addressing consulate in favor of spouse visa *
If the visa is granted, the fee is currently Rs. 3600 (cash only) for a multiple entry
visa (it can change depending on the exchange rate & its better to take extra cash).
Also required, a passport size photograph (white background) - its a good idea to t ake
2-3 extra photographs. Also, I took photocopies of all the original documents in case they
ask for it. This is more than what you would need, I think. It is better to have something
that is not needed than to need something you dont have or did not take along.
The address is : U.S. Consulate General, 360 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario. Canada M5G 1S4. The consulate is open from 8:30 to 10:00 am, and be there by 6:30. Restrooms are hard to find at Simcoe Str. We reached there at 6:00 and had to wait till a restaurant opened at 6:30. If you park in a metered parking at Simcoe, make sure that you put coins after 8:00(I know its not possible), we were lucky and nearly missed a parking ticket.
The first thing they ask you to be on the line is if you have an appointment and US $20 fee, you should also fill out the OS-156 form. One place on the form had me confused, it asks for the purpose of visit, and I filled out "Multiple Entry Visa", but since its a US visa form, it was supposed to be "Work" and I had to fill out another form at the entrance (they give you enough forms if you have made a mistake).
The only catch in the interview is if the interviewer asks you why you can't apply in India? For this a letter from the employer would be helpful saying that you will be going to client sites in Canada, Europe and Mexico!
She(a stern faced Oriental) : ---
Me : Hi
She : How can I help you?
Me : H1 Multiple Entry (stuffing all the papers at her face)
Make sure you have all the papers in a bunch and don't let her ask for any more paperwork.
She : What is an Oracle Programmer?
Me : Bla Bla...
She : What is your major? Which Univ.?
ME : Comp. Sci., Wayne State Univ.
She writes it down on the OS 156 form. I guess people working on unrelated fields might
have problems.
She : When do you plan to go back to India?
Me : After 3 years.
She : Why didn't you apply for a visa in India?
Me : Hmmm.... 'coz I work for Ford Motors, and I have to go to client sites in Canada,
Europe and Mexico? --- A blatant lie ;-)
She : How long have you been working?
Me : 4 months
She : Why do you need an H-1 so soon?
Me : I was working for EDS/GM before on my PT, and my PT expired in April, so I need a ME
visa.
She : Pay $100 upstairs.
Me : OK, thanks (yipeee....)
Usually they don't ask so many questions. F-1 extensions can expect some. Not to scare some of you guys, but unless you are a Ph.D student trying to extend your F-1, the chances are bleak since they ask you to apply in India. You could probably get a letter from your advisor saying that you have to attend symposiums in Europe or something, which might be of some help. Other than that, went to Niagara Falls that day, went to the Markham Ganapathy Temple (5 mts from where we stayed in Markham), the CN tower and Skydome in Downtown and Gerrard street(similar to Chicago's Devon Avenue) the next day, and picked up the visa at 3:00. If you go there at 3:30 there will be no line, but being a desi, I know you'd be waiting in the line from 2:45!!
- Sriram Ganapathy
[email protected]
(313) 322-6999 / (800) 509-FORD (W)
When u call the 900# what are the details they ask for ??
They ask your Passport number, SSN, the reason for visit and your address. Then they give
you a reference number and send you the OS156 form and the appointment letter within 2
weeks.
How early from the appointment date should one call ??
Thats the catch. If you want a particular date, chances are that you'll spend $100+ on
phone calls. I'd suggest to take whatever date is available. I wouldn't choose a Friday
because I would have to stay there for a weekend.
I am planning on going to Toronto to renew my F1 visa. (I
have a conference to attend in Europe in August.) I want to know your advice on this
(remember that I am going for F1). Do you have information for or against different
consulates in Toronto/Montreol/Ottawa ? From Albany, NY all three are equally accessible.
I think if you can prove that you have a seminar in Europe, and make it clear when you
make an appointment, you should be fairly safe. But, be advised that the consulate might
ask you the reason why you don't want to apply in Europe? You could say that your duration
of stay would be 3 days or something and you don't have time to apply in Europe.
I'd suggest either Toronto or Ottawa, Montreal had a H-1 ME reject some time back, asking
the person to apply in India!
1. What is the 900 number I need to call to call in order
to schedule an appointment.
See above.
2. How long before do I need to schedule the
appoinment?
I have heard that the minimum waiting time ( to get an apointment) is 3 weeks.
See above.
3. What are the papers I need to take with me ?
See above.
4. What is the success rate in Toronto ?
Heard that its better than other places in Canda.
5. How lomg do I have to stay in Toronto ?
Two days and one night, if everything goes right.
6. Do I need to apply for a Canadian Visa in order to
enter Canada?
See above.
7. If my Visa gets rejected, can I still enter the US?
Yes. Under Section 214(b)?? Not sure of the number
8. Is there any vital matter that an H1-B applicant needs
to know ?
The H1 visa is your gateway to the world ;-)
My wife's visa (Transfer from F-2 - F-1 ) has been rejected from Montreal and at least 5 cases were rejected in front of her. I thought that may be this mail can be of help for some of you who are planning to change visa from F-1 to H-1 or F-2 to F-1.
1. Do not apply from Montreal.
2. Now you can no more go and apply for a Visa. U need to have appointment made at least
14 days before the day u are visiting.
3. They dont even care to look at yr papers and behave very rudely.
So folks be cautious before u choose yr consulate.
From: Arvind Shirur ([email protected])
How are you doing ?
I was lucky to get the H-1B Mutiple visa. I had some problems in the interview. She had
some problem with the fact that my degree is in Mech Engg and I am doing software
development. To her Mech is building cars, and aeroplanes. What she couldn't readily grasp
is that I am building tools (CAD Tools) for Mech Engineers. Knowledge of Mech is
essential. She wanted to see my transcripts. When I showed 'em, it was not what she
wanted. She wanted "Program of study". Fortunately I had taken it with me.
I also showed her my company catalogs to prove that we are making CAD Tools. Initially, I
did a very subtle mistake. I tried to prove that my courses had prepared me for this job
(software development). That was wrong. What she was looking for was evidence to show my
job has something to do with Mech. But by this time however, she had made her mind to have
me wait for the second interview. And after about 30 min of waiting, they told me that
they are giving me the visa ! I have no idea, how they came to the decision. Off course, I
didn't wait to ask. All is well that ends well.
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 1996 13:34:42 -0500
From: [email protected]
Hi! Netters,
I had an appointment at the US Consulate for the 17th of October. I reached there at about
7.15am - there were about 25 people already in the line.The Consulate let everybody in at
around 8.30am - after making sure that you had $20 in US currency. Then in lots of 7 we
went to the cashier to pay the money($20)-the cashier would also check your appointment
letter, OF form and passport. Next you would go to the line for interviews. The person who
took my interview asked me some general questions like-- Q)How long have you been working?
Q)What are you working as? Q)Which location are you working at? Q)Show me your
transcripts? Q)Were you working in India?(As mine was case from H4 to H1 and I had already
worked in India) Then she asked me to go and deposit $100 and come back and show her the
receipt. After showing her the receipt she gave me a token and told me to collect the
passport next day between 3 and 4pm.
I personally feel that if you have all the papers and you were never out of status there
shouldn't be a problem -- a lot of things do depend on your case also. As far as the rule
is concerned there was a lot of panic when I left but I think it's for the people who were
out of status at any given point of time in US. Infact, I did get a letter from
INS(everybody who has or is going to take an appointment either at Canada or Mexico is
going to get the same) that said that if I have ever been out of status I should cancel my
appointment at the border post and apply for the visa at the Consulate in my home country.
Date: Tue, 5 Nov 1996 17:33:26 -0500 (EST)
From: Deepak Seth ([email protected])
Subject: H1B Multiple at Montreal
Folks,
I just got back from Montreal and obtained a multiple entry visa. I flew from Boston on
Air Canada and they did not ask for my passport/I-94. In Montreal at the US consulate, the
collected the documents prior to the interview. They asked me for my passport, I-797,
I-129, and letter from my employer. I noticed they are very particular about dates. I went
from and F1 to a H1B (no practical training). At the interview, I was asked when I arrived
in the USA, when/where I graduated, when I began work. In the end I was asked to show some
pay stubs. When leaving Montreal, my old I-94 was taken, and a new one given.
If anybody has any questions feel free to email me at [email protected]
-Deepak
Date: Thu, 7 Nov 1996 19:35:54 -0800 (PST)
From: Sandeep Krishnamurthy ([email protected])
Subject: Regarding smooth multiple H1B at Vancouver
Hi everybody-
I just returned from my H1B expedition to Vancouver.
Everything went off incredibly smoothly. My interview lasted just a couple of minutes
before I was told to collect the visa the next day.
I did not see too many Indians for H1B. My speculation is the posting on Sheela Murthy's
webpage that Vancouver is approaching a 100% refusal rate led to this low turnout. Well,
maybe not. Maybe I am just a late bird.
Standing in line the one thing I noticed was there were quite finicky that you have a
recent passport photograph. So, make sure you go to the closest AAA for that. Other than
that, my general advice to you is be up front about everything. The consular office was
tough but seemed pretty fair to me.
Also, it seems like you should paste your photo with two-sided tape and not staple it.
Make sure you do that. Take extra photos just in case.
Things to do in Vancouver:
(a)Check out India Gate restaurant in downtown. Pretty OK.
(b)There is a small underground mall approx. outside the consulate. Also, there is a cute
place called Atomic Cafe. Great to spend 1-1.5 hours reading newspapers and chugging
coffee.
(c)Pretty OK Chinatown.
(d)Great views of the ocean.
My sincere thanks to the netter called sagar who has
compiled in great detail how this process works. I had a printout of his webpage up to the
last minute. All his advice was pukka and I greatly benefitted from it. I would all of you
to take a copy of that *regardless of which consulate* you go to.
A last observation. I have also been to Juarez and there is no contest. The process is so
much more civilized north of the border.
Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 03:09:23 -0500
From: Ajit Suri ([email protected])
Subject: Multiple H1 from Vancouver
As for the trip, now looking back, it sounds and was indeed very smooth. I drove through
the border at Vancouver in the early morning of 10/31. They inquired about the purpose of
my trip and requested for documentation to suppport that, which was a piece of cake :)
Reached the American consulate well in time, thanks to Dwivedi sahib for faultless
directions! Having an appointment makes it easy that now we don't have to stand in the
line hours before the appointment. Half an hour before the appointment is reasonable.
During the first encounter with the consulate officer (before actual interview), the guy
at the counter was asking almost everybody to get a new photograph. Luckily there is a
studio acros the street and he/she provides with name and directions to that place. I had
to do the same as well.
The lady who conducted my interview, somehow seemed very reasonable to me from the very
beginning. Anyway, she pretty much looked into I-20, PT, H1 approval letter to make sure
all dates are in place. She did ask me questions relating to my job as to what kind of
research I do and my specific involvment and stuff, which was again a piece of cake! :)
After that she told me to go pay the fee and come back. After returning to her, she gave
me a slip and asked to get the passport next day. I asked her "So, do I have
it?", to which she remarked "As long as everything you told me is
correct!".
Regarding Vancouver, its a nice city but I would recommend against walking around in
certain neighbourhoods, specially eastern part of the town (and north of Hastings Street),
near china town and surroundings. I would certainly recommend you to visit the Punjabi
market on Main street. It was a surprise treat for me when I was driving around and saw
street names marked in punjabi.
Regarding staying, I stayed at Quality Inn (I think it was on Marine Dr., little east of
main street) and it was pretty good too.
Next day I picked up my passsport and was certainly relieved. Finally, in nut shell if you
are planning to go to Vancouver and never been out of status then I would say go for it!
Thats all folks.
If you have any further questions then please do not hesitate to Email/call me. Good luck.
Anonymous on Fri, 07 Feb 1997
H1B - Multiple Entry Visa at Toronto, Canada
Date: January 27, 1997 (middle of winter)
Transportation: Car
Called 900 number and were given an appointment after 20 days. I got an operator in about
few min. I mad two appointments during one call and it took me about 8 min for both.
Operator sounds professional. You will get a confirmation letter and forms by mail in
about few days.
Drove to Toronto on 26th from Clevland, OH. Route I90 E from Clevland to Buffalo, NY
(3hr), I190N to the Peace Bridge (1/2 hr). Entered Canada from the Peace bridge, took QEW
to Toronto (2hr). At the Canadian border, no documents were checked. Only three questions
were asked: where are you going, where are you coming from, when are you going back etc.
Stayed in a Motel in Toronto. Most motels were empty due to winter. US embassy is located
at Simco street, downtown Toronto, just east of University drive/York Street and South of
Danda^Rs street. It can be reached from QEW East, Gardner Expressway East, Exit and Left
on Yonge street, Left on Queen (not quite sure you allowed a left here), and right on
Simco. There are quite a few parking garages (CAN $8/day for early birds) and parking
meters ($1/hr) located along Simco.
We arrived there around 7AM. There were about 50 others were waiting along the line. Make
sure you dress well for the cold weather if you go during winter (need good Boots, gloves,
and something to wrap around your head). Small coffee shops are located few blocks North
of embassy and will open around 7 am. About 7.50 am we were allowed to form another line
just inside the embassy terrace, still in the cold.
They will give you application form, if you haven^Rt got one. Around 8 am, a batch of 7
were asked to go into the embassy and form another line to pay US$20 app fee. At this
time, you can take pictures if you don^Rt have them (CAN $3 exact change for 2 photos).
Cashier checks the appointment letter when you pay. Then you go to the line right next to
cashier for the interview. About 3-4 officers behind a glass window conduct interviews. We
were interviewed about 8.45 am. During the interview, the officer (a Lady) checked all the
dates of my documents to verify that I was never out of states. She only asked me very few
general questions. She wanted to look at my I797, hiring letter, degree certificate, and
PT card. Did not ask why I need visa. She noticed that I received my PT 65 days after my
graduation date, from the date on the PT card (I was technically 5 days out of state).
Fortunately, I had a document sent to me by INS stating that they received my PT request
before 60 days, otherwise I won^Rt be writing this. She did not accept any other docs that
shows the date I sent the application. After the interview, she got my passport, I797, I94
and gave me a token asking me to collect the visa between 3 - 4 pm following day (anyone
can pick your passport with the token). My wife (another H1B) also got her visa without
any problem. She was next to me during the interview, and were asked only one general
question.
Following day, we went to embassy around 2.50pm and collected the visa within 5 min. I got
my old I94 and I797 back with the passport. There were plenty of empty meter parking
spaces along Simco. Our overall experience at the embassy was good and fair. I guess, if
you have all the paperwork ready, you don^Rt have to worry too much. There were over 100
people lined up to get visa, line moved quite fast. It appeared many were pretty
successful in getting what they want from the embassy.
Got back to US from the same way. At the border, an officer checked our passports, asked
whether we bring anything from Canada, how long we were there, and the purpose of our
trip. Things to know if this is your first visit to Canada. I got my Canadian
visitor^Rs
by express mail (returned postage also sent) by sending to my application material to the
embassy at DC (address can be found at http://www.singer.ca/adr.html).
http://americanlaw.com/visitor.html has Canadian visa info and applications. The visa fee
is US$55 single entry and $100 multiple. Currency conversion 1 US$ ~ 1.30 CAN $. Canadians
use metric units. Most venders loved to accept US$s. Make sure you ask the conversion rate
before pay. I was told that you get a better conversion for your credit card. Restaurants
will charge you up to 17% tax, minus tips. Downtown Toronto seems safe. Canadians drives
good both in the city and on highways. I hardly saw any US cars, even though Toronto was
only 2 hrs from the border. Phone 800 668 2746 and request Canada tourist info before you
go there. Good Luck!
Date: Fri, 9 May 97 13:20:40 EDT
From: Srinivasa Ganesan ([email protected])
The situation is ok provided u have to follow 3 laws such as 1. Be on status
2. Work on related field
3. Make sure u let them know that u will be travelling to some place other thanmexico and
Canada b'cause u do not need a Multiple to these places (a desi was sent back (not
rejected) b'cause his letter said he has to travel only to Canada and Mexico)
Too many question were asked such as
1. Where is ur company badge
2. U r working for GM, why can't u work direct and get a h-1 sponsered by GM since they
need u badly
3. Where do u live
4. How far is ur home from work
5. How did u find this job
6. I ahve a feeling that u r working only to keep up ur status is that right?
7. Show me some courses in ur transcripts which u r working on
8. Show me ur degree certificate
9. When r u going to go to india
10. Why can't u go and get ur visa in the country u r visiting on business purpose?
11. How long is this job going to last?
12. What would u do after this project is over?
13. What was ur total income for 1996?
14. U cam here on F-1 and got one year experience in PT, and u should have gone back but u
r staying back?
15. Where did u work before working for GM
16. Can i see ur RESUME
15. Show me ur previous employment letter and pay stubs?
Things r not that smooth in Toronto. but if every paper work is ok then i this it is
alright
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 09:03:15 -0600
From: Viswanathan Lakshmanan ([email protected])
Went to Calgary, Alberta
When you fly into Canada, you are given a Canada customs form to fill in the aircraft
which basically asks you if you are bringing anything of value from the US to Canada. At
the Canadian immigration he checks ur visa, asks you for the purpose of your visit, how
long you plan to stay and stamps the passport. He writes some number on the form you had
already filled (Customs form) and gives you a copy along with your passport without even
taking off the I-94. This copy has to be handed over to the person at the gate and thats
it. You are in Canada.
I had an appointment at the consulate at 10:30. I was there by 8:00am and I was the first
in line. The security person asked me to be back at around 8:20am as the consulate opened
only at 8:30am. Was back at 8:20 and was still the only guy in line. Five minutes later
was joined by a horde of orientals and Americans themselves. Was called in at 8:30 sharp
and after seeing the appointment letter and that I had already filled in the OF-156 he
asked me to wait at the first window. Five minutes later a person called me at that
window, asked me what I wanted. Told him I needed a multiple. He asked for the documents
which I gave in a big bunch. He asked for the $20 processing fee and gave me a receipt.
This took about 10 minutes. Was waiting from 8:45 on and around 9:15 another person(the
consulate officer) called me at Window 3. He asked me the purpose of my trip to the
far-east and after due explaination, asked me why I did not get back after graduation. I
told him I was on my PT and that was when I got my job and as it was a temporary contract
for 3 years I shall go back once and for all after that period. He asked me to pay the
fees of $100 and get back at 10am the next day for picking up the passport.
He kept with him the passport, the H1B and the letter from the employer and asked me to
give him a copy of the receipt. The next day in an envelope were the passport with the new
visa, H1B and the letter from the employer. The old I-94 was still in place. This I turned
in to the immigration officer at Canada wherein I was issued a fresh I-94.
That was it and back again to the US of A.
Once again ... ur page was a real help.
Date: Tue, 01 Jul 1997 11:15:30 -0700
From: Balakumar Prasannan ([email protected])
Sriram:
Saw your H1 info. Here are my experiences. If you can, put them online. Hope it helps
others.
I went to Montreal Canada for my H1 in October 1996. I actually drove with a friend of
mine. Both of us got our visas there. It was a nice drive. Get you Canadian visa if you
have not already got it.
I would say depending on where you live either go to NY City in person (it takes half a
day) or get it by post. Though post is supposed to be easier, I had friends who had
problems with mail in visas-being lost, or passports close to expiry etc. Have sufficient
blank pages in your passport. See that your passport expires at least a month after the
date of the visa.
You have to get the appointment letter from the Montreal US Embassy. This is vvv
important. They will not let you into the building without the letter. Get cash ($20 for
app fee, $100 for visa itself). It will be a two day procedure. Have all your documents.
You have to call a 1-900 number for the appointment. The cost is terrible !
Route: Milford CT to Albany NY via I-84 and I-87 (to pickup friend). Then on I-87 to
border. We reached the border at 1:00 am and the guard took a look at us and asked us if
we were going for H-1 !! We said we have an appointment next day at the US embassy in
Montreal for a multiple entry H-1. We went to a booth, an official checked our documents.
We had removed our old I-94s. He specifically asked for them and we handed them over
(sheepish grins). he then informed us that even though we might get a Multiple Entry H1B
there is no guarantee of a new I-94 at the border again. We said, we are willing to risk
it ! I-87 then becomes Rt 15 Nord in Canada.
Reached Montreal at 3:00 am (for the 8:30 am) interview ! One hour from the border. Follow
speed limits carefully. There are in SI system (100 KMPH). A friend of mine got a ticket
for driving at 100 mph instead of 100 kmph (CAN $350). There will be no hard questions if
you have all documents and you have come the classic way-student on F1, job, single entry
H1 etc. He may ask you about your univ, your job, reason to come to Canada. Get letters
from your company telling them that they may need to send you overseas and thats why you
have come to Canada to get your visa. Why not Go to India? Ans: you have no vacation or
time. Have financial statements from your company showing its stability etc. If you have
documented proof that it does business on a worldwide basis, take it-it may be a reason.
Montreal is beautiful. roam around. There are plenty of good affordable places to stay. No
language problems. Bilingual-English and French.
We got a Holiday Inn near Dorval Airport. Pretty affordable. A 10 minute ride to the
Downtown-the Embassy is in Rue Alexandre. Lots of metered parking in the street opposite
(some paid parking lots also). There is a cafe sort of place in the basement. If you
forget fotos, there are foto machines in the basement. No cellphones, beepers electronics
allowed inside.
Otherwise the interview is cool. You will be one of 50 indians going thru the same
thing-it makes you pretty nervous. Take colour fotos, all degree certs, all your
documents-I 729, I-129 etc. Take your offer letter. You may be required to submit your
old/existing I-94 at the border post into Canada. Theoretically if you hold on to that,
even if you get rejected, you can use that to come back in.
The interviewer was extremely courteous. They announce your names on the PA and you go to
your booth. They check for continuity of status. They ask you about your degree. In my
case he asked me about Univ of CT and its basketball program! No questions about why not
go to India etc. But be careful of questions like when do you plan to go to India next
etc. most people go to Canada to get their H-1 and then fly to India the next day. So dont
tell them anything about an imminent vacation to India. My friend had to go the next day
at 3:00 pm, catch a flight to JFK and then an Air india flight to India for his marriage
next day ! He was in a bit of a fix, so plan ahead in advance.
After the interview, paod the $100, slept a bit, roamed Montreal (the subway and bus
systems are clean and excellent). Cabs are cheap. We exchanged US $ for Canadian dollars
at the hotel where we stayed. Good restaurants nearby.
Next day, at 2:00 drove to embassy, got the visas (its like an auction, they call your
names aloud), left my friend at Montreal airport and drove back all the way to CT.
Alternate route: If you fly into Vermont-Burlington 9Lake champlaign) Take I-89 and on
I-89 take exit 17 to Rte 2 (which bisects Lake Champlaign). At the end of Rte 2 (you see
signs for Canada everywhere), you come to a huge humped bridge and a T-junction. You can
turn left there to go directly to the border, or turn right to Rouses Point Village in NY,
pass thru it and reach Champlain on I-87. then you go to the border post that I went thru.
This is preferable as this road goes directly to Montreal.
Quebec City is also nearer. Less of a crowd there. But there are language problems there.
Rejection rate is slightly higher.
Add to your info the fact that when you return back, you have a $6 (US) fee for the new
I-94 that was not there before.
Anoop Govil ([email protected])
Mon, 11 Aug 1997
Hi guys, Came back from Calgary, Canada (with H1B stamp!) It was quite cool at Calgary and
I would suggest everyone to go there.
Advantages:
1. Quite less crowded (20-25 people applied that day. I reached at 8.15 am and was fifth
in line).
2. Interview was quite cool.
3. You can get your passport early morning next day and can plan to return early if
needed.
4. Can check out the awsome Banff Rocky Mountain National park nearby (80 miles). I stayed
till sunday (required by my airlines booking). Had great fun driving in the mountains with
excellent weather. (Bonus point!!).
Now coming to my experience, it went as follows:
Caught flight from Washington Dulles airport, where the lady checked my passport. I kept
the I94 with me and never gave it to her. She didn't ask for it. Had to fly all the way to
Dallas and then to Calgary (7 hrs flying time!!) Got a good deal with the airlines
(American) and so didn't bother the long flight. Reached Calgary around 10.15pm MST on 6th
Aug. At the customs, filled the declaration form (went cool) and I am in Canada! Had made
a booking in Elbow River Inn (1-800-) which is one stop (or Calgary rail subway) to US
Consulate which it at the heart of downtown (615 Macload Trail SE) Found this Inn to be
cheapes around (US $43 daily). Also offers complimentary breakfast. Got ready early and
went to the consulate at 8am. Took a cab who dropped me right at the enterance of the tall
building (615 Macload Tr. SE). Went up (10th floor) and found myself to be fifth in the
line. Waited till 8.30am and were allowed in. Had already filled up my OF156 form.
Submitted that with my passport, original I797, EAD card and a bundle with copies of all
relevant papers (this proved to be helpful, as to be described). The guy at the window
verified my appointment letter with a list he had. Asked me why I came to Calgary. (I -
couldn't find appointments at Toronto/Montreal). Then waited around 15-20 mins. till my
name was called for the interview. Before my name was called, I was watching the lady at
the window was going through my bundle of papers. This helped, as she had reviewed my
case. The interview went as follows, as far as I can remember now:
Q. Why did you come to Calgary?
A. I couldn't find appointment at Toronto/Montreal.
Q. Did you come via Dallas?
A. Yeah, it was a long flight almost all over the U.S.
Q. So you work and live in Alexandria? Quite an expensive place.
A. Yeah. Have you been there?
A. Yeah, sometime back.
Q. You are applying for H1B multiple. You haven't gone to India in last three years?
A. I was enrolled all the semesters and in my practical training, landed up with this job.
Shall visit India after I complete my current assignment (reply, courtsey Vishy).
Q. So you did your masters from Aug'94 to Aug'96, in which field?
A. Computer science.
Q. And then you started the practical training from Aug'96 till current. When did you
graduate?
A. July'96.
Q. What do you do in your job?
A. Blah, blah, blah. Some more questions related to the job.
Q. How many people are in your company?
A. 450.
Q. How many are in your department?
A. Around 15.
Q. Why do you need to go overseas as mentioned in your employer's letter?
A. Blah, blah, blah.
Q. Do you plan to extend your H1B after three years?
A. No. I have plans to return back and start a new venture blah, blah. My brother also
doing his masters and he will join me later. (had mentioned in OF156 that my brother is
studying on F-1).
Q. Ok, please be seated. Thanks for these papers (returned me the bundle of papers I had
submitted).
A. Thank you Mam.
She didn't ask me for any other paper during the course of the interview! Sat back and
waited to hear the verdict! After almost 20-25 mins. (after they had interviewed almost
everyone), I was called and told what I wanted to hear, "Your Visa has been approved.
Take this receipt and pay $100 at the cash counter and come back". I did so and she
gave me a green card to collect my passport next morning. And I was out. Next day it was
cool. I went around 10am and picked up my passport and original I797 and EAD card. I
verified the new visa stamp for correctness of information and multiple entry stamp. I
guess it was a good idea to submit all the copies of papers so that she could review my
case before hand and thus not have any doubts during the interview. Following are the
copies I had submitted (though actuall guy at the first window had asked for a copy of my
petition I129):
1. I797.
2. I129 (petition).
3. LCA.
4. Employment letter.
5. Letter from employer stating that I will be needed to go overseas.
6. Pay check.
7. I-20.
8. EAD, SSN, I94.
9. Degree certificate.
10. Transcript.
11. Last tax W2 forms.
And then had a fun trip driving to the Canadian Rockies for the next two days!!
So guys, wishing you the very best for those who have to board the same boat. I have
climbed the next boat of going to India, checking out fares!!
Chandra Konjeti ([email protected]) Sat, 25 Oct
97
Hai Sriram, I went for H-1 multiple to Toronto on October 22nd, 1997 and I got the visa.
I went around 8 am to Consulate. There are almost 100 people are in line. Most of them
were chinesse and Canadians( I think). There are only 8 Indians.
Inside Consulate I paid $20 fee and at the same time cashier asked for all the papers and
I handed to her. After 1/2 hour a black male ( who is interviewing all Indians) called me
and I went to his window.
At that time he was reading one of the documents in which it expains about the company I
am working and about myself( why I am qualified for the job) which is copy of one of the
documents submitted to INS by the lawer. Then he checked my previous I-20s. I changed
universities before I finished my Masters.
He didnot asked me much questions. The questions are
1. Where did you work during your P.T.
Ans. : Same Company.
2. Where is your B.Tech Degree ( which I donot have because I came before I took my
degree).
Ans . : I came to USA before I took my Degree and Its in India.
3. You didnot fill the Item 21 on OF-156, please fill it before you go and pay $100 fee.
Ans . : I didnot fill it because it says bearers of visitor visa are not allowed to work
in USA. Do you intend to work Yes or No.
I asked him it says for visitor visa and thats why I didnot fill it because I am on H-1
visa.
He said you are visitor to Canada and Even if you are working in USA you still stay for
temporary period which is like visitor. So answer the question as YES.
And thats all. Next day, on Oct 23rd I pick up my visa at 3:15 pm and drove back to
Detroit.
Prabhuram Somasundaram ([email protected])
Mon, 26 Oct 1998
Hi Sriram, This is Prabhu in California. Your web page on the "Memoirs of H-1 B
multiple entry" was very helpful. And moreover the documents that you listed was of
great help, because when I called the 900 number, they asked only for a very few
documents. But your web page indicated all the required documents. That was excellent.
Anyways, I went to Vancouver and I was transferring from F-1 to H-1. I was the first
person in the line that morning. The officer was a young lady and she was very kind and
very polite (surprise, surprise!!). The interview lasted only for a few seconds. She
pretty much looked into my I-20, PT and H-1 B and confirmed that I have been in status.
And then she said, "Great, Excellent!". She asked me to pay $100 when I come
back in the afternoon at 3 PM to collect my visa and yes, you get your Visa on the same
day. Isnt that neat? Once again, Thanks a lot to all you guys for sharing your experiences
on Sriram's web page which was of great help to me and I am sure it will be for others in
the future.
Kamini Kumar ([email protected])
Thanks for the advice and the compliment! I took a risk and went to the US consulate in canada to get an F-1 from H4 and I did get it without much of a problem.
Neena Srivatsava ([email protected])
Mon, 17 May 1999
Hi Iam going to Vancouver next week to get my F1 Multiple visa. I have a couple of
questions and if you have any suggestions please do let me know:
1. I have come to the US in 1992 on a F1 visa (multiple) and transferred schools and
in 1993.(Tranferred and recd a new I20).
2. As applied and recd a work permit for 1 year as my father expired and was granted by
the INS.
3. In 1995 i changed my status from F1 to H1 and I did not graduate but continued working.
4. I have all the documents and now I need the multiple as my company wants to send me
overseas for 3 months.
What do you think are my chances and also any tips... Also I have been filing my returns
regularly and have not been out of status ...Thanks, Neena
Hi, (Mon, 31 May 1999 10:44:07 PDT)
Thought I should let you know, as you said I did not have any problem at all getting a
multiple. Your website was very helpful and informative and I did take all the documents
mentioned.
It was really cool.. I had an 8:00AM appointment and the lady looked at my H1 and my
employer's letter and asked me to pay the fees and pick up the passport at 3:30PM. SO
pretty straight forward it was and I was glad that we did not have to go through the
process of explaining and producing documents..It was a real relief.
Thanks a lot for your reply and assurance that I would not have any problems.
Regards
Neena
Bala [[email protected]] Fri 1/21/00
Hi Sriram:
Sorry to bother you, but your Website has tempted me to ask a few questions that I have.
1. I am pursuing PhD in Chem Engg at Purdue Univ. from Aug 95. Have got an additional
degree in math (M.S.). Have been on F-1 from Aug 95 onwards.
2. I got married in july 97 and brought my wife on F-2. We have not been out of the U.S.
since then.
3. Both our visas expired in May 98.
4. My wife got admitted for an MBA and she got a change of status from F-2 to F-1 in
August 99 without problems. She is currently pursuing MBA in Eastern Michigan Univ. She
has assistantship and so do I.
5. I have my OPT card starting Feb 1 2000 valid until Jan 31 2001.
6. I originally thought I will finish up by Jan but it looks like it will take until Aug
2000. (well u know how it goes). My equipment broke and I ran into some trouble.
7. I have letter from my prof. explaining that my equipment broke, that I will be
finishing only in Aug and that the projects are funded by the govt. and that they need to
be completed. The letter also states that I need to attend a conference in Italy in
April-May and so I need an F-1 Multiple entry visa. Additionally it mentions that I would
like to pursue an academic career in India and that I have one publication and several
ones coming up.
8. My wife wants to accompany me to Europe.
9. My wife and I have appointments in Toronto for Feb 2nd and are pretty worried.
Although we feel we have strong cases we are worried about a remote possibility of our
I-94 being taken away and not being able to re-enter even if the visa gets rejected.
10. What do you think are our chances of getting the visas? Have you seen cases like this.
Do u have any suggestions/advice?
Thanks for your time.
Bala
______________________________________________________
Anonymous User Mon 1/24/00
Hi, I saw your "Memoirs of H1 multiple entry
visa" web page and I think you have done a great job in putting all the helpful
info & peoples' experiences in one place. I am also going to appear soon for a
H1 multiple stamp in Montreal. But I'm not sure if I was out of status one time earlier
when I was on F1. I don't know if you have heard a similar case before, but mine goes like
this:
In my first semester on the F1 student visa, I got very bad grades in my courses (one
grade of 'F' also). That university said that it won't accept me for the next sem
and I should be preparing to leave the country. But I transfered to another University
immediately and got accepted & was legally transfered too. My question is: would I be
considered out of status that time because of that incident?? By the way, there was about
a sixty day gap after I received those bad grades & I got accepted at the second
University (it was summer break that time).
I don't know if any of your friends have encountered or heard of a similar case before,
but I have been having sleepless nights lately thinking that if I'm considered out of
status, then I'll have to go back to India (and leave the wonderful job I have now). So
please, any help or replies on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
______________________________________________________
Holly Yang [[email protected]] Mon 4/3/00 6:53 PM
Hi, Sriram,
Thank you for offering this wells of information. It really helps me a lot. I am previously a H4 holder and now a H1, came from China. Prepared all the documents I found needed from your website, I went to Vancouver. The officer is nice, asked a few questions like what's your company doing stuff and issued me a multi-entry H1. For Chinese, it is actually a two entries visa. I went there last August, if go there in a non-tourist season, the price for hotels should be cheaper. Canadian people are very nice and friendly.
______________________________________________________
Kannan Renganathan [[email protected]]
Thu 4/6/00
Hi SriRam, I am Kannan. I came last week to California from Chenni. I am right now working
Tekedge Corporation, Santa Clara, CA on H1b. i want study MS or MBA. can i possible to
study when i am H1b. if possible, which university in CA, good for MS computer science or
MBA? and what are the requriments. please send me details. Thanks,R.Kannan
______________________________________________________
Sumita Louis [[email protected]] Mon 4/10/00
Hi Sriram:
Your site is very informative. But I still need your help! I came to the US (in 1996)on a
B-2, changed to F-1 in two months time (fyi didn't go out of status at any time) started a
Masters in 1997, got an EAD, working fulltime now, just changed to H-1 in december 1999
(haven't completed degree yet) but need to travel outside US soon. Where do you advise me
to go and get a multiple entry stamp in my passport? Do you think I might have problems
coz I changed status so many times? also my passport expires in november and I know one
needs to have a passport that's valid for the next six months...correct me if i'm wrong.
I'm a little stressed out here. hope you get back to me asap. cheers. sumita.
______________________________________________________
Vijoy Kumar G [[email protected]] Mon
6/12/00
Hi Sriram,
This is for your H1 B web pages. You can get an appt in Canada or Mexico thru the web. The
website is www.nvars.com There is a flat rate of
$20.00. Please confirm this info by visiting the site before you post the info. I don't
want to mislead anybody. Your website is very useful.
Thanks,
Vijoy
______________________________________________________
Bharti Rangwani [[email protected]]
Sat 8/5/00
Sir, your experiences and advise abt procurring the above visa is
very
______________________________________________________
SaputraAG [[email protected]] Sun 9/10/00
My F1 visa is expired and I am planning to go to Europe (UK) this December to
visit my relatives. I am going to graduate May 2001. My problem is, Can I renew my F1 visa from UK ? or is it better to renew my F1 visa from Toronto, Canada ? How is the process and what documents will I need (if renewing from Canada) ?______________________________________________________
Girish Kelkar [[email protected]]
Wed 8/30/00
Hi sriram,
______________________________________________________
tirupati andiappan [[email protected]]
Sun 9/10/00
Hi gana,
Let me intro. myself. I am an analyst working with
______________________________________________________
Anil Verma [[email protected]] Fri 10/6/00 9:08 AM
Hi Sriram,
I am a Software Engineer, currently working in a Development Company in
Mumbai, India from more than 1 year. Our principle office is in USA. Now my
Employer is planning to take me in the US office on H1 visa.
My detail background is :
1. I am not possessing any degree, I am a Diploma in Digital Electronics.
2. I did my Diploma(3 years) immediately after my SSC Examination(its valid).
i.e. in India we have Schooling upto 10th Standard or SSC,
then 2 years of Junior College,
then 3 or 4 years of Degree.
3. My SSC was cleared in 1988.
4. My Diploma period was from June 1988 to June 1991.(Final year I failed in 2
Subjects)
5. My Diploma was cleared in June 1992. (ie. 2 final year subjects were
cleared in June 1992)
6. Between 1991 June to 1992 June I was doing a Full time Job. Therefore since
1991 till date I am into service in Computer Industry.( ie. 9 years).
Please let me know if I am eligible for the H1 visa, if yes the requirements
for same, I need the information in quite urgency.
Regards
Anil.
______________________________________________________
Anna [[email protected]] Thu 10/5/00 10:51 AM
Your site is really useful for those going for visa.
Can you suggest any good lawyers in USA handling
H1b multiple entry visa rejections in USA border
charging reasonably .Though I have seen many sites
of immigration I have not come across any info
regarding getting H1b multiple entry visa after
first rejection.It would be of great help if
you can suggest sources for such cases.
Anna
______________________________________________________
First updated : 5/14/96
