Archive through November 14, 2003

Hitguj » Living Abroad » Immigration/VISA/Passport/customs/Travel etc » US- Travel/Immigration/VISA » Visa Stamping » Archive through November 14, 2003

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Boli
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 5:26 pm:

Kalandar, you experience seems to be good... I can just hope for the best.

Svsameer
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 5:35 pm:

Washington'la postane >>> US madhey fakt St. Louislach pathavatat na passport??

Kalandar77
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 5:36 pm:

yes, then it goes to washington...

Boli
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 6:04 pm:

chukale mazhe... passport is sent to St. Louis, MO
confusion all over my head regarding this matter :-)

Prafull
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 7:25 pm:

Boli,

Visit following sites. I guess its wishful thinking to expect passport back in a month. If you think it is getting too close with ur date of travel then you can withdraw your application and get back your passport within a week.

http://travel.state.gov/revals.html
http://travel.state.gov/withdraw.html

Boli
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 8:07 pm:

I can withdraw the application, but :
It is not advisable to withdraw the application, as the only option available is to get it stamped in India, which is risky.
Am I right??

Yogibear
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 8:10 pm:

Boli: "the only option available is to get it stamped in India, which is risky" <<< quite right....

Parya
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 8:25 pm:

baÜila malaa vaaTt naahI kI Baartatuna H1-stamping kÉna GaoNao risky Aaho mhNaUna. maI nauktaca maaJaa svatacaa passport Baartatuna stamping krvaUna prtlaÜ. kuzlaahI p`Üblaoma Aalaa naahI. maI saÜmavaarI puNyaalaa kagadp~o idlaI AaiNa gauÉvaarI duparI maaJyaa hatat stamped passport hÜta. the docs required were my passport, H1 petition, 2 photographs, forms DS-156, DS-157, bank drafts and a letter from the employer. i did carry few salary slips with me but those were not required. wish u all the best!!!

Boli
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 8:32 pm:

Parya, you mean Post'ane pathavilas ka tu Passport for stamping (from anywhere in India to Pune) ?

Parya
Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 8:42 pm:

boli: US consulate che punyala ek office ahe. me tithe jawun mazi sarva documents dili, tyanni ti mumbai la pathavali ani tikadun maza passport stamp howun ala. ajun kahi have asalyas wichar.

Abedekar
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 7:37 pm:

H1B stamping in mumbai is ultra-cool!! i just got mine stamped earlier this month. although based on info from colleaues who got theirs stamped at various consulates around india in the last 6 months, things are not as rosy in the other consulates.

in mumbai, visas are handled by visa facilitation services, while elsewhere they are handled by TTS. all they ask for in mumbai (not just in my case, but based on info from others who got it stamped this month from mumbai) is:
DS 156 , DS 157
passport
DDs for the appropriate amount
I 797 original
photocopy of passport phot page.

--- thats it

they didnt even ask for the H1b petition or a letter from my employer.

i had carried a million documents (not because im paranoid, but because they are listed as required at various websites including the consular webpages, visa-services.com, and several other "help" pages on the web plus instructions from the company.

these included H1b petition, offer letter, employment letter, even photographs of the inside and outside of my offive (i know this sounds ridiculous but its true), degree certificates, transcripts, job description, contact info at work, bank statements, salary slips, company brochures, annual report for the cmpany etc etc
and ofcourse, my I20, EAD card

and photocopies of all the above mentioned documents. but they didnt ask for any of this at all. although, when my brother got his H1 stamped a in late 2001 they asked for several of these, primarily for proof of qualification (in terms of degrees) and for proof of employment.

and the passport can be personally picked up the following day with the visa stamped on it (and which means that uncle sam pockets the money meant for sending the passport home by courier!!)

Boli
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 7:49 pm:

Abedekar, is your experience regarding first time H1 stamping in Mumbai or H1 extension stamping?

Abedekar
Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 9:35 pm:

first time stamping ...

Nakul
Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 5:53 pm:

I also had a very similar experience with H1 stamping in Pune

Boli
Tuesday, February 25, 2003 - 9:55 pm:

Finally, H1 extension stamping came in after 9 weeks.

Prafull
Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 2:49 pm:

Anybody who got H1-B (extension) stamping done in mumbai recently? Do they ask to submit all prior W-2s as well? Please let me know.

Boss
Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 10:02 pm:

Has anybody renewed H1 visa in US recently by sending it to St. Louis? If yes, any inputs are welcome.

Thx.

Mahaguru
Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 10:11 pm:

boss ... I have renewed my H1 by sending St Louis, but it is before 1 yr. Please let me know if you need inputs.
Basically I followed all inputs that I got from general immigration wibsites

Sandyg15
Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 2:20 pm:

Praf, I got my H1-B(extension) stamped from Mumbai 3 weeks back. They do not ask for W-2s at all. Just fill in the application form, submit a photograph(new bigger size now 50mm X 50mm), the appropriate amount DDs and your passport alongwith the petition. I got the passport at my home on the 4th day.

Boss: My friend got his visa stamped at the St. Louis facility. It takes a long time mind you. 3-3.5 months to get it back. As mentioned above, you need to submit a bigger photograph now.

Abedekar
Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 2:56 pm:

in general, the mumbai center (run by Visa Facilitation Services) is more efficient and almost hassle free compared to others (run by TTS)

Prafull
Friday, August 29, 2003 - 2:44 pm:

Thanks Sandy, Abe.

I heard about horrible experiences in Chennai consulate. Thats why wanted to confirm if similar things are happening in Mumbai.

Asawari
Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 6:31 pm:

If you have to go to mumbai consulate does one have to take the appointment?
Also if its the case of visa extention stamping but if previous visa stamp has expired 2 years before still do we need to g to consulate or its considered a drop box case?
Any input is appreciated.

Prafull
Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 5:12 pm:

Asawari,

If visa is expired two years ago then according to new rule , you will have to go for interview.

Nandya
Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 5:12 pm:

Asawari,
an appointment is required for all fresh visa applicants, all visa-transfer applicants, all applicants who have been denied visas before. Dropbox facility is available for candidates who are renewing the *same* type of visa (i.e. H1 to H1 or H4 to H4), AND whose visa's have *not* expired for more than 1 year (thus eliminating your eligibility).

Your second query needs a little clarification. Do you mean to say the existing visa stamping on your passport has expired 2 years ago?

In your case I assume it is either an H1 or an H4 visa. If you are still *within* the 2 year window, then I would suggest you absolutely immediately make an appointment at the US consulate in India and get your visa revalidated. You *can not* as of now get your visas revalidated from within the USA because it is too late (within-the-USA revalidation is allowable only if the visa has not expired for more than 1 year). Your revalidation has to be done from your country of origin.

If you are *past* the 2 year window, then you better have a valid I-797 (petition for extension of stay from adjustment of status), because technically at this moment you are 'out of status' per the BCIS. (And you would surely have to appear for an interview at the US consulate in India by appointment).

In short, in your case you have no alternative but to make an appointment for an interview at the consulate in India.

Asawari
Thursday, September 11, 2003 - 7:35 pm:

Thanks for the info. So in short aptmt laagel.
Nandya, though my visa had expired I had valid I94 when my visa extension application was approved.

Pallavi
Monday, October 13, 2003 - 5:31 pm:

mi US madhe saddhya Optional Practical Training/Employment Authorization card for students war aahe. Te card January 2004 paryant valid aahe. Ek recruiter maza h1b file karanar aahe, to recruiter mazyasathi contract jobs pahat aahe. Mala india trip karayachi aahe, tar tya recruiter kadun mala letter lagel employment ch. As recruiters kadun letter ghen kiti reliable aahe? hya sagalyat kahi risk asu shakel ka?

Maverik
Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - 1:34 pm:

You don't "NEED" a letter from your recruiter/employer. While I was on my OPT, I went to India without any employment letter of any sort. The officer at the airport did not ask me a single question. Of course, this was last year and perhaps things have changed. Might do you good to get some letter from the recruiter...just in case.

Pallavi
Wednesday, October 29, 2003 - 5:13 pm:

Thanks Maverik. I got the offer letter.

Asawari
Friday, October 31, 2003 - 6:27 pm:

konala mumbai consulate madhye visa sathee aptmt ghetlyacha recent anubhav aahe ka?
kitee diwas adhee ghyayala lagte aptmt?

Renuka
Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 7:29 pm:

Does anyone know how much time it takes for H1 visa stamping from Mumbai consulate ?? I will be applying from Pune. Will I qualify for drop box ??

Also can H4 to H1 stamping be done in uSA if you have prior H1 ?? (but note, prior H1 is expired more than a year back)

I am currently in USA and I am thinking of going to India and getting my H1 stamped from Mumbai.

I had an H1 before, it expired in Oct 2000 (after 3 years duration). I never got the next 3 year renewal as I left USA and went to India and was not coming back.

Then I got married and came back to USA on an H4 last year. Now recently in August this year I got a job and got an H1. I have my H1 approval papers, but H1 visa is not stamped on my passport.

I heard that you cannot get an H4 to H1 stamping done in USA, you have to go to India. I am not sure if you have prior H1 then whether you can do H4 to H1 stamping in USA. I read a posting on the internet saying you cannot do it even if you have prior H1..but need to confirm this.

So anyways, I want to know how much time it will take to get H1 stamped from Mumbai.

Nandya
Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 8:00 pm:

You do not qualify for a dropbox. You have to appear for an interview at Mumbai. Dropbox is only for same-type visa renewals, and senior citizen applicants.

If you are going to Mumbai to get your visa stamped on your passport, then whatever time it takes for the interview and approval thereof, is what it will take - which is pretty much instantaneous.

Your previous H1 is of no consequence or credit now. Your prior H1 has expired, and (I am assuming) you do not work for the prior organization any more. It will not help with your present need in any way.

Presently H4 to H1 conversions can be done only in the US consulates in your home country, or Canada and Mexico (which as far as I know still honour third-country applicants).

Hope this helps.

Renuka
Thursday, November 13, 2003 - 8:57 pm:

Nandya

Thanks for the prompt reply. I was disappointed to know that my previous H1 will have no credit towards my new H1 stamping. As I thought first time H1 applicants have problems but since I have an earlier H1, it will help in getting a newer H1.

yes, you are right, my new H1 is with a new employer.

Anyways I did read an earlier posting, saying to qualify for drop-box you have to have same visa renewal. But you know what, when I applied for H4 in June 2002 and my prior H1 had expired in Oct 2000, I still qualified for drop-box from Pune. How come...?...it was not same visa renewal ?? Was it because of my prior H1 ? or maybe H4s do qualify for drop-box.

Anyways, I think I will still go to Pune office first and ask if I qualify for drop-box. I have asked my family to go personally to Pune visa office and inquire. let's see if I get any info.

yes, you can do H4 to H1 stamping from Canada/Mexico but it they say it is better to do from your home country.

Any idea how to get appointment in Mumbai consulate ?? Do I have to go there personally with all documents and ask for appointment ? Or can anyone else from my family go and take appt on my behalf ?? Anyone has any experiences on this ?? Asawari tu hach prashna vicharla aahes maage..tula kaahi mahiti milali ka ??

Nandya
Friday, November 14, 2003 - 3:33 am:

Hi Renuka, perhaps I sounded a bit harsh before (unwittingly).
Check the following link for details on scheduling an appointment for an interview, and for the dropbox eligibility.
http://www.visa-services.com/working-HL.html

Abedekar
Friday, November 14, 2003 - 5:20 pm:

nandya - does Tapri, Inc. sponsor for H1-B and green card too?

Renuka
Friday, November 14, 2003 - 5:27 pm:

Nope, you just stated facts and that's fine. ani tu dilelya site me pahili aahe..ti link ardhya adhik velela chalatach naahi !!

I was wondering how I qualified for drop box for my H4 last year..well that's because they changed the rule this year in July. I found it on this link below.

http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/jul/24iycu.htm

It also states you can get appt online or even at the Visa Facilitation centre in Pune. pan vel kiti lagato appt milayla..ani interview zalyavar H1 stamp karun tyach divshi milel ka ??? te naahi mahit.

Does anyone know if Mumbai consulate operates only 5 days a week ?? Or is it operational every saturday as well ??

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