I wanted gain some experience ) That is true. But still you could have gone back. Why did not you do that ? (Ans : Stood quiet) Now the nerration started : I know why you did not go back. You want to settle here. Moreover you can not get a job in your country. Writr a letter to your government stating that they can not provide us jobs in India ; that is why we are sticking here . With some strong language this went on for some time. The response from the candidate's side was "Just be quiet and keep listening ". At last he said, "Take your stuff out ". ( He granted visa while saying so)
The above interview was repeated to two more persons.
Our conclusion : There is nothing to panic unless you have some missing documentation or were out of status. The consular officer knew that he would not be able to reject visa on legal grounds as all the needed documentation was on his desk. So we thought that he decided to harass just for the heck of it, alhough he granted visa eventually.
Again, thanks for your tremendous help and wish you good luck.
Juarez - [OLD] -------------- A little outdated [From Muralidhar Rangaswamy, RANGASWAMY@zircon.plh.af.mil] Ciudad Juarez (across the border from El Paso, Texas) I made a pilgrimage to Ciudad Juarez[July 1994], Mexico across the border from El Paso, Texas. I was graced and granted a multiple entry H-1B visa a couple of days back. Almost all the people who applied for H-1B visas that day were granted the visa. The interview with the consular officer was less than 2 minutes. Although I was carrying extensive documentation with me, the officer only wanted to see the H-1B approval notice and my Ph.D. diploma.
Juarez - [OLD2] -------------- 17 July 1996 [From: shashi@silma.com (Shashi Mandagere)]
Here is a brief summary of my experience in Juarez(17th July):
I reached El Paso on 16th of July (night) and took a cab to La Playa Hotel in Juarez. The flat rate for cabs is $30.00. Checked into La Playa and ate dinner at Denny's, a block from the hotel. I would recommend everybody to carry a few (3/person) small water bottles from the US. I heard the H2O in Mexico is like the H2O in India(abundant in sand and micro-organisms). I committed the sin of keeping my water bottle on the table at the restaurant and I could see the waitress wasn't impressed. One can also buy water at a liquor store on the way to Denny's. Candy bars (heavy ones like PowerBars) are a good source of breakfast while waiting in the line.
Stood in line around 4:30AM/after a dozen people got in line (Mondays and Fridays are pretty busy). Interview was routine and was out by 8:30AM.
Questions asked: Where did you graduate from? Can I see your degree certificate? Can I see the letter from your employer? (even before I took my degree certificate out). All were brushed aside even without a look. You will be told to collect your visa at 3PM (if you are approved). There is no need to get in line early at 3PM as the order does not matter. Got together with a bunch of guys and took a cab to the border. Got a new I94 and was back home in time to celebrate. Tips: ------ I would strongly recommend checking the weather in El Paso and equipping accordingly. It rained cats and dogs on the day I went (even though it was summer!). Luckily the towels from La Playa came handy.
Checking into La Playa is cool for the following reasons:
- It is inexpensive (US$26.00). - Can see the line forming in front of the consulate from the room. - If traveling with companion, can swap standing in line. - Can rest (or watch Spanish TV) after submitting documents
- A good refuge if told to come back the next day to get the visa (due to the computers going down or your passport being misplaced :-).
- Could use the towels in case of rain (-;
- Could use the restroom in case the Mexican dinner didn't agree with your system.
The only disadvantage I see is that people tend to get adventurous and go out to check the night clubs around the area. I gather it is very embarrassing and risky if one gets caught (in case of a raid) without the right visa/documents.
Make absolutely sure that everything is spelt right on your visa. Look for the M (Multiple) in the Entry area. One guy was issued a single- entry visa and he realized it only after it was canceled upon his entry into the US at the border. He had to go through' the whole process again(?) Book a flight leaving El Paso after 5:30PM so you have ample time to get a new I94 and rush back to the airport. Cameras and firearms are not allowed inside the consulate. It is a good idea to leave them in your hotel room. It is an even better idea to leave them home as there is nothing worthwhile to shoot around the consulate (pun intended).
It is also recommended to present oneself in formal wear (No, not in a suit). Nobody sane would issue a visa to a person in tattered jeans and tank top carrying a letter stating he's a globe-trotting businessman. Last but not the least, make sure your attorney is not on vacation on the day of your trial.
Good luck and have a fun trip. shashi (shashi@silma.com)
Now some serious stuff. --------------------------- Documents I had on me: Absolutely necessary docs----without these, don't even dream of stepping out of the country. -------------------------------- Legend: * --> Documents asked during my interview. --------------------------------
- *I-797 (approval notice) in original. *DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE THE I94 ATTACHED TO IT* (The whole doc. is a letter of approval and an I94 in the bottom of the letter. Contact your lawyer in case you do not find the I94/bottom portion of letter).
- *Valid Passport - I-129 copy (Attorney certified)
- LCA copy also known as ETA9035 (Attorney certified)
- *Visa Photo ( 37mm * 37 mm)
- *Employment verification letter (from HR) saying what you do, how much you make and how imp. you are to the co., etc.
- Letter from boss requesting the consulate to grant you *MULTIPLE-ENTRY* visa for future international travel
- *Degree certificates (original preferred)
- I-20s - Old I94
- VISA fees US$120.00 --------Supporting docs---these help if you have problems.
- SSN card, drivers license
- Latest bank statement
- Latest telephone bill (to show India connection)
- Trans cripts (to prove you did take ballroom-I ;-)
- Tax forms/W-2 copy (to say you have been a responsible person) - Pay stubs and company ID (like badge and B card)
- Company literature
------------------------- Useful phone numbers: --------------------------
Your company HR, your attorney
Cab driver Victor/Marco Garcia's number 915-588-4736 915-680-2941
Hotel La Playa, Juarez, Mexico. (Try a couple of times. Don't give up if you get Ms.Dontspeakenglish on line) (16) 13-71-87 (16) 13-71-88
US Consulate (To verify if they are open on the day of your visit. Try early hours) (16) 13-40-48 (16) 13-40-50 (16) 16-80-80
Q136 Can I re-enter US if my multiple entry H-1B is denied in Jurez, Mexico or Canada?
A136 You cannot enter the US on an I-94. You must have a valid visa.
Q137 I am current working for IBM on my Practical Training under my F-1 visa. The Practical Training expires in October. I have applied for my H-1 visa. I need to go back to India urgently for a short visit, however my lawyer says that I cannot go out of the US, once my H-1 processing has started. Is this true?
A137 I am not certain why your lawyer said that, but it is NOT TRUE. While many applications are considered abandoned if you leave the country during their pendency, that is not true of H-1. The reason: H-1 is NOT YOUR application/petition.
It is your employer's petition. You can leave U.S. and upon obtaining approval of H-1, go to the U.S. consulate closest to your residence in India, take your approval notice and apply for an H-1 visa. Now, BCIS (INS) does not like it. I think there is a even a regulation that says you must inform BCIS (INS) about the visit. In my humble opinion, there is nothing stopping you.
Q138 Documents for H4 have been sent. If I change jobs should I resend a fresh proof of employment from my new employer?
A138 In case of a new H1-B notification, it's better to submit the new H1-B notification and letter from new employer also as proof; there have been instances where the consulate has called the employer to verify claim of employment. In general, if the job switch over can wait, wait till the visa is issued .
Q139 It is widely understood that a job ad is required for Labor Certification. Some one told me that a job ad is also required for Labor Condition Application but some others told me that it is not necessary. What is the truth? If LCA required a job ad, why is the job ad required one more time later on in Labor Certification? What is the difference?
A139 No job ad is required for LCA. Only internal notices need to be posted by the employer. Additionally, within 24 hours of filing an LCA, the employer is required to maintain certain documentation within their own premises.
Q140 Can I renew my multiple-entry visa stamp by mail?
A140 ] Yes, but note that this is only for renewal or reissuance, not for obtaining the first visa, and note that this is for the visa stamp in your passport that relates to travel permission.
Q141 Before transfer how long the candidate should stay with the original petitioner?
A141 There is