My H1B Stamping FAQ - Tijuana

Q. More info about Consulate?
A. Some visitors of my blog have commented that there are two different consulates in Tijuana. My understanding was that the old one is closed....Anyway, you will have to go to one that gives you H1 Visa. The address should be on your appointment letter. Show the Taxi driver where you want to go. If still not sure, refer to the map that I have posted.

Q. How do I book for an appointment for visa stamping in Tijuana US consulate.
A. Go to http://www.visa-usa.com.mx/SelfServiceLogin.aspx to book the date. Create a login for $10 and you can schedule. Go through the website before you book the appointment.

Q. Do we need separate appointments for Husband (H1-B), Wife and kids on (H4) visa?
A. No. One appointment is enough. Add wife and kids as dependents who want to come for visa stamping along with you while booking the appointment.

Q. DS-156?
A. This is required for all applicants one for each.

Q. DS-157?
A. Required for all male applicants.

Q. When will the consulate return the passport after stamping?
A. For me they returned the passport the same day. You might have a different experience. I have heard people getting stuck for a weekend because of some technical problems. Also, if you are working for some defense related company you might be requiring some security clearance which could take even a week or so. So be prepared depending on the situation but for most people passports are returned the same day. Look at some comments that are posted to see other peoples experience.

Q. How many times can I generate DS-156 bar code?
A. Any number of times you want.

Q. Can I handwrite DS-156?
A. Better not. You can only sign and date by hand. But can submit DS-156 again and generate a bar code.

Q. Can you provide sample DS-156?
A. Yes. Click here.

Q. What is LCA?
A. It is labor conditioning approval. Ask your employer to provide a copy of this before you go for the stamping. This is a mandatory document to carry.

Q. What is I-129?
A. This is one of the H1B Petition application. Ask your employer to provide a copy of this before you go for the stamping. This is a mandatory document to carry.

Q. Bar code Information?
A. Bar code should be clearly visible on DS-156 on page 1 and 3. The bar code in page 3 is very important and if that couldn't be scanned then information will have to be typed all over again. So make sure Bar code is printed clean and complete.

Q. Do we need DS-158?
A. Tijuana consulate does not require this form. I didn't take it. Other forms might be required. This might change time to time. Check the website at the time of booking your appointment .

Q. I have lost some documents you have mentioned, what do I do?
A. Some of the documents are very much required and some are optional which may be asked to provided at the time of Interview. The required documents are mentioned in the website (http://www.visa-usa.com.mx). You will have to create an account and click on "NON IMMIGRANT VISA INFORMATION" on home page to access this information. These are the most important ones. If you don't have the required documents which are mentioned in this website then you might be in trouble. So be careful. Other documents that I have mentioned is optional and may be requested by the visa officer. You never know. Better be safe than sorry.

Q. Is it safe to ride a Taxi?
A. Yes, I believe so. I think taxi drivers are very helpful in fact. Your experience might differ. Be alert. One word of caution is that you should always fix the price before you ride the taxi.

Q. More information on how to go to the border or Jack in the Box for parking?
A. When you drive I805-south, take the exit which mentions "Last USA Exit" go 0.3 miles. Turn left on "Camino de la plz" go 0.3 miles. Turn right on E San Ysidro Blvd and you will see Jack in the Box immediately. There you will find number of parking spots. There is $8 parking as soon as u take right on San Ysidro Blvd. If you want $5 parking take left on the first light(signal) after you take right on San Ysidro. You will there see a sign for parking $5. If you still not sure then park some where around and the border is very near.

Q. What suppose I miss the exit?
A. If u miss the "Last USA Exit" don't panic. You will get a chance to make a U-Turn and to make the U-Turn be on the left side of the Free way and will probably have to take the exit. If you still miss this then you will be welcomed to Mexico in your car ;)

Q. How much does the Taxi ride cost?
A. Border to Banamex: $5
Banamex to Consulate: Walking distance
Consulate to Border: $6
Consulate to Plaza Rio: Walking distance (this place is opposite to Banamex)
Consulate to Revolucion: $5

Q. Does the bank accept US dollars?
A. Yes, US dollars are widely accepted all over Tijuana and just not bank. So you don't need to convert your money to pesos.

Q. How far is Banamex from the Consulate?
A. Banamex is about 10 minute walking distance from the consulate. For walking directions click here.

Q. Can I carry my bag inside the consulate?
A. Yes, you can carry a small bag containing all your documents. No electronic devices allowed what so ever. If you have items with you that are not allowed then you can leave your items in some shops next to the consulate. They will hold your stuff for $3.

Q. Do I need a new I-94 on arriving at the border?
A. In my case I knew I didn't needed because the date on my I-94 was as per my new I-797. If the date on I-94 is expiring I think you need a new I-94. It is better ask the Visa officer or the immigration officer if you are not sure. If you need a new I-94 just let the immigration officer know at the border.

Update: If you need a new I-94 card you will have to go get this card from adjacent building (outside building with 3 flag poles) and as per people experience this might take couple hours. So instead of waiting in the line that actually gets you into US, you will have to go this line which issues new I-94. If you are not sure where to go just ask some officers there and they might help. So it is very helpful to know if you need a new I94 or not. Otherwise your experience might be frustrating.

Q. Do you need a Mexican visa to enter Mexico?
A. Technically yes, but there is no one to check while you are entering Mexico. So it is not mandatory. This is true only when you are crossing the border by walk. But you might need a Mexican visa if you are flying by air and arrive at an Airport. Find it out yourself.

Q. What are good places to visit in Tijuana?
A. We visited two places Revolucion (pronounced as Revolution) which is mainly downtown Tijuana and Plaza Rio which is very close to the consulate.

Q. More information about Revolucion(Revolution)?
A. Revoucion is in downtown Tijuana. You will have to take a Taxi($5) from the consulate to get here. There a big arch there. You will find more information when you google it. I have included some pictures here. It is not a pretty place but it is place to kill some time. But this place is not nice to hang around with kids. Its a Sin place. Lots of shops with Bars, Clubs and adult places. When you shop, do it wisely. They will always demand some ridiculous prices. Some of them quote five times the actual value. So be wise. You can always bargain. This place has nice food joints. You will even find KFC, McDonald's andBurger King at his place.

Q. More information about Plaza Rio?
A. This is decent place to hang out as it is in much upscale community. It is on opposite side of Banamex. So it is 10 minute walk from the consulate. It like a mall with lot decent shops. It has Burger King if you are hungry. Lot of people hang out here.