H1B Stamping Experience

I got this update from Ajay on Sep 5th, 2009 who emailed me his recent experience in Tijuana about H1B Stamping. Here is his experience in his own words. Ajay, thanks for your update and sharing your experience with others

Just wanted to mention that I had a successful stamping in Tijuana yesterday and give you a overview of how things went.

My appointment was at 9:30 in the morning of September the 3rd, 2009. Parked the car at the border, took a taxi to the consulate. I reached the consulate at 8:30 - the rush at the consulate was mediocre, but started building up later in the day. I was able to get in for the security check at 9:30 and finally had the interview at around 12:30 or 1:00 in the afternoon. The interview was pretty straightforward - lasted for a about 4-5 mins i think. Will brief the questions asked...

me and VO: Pleasantaries exchanged.

VO: What visa are you applying for?

me: Renewal of my H1B visa.

VO: Where do you work and can i see an employee verification letter?

me: company xxx and hold the title xxx. Gave him employee letter and original appt letter.

(He crosschecks my annual salary too)

VO: What does you company do?

me: Briefly explained it.

VO: What are my main responsibilities, job description

me: explained what i do etc.

VO: You application has been approved - please come and collect your passport at 3:00 tommorow.

me: thank you.

I did send an email to consulate asking for PIMS verification and received a confirmation email from them. This was a couple of days before my appt. I heard that Tijuana consulate have stopped issues visas the same day. They are asking everyone to come the following business day. It could be becuase of the rush too i guess. But ppl going to get there visa stamped or renewed must be prepared to stay 1 day atleast. I stayed at Hotel Real Del Rio just behind the consulate. Its about 75$ a night. A nice hotel with courteous staff. Checked out TJ downtown Revolution that evening. Went to consulate in the morning to check out if they have started issuing the passports, but no luck, went back at 3:00 and collected my passport. Crosschecked my info on the visa stamp and took a taxi back to the border. Got my I-94 and headed back into US at about 6:00 or so in the evening.

This was my experience. Please use it to update your blog - if it is helpful to others.

Thanks

Ajay

Hope this helps.