. Ineligible applicants cannot travel to the United States, even if they came from the United States and hold a still-valid Arrival and Departure Record (I-94). I am working on H1B in USA. You cannot go to Mexico for first time H1B visa stamping or any kind of Change of Status. Incessantly pinging the scheduling app to find earlier dates. We were in France for 5 years and then relocated to Netherlands. I have a question, what was the lead time to get back your passport(s) after your interview? Applicants are encouraged to read this in entirety before scheduling your visa interview at Embassy Nassau. either canada or mexico are ur options. What's New on VisaGrader? US Visa Appointments. . Display as a link instead, or do i have to file something like I-824 to request change of the consulate location? Thank you so much! There is lot of conflicting information on the web regarding weather an Indian citizen working in the US on a H1B visa needs a Bahamas Visa to go on a cruise. Will that be any issue? My relatives are in Toronto and in Vancouver. My current employer applied for extension/renewal recently. Read this notice or go to Nassau US Consulate website. This article assumes you are in US on a visa and did a change of status to H1B visa and worked in US or plan to work in US after re-entering US. I am wondering if I should go to Bahamas for f1 to H1 visa stamping. Or should we plan a trip to Canada, get PR stamped and then directly go to India for H1B stamping before coming back to US? Bhamas US consulate now stopped accepting request for first time visa stamping Read http://nassau.usembassy.gov/tcn.html, Hi Saurabh, I have attended H1b interview at Singapore consulate,VO issued 221(g)-pink slip with requesting more documents from employer but VO kept my original experience letters and said that my case will be re-opend once i produce the requested docs,am more worried about my original docs,How do i get it back?it may take some more time for my employer to provide the necessary docs,can i request for my original docs? Can someone tell me were to start to go for stamping in canada, Like which embassy..? I got my first H1B stamping done in Bahamas. Original or copy of notice of approval form I-797. H1B Stamp Renewal_Bahamas - Immigration forums for visa, green card Many users have gone stamping in other locations. Please let me know which one it true or where can i find a definite answer. Educational documents and/or letters from previous employers documenting work experience(ONLY FOR RESIDENT APPLICANTS APPLYING FOR AN L VISA FOR THE FIRST TIME). My current appointment is booked at Toronto next month. Hi, Im working in Canada(work permit) and my H1B got approved last year. You cannot paste images directly. On a case-by-case basis, applicants may be accompanied by ONE non-applicant during the visa application process. Est. My Q was: Can I travel toNassau, TheBahamastorenewal my H1-B visa since I am holding valid I-797 petition and currently residing in USA. There is only thing in their response that's bothering me - renewal(with no change in employer or job status). Breaking News (10 FEB, 2023): Reportedly, the US government is mulling over the plans to recommence the domestic visa revalidation service for certain categories of H1B and L1 visas. COMPLETE guide to H1B Change of Status Visa Stamping [2022] Note If the applicant is changing employers, the case does not meet the criteria for Embassy Nassau. Renewals for petition-based F1, H1B, J1, L1, M1, O1, P1, P2, P3, and R1, Renewals for petition-based F2, H4, L2, M2, O2, O3, P4, and R2, Initial (first time) petition-based applications, Applicants who entered the U.S. with a visa issued in their home country and changed status with the Department of HomelandSecurity in the U.S., i.e., seek a new visa in the new visa category, Applicants who entered the U.S. in one visa category and are seeking to re-enter the U.S. in a different visa category, Applicants who have been out of status in the U.S. having violated the terms of their visas or having overstayed the validity indicated on their I-94s, Original or copy of the Notice of Approval, Form I-797, Pay stubs/pay slips recording salary paid over the last 3-6 months. I checked with my companys immigration team, as per them, its ok to get stamping in Canada (I have all my education in India and m leaving in US since 2011). You may request an expedited appointment after scheduling an interview. A final decision as to whether an interpreter is needed will be made by consular staff at time of the interview. I work at client site (EVC model). Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions. Are there any other options available ? Please read Who can Apply in Mexico Section in the immigration websites below. Hi saurabh, I was on F1 last year and got H1b approved in general and got Changed my status to H1b from Oct1st2016. In this case, which would be my best bet. For instance, if certain conditions are met, an H1B worker may travel to Canada or Mexico for up to 30 days, and then return based on the automatic visa revalidation rule. VO first asked for DS-160, VO asked me basic questions like whats your salary, how long where you on L1b, whats your designation, highest degree, if I have masters (said no), approved I797 etc, VO asked about my previous sightseeing trips to Australia and Canada. Thanks Meena. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Photos must meetState Department Requirements. Please suggest Place to go for stamping and time duration if any implies on the stamping process. Paste as plain text instead, So I dont know what your case is. Shailee. Applications can be made by first time homeowners for stamp duty exemptions on their Conveyance and Mortgage Instruments relative to the acquisition of their first time dwelling home. After submitting the REF response, now i got NOID saying your H1b will be denied as u r out to your home country in Jun16 and was inn on same F1 by sep16 and the old employer revoked his petition in jan17. Different consulates have different policies on TCNs. Entire process from entering building to exit took 15-20 minutes. Please suggest where to go? First time H1B and H4 visa application from home country/foreign country URGENT. Evidence of qualifications must be original or certified copy. Did you get any idea on the processing time? or Bahamas? Assuming my visa will have arrived by then, my I get my new H1B stamped at the embassy in Rio? Citizenship and Immigration Services, Determine the type of visa required to travel to the United States. Have you got any confirmation yet ? Im going to apply for H1b this year. To be eligible for an H1B visa, workers must have at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in their field of work. Hi All, I came to US on L2 visa 7 years ago, worked on EAD for a couple of years, my company sponsored H1B as a consular processing and a year later change of status, I have been working on H1B since then. The applicant bears all responsibility for qualifying for a visa. My school officials have told me that getting a change of status while being in USA will take 8-9 months. If you have Canada PR that is a legitimate reason to go there and do stamping as they asked me that question at the entrance of consulate. As, I did first time H1 stamping in Canada. Copy of the I-129 completed by employer and filed with D.H.S. 2) Will my not leaving the US for so long have any effect ( 15 years) 3) What is needed from my end or employers end in respect to documents? People used to be able to get change of visa stamped before( I got my first H1B in Mexico too), but NOT now. and after that I plan to Maldives next week. and also while filling Ds160 , it is asking have i had any other country permanent residency other than birth country. Hello All, I am currently In Canada on Work permit (close to two years), next two year extension has been filed waiting for decision meanwhile authroized to work for current canadian employer. Courier process for returning visas and passports to applicants. Attend the interview with all required documentation. Please visit the website for information on the required documents. Can i mention this reason for not having paid by employer-A for Oct16. You can post now and register later. but my visa got expired on sep 30 2015. The Bahamas financemail@bahamas.gov.bs mofgeneral@bahamas.gov.bs Phone: (242) 327-1530/7 or 702-1500 Fax: (242) 327-1618 or 327-1620. Keep your DS-160, i797, passport, photos, ready for inspection before security check. Thanks for posting such details. Note: The Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for both immigrant and nonimmigrant travellers. We do not have stamping for the extended H1B visa (the current stamped visa has expired in Aug-2016). I started out on an F1, then got OPT, then H1-B and throughout this time I have not traveled out of the country. I am also in the same boat as yours. US embassy in Bahamas non immigrant-visas, Petition-based F1, H1B, J1, L1, M1, O1, P1, P2, P3, and R1 renewals, only when initial adjudication was conducted in applicants home country, Petition- based F2, H4, L2, M2, O2, O3, P4, and R2 renewals, only when the main applicant is renewing with the family member and the initial adjudication was conducted in main applicants home country. I am not sure whether he meant short stay in Netherlands an issue or short duration with the current employer an issue. My next option is mexico. Due to waiting room size, the large volume of applicants, and the time required to screen consular clients, persons not meeting the criteria above will not be permitted to accompany an applicant. I, therefore, want to get a Change of Status to F-1. Original or copy of notice of approval form I-797A or I-797B. I am hearing people saying that I need to go India to do stamping as I did education there. Thanks and Appreciate your comments. When your H-1B nonimmigrant visa expiration date is near, you need to be prepared to renew your visa and re-stamp it. Can we go to the one in Cancun or do we need to go to Merida ? Hi Sazoh, could you please share your h1 visa stamping process if you had been to canada. Can I still go to the third countrys consulate rather than the one listed on my approval notice? A renewal is a case where an applicant for the same type of visa is made and does not include persons who seek to change from one visa category to another or who are seeking any other type of change of status even if that change has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security.. We are here in Netherlands with long stay Visa (more than three months). so we can do H1B Renewals also as I understands. Copy of I-129S (3 Copies) filed with DHS. . Hi Guys, I am planning to go to stamping in Mid December this year to Mumbai consulate. Nonimmigrants in the United States-Applying for Visas in - Travel now my US company wants to transfer me back to USA from Canada on L1B visa. First-time H1B visa stamping COS: Canada or Mexico? Home Country Clear editor. All posts are moderated, so it will take time for your post to appear! I've never been on a cruise, but I presume all passengers would be checked for immigration as they return after the voyage, at which point you'd be found inadmissible. Am sure that I need to go to an embassy for my visa stamping whenever am out of USA. It is still in admin processing. But, just checking anybody had recent experience on such case. Home Country ? There is no rules as of now like Mexico. Original or copy of notice of approval formI-797. Hi, I got little confused over your status. You will have to defend your visa interview though with full documentation and any questions though. All Rights Reserved. Can you please shed some light on this? I know few of my friends who went to Bahamas for Visa stamping last year. If you have no long term status in The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos Islands (e.g. but now the status is being shown as Administrative Processing. My attorney said I can go for stamping in Canada as I am a permanent resident here. I do have valid canada visa. I am on H1B visa , can I book my visa appointment dates in 2 countries for safe side? I just went for Visa appointment (Feb 2018) for first time H1b in Ottawa. First-time H1B visa stamping COS: Canada or Mexico? H1B- Persons traveling to The Bahamas to have their H1B visa affixed in their passport MUST present the approval notice along with written confirmation of date, time and confirmation code of the appointment at the US Embassy in Nassau. mine will be first time stamping. All Rights Reserved. If original is a non-English translation, applicant must provide a certified English translation). Same documents listed above for O-1 as well as proof of dependents relationship to the primary applicant (must be original or certified copy. Copy of the I-129 Petition completed by sponsor and filed with DHS. Yes, new employer can apply for cap-exempt petition + COS. How did you manage this situation did you travel Canada or your home country to get this stamped ? Other consular fees are not affected by this rule, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors. My H1B I-94 is valid through 2022, but the visa stamp in my passport I assume you are already in US while applying your new H1B? Evidence of qualifications, must be original or certified copy. So this is a very very specific scenario. Proof of membership in the religious organization. Image Credit :http://www.flickr.com/photos/naystin/392302587/, Hi, I am currently in US on F1 CPT working and my H1b was approved as I-797B(consular processing). More information below. I am not working in Canada as of now, and would be joining my US employer once stamping is done. There was no specific question related to current status in Canada and only at before the finger-printing they asked to for the current status and saw my PR card. Expert please do share your comments and thoughts. Now my company has sponsored l1b visa blanket petition. He did his masters from India and PhD from France. Is it safe? Can you go to First time H1B Visa stamping in Bahamas ? Home country or Mexico/Canada and what is the process. But no interview slots are available till next 6 months. Can I go for my first stamping in Toronto or I should go to India. nile0994, March 4, 2018 in H1B : Visa Stamp. Thank you. Petition-based first time applicants Treaty-Trader Visas (E1 & E2) [Note: Embassy Nassau does not process E1 & E2 applications for any nationality.] I am going for stamping tommorrow as I dont have option to go to India now. 4) I will apply for Canadian visitor visa, as i reside in the US, will i have to show all my transcripts or another other documents. Original or copy of Notice of Approval, Form I-797A or I-797B. 3. I had called them too. It does not matter. All expedited appointment requests are processed through the regular appointment scheduling website. The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, TheBahamas, accepts student and employment -based visa applications from residents of TheBahamasand Turks and Caicos Islands. Check this linkUS embassy in Bahamas non immigrant-visas; Especially check TCN(Third Country Nationals) area. By No. Alaskan Cruise with expired H1B Visa, and valid h1x (I-94) Just wanted to post our experience going on an Alaskan Cruise (Royal Caribbean) from Seattle, with an expired VISA stamp, but a valid i-94 via the h1 extension. E-mail: NassauFPU@state.gov They have revoked and sent my petition to USCIS and they told that they cannot process my application since am foreign national. This was a closed loop tour with a stop in Canada. US Visa Approval & Refusal Rates by Country and Visa; H1B Visa Tracker (FY 2024) US Visa Stamping Dropbox (Interview Waiver) Tracker; Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business. Got an opportunity to file H1b on 1st April 2015. And Ive 2 cases here, one from my home country and one from Mexico/Canada. I stamped my H1b visa last in canada and I would like to stamp my 3rd H1b visa soon. should i fill Yes /no. A full list of U.S. Embassy websites can be found at https://www.usembassy.gov/. I want to change the company, Can I ask my next employer to file for amendment as well while transferring the H1. Fees for State Department services occasionally change but you can check for the most current schedule of fees. Hi, I am enrolled in a masters program on H-4 (never worked or studied in USA before) This is my first semester and I got accepted for assistantship. H1B Visa Requirements - Full Guide w/ Latest Updates (2023) For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. TCN Applicants residing in the United States, seeking to renew their visa in any category except B1/2 (tourist/business) or H-2 (temporary or seasonal workers). Learn more about quality higher-education opportunities in the U.S. that you will not find anywhere else in the world. Hi Shaile, if you had been to canada for h1 visa stamping, could you please share it here. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged. We will use the limited time available for theinterview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions. Ok, got it approved today. For F-1 stamping, you should go to home country and not Mexico. As per the embassy website doesnt look promising: https://bs.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/. If you have submitted a visa application, your application fee (also known as the MRV fee) remains valid in the country where the payment was made for one year from the date of payment or until September 30, 2023, whichever is later. My H1B has not been stamped yet. Bahamas Cruise with extended H1B visa but no stamping The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Nassau is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Stamp Duty Exemption for First Time Homeowners Here is exactly what it says in immigration website of Tijuana. Hi Prabu, I am in the same situation as you. First time H1B with Indian MNC and currently in Canada. and smaller will be permitted), Tools, including any sharp or bladed objects, Any oils, aerosols or pump sprays, liquids, lotions and powders. What are the possibilities of Visa approval. The primary applicants documents listed above as well as,Proof of dependents relationship to main applicant, (must be original or certified copy if English translation, must be a certified translation). We promise to you, the visa applicant, that: At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to: The Fraud Prevention Unit, because of the nature of anti-fraud work, is not open to the public. Electronic or recording equipment of any kind, including, but not limited to: Entry of strollers will be determined on a case-by-case basis, The U.S. Embassy has the right to refuse entry to any persons. Thanks AV for your inputs. Proof of work experience in the applicants home country with the same religious organization they will represent in U.S. Direct Employer-employee relationship no client/vendor involved. 3. Bahamas Cruise for Indian Citizen in US on a H1B Visa If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Also planning to apply for an expedited appointment request, since my work is critical to US Nat Govt. If you are unable to attend your appointment, you may reschedule your interview by calling the U.S Embassy in Nassau at 242-322-1181 or emailing IVnassau@state.gov. We have just received our Canada PR and need to visit Canada for PR stamping, but if we travel there, he will have to also get H1B stamping to return for his job here. Or got any confirmation on this from your attorneys? Thankyou. Below are the high-level process steps for H1B Visa Stamping: Complete DS-160 form - Online Non-Immigrant Visa application form Pay the US Visa Application Fee of $190 USD online or at a Bank Book US Visa appointments for Biometrics and in-Peron interview Attend Biometrics and Visa Interview A visa application or appointment does not equal visa eligibility. I already was in approved H1B earlier which was approved till July 2016 but never went to stamp / out of USA. I was recently approved for H1B visa and wish to travel to bahamas on a cruise, I do not have my visa stamped yet. I live in NY and I am on my F1. Due to COVID-19 application fees have been extended. Hi all, I came to us on l2 , working for xyz with valid EAD from 2 years. H-1B Visa Stamping Process, Documents, and More for 2023 A full list of U.S. Embassy websites can be found athttp://usembassy.state.gov. The Department uses an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) methodology to calculate, annually, the cost of providing consular services, including visa services. Based on this article I understand that Mexico and Canada are not the rt option for me. https://usvisa-info.com/en-BS/selfservice/ss_announcements#may5. should i fill Yes /no. Special Needs Visitors:Applicants may bringONEperson to assist them if they are over 80 years of age, are a minor child, or are disabled and require assistance to complete the application process. Much appreciated again for sharing your experience and details. What did you do? if yes, did you get the stamping done? These increases were published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2023 and will be effective on May 30, 2023. The Department of State published a Final Rule regarding increases to certain nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) processing fees. H1B Visa Stamping Documents Checklist - Interview, OFC [2023] I recently got my H1B approved. Will keep you updated on my progress. My husband has his MS from US, got his H1B last October and needs to go for first time stamping. I'm awaiting for my extension approval copy. The future employer (from US) is suggesting us to apply Visa from India inorder to avoid extra auditing. U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas - NSS - United States Department of State show Proof of status in Canada Visitor in my case. By seeking a visa in The Bahamas you confirm that you understand, agree to, and accept full and sole responsibility for the outcome of your visa application. What my understanding after reading many blogs and other info in many forums is : it is recommended to go to Home country for change of status or First time H1B visa stamping. There is no risk involved if you go for stamping in Canada since you are a PR holder. H1B Stamping/Revalidation DONE In The Bahamas - Immigration The decision to grant an expedited appointment is made on a case-by-case basis. I am currently in US persuing masters (1st Semester). Copy of I-129 petition completed by employer and filed with D.H.S. With the ever changing H1B visa petition rules, getting H1B approval notice from USCIS is one hurdle and then getting H1B visa stamping is another big hurdle. Delivery options include the DHL facilities at Solomons Plaza in Nassau; Regent Centre in Freeport; Town Center Mall in Providenciales in Turks and Caicos; or home delivery in Nassau or Grand Bahama. Staying in usa with valid i94 as visa is expired. Letter from the organization describing the nature of the employment and length of intended stay in the U.S. Contract between religious organization and applicant. You can only go to Mexico for renewals only. L lalalala Registered Users (C) Dec 27, 2006 #3 If you are traveling to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, and are taking a short trip(s) to Canada and Mexico, review the Automatic Revalidation webpage. Nassau, The Bahamas, Click here to contact us using our Visa Navigator, Hours: 9:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. It seems neither has appointment offerings at this time? With the exception of a limited number of student visa appointments, all routine visa services at U.S. Embassy Nassau are currently suspended. Hi All, Just a note, contacted Bahamas US Embassy, they do only renewals, no first time Visa changes. I got my H1B ext. Yes. Proof of dependents relationship to the primary applicant (must be original or certified copy. Submit the petition: You can submit your H1B visa petition by mail or online. Please advise. I came on F1 and was changed to H1b visa. To request an expedited visa appointment, please register through the normal process and follow the prompts to indicate your need for expedited service. I applied H1b outside of U.S. this year and just received the approval notice. I need to get my first H1B stamped from Toronto Canada. Note If the applicant is changing employers, the case does not meet the criteria for Embassy Nassau. Any viable information is welcome. This article explains few scenarios and helps you throw some information about visa stamping in Canada, Mexico, Bahamas or your Home country. Occasionally, applicants require additional, lengthy review, which may significantly delay travel to the United States by days, weeks or even months and would require the applicant to seek permission from the Government of The Bahamas to remain in the country while processing occurs.