Planning for a H-1B renewal in Vancouver

[nuke49]

Hi,

 

I am planning to go to Vancouver for H-1B renewal stamping. This will be my second H-1B and my first was stamped from Hyderabad. I did not have any issues with my previous stamping and my visa was approved in about 5-10 mins.

 

Here's a look at my profile:

 

1. I have been working for the same employer.

2. I am in a non-IT field

3. I have done my Master's in US

4. My previous H-1B visa has expired more than a year ago.

5. I am a direct full-time employee and my employer is well known.

 

Based on my profile, do you think it is a good idea for me to go to Vancouver? Also, I was wondering if my passport expiration date which is in early 2016 can potentially be an issue if I were to appear for interview in Feb/March 2015?

 

For people who are already looking at dates in Vancouver, can you please tell what are the earliest dates you are looking at right now?

 

Appreciate your responses. Thanks!

[ashuneel]

going to Vancouver should be OK.

passport is OK.

[jairichi]

You can approach any US consulate where they will entertain your visa application. It is always suggested to go to home country. Your passport expiry does not matter for visa stamping but matters for I94 as I94 expiry will be based on your passport expiry.

[balakumar514]

If your passport is expiring in early 2016, and if you are approved a visa, your I94 will be stamped till the end of your current passport at the POE. Since you can apply for a new passport 1 year from the end date on your current passport, you can get the new passport and then go for stamping so that you can get the full term of your visa on your I94

[nuke49]

Thanks for your replies.

 

@dec_vancouver

 

If my I-94 expires on the same day as passport expiration, can't I just cross the border and re-enter to get a new I-94 once I have my new H-1B petition? My employer will file for my 7th year H-1B in 2016. The issue is I dont think I will be able to wait for a passport renewal. I have a family member in India who is keeping ill health, not sure if I can wait until second half or end of 2015 to make a trip.

[jairichi]

Thanks for your replies.

 

@dec_vancouver

 

If my I-94 expires on the same day as passport expiration, can't I just cross the border and re-enter to get a new I-94 once I have my new H-1B petition? My employer will file for my 7th year H-1B in 2016. The issue is I dont think I will be able to wait for a passport renewal. I have a family member in India who is keeping ill health, not sure if I can wait until second half or end of 2015 to make a trip.

Even if you cross the border and plan to get a new I94 you need a valid visa to enter US along with new I797 and other supporting documents. If you plan to use AVR (Automatic Visa Revalidation) facility then you will not get new I94.

[balakumar514]

you will get the new I94 with the remaining period of h1b visa