Calgary admin processing

[doctor_Baali]

Folks,

Just wanted to everyone let know that we are 8 people got struck with admin processing here in Calgary Canada. Just 1 out of 9 candidates got his VISA approved. He is works in EVC model and first time H-1B stamping.

Female VISA officer is interviewing all the H-1B candidates and she is far from being friendly and issuing white/admin forms, few folks were asked to submit DS-157 forms.

Unless you are confident and have each and every document(couple of folks were asked for work site photos). Even if there is a difference in Salary from your pay stubs when compared with LCA/Offer letter/W-2 she is issuing admin processing.

Even though VISA stamping chances differ from each case, we strongly recommend not coming to Calgary at this point in time. We already met couple of folks who have been waiting here in freezing cold from last month.

I hope this helps!

[avish]

@doctor_Baali: Do all of them had client letter? all documents ?

[doctor_Baali]

@avish- all the folks have client letters, but VO's intention was dragging the discussion to state that she could issue admin processing. Couple of folks were asked to submit bank statements of last 2 years. At this point, if you have any plans of coming to Calgary then think twice.

[probability]

Yes, Same lady for me also in Calgary , I have been waiting for more than two months now.

Arjun.

[replybin]

Hi Baali,

I also got stuck here in calgary with Admin processing here. They asked me to submit DS-157 form and said it might take upto 60 days for processing. I have all the documents with me including client letter.

Can you please let me know where are you located now and can you email me. We can stay in touch.

I strongly feel, calgary is no more good option for H1b visa stamping, i see many people got stuck working in EC & EVC models.

[doctor_Baali]

@replybin- one of my friend who is staying with was also asked to submit DS-157. This is very unfortunate to hear so many people in same boat. All we can do is HOPE. I didn't expect Calgary to be like this, had I known this a week before I would have chosen Vancouver or Ottawa.

We are 5 ppl staying in Best Value Inn in Northwest. I just sent an email to you..please get in touch.

[replybin]

Hi probability,

I am also in same boat now.

Can you email me @ replybin at gXXXX dot com. We can get in touch.

[desi_guy123]

Yes, Same lady for me also in Calgary , I have been waiting for more than two months now.

Arjun.

hey can you please e-mail me at calgarydec6th at G extension....i'm also struck here

thanks...

[doctor_Baali]

@Arjun--Sad to hear that..it is scary to hear that time period...where are you staying? we are in Best Value Inn in Northwest of Calgary.

[stuck_calgary]

hey baali and replybin and other folks,

I had an interview on Dec 6th at calgary and got issued 221g and a form saying admin processing on it. She wants me to submit bank statements, work site photos, employer's employees list, employer's tax returns and all for 2011.

here is my interview process:

VO: who is your employer

me: XXX employer

VO: whats the salary"

me: XXXXX per annum

VO: do you have LCA?

me: given

VO: paychecks?

me: already she has them in the packeage

VO: do you work at client place and where is it?

me: answered

VO: any problems with your emploeyer?

me: No

VO: whats your highest degree?

me: masters in CS

VO: where?

me: answered

VO: again she asked me submit all the paychecks for 2010 and 2011 and from school also

me: given

VO: you don't have the paycheck for NOV

me: yes, my employer runs the paycheck every 15 th of the month

VO: then all of sudden she gave me a 221g and asked me submit the documents....

I heartly don't prefer this location for the ones who is planning for stamping here in future..........

--stuck-calgary

[virginiaguy]

I am stuck with 221g here, even after providing all the documentation which requested for Documents like Work Location Photos, 2010 &

2011 Bank statements.

This consulate is useless, and is better to avoid for any future applicants.

@Baali & Bin - Where are u guys in Calgary? I am at 16 Ave NW in the Best Value Inn motel.

[probability]

Hi all,

Anyone who needs to get in touch with me my e-mail is probability007 at gmxx.com.

I have moved to toronto for now as I have friends here.

Let me know for any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Arjun.

[chyasir26]

Guys,

I also had interview on the same day.. She didn't ask much questions as i believe my case was simple. I am working with same employer for last 4 years and went for second stamping. I already had my first stamping (F1 to H1) back in 2009 from same Calgary consulate. At that time Admin processing took only 6 working days.

This time she asked me to submit DS157 which i already had printed with me and gave her right there.. She sent my case for Admin Processing which i am sure went for PIMS verification as my H1B extension was approved less than 2 months.

I agree with everyone here that people needs to think twice before coming to Calgary for interview but at the same time i believe most of the folks made VO confused. I saw her spending about 25 to 30 minutes each on few folks and asking different questions regarding EVC model. This was my third time in US consulate/embassy for any type of visa and i have never seen VO spending more than 5 minutes to anyone. 25 to 30 Minutes are too much and which could lead her to issue Admin Processing for everyone so she can review the cases later..

I wish everyone good luck and keep posted about the status..Those who are planning to stay in Calgary..FYI.. there are lot of desi restaurants across CTrain.. Enjoy your time in Calgary :)

[doctor_Baali]

@chyasir26- three other folks were given DS-157 on Dec 6th.

FYI- DS 157 is like background check form that will be given to folks who falls under TAL, but not for PIMS update. All the folks were being told that it might take upto 2 months to get the processing complete.

Where are you staying? we are in NW calgary.

[chyasir26]

Well.. i really don't agree with you on DS 157.. Two years ago it was required for each application but at the same time not everyone was getting Admin Processing.. Last time my employer called consulate and they told that case was sent for Pims verification because they didn't have my file in their system..

but only God knows whats going one this time.. I would suggest that everyone should use this time to enjoy winter in Canada not checking forums and email.. These things only increase BP :P

I moved to Toronto right next day of Interview as i already made my travels arraignment and was aware of Admin processing..

Any news from anyone?

Good luck.

[doctor_Baali]

@asir- Well..actually it is being learnt that things have been changed drastically since that time. I spoke to 2 people who have been waiting from 1 month or so with DS-157 admin processing pending from Calgary consulate. My guess is it might take any time between 4-6 weeks for DS-157 clearance at this holiday time. I wish you good luck anyways.

We are trying to find any fun that is available around- visited a casino and famous Calgary tower the other day.

[chyasir26]

I received email from consulate on Thursday December 15th, they requested me to send them my passport. Though they didn't mention in the email that processing is completed but the transcript of the email suggest that processing is done. They mentioned that if i opt to come in person with passport then i have to wait few hours in the consulate which tells me its done. I sent my passport through DHL loomie yesterday..

[replybin]

Hi chyasir26,

Congrads on your case update.

Why do you think your case is just a PIMS verification? Did VO tell you they need to do PIMS verification on your case ?

During your interview did VO gave you any time frame for your Admin Processing ?

Also what is your major while doing your masters ?

I also attended on Dec 6 and got Admin processing with Ds- 157. This is my second H1b stamping. My interview was less than 5 min and it went well, but at the end VO said they need to do some admin processing which may take upto 2 months. Few others also got Ds- 157 here. All of us who got DS-157 have done masters with majors which falls under TAL.

[probability]

Hey chyasir26 ,

That is good news, congrats.

I thought you were in toronto, can you still send the passports from here rather than going to calgary?

Could you tell me the process how that is done?

Thanks,

Arjun.

[chyasir26]

@replyibin

She didn't mention anything about PIMS this time. but based on my previous experience it seems PIMS verification was needed this time as my H1B extension got approved in less then last two months.

She however told me that admin processing could take up to two months. I did my masters in computer science from US and working in same field

@probability

Yes i am in Toronto. When i signed up for appointment, i selected DHL facility in Toronto as i was aware of admin processing and made my travel arraignments accordingly. You can still change the DHL by going to usvisa-info website and login under you account and then edit DHL information. There are two DHL locations in Toronto, just pick which one is closer to you.

FYI..i picked Markham one

[nid_utd]

Hi chyasir26

Have you received your passport back yet? If so how long did they take before updating the website that your passport is ready for pick up or in transit?

TIA

[chyasir26]

No, not yet.. mistakenly DHL sent my passport through ground instead Air and consulate received it on Wednesday.. They usually take about 3 business days to process. I am hoping to get it back by Thursday 12/29th