H1B stamping in Matamoros experience - positive

[loreto08]

My H1B visa interview experience at Matamoros, Mexico.

I'm a full time employee. This is my second H1 stamping (first in Europe, though I am Indian citizen) and I have a approved I-140.

I used USVISAMEX (previously MAS) services. They are very helpful.

Fingerprinting done on first day. Eventhough the ASC appointment was at 3:30, we reached at 1 pm and completed in 15 minutes. 
Visa interview on next day:

1. Interview was at 10:00 but we went early and got in by 8:30.

2. First CSC guys check your docs and let you into Interview hall.
3. You will be called for initial interview where you will be asked for basic questions like your name, company name. They will check your I-797 and PIMS and then ask you to wait for your actual interview.
4. Actual interview will be conducted by other staff.
5. Called by Visa Officer. This is how it went with the VO. He was a cool guy greeted him and returned same with pleasant smile.

a. why did you come to Mexico?
b. Which company do you work for?
c. How much do you get paid?

d. Since when are you working with them?

e. Show me W2s since your joining date?

f. Education Degree? I had to request him to turn over the degree as he was looking at the wrong side with puzzled look (i.e. Hindi version)

 

Then came the golden words. Received passport on the same day at 3:30 from the US Consulate (he gave me option to pick passport at USC same day or DHL) and back to US by evening.

P.S: If you are going to Mexico, please make sure that ALL your W2's salary (at least with current employer) is equal or greater than LCA.
If you have approved I-140, please take a copy.

 

There was another Indian couple who had their visa stamped without issues.

[H1futuristic]

Hi,

 

Heartily congrats dear! Can you please share link to apply for Mexico Visa & how to take appointment there? Also what would be better to go for stamping, Canada or Mexico? as I hold US Masters degree. Kindly reply! Thanks in advance...

[Guest]

congrats...

[loreto08]

Applying for Mexico visa is a 2 day affair here in Dallas.

 

ü VISITOR´S VISA (Not authorized to perform for-profit activities)

Applies to: Foreigners wishing to visit Mexico for no longer than 180 days.

1.       Completed and signed visa application form

2.       Must apply in person

3.       Applicant must be able to communicate in English or Spanish fluently.

1. Valid passport or other approved source. Must be valid for at least an additional 6 months from the day it is presented. (Copies must be of all pages containing personal information, passport number, your signature, visas or stamps used to visit other countries)
2. A passport sized photograph (no eye glasses, white background, taken from the front)
3. Provide proof of legal status in the United States by providing any of the following:

·         US visa valid for multiple re-entries as well as a valid form I-94. Students in the USA must present a valid form I-20. ENDORSED by the school of attendance(last page)

·         “Advance parole”,

·         Any other document necessary to return to the USA.

·         If visiting a US consulate in Mexico for a visa stamping please bring a copy of the electronic appointment made with them.

1. Provide evidence of any of the following: (subject to the consul’s approval)

·         Proof of financial stability (Via account statements from savings or checking from the preceding 6 to 12 months, or,

·         Proof of stable employment via payroll statements from the preceding 6 months, or,

·         Evidence of permanent residency via ownership of real properties, business ownership or partnership with a company. (Housing, apartment leases or utility contracts do not apply as proof of permanent residency)

·         International frequent travelers (when having numerous visas or entry stamps from other countries)

·         Original letter of invitation from a lawful public or private organization or institution located in Mexico when the foreigner is required to participate in a related activity. (Please request further information at visasdallas@sre.gob.mx)

·         Family member of a diplomat or consular personnel in Mexico holding an ordinary passport. Must show original and copy of birth certificate. Must be translated into English or Spanish if originally written in a different language and copy of the ID or certificate of accreditation (carné de acreditación) granted by the Mexican Government to the Diplomat or consular Employee.

·         A Foreigner related to a Mexican citizen (Please request further information at visasdallas@sre.gob.mx)

·         Executives or supervising personnel visiting a subsidiary in Mexico must bring: original and copy of the “Deed of Incorporation” from the firm/company/subsidiary in México representing the applicant and an original, dated and signed letter on company letterhead, from the company or subsidiary stating the following: Complete name of applicant, nationality, passport number, specific purpose for the visit, duration of applicant’s proposed stay in Mexico, specific destinations the proposed applicant is to visit, party responsible for all charges incurred by applicant while in Mexico including salaries. (copies, scanned copies or electronic signatures on letters will not be accepted) Letters must be written and signed within 30 days.

·         Students attending academic programs of less than 180 days may travel under this same visa. (Please request further information at visasdallas@sre.gob.mx)

·         Must show original or certified copies of documents accompanied by a photocopy of each

Visa fee: $36.00 USD. (cash or ATM debit or credit card Visa, MasterCard or Discover)

[loreto08]

You are not allowed to appear for visa interview in Mexico when your visa category (in your application) is different from what you have on your passport.

I would suggest you to avoid going to Mexico for your case.

[er.rameshpr]

My H1B visa interview experience at Matamoros, Mexico.

I'm a full time employee. This is my second H1 stamping (first in Europe, though I am Indian citizen) and I have a approved I-140.

I used USVISAMEX (previously MAS) services. They are very helpful.

Fingerprinting done on first day. Eventhough the ASC appointment was at 3:30, we reached at 1 pm and completed in 15 minutes. 

Visa interview on next day:

1. Interview was at 10:00 but we went early and got in by 8:30.

2. First CSC guys check your docs and let you into Interview hall.

3. You will be called for initial interview where you will be asked for basic questions like your name, company name. They will check your I-797 and PIMS and then ask you to wait for your actual interview.

4. Actual interview will be conducted by other staff.

5. Called by Visa Officer. This is how it went with the VO. He was a cool guy greeted him and returned same with pleasant smile.

a. why did you come to Mexico?

b. Which company do you work for?

c. How much do you get paid?

d. Since when are you working with them?

e. Show me W2s since your joining date?

f. Education Degree? I had to request him to turn over the degree as he was looking at the wrong side with puzzled look (i.e. Hindi version)

 

Then came the golden words. Received passport on the same day at 3:30 from the US Consulate (he gave me option to pick passport at USC same day or DHL) and back to US by evening.

P.S: If you are going to Mexico, please make sure that ALL your W2's salary (at least with current employer) is equal or greater than LCA.

If you have approved I-140, please take a copy.

 

There was another Indian couple who had their visa stamped without issues.

Hello,

I have my current employer W2's perfect. Some time back in 2009 when i was working with old employer my W2 was not matching the old LCA. Because i was out of country most of the year. With my current employer i had good W2 from mid of 2010, 2011 and 2012. wondering is it safe to travel

[loreto08]

Have a nice/logical explanation as to why W2 in 2009 doesnt match LCA (e.g. unpaid PTO request from you due to some health/family reason, etc) and you should be good. The chances of VO request to present W2-2009 and explanation needed in Matamoros is as good as you getting asked the same question in any other embassy. Be confident when answering the VO, that's the key. I had a similar W2 situation for 2007 (didnt get paid in the first 2 months of arrival in Nov-2007 to USA). Thankfully they never asked, or else I had my own story to tell as to why my W2 for those 2 months is missing. 

[er.rameshpr]

Have a nice/logical explanation as to why W2 in 2009 doesnt match LCA (e.g. unpaid PTO request from you due to some health/family reason, etc) and you should be good. The chances of VO request to present W2-2009 and explanation needed in Matamoros is as good as you getting asked the same question in any other embassy. Be confident when answering the VO, that's the key. I had a similar W2 situation for 2007 (didnt get paid in the first 2 months of arrival in Nov-2007 to USA). Thankfully they never asked, or else I had my own story to tell as to why my W2 for those 2 months is missing. 

Thanks for the reply. Basically i was out of country for almost 7 months due to medical issues(Having Medical Certificate and Itinerary). But when i came back my employer cancelled my H1, but latter he re-opened that case and finally i got approval in 2010 March and he paid me a bulk amount for Nov, Dec, jan, feb in March pay slip. But now i am no more with that employer and with different employer from Mid 2010. Also i have my Old 797 (Old Employer) Copy, not the original. Will that matters. Also that petition was expired 2 years back. I have all pay slips, W2 and 797 including I140 copy of my current employer. Let me know. Are they concentrating on current employer W2's??

[loreto08]

I think you have a proper explanation right there. Anyways, for me and the couple who appeared for h1 interview the other day, they asked for W2 only with the current employer. Both of us had different VO guys handling our interviews.

[wisdom13]

My H1B visa interview experience at Matamoros, Mexico.

I'm a full time employee. This is my second H1 stamping (first in Europe, though I am Indian citizen) and I have a approved I-140.

I used USVISAMEX (previously MAS) services. They are very helpful.

Fingerprinting done on first day. Eventhough the ASC appointment was at 3:30, we reached at 1 pm and completed in 15 minutes. 

Visa interview on next day:

1. Interview was at 10:00 but we went early and got in by 8:30.

2. First CSC guys check your docs and let you into Interview hall.

3. You will be called for initial interview where you will be asked for basic questions like your name, company name. They will check your I-797 and PIMS and then ask you to wait for your actual interview.

4. Actual interview will be conducted by other staff.

5. Called by Visa Officer. This is how it went with the VO. He was a cool guy greeted him and returned same with pleasant smile.

a. why did you come to Mexico?

b. Which company do you work for?

c. How much do you get paid?

d. Since when are you working with them?

e. Show me W2s since your joining date?

f. Education Degree? I had to request him to turn over the degree as he was looking at the wrong side with puzzled look (i.e. Hindi version)

 

Then came the golden words. Received passport on the same day at 3:30 from the US Consulate (he gave me option to pick passport at USC same day or DHL) and back to US by evening.

P.S: If you are going to Mexico, please make sure that ALL your W2's salary (at least with current employer) is equal or greater than LCA.

If you have approved I-140, please take a copy.

 

There was another Indian couple who had their visa stamped without issues.

Hi loreto,

 

Thanks for valuable info on the forum for visa stamping. I am planning to take stamping in October. Could you please let me know the time for processing the visa. 

 

I also need the details of stay ( which is safest one) and also in terms of security.

 

Thanks

Naresh

[wisdom13]

Hi, 

 

Could you please let me know how many days it took to complete the whole process i.e. from finger prints to collect the passport?

 

Thanks

Naresh

[loreto08]

Day 1 - arrival at Brownsville TX

Day 2 - enter Matamoros. Appear for ASC interview (finger prints and photo)

Day 3 - Visa interview at CSC in the morning. If lucky, get the passport back on the same day and back to Brownsville TX

Day 4 - Only if passport ready on next day.

 

I got back to Brownsville on Tuesday evening after my ASC appoinment on Monday and CSC on Tuesday morning.

I used the services provided by US Visa Mex (link on your other thread).

[loreto08]

Hi loreto,

 

Thanks for valuable info on the forum for visa stamping. I am planning to take stamping in October. Could you please let me know the time for processing the visa. 

 

I also need the details of stay ( which is safest one) and also in terms of security.

 

Thanks

Naresh

If you know Spanish, you can get hotel done at Best Western and use local taxi (approx 20 min from US Consulate).

I would recommend paying few extra bucks to the USVISAMEX services for an organized stay/experience.

[Ana222]

Hi loreto, I have few questions about visa fee payment and banamex receipt mentioned online, Can you please email me at the email address provided on my profile here. Thanks much, Ana

[rojarani14]

Hello Loreto, Congrats on your Visa  at Matamoros. I live in Houston, TX. I am planning to go with my family and kids in May 3rd or 4th week. I would like to use the services of  USVISAMEX?  Is it safe to travel with kids? Can you let me know  whats your number and what is the best time to talk to you tomorrow to  take your guidance? 

 

Appreciate your cooperation on the same.  Can you share your contact number so I can call you.