DOS Blog Entries

Here is a recent visa stamping experience narrated by one of our team members.
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I went for an H-1B visa stamping at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, Canada, in November 2012. This was my first H-1B visa stamping. I wanted to share my experience with you and hope that it will be helpful in providing some insight into the entire process.
Scheduling the Interview

Q: When using the new visa appointment site, what should my client list in the mandatory field that asks for the "Request Number"?

A: When a visa applicant sets up a user account in the appointment system, an 8-digit identifying number is assigned to the applicant. When logged into the appointment system, this "Request Number" appears in white against a red background in the upper right hand corner of the screen in parentheses after the applicant's e-mail address:

The U.S. State Department is launching a pilot program to pre-screen E-1/E-2 visa applicants at consular posts in Canada. Kentucky Consular Center officials will contact the E-1/E-2 applicant's U.S. employer to verify information about the application, including the legitimacy of the company and the investment. This prescreening aims to assist consular officers to focus on the individual applicant's qualifications. The State Department hopes to implement the pilot around the world at consular posts that process E visa applications.

If Congress is unable to reach an agreement regarding the budget on Friday, the government will close at midnight on Saturday April 9. From that time forward, only "essential" government workers remain on the job. Here is a breakdown by agency:
CBP: Inspection and law enforcement are considered "essential personnel" though they will probably have fewer officers on duty.

State Department has published the following press release.

Press Releases 2010

U.S. ambassador announces more convenient U.S. visa application process

November 18, 2010

I normally do not answer questions about filling out forms. But in this case, one of our community members has raised issues that I think are generic enough to be generally applicable. I am posting this for all of you who run into a similar situation. Regards to all. Rajiv.

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