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H1 - Multiple Entry Visa Page

India Network article about this page

Important Immigration Info
The Original Posting from the Web
Visa Tips from Madras
Responses to this page

Various Rejections
Humorous Visa Quips

The Preliminary Step : Appointment

You need to have an appointment to visit any consulate starting May 1st 1996. The US Consulate has a 900 number : 1-900-443-3131. The rates are $2.85 per minute(they're screwing you, but you're helpless!) Don't be fussy about the dates, I wanted to go there on a Monday morning, but never got an appointment for a Monday, spent 3 calls and $50, and finally settled for the first available date. The latest on the 900 number is that all the appointments scheduled are done by the automated process and you cannot talk to a rep. for making an appointment.
For your convenience, here is the menu of the automated system (Hey Sriram is just trying to save you some bucks...) :
1. Enter your numeric passport number
2. Enter your reference number, if you are a first caller, it will give you a reference number
3. Press 2 to make an appointment
4. The consulates number codes are...
01 - Vancouver, 02 - Toronto, 03 - Montreal, 04 - Calgary, 05 - Halifax, 06 - Ottawa, 07 - Quebec, 08 - Tijuana
Again, don't be fussy about the dates. My roomie wanted me to set him a date(with the consulate of course ;-), and the only date I could get him was with Halifax! Toronto has a 90 day advance booking period, the others have a 21 day booking period, so the others are usually booked except for Halifax which is like in the end of the earth...
And if you need to cancel your appointment, you can call a TOLL FREE, yes TOLL FREE number(viva US Consulate!), which is 1-888-611-6676

For more info on the 900 number, check out the Department of State's web site.

Second Step : Canadian Visa

Applied for the visa in the Canadian Embassy in Downtown Detroit at 600 Renaissance Center, Ste. 1100, Detroit, MI 48243. You could get some brochures and maps of Ontario for free, while you wait, which has the attractions of Toronto and some coupons too. If you go there before 8:30 am, you'll get the visa at 10:30 am. The number for consulate in Detroit is (313)-567-2085 and you could ask them to send an appl. form by mail to save some time. You can now also ask them to fax over an application form with the automated system. Getting a multiple entry visa is perfectly legal, so don't be a typical desi and say you are visiting Canada to see Niagara Falls or a relative (some netters were even asked for their fictitious relatives' address)!!

Documents needed for a Canadian Visa:
* Application(you can ask them to send you one by mail)
* Passport
* I-797
* Banker Rs check or money order for $55.00(single entry), $110(Multiple)

The Canadian Embassy takes 5 days to process the visa by post, but in one case, it took more than 10 days and the person got the appointment for the interview and the Canadian Visa took longer than expected. The person had to come down to Detroit to get the visa after asking them not to send the visa by post.

The route from Detroit : Courtesy Vikram Kapoor

94 E, take Tunnel to Canada, Pay $2 toll, Canadian immigration would stamp your passport, take 401 E towards London/Toronto, Exit at Don Valley Parkway South towards downtown. West on Richmond Drive. Right on Richmond Drive into the University Avenue. Head North on University Avenue till you reach Dundas Street. Go past Dundas St. Make a U-turn on the University Avenue and then make a right turn into Dundas St reet. You would be heading west on Dundas Street. The street after University Avenue is Simcoe Street. Make a left turn and then a left turn again to enter Simcoe street heading north. The US Consulate is at 225 Simcoe Street which is one way street heading North.

The checklist:

1 The form they sent you (OF-156) with the Appointment Letter(Imp.)
2 Cash $20(Processing Fee) + $100(Reciprocity Fee) in $20 bills
3 Passport with I-94
4 Employment letter stating Job Title, salary, start date, reason for multiple entry(if possible) etc.
5 Original H1-B approval Notice (I-797) with I-94
6 Labor Conditioning Document (ETA-9035)
7 I-129 (Petition by lawyer for a non-immigrant worker)
8 2 Passport size Photographs (37mm x 37mm)
9 A few latest pay-stubs
10 Degree Certificate (Original) and transcripts
11 Old I-94 (This is stapled to your passport and should *not* be surrendered when you cross the border and enter Canada.)
12 Original I-20, if F1 was UR previous status
13 W2 forms and tax filing (optional)
14 EAD (Your PT Card)
15 Your Company ID/Badge SSN Card (optional)
16 RESUME' (Added by Srinivas Ganesan, May 97)
17 Company brochures/ Product data sheets, for people from companies which are not all that well known (Added by Vishy Lakshmanan, June 97)

Checklist for H4:

* (Star) indicates importance. Each visa application needs a fee of Rs. 720 *** ($20 equivalent) to be paid in the form of a bank demand draft drawn in favor of American Consulate General Very important as the security guys outside only checks to see if you have an application and a DD in rupees of $20 equivalent.

1. Original H1 Visa approval (I 797)
2. Copy of H1 petition filed (I 129)
3. Copies of passport pages of H1 holder (visa page very important) **
4. Copy of Labor Condition Application (LCA)
5. Original Letter from Employer - with position, salary, address. *
6. Original Paystubs + Original Bank Statement - last 1-2 *
7. Copy of last tax returns
8. Original Marriage Certificate **
9. Original Notarized Affidavit of Support (I 134 or I154 ??)) *
10. Original Marriage Invitation Cards (both bride and groom) *
11. Marriage photographs album/video
12. Community certificate (for caste)
13. Spouses degree certificates
14. Copies of H1 holders degree certificates / Transcript
15. Letter by H1 holder addressing consulate in favor of spouse visa *
If the visa is granted, the fee is currently Rs. 3600 (cash only) for a multiple entry visa (it can change depending on the exchange rate & its better to take extra cash). Also required, a passport size photograph (white background) - its a good idea to t ake 2-3 extra photographs. Also, I took photocopies of all the original documents in case they ask for it. This is more than what you would need, I think. It is better to have something that is not needed than to need something you dont have or did not take along.

The Consulate in Toronto

The address is : U.S. Consulate General, 360 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario. Canada M5G 1S4. The consulate is open from 8:30 to 10:00 am, and be there by 6:30. Restrooms are hard to find at Simcoe Str. We reached there at 6:00 and had to wait till a restaurant opened at 6:30. If you park in a metered parking at Simcoe, make sure that you put coins after 8:00(I know its not possible), we were lucky and nearly missed a parking ticket.

The interview

The first thing they ask you to be on the line is if you have an appointment and US $20 fee, you should also fill out the OS-156 form. One place on the form had me confused, it asks for the purpose of visit, and I filled out "Multiple Entry Visa", but since its a US visa form, it was supposed to be "Work" and I had to fill out another form at the entrance (they give you enough forms if you have made a mistake).

The only catch in the interview is if the interviewer asks you why you can't apply in India? For this a letter from the employer would be helpful saying that you will be going to client sites in Canada, Europe and Mexico!

She(a stern faced Oriental) : ---
Me : Hi
She : How can I help you?
Me : H1 Multiple Entry (stuffing all the papers at her face)
Make sure you have all the papers in a bunch and don't let her ask for any more paperwork.
She : What is an Oracle Programmer?
Me : Bla Bla...
She : What is your major? Which Univ.?
ME : Comp. Sci., Wayne State Univ.
She writes it down on the OS 156 form. I guess people working on unrelated fields might have problems.
She : When do you plan to go back to India?
Me : After 3 years.
She : Why didn't you apply for a visa in India?
Me : Hmmm.... 'coz I work for Ford Motors, and I have to go to client sites in Canada, Europe and Mexico? --- A blatant lie ;-)
She : How long have you been working?
Me : 4 months
She : Why do you need an H-1 so soon?
Me : I was working for EDS/GM before on my PT, and my PT expired in April, so I need a ME visa.
She : Pay $100 upstairs.
Me : OK, thanks (yipeee....)

Usually they don't ask so many questions. F-1 extensions can expect some. Not to scare some of you guys, but unless you are a Ph.D student trying to extend your F-1, the chances are bleak since they ask you to apply in India. You could probably get a letter from your advisor saying that you have to attend symposiums in Europe or something, which might be of some help. Other than that, went to Niagara Falls that day, went to the Markham Ganapathy Temple (5 mts from where we stayed in Markham), the CN tower and Skydome in Downtown and Gerrard street(similar to Chicago's Devon Avenue) the next day, and picked up the visa at 3:00. If you go there at 3:30 there will be no line, but being a desi, I know you'd be waiting in the line from 2:45!!

- Sriram Ganapathy
sriram@hub.eng.wayne.edu / sganapat@ford.com
(313) 322-6999 / (800) 509-FORD (W)

H1 Multiple FAQ:

When u call the 900# what are the details they ask for ??
They ask your Passport number, SSN, the reason for visit and your address. Then they give you a reference number and send you the OS156 form and the appointment letter within 2 weeks.

How early from the appointment date should one call ??
Thats the catch. If you want a particular date, chances are that you'll spend $100+ on phone calls. I'd suggest to take whatever date is available. I wouldn't choose a Friday because I would have to stay there for a weekend.

I am planning on going to Toronto to renew my F1 visa. (I have a conference to attend in Europe in August.) I want to know your advice on this (remember that I am going for F1). Do you have information for or against different consulates in Toronto/Montreol/Ottawa ? From Albany, NY all three are equally accessible.
I think if you can prove that you have a seminar in Europe, and make it clear when you make an appointment, you should be fairly safe. But, be advised that the consulate might ask you the reason why you don't want to apply in Europe? You could say that your duration of stay would be 3 days or something and you don't have time to apply in Europe.
I'd suggest either Toronto or Ottawa, Montreal had a H-1 ME reject some time back, asking the person to apply in India!

1. What is the 900 number I need to call to call in order to schedule an appointment.
See above.

2. How long before do I need to schedule the appoinment? I have heard that the minimum waiting time ( to get an apointment) is 3 weeks.
See above.

3. What are the papers I need to take with me ?
See above.

4. What is the success rate in Toronto ?
Heard that its better than other places in Canda.

5. How lomg do I have to stay in Toronto ?
Two days and one night, if everything goes right.

6. Do I need to apply for a Canadian Visa in order to enter Canada?
See above.

7. If my Visa gets rejected, can I still enter the US?
Yes. Under Section 214(b)?? Not sure of the number

8. Is there any vital matter that an H1-B applicant needs to know ?
The H1 visa is your gateway to the world ;-)

News from the net

My wife's visa (Transfer from F-2 - F-1 ) has been rejected from Montreal and at least 5 cases were rejected in front of her. I thought that may be this mail can be of help for some of you who are planning to change visa from F-1 to H-1 or F-2 to F-1.

1. Do not apply from Montreal.
2. Now you can no more go and apply for a Visa. U need to have appointment made at least 14 days before the day u are visiting.
3. They dont even care to look at yr papers and behave very rudely.
So folks be cautious before u choose yr consulate.

From: Arvind Shirur (arvind@eye.com)
How are you doing ?
I was lucky to get the H-1B Mutiple visa. I had some problems in the interview. She had some problem with the fact that my degree is in Mech Engg and I am doing software development. To her Mech is building cars, and aeroplanes. What she couldn't readily grasp is that I am building tools (CAD Tools) for Mech Engineers. Knowledge of Mech is essential. She wanted to see my transcripts. When I showed 'em, it was not what she wanted. She wanted "Program of study". Fortunately I had taken it with me.
I also showed her my company catalogs to prove that we are making CAD Tools. Initially, I did a very subtle mistake. I tried to prove that my courses had prepared me for this job (software development). That was wrong. What she was looking for was evidence to show my job has something to do with Mech. But by this time however, she had made her mind to have me wait for the second interview. And after about 30 min of waiting, they told me that they are giving me the visa ! I have no idea, how they came to the decision. Off course, I didn't wait to ask. All is well that ends well.

Date: Thu, 24 Oct 1996 13:34:42 -0500
From: gmahindr@woody3.attmail.com (gmahindr)
Hi! Netters,
I had an appointment at the US Consulate for the 17th of October. I reached there at about 7.15am - there were about 25 people already in the line.The Consulate let everybody in at around 8.30am - after making sure that you had $20 in US currency. Then in lots of 7 we went to the cashier to pay the money($20)-the cashier would also check your appointment letter, OF form and passport. Next you would go to the line for interviews. The person who took my interview asked me some general questions like-- Q)How long have you been working? Q)What are you working as? Q)Which location are you working at? Q)Show me your transcripts? Q)Were you working in India?(As mine was case from H4 to H1 and I had already worked in India) Then she asked me to go and deposit $100 and come back and show her the receipt. After showing her the receipt she gave me a token and told me to collect the passport next day between 3 and 4pm.
I personally feel that if you have all the papers and you were never out of status there shouldn't be a problem -- a lot of things do depend on your case also. As far as the rule is concerned there was a lot of panic when I left but I think it's for the people who were out of status at any given point of time in US. Infact, I did get a letter from INS(everybody who has or is going to take an appointment either at Canada or Mexico is going to get the same) that said that if I have ever been out of status I should cancel my appointment at the border post and apply for the visa at the Consulate in my home country.

Date: Tue, 5 Nov 1996 17:33:26 -0500 (EST)
From: Deepak Seth (seth@cs.neu.edu)
Subject: H1B Multiple at Montreal
Folks,
I just got back from Montreal and obtained a multiple entry visa. I flew from Boston on Air Canada and they did not ask for my passport/I-94. In Montreal at the US consulate, the collected the documents prior to the interview. They asked me for my passport, I-797, I-129, and letter from my employer. I noticed they are very particular about dates. I went from and F1 to a H1B (no practical training). At the interview, I was asked when I arrived in the USA, when/where I graduated, when I began work. In the end I was asked to show some pay stubs. When leaving Montreal, my old I-94 was taken, and a new one given.
If anybody has any questions feel free to email me at seth@cs.neu.edu
-Deepak

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 1996 19:35:54 -0800 (PST)
From: Sandeep Krishnamurthy (sandeep@u.washington.edu)
Subject: Regarding smooth multiple H1B at Vancouver
Hi everybody-
I just returned from my H1B expedition to Vancouver.
Everything went off incredibly smoothly. My interview lasted just a couple of minutes before I was told to collect the visa the next day.
I did not see too many Indians for H1B. My speculation is the posting on Sheela Murthy's webpage that Vancouver is approaching a 100% refusal rate led to this low turnout. Well, maybe not. Maybe I am just a late bird.
Standing in line the one thing I noticed was there were quite finicky that you have a recent passport photograph. So, make sure you go to the closest AAA for that. Other than that, my general advice to you is be up front about everything. The consular office was tough but seemed pretty fair to me.
Also, it seems like you should paste your photo with two-sided tape and not staple it. Make sure you do that. Take extra photos just in case.

Things to do in Vancouver:
(a)Check out India Gate restaurant in downtown. Pretty OK.
(b)There is a small underground mall approx. outside the consulate. Also, there is a cute place called Atomic Cafe. Great to spend 1-1.5 hours reading newspapers and chugging coffee.
(c)Pretty OK Chinatown.
(d)Great views of the ocean.

My sincere thanks to the netter called sagar who has compiled in great detail how this process works. I had a printout of his webpage up to the last minute. All his advice was pukka and I greatly benefitted from it. I would all of you to take a copy of that *regardless of which consulate* you go to.
A last observation. I have also been to Juarez and there is no contest. The process is so much more civilized north of the border.

Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 03:09:23 -0500
From: Ajit Suri (AJITS@OTSUKA.OAPI.COM)
Subject: Multiple H1 from Vancouver
As for the trip, now looking back, it sounds and was indeed very smooth. I drove through the border at Vancouver in the early morning of 10/31. They inquired about the purpose of my trip and requested for documentation to suppport that, which was a piece of cake :)
Reached the American consulate well in time, thanks to Dwivedi sahib for faultless directions! Having an appointment makes it easy that now we don't have to stand in the line hours before the appointment. Half an hour before the appointment is reasonable.
During the first encounter with the consulate officer (before actual interview), the guy at the counter was asking almost everybody to get a new photograph. Luckily there is a studio acros the street and he/she provides with name and directions to that place. I had to do the same as well.
The lady who conducted my interview, somehow seemed very reasonable to me from the very beginning. Anyway, she pretty much looked into I-20, PT, H1 approval letter to make sure all dates are in place. She did ask me questions relating to my job as to what kind of research I do and my specific involvment and stuff, which was again a piece of cake! :) After that she told me to go pay the fee and come back. After returning to her, she gave me a slip and asked to get the passport next day. I asked her "So, do I have it?", to which she remarked "As long as everything you told me is correct!".
Regarding Vancouver, its a nice city but I would recommend against walking around in certain neighbourhoods, specially eastern part of the town (and north of Hastings Street), near china town and surroundings. I would certainly recommend you to visit the Punjabi market on Main street. It was a surprise treat for me when I was driving around and saw street names marked in punjabi.
Regarding staying, I stayed at Quality Inn (I think it was on Marine Dr., little east of main street) and it was pretty good too.
Next day I picked up my passsport and was certainly relieved. Finally, in nut shell if you are planning to go to Vancouver and never been out of status then I would say go for it! Thats all folks.
If you have any further questions then please do not hesitate to Email/call me. Good luck.

Anonymous on Fri, 07 Feb 1997
H1B - Multiple Entry Visa at Toronto, Canada
Date: January 27, 1997 (middle of winter)
Transportation: Car
Called 900 number and were given an appointment after 20 days. I got an operator in about few min. I mad two appointments during one call and it took me about 8 min for both. Operator sounds professional. You will get a confirmation letter and forms by mail in about few days.
Drove to Toronto on 26th from Clevland, OH. Route I90 E from Clevland to Buffalo, NY (3hr), I190N to the Peace Bridge (1/2 hr). Entered Canada from the Peace bridge, took QEW to Toronto (2hr). At the Canadian border, no documents were checked. Only three questions were asked: where are you going, where are you coming from, when are you going back etc.
Stayed in a Motel in Toronto. Most motels were empty due to winter. US embassy is located at Simco street, downtown Toronto, just east of University drive/York Street and South of Danda^Rs street. It can be reached from QEW East, Gardner Expressway East, Exit and Left on Yonge street, Left on Queen (not quite sure you allowed a left here), and right on Simco. There are quite a few parking garages (CAN $8/day for early birds) and parking meters ($1/hr) located along Simco.
We arrived there around 7AM. There were about 50 others were waiting along the line. Make sure you dress well for the cold weather if you go during winter (need good Boots, gloves, and something to wrap around your head). Small coffee shops are located few blocks North of embassy and will open around 7 am. About 7.50 am we were allowed to form another line just inside the embassy terrace, still in the cold.
They will give you application form, if you haven^Rt got one. Around 8 am, a batch of 7 were asked to go into the embassy and form another line to pay US$20 app fee. At this time, you can take pictures if you don^Rt have them (CAN $3 exact change for 2 photos). Cashier checks the appointment letter when you pay. Then you go to the line right next to cashier for the interview. About 3-4 officers behind a glass window conduct interviews. We were interviewed about 8.45 am. During the interview, the officer (a Lady) checked all the dates of my documents to verify that I was never out of states. She only asked me very few general questions. She wanted to look at my I797, hiring letter, degree certificate, and PT card. Did not ask why I need visa. She noticed that I received my PT 65 days after my graduation date, from the date on the PT card (I was technically 5 days out of state). Fortunately, I had a document sent to me by INS stating that they received my PT request before 60 days, otherwise I won^Rt be writing this. She did not accept any other docs that shows the date I sent the application. After the interview, she got my passport, I797, I94 and gave me a token asking me to collect the visa between 3 - 4 pm following day (anyone can pick your passport with the token). My wife (another H1B) also got her visa without any problem. She was next to me during the interview, and were asked only one general question.
Following day, we went to embassy around 2.50pm and collected the visa within 5 min. I got my old I94 and I797 back with the passport. There were plenty of empty meter parking spaces along Simco. Our overall experience at the embassy was good and fair. I guess, if you have all the paperwork ready, you don^Rt have to worry too much. There were over 100 people lined up to get visa, line moved quite fast. It appeared many were pretty successful in getting what they want from the embassy.
Got back to US from the same way. At the border, an officer checked our passports, asked whether we bring anything from Canada, how long we were there, and the purpose of our trip. Things to know if this is your first visit to Canada. I got my Canadian visitor^Rs by express mail (returned postage also sent) by sending to my application material to the embassy at DC (address can be found at http://www.singer.ca/adr.html).
http://americanlaw.com/visitor.html has Canadian visa info and applications. The visa fee is US$55 single entry and $100 multiple. Currency conversion 1 US$ ~ 1.30 CAN $. Canadians use metric units. Most venders loved to accept US$s. Make sure you ask the conversion rate before pay. I was told that you get a better conversion for your credit card. Restaurants will charge you up to 17% tax, minus tips. Downtown Toronto seems safe. Canadians drives good both in the city and on highways. I hardly saw any US cars, even though Toronto was only 2 hrs from the border. Phone 800 668 2746 and request Canada tourist info before you go there. Good Luck!

Date: Fri, 9 May 97 13:20:40 EDT
From: Srinivasa Ganesan (sganesan@mrps3.em.gmr.com)
The situation is ok provided u have to follow 3 laws such as 1. Be on status
2. Work on related field
3. Make sure u let them know that u will be travelling to some place other thanmexico and Canada b'cause u do not need a Multiple to these places (a desi was sent back (not rejected) b'cause his letter said he has to travel only to Canada and Mexico)
Too many question were asked such as
1. Where is ur company badge
2. U r working for GM, why can't u work direct and get a h-1 sponsered by GM since they need u badly
3. Where do u live
4. How far is ur home from work
5. How did u find this job
6. I ahve a feeling that u r working only to keep up ur status is that right?
7. Show me some courses in ur transcripts which u r working on
8. Show me ur degree certificate
9. When r u going to go to india
10. Why can't u go and get ur visa in the country u r visiting on business purpose?
11. How long is this job going to last?
12. What would u do after this project is over?
13. What was ur total income for 1996?
14. U cam here on F-1 and got one year experience in PT, and u should have gone back but u r staying back?
15. Where did u work before working for GM
16. Can i see ur RESUME
15. Show me ur previous employment letter and pay stubs?
Things r not that smooth in Toronto. but if every paper work is ok then i this it is alright

Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 09:03:15 -0600
From: Viswanathan Lakshmanan (vishy@strauss.co.symbios.com)
Went to Calgary, Alberta
When you fly into Canada, you are given a Canada customs form to fill in the aircraft which basically asks you if you are bringing anything of value from the US to Canada. At the Canadian immigration he checks ur visa, asks you for the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay and stamps the passport. He writes some number on the form you had already filled (Customs form) and gives you a copy along with your passport without even taking off the I-94. This copy has to be handed over to the person at the gate and thats it. You are in Canada.
I had an appointment at the consulate at 10:30. I was there by 8:00am and I was the first in line. The security person asked me to be back at around 8:20am as the consulate opened only at 8:30am. Was back at 8:20 and was still the only guy in line. Five minutes later was joined by a horde of orientals and Americans themselves. Was called in at 8:30 sharp and after seeing the appointment letter and that I had already filled in the OF-156 he asked me to wait at the first window. Five minutes later a person called me at that window, asked me what I wanted. Told him I needed a multiple. He asked for the documents which I gave in a big bunch. He asked for the $20 processing fee and gave me a receipt. This took about 10 minutes. Was waiting from 8:45 on and around 9:15 another person(the consulate officer) called me at Window 3. He asked me the purpose of my trip to the far-east and after due explaination, asked me why I did not get back after graduation. I told him I was on my PT and that was when I got my job and as it was a temporary contract for 3 years I shall go back once and for all after that period. He asked me to pay the fees of $100 and get back at 10am the next day for picking up the passport.
He kept with him the passport, the H1B and the letter from the employer and asked me to give him a copy of the receipt. The next day in an envelope were the passport with the new visa, H1B and the letter from the employer. The old I-94 was still in place. This I turned in to the immigration officer at Canada wherein I was issued a fresh I-94.
That was it and back again to the US of A.
Once again ... ur page was a real help.

Date: Tue, 01 Jul 1997 11:15:30 -0700 From: Balakumar Prasannan (bxprasa@peoples.com)
Sriram:
Saw your H1 info. Here are my experiences. If you can, put them online. Hope it helps others.
I went to Montreal Canada for my H1 in October 1996. I actually drove with a friend of mine. Both of us got our visas there. It was a nice drive. Get you Canadian visa if you have not already got it.
I would say depending on where you live either go to NY City in person (it takes half a day) or get it by post. Though post is supposed to be easier, I had friends who had problems with mail in visas-being lost, or passports close to expiry etc. Have sufficient blank pages in your passport. See that your passport expires at least a month after the date of the visa.
You have to get the appointment letter from the Montreal US Embassy. This is vvv important. They will not let you into the building without the letter. Get cash ($20 for app fee, $100 for visa itself). It will be a two day procedure. Have all your documents. You have to call a 1-900 number for the appointment. The cost is terrible !
Route: Milford CT to Albany NY via I-84 and I-87 (to pickup friend). Then on I-87 to border. We reached the border at 1:00 am and the guard took a look at us and asked us if we were going for H-1 !! We said we have an appointment next day at the US embassy in Montreal for a multiple entry H-1. We went to a booth, an official checked our documents. We had removed our old I-94s. He specifically asked for them and we handed them over (sheepish grins). he then informed us that even though we might get a Multiple Entry H1B there is no guarantee of a new I-94 at the border again. We said, we are willing to risk it ! I-87 then becomes Rt 15 Nord in Canada.
Reached Montreal at 3:00 am (for the 8:30 am) interview ! One hour from the border. Follow speed limits carefully. There are in SI system (100 KMPH). A friend of mine got a ticket for driving at 100 mph instead of 100 kmph (CAN $350). There will be no hard questions if you have all documents and you have come the classic way-student on F1, job, single entry H1 etc. He may ask you about your univ, your job, reason to come to Canada. Get letters from your company telling them that they may need to send you overseas and thats why you have come to Canada to get your visa. Why not Go to India? Ans: you have no vacation or time. Have financial statements from your company showing its stability etc. If you have documented proof that it does business on a worldwide basis, take it-it may be a reason.
Montreal is beautiful. roam around. There are plenty of good affordable places to stay. No language problems. Bilingual-English and French.
We got a Holiday Inn near Dorval Airport. Pretty affordable. A 10 minute ride to the Downtown-the Embassy is in Rue Alexandre. Lots of metered parking in the street opposite (some paid parking lots also). There is a cafe sort of place in the basement. If you forget fotos, there are foto machines in the basement. No cellphones, beepers electronics allowed inside.
Otherwise the interview is cool. You will be one of 50 indians going thru the same thing-it makes you pretty nervous. Take colour fotos, all degree certs, all your documents-I 729, I-129 etc. Take your offer letter. You may be required to submit your old/existing I-94 at the border post into Canada. Theoretically if you hold on to that, even if you get rejected, you can use that to come back in.
The interviewer was extremely courteous. They announce your names on the PA and you go to your booth. They check for continuity of status. They ask you about your degree. In my case he asked me about Univ of CT and its basketball program! No questions about why not go to India etc. But be careful of questions like when do you plan to go to India next etc. most people go to Canada to get their H-1 and then fly to India the next day. So dont tell them anything about an imminent vacation to India. My friend had to go the next day at 3:00 pm, catch a flight to JFK and then an Air india flight to India for his marriage next day ! He was in a bit of a fix, so plan ahead in advance.
After the interview, paod the $100, slept a bit, roamed Montreal (the subway and bus systems are clean and excellent). Cabs are cheap. We exchanged US $ for Canadian dollars at the hotel where we stayed. Good restaurants nearby.
Next day, at 2:00 drove to embassy, got the visas (its like an auction, they call your names aloud), left my friend at Montreal airport and drove back all the way to CT.
Alternate route: If you fly into Vermont-Burlington 9Lake champlaign) Take I-89 and on I-89 take exit 17 to Rte 2 (which bisects Lake Champlaign). At the end of Rte 2 (you see signs for Canada everywhere), you come to a huge humped bridge and a T-junction. You can turn left there to go directly to the border, or turn right to Rouses Point Village in NY, pass thru it and reach Champlain on I-87. then you go to the border post that I went thru. This is preferable as this road goes directly to Montreal.
Quebec City is also nearer. Less of a crowd there. But there are language problems there. Rejection rate is slightly higher.
Add to your info the fact that when you return back, you have a $6 (US) fee for the new I-94 that was not there before.