H1B Stamping Dropbox in Canada

[Snape09]

Usually for H1B first stamping they would expect inperson interview.

But why the US consulate said I am eligible for a dropbox?

On this website https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-renewal-by-mail/, it says:

Visa applicants who meet the criteria below may be eligible to apply for their visas by mail, without a visa interview, if:

1. They normally reside in Canada; and
2. They are physically present in Canada; and
3. Their visa and passport have not been lost, stolen, canceled, or revoked; and
4. They fit into one of the following categories:
   • Renewals in the Same Category: They already have a U.S. visa that is valid or has expired within the last 48 months and wish to renew their visa of the same classification (e.g. a holder of a recently expired J visa may NOT renew and get a B1/B2 visa) or
   • F, M, or Academic J Visas: They are applying for an F, M, or Academic J visa and have previously been issued any type of visa; or
   • Individual Petition-Based H, O, P, and Q Visas: They are applying for an H-1, H-3, H-4, O, P, or Q visa and have previously been issued any type of visa. Applicants for L visas are not eligible for interview waiver under this category.

 

[thas]

But why the US consulate said I am eligible for a dropbox?

On this website https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-renewal-by-mail/, it says:

Visa applicants who meet the criteria below may be eligible to apply for their visas by mail, without a visa interview, if:

1. They normally reside in Canada; and
2. They are physically present in Canada; and
3. Their visa and passport have not been lost, stolen, canceled, or revoked; and
4. They fit into one of the following categories:
   • Renewals in the Same Category: They already have a U.S. visa that is valid or has expired within the last 48 months and wish to renew their visa of the same classification (e.g. a holder of a recently expired J visa may NOT renew and get a B1/B2 visa) or
   • F, M, or Academic J Visas: They are applying for an F, M, or Academic J visa and have previously been issued any type of visa; or
   • Individual Petition-Based H, O, P, and Q Visas: They are applying for an H-1, H-3, H-4, O, P, or Q visa and have previously been issued any type of visa. Applicants for L visas are not eligible for interview waiver under this category.

you can give a try

 

[PradipShinde]

Hi Guys,

What is the timeline for H1B drop-box from submitting document to Canada post to getting back ?

What is the current trend at Toronto Consulate?
Has any one done recently , please share input.

 

[PradipShinde]

Want to share my exp on H1B stamping in Canada with closed work permit status,

28-May-2023 DS160 - Submitted
30-May-2023 Documents delivered to Ottawa Consulate
31-May-2023 Application Received
01-Jun-2023 Approved
02-Jun-2023 Issued
05-Jun-2023 Passport/Docs delivered for pickup

I assume this drop-box, May I know the consulate please?

 

[Snape09]

For those of you who received the passport by Purolator, can you share when your package was delivered (morning, evening, or the afternoon)?
Thanks!

 

[aub3456]

But why the US consulate said I am eligible for a dropbox?

On this website https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-renewal-by-mail/, it says:

Visa applicants who meet the criteria below may be eligible to apply for their visas by mail, without a visa interview, if:

1. They normally reside in Canada; and
2. They are physically present in Canada; and
3. Their visa and passport have not been lost, stolen, canceled, or revoked; and
4. They fit into one of the following categories:
   • Renewals in the Same Category: They already have a U.S. visa that is valid or has expired within the last 48 months and wish to renew their visa of the same classification (e.g. a holder of a recently expired J visa may NOT renew and get a B1/B2 visa) or
   • F, M, or Academic J Visas: They are applying for an F, M, or Academic J visa and have previously been issued any type of visa; or
   • Individual Petition-Based H, O, P, and Q Visas: They are applying for an H-1, H-3, H-4, O, P, or Q visa and have previously been issued any type of visa. Applicants for L visas are not eligible for interview waiver under this category.

@Snape09 May I know if you are on a PR in Canada? I am on a closed work permit and my first time getting H1B visa stamp.

I selected YES on the "Select the Conditions That Apply to This Applicant" page, then it shows that I need to send the documents. The reason I selected "YES" is that on the first page "Country of Permanent Residence", it says "select the country where you are granted permission to work, study".

Are you in the same boat?

 

[aub3456]

Want to share my exp on H1B stamping in Canada with closed work permit status,

28-May-2023 DS160 - Submitted
30-May-2023 Documents delivered to Ottawa Consulate
31-May-2023 Application Received
01-Jun-2023 Approved
02-Jun-2023 Issued
05-Jun-2023 Passport/Docs delivered for pickup

Did you have to include your Closed Work Permit photocopy as the proof of status?

 

[Snape09]

@Snape09 May I know if you are on a PR in Canada? I am on a closed work permit and my first time getting H1B visa stamp.

I selected YES on the "Select the Conditions That Apply to This Applicant" page, then it shows that I need to send the documents. The reason I selected "YES" is that on the first page "Country of Permanent Residence", it says "select the country where you are granted permission to work, study".

Are you in the same boat?

I am a PR. So, no. I hope someone in your situation get back to you. I have seen people with work permit applying H1B stamp, but I can't confirm anything. GOOD LUCK!

 

[NiharDudam]

Can anyone share whether Canada Post verifies the Canada Permanent Residency proof? I am a PR holder planning to show bank statements as my proof of residency along with a copy of my PR card.

Can the same residency proof can be used when picking up the passport from Canada post

 

[aub3456]

I am a PR. So, no. I hope someone in your situation get back to you. I have seen people with work permit applying H1B stamp, but I can't confirm anything. GOOD LUCK!

Thank you. One more question if you don't mind, did the usvisa website say "Pending Consular Authorization" and to wait for email instructions after paying the visa fees?

 

[swan0206]

This is also gonna be my first time getting an H1B stamping. But I got my F1 visa stamp before. Any thoughts? Do you think I will also get a "refused" status?

Can you please update your status . If approved or attended an interview, your timelines please!

 

[Snape09]

Can you please update your status . If approved or attended an interview, your timelines please!

I am approved.

Timeline:
5/25 Documents delivered to the Consulate in Toronto
6/1 Application received (Online Tracker)
6/12 Application updated
6/14 (Approved and Issued)

GOOD LUCK!

 

[aub3456]

Thank you. One more question if you don't mind, did the usvisa website say "Pending Consular Authorization" and to wait for email instructions after paying the visa fees?

Never mind. It took about ~6 calendar days for me to get email instructions.

 

[aub3456]

Mine was issued. First time H1B stamp, previous visa was F1 that expired in mid-2020. I am on a closed work permit in Canada.

Timeline:
06/28 Docs delivered to the consulate in Toronto
07/06 Application Received
07/10 Issued
07/11 Passport picked up by Canada Post
07/12 Delivered

 

[sanov11]

Mine was issued. First time H1B stamp, previous visa was F1 that expired in mid-2020. I am on a closed work permit in Canada.

Timeline:
06/28 Docs delivered to the consulate in Toronto
07/06 Application Received
07/10 Issued
07/11 Passport picked up by Canada Post
07/12 Delivered

my documents are received today