I have been working as a consultant for a company since January, 2008. I got my H1-B visa through another company (I think is affiliated to the company I'm working for). I did my bachelors in US. I am on OPT and I came here from Nepal in August 2001 with F1 visa (expired already in 2002- duration of study stamping in the visa). I want to go to Canada or Mexico for H1-B visa stamping soon since I want to go to Nepal. I had some questions:

1. Is it better to go to Canada or Mexico?
2. I am on OPT right now- can I go before October, 1, 2008?
3. What documents would I need to carry along with me?
   
4. How do I make an appointment with the consulate in Canada/Mexico and what are my chances of getting my visa stamped there?

I would really appreciate it if you can get back to me. Thanks!
P.S I tried asking many people but got conflicting suggestions. Even my company is not too keen on getting back to me. Please help :)

hang on............i'll reply to this thread

Thanks :)

You may go to Canada or Mexico only if you have some spare money. Sometimes, there can be a wait or detour to Nepal ( because of lack of documents etc. ) . Getting a H1b visa from Nepal is relatively simpler and so far every body I have known have got the visa...

I know three persons very well who took different approaches- Mexico, Canada and Directly to Nepal. The one who went to Mexico had to wait for one more week than predicted because of some documents check.
All three got H1B visa comfortably. One good thing about going to Mexico is that you don't need mexican visa, and you would save some money. Good thing about Canada is that, you can get multiple entry visa which can be used for later on too.

GO to Mexico or Canada they never stops you but can give trouble..Nepal ma ni visa reject hunna but they can put you on hold ....which would be mentally challenging....

Thanks lightnup and piranha. I am going to Nepal for only 2 weeks so I can't afford to be stuck there because of work here. FreeH1B (or anyone else) can you please answer all my questions:) I need to make a decision soon.

Mexico is your destinee then..Try to get hold of BROKER who helps you cross border and get visa......they should be able to guide you well...

http://www.mexicoimmigrationconsultants.com/MATAMOROSCONSULATETRIP.html

F1 To H1B

I-20. Original degree and transcripts. OPT card (Optional Practical Training) Federal and State Tax return and W-2 forms. Passport with I-94. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Offer letter from your employer stating date of employment and salary information. Appointment letter for visa (If you don't have the appointment letter, a print out of your appointment with reference number is OK). Company information if available, type in a great quote from the journal that lifts the profile of your company and products. DS156 application form.

 

If you can afford, go to Canada. You can also get the Canadian Visit Visa in the process. Other wise, Mexico is better alternative of going to Nepal when you just have two weeks to spend in Nepal. Although, if you do get a visa back to US, spend more than two weeks in Nepal. You will be very glad you did.