Renewing an H-1B or upgrading your visa by visiting Canada or Mexico

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Renewing An H-1B Or Upgrading Your Visa By
Visiting Canada Or Mexico
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Overview
U.S. immigration law requires that foreign
nationals seeking to get a first-time H-1B visa
or renew a current visa get it stamped at an
overseas U.S. consulate. Changing visa status
from a H-4 to a H1-B or a F1 to a H-1B also
requires stamping at an overseas consulate. In
some cases, getting your visa stamped in Canada
or Mexico may be quicker and more convenient than
returning to your home country for visa stamping.
Other times it may not.
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What Is An H-1B Visa?

• An H1-B visa is a work visa that allows foreign
  nationals with specialized skills to work in the
  U.S. Some common features of the H-1B visa are
• Good for up to three years. Extendable for up to
  six years.
• Dual intent. Holders of H-1B visas can apply for
  a green card.
• Dependent on employment. Should the employer of
  the H-1B holder terminate or lay off the holder,
  or should the holder quit his or her job, the
  holder must find another job or leave the U.S.
• Subject to yearly caps.
• Capped. U.S. law sets a limit on the number of
  H-1B visas issued annually.
• Required to be stamped at an overseas consulate
  before entry into the U.S.

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Why Should I Get My Visa Stamped In Canada Or
Mexico?

• In some cases, foreign nationals can get their
  H-1B visas stamped in Canada or Mexico. This may
  be preferable to getting the visa stamped in your
  home country because
• There may be less hassle getting the visa stamped
  in Canada or Mexico than your home country.
• If youre already in the U.S. or away from your
  home country, traveling to Canada or Mexico may
  be less expensive than returning home for a visa
  stamp.
• Unrest in your home country may make returning
  their unfeasible.

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What Do I Need To Bring?

• Bringing the right paperwork is essential to
  ensuring the visa re-stamping or stamping process
  goes as smoothly as possible. Documents foreign
  nationals will need to bring include
• Valid passport
• Letter of Employment
• LCA, I-129 Petition, Cover letter
• Current visa. If in the U.S. bring all documents
  to show you have maintained status
• Past visas and passports
• More documentation may also be required.
  Consulting with an immigration attorney will help
  you ensure you have all the right papers for
  convenient processing.

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Why Hire An Immigration Attorney To Help?

• Foreign nationals seeking to renew a visa or
  change status by visiting Mexico or Canada are
  advised to hire an immigration attorney to help
  with the process. An immigration attorney can
  help
• Advise you on whether getting your visa stamped
  in Canada or Mexico or going home to get it
  stamped is your best option.
• Handle any discrepancies between paperwork used
  in your home country and the country where youre
  getting your visa re-stamped.
• Handle any questions or issues consular officials
  may have with your paperwork.
• Ensure all paperwork is in order and that you are
  properly prepared for an interview by officials.
• Hiring an attorney is especially recommended if
  you are trying to change your immigration status
  from an H-4 or F-1 visa to an H-1B visa.

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Where Can I Go To Get My Visa Stamped In Mexico?

• Juarez
• Nogales
• Matamoros
• Tijuana
• Nuevo Laredo

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Where Can I Go To Get My Visa Stamped In Canada?

• Vancouver
• Quebec City
• Halifax
• Calgary
• Toronto
• Montreal
• Ottawa

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Who Cant Get A Visa Renewed In Canada Or Mexico?

• In general, U.S. officials encourage getting your
  visa re-stamped in your home country. However,
  third country nationals can and do get visas
  re-stamped in Canada or Mexico. People who
  definitely cannot get visas re-stamped in Canada
  or Mexico include
• Residents of nations designated as state sponsors
  of terror.
• Foreign nationals whose visas have expired,
  placing them out of status.
• In most cases, foreign nationals seeking E visas.

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About The Law Office of Samira Recob
Samira Recob is a Denver, Colorado based attorney
specializing in immigration law. Recob can help
companies trying to establish residency for their
foreign workers, U.S. citizens trying to bring
fiancées and spouses from overseas and resident
aliens trying to change their immigration status,
among other needs. Recobs experience helps
ensure clients quickly and effectively navigate
the bureaucracy surrounding immigration law. For
more information visit http//www.recoblaw.com.