Hi Guys,

I recently got H1 B visa from US consulate in Toronto and wanted to post my experience for everyone.

I was in USA on F1(student) visa and got H1 approval in Nov 2003. Took appointment on-line for Jan 7. Took visitor visa of Canada from New York and reached Canada on 5th Jan and deposited $100 in Scotia Bank.

On the day of the appointment reached 15 min before appointment. After security check went in and submitted the DS 156, DS 157, H1 B approval, payment slips (for $100) and passport. After checking the forms I was asked to sit.

My name was called after 45 min. The lady only asked me if this was my first H1 and then asked me to submit the reciprocity fee on the third floor of the embassy. For Indian citizens the fee is $50. After depositing the fee I came back to the same lady and gave her the receipt for the $50 fee. I was asked to wait again till my name is called again.

In another 15 min my name was called. The guy took digital fingerprint of my index fingers. Then he gave me a slip and told me to come the next day between 3 and 4 to get my passport.

The whole process in the consulate took me around one hour and thirty min. The next day I got my passport from the window outside the embassy

One advise to every one please check the weather of Toronto before going there. The week I was there it was -20 C. Travelling will not be a problem as the subway in Toronto is excellent. The nearest subway station to the Embassy is Osgoode.

Congratulations. Thank you for the sharing the info.