My question is how long does the process takes to get the Visa stamp. I have already been approved for the non-capped H1B Visa (I work for a university, state job, so limit does not apply). On the Montreal US consulate, it says approx 45 Days. I called and he said it may even take up to 6 months. I am from Pakistan, so he said something about administrative process. I mean how in the world can any one get a vacation like that. My international coordinator said. It should not take that long, she said it should not take more than 4-5 Days.She is really awesome but I am scared. It took approx 6 month to get my approved I-797 (or some thing).

I mean will I go over the same process again. What happens if it takes that long. My job people are not going to wait for me to come back, especially in this economy. I work for A/R . They can't afford to wait that long.

Does any one has experience in this matter?

I am just not sure if its even worth getting the stamp. I want to be able to go back to Pakistan for a visit though. Getting stamp from Pakistan is even more chancy. Last time, I got the Visa and then embassy left the country for like 6 months.

My earlier status was F-1 and I have never been out of status, if that helps.

The visa issuance and the H-1B approval are separate and distinct from each other.

You should apply at your home consulate. In Canada, at the US consulate, you are a TCN and as such you should confirm you are eligible to apply for the visa there. Check the website and if no clear answer, consult with an experienced immigration attorney that does consular work.

The visa issuance is dependent of security clearance and if it is delayed, they will not issue the visa. If the visa is denied, your re-entry on your I-94 may be problematic.

For these reasons, it is best to apply for the visa at your home consulate. You should have no fear of the interview according to your posting. There is nothing wrong or "chancy" with AMCON Islamabad for visa issuance for H-1B's. Schedule the interview for early in your visit home. Good luck.

Dear brother, How did your experience go with Islamabad interview. I need to my re-stamping though and I work for City Government. Please advise? Pakistan or Canada?

I decided not to go. Too many people scared me. Once I go I will surely let you know my experience.
Good luck

Junaid, Any news?

Na man. Decided not to go at all. Financial stuff and Job security problems I guess. At my work if you don't report back in 3 days after vacation & Sick you loose your job automatically...

In the same boat. On H1-b in the university teachers category, really want to go home for a visit, but the online posts are scary for both Canada and Pakistan visa restamping. Less scary for Canada, though. Junaid, have you heard anything new since January? My immigration attorney who filed my H1-b thinks it is safer for me to go to Pakistan for renewal. But he also told me that I wouldn't need premium processing to get my H1-b approval notice...