As an Indian citizen working in the U.S. on an H-1B visa, I recently renewed my visa in Canada as a Third Country National (TCN) while holding a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Canada. Instead of flying back to India for stamping, I opted for a more efficient route: Canada. In this post, I’ll walk you through my entire process from filling out the DS-160 to collecting my stamped passport with real timelines, helpful tips, and key lessons learned.
Why I Chose Canada
Many TCNs prefer Canada for one simple reason: convenience.
- Shorter travel time
- Easier logistics
- U.S. consulates in Canada are familiar with H-1B renewals
That said, it’s not without risk. If your visa is delayed (e.g., under 221(g)), you won’t be able to return to the U.S. until it’s resolved. Also, since I entered Canada on a tourist visa (TRV), I had to ensure I maintained valid immigration status throughout my stay.
Step 1: DS-160 Form – Be Precise and Timely
I started by completing the DS-160 form on the CEAC website, making sure all information matched my current H-1B employment and immigration records.
I initially selected Calgary as the consulate location but later changed it to Ottawa while rebooking.
Key Tip:
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If you change your consulate city or province, you do not need to update your DS-160 as long as it was submitted and remains valid.
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Be sure to submit your DS-160 at least 2–3 days before your appointment so it properly syncs with the consulate’s system.
Step 2: Booking and Rebooking the Appointment
I created an account at ais.usvisa-info.com, paid the US$205 MRV fee, and scheduled a single consulate appointment. Biometrics and the interview were handled together.
My Timeline:
- First booked Calgary (February)
- Rebooked to Calgary (October)
- Finally secured a July appointment in Ottawa
Best Time to Book/Rebook:
The site often shows “System Busy” from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST. I had the most success between 3:00–4:30 AM EST.
Set a daily alarm and refresh during early morning hours. Most rescheduled slots appear then due to cancellations.
Avoid slot-booking agents. Many use bots and unethical methods, and there’s no guarantee of success. I handled the entire process myself with patience and persistence.
Step 3: Entering Canada on a TRV
As an Indian citizen, I needed a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. I applied well in advance and only booked my travel once it was approved.
Border Tip: If your current H-1B visa stamp is expired, carry proof of your visa appointment when entering Canada. Border agents may ask to see it.
I flew into Ottawa, where my interview was scheduled, and booked a hotel close to the consulate for convenience.
Step 4: Visa Interview – U.S. Consulate in Ottawa
There was no separate VAC appointment. Biometrics and the interview were completed in the same session at the consulate.
Documents I Carried:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- I-797 approval notice
- Employment verification letter
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2s and tax returns
- LCA and client letter (if applicable)
Questions I Was Asked:
- Who is your employer?
- What is your role?
- Do you work at a client site
- How long have you been in the U.S.?
The officer reviewed my documents, asked a few questions, and said: “Your visa is approved.” I was told to expect my passport in 3–5 business days.
Security Reminder: You are not allowed to carry any electronics into the consulate, including your phone, smartwatch (e.g., Apple Watch), headphones, or USB drives. Leave them at your hotel or with a trusted companion.
Parking Tip – Ottawa
If you’re driving to your appointment in Ottawa, I recommend using:
World Exchange Plaza – Impark Parking Garage 100 Queen St, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9
It’s secure, walkable, and ideal for short visits to the consulate.
Step 5: Passport Pickup – Toronto BLS Center
Although my interview was in Ottawa, I had selected Toronto BLS Center as my passport pickup location during the appointment booking process. This gave me the flexibility to travel to Toronto afterward.
Three business days later, I received an email from BLS/ICS Courier confirming that my passport was ready. I picked it up in person and verified the visa stamp before leaving.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Process
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- Submit your DS-160 at least 2–3 days before your appointment
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- Changing your appointment location? No need to submit a new DS-160
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Pay the MRV fee online in advance to avoid delays at the consulate
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Check for appointment availability between 3:00–4:30 AM EST
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Do not bring any electronics—not even a phone or smartwatch
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Carry hard copies of all required documents, even if uploaded online
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- Use the 100 Queen St. Impark garage for convenient parking
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Leave buffer days after your interview in case of delays or administrative processing
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- Skip the agents—you can manage everything on your own with persistence
Visa applicants must present a DS-160 confirmation number matching the one used to book their appointment. Update incorrect numbers at least 3 business days before the interview to avoid rescheduling and paying new fees. Only applicants with scheduled appointments may enter the consulate, with exceptions for parents/guardians of minors. All visitors undergo security screening, see the U.S. Embassy security guidelines for details.
Final Thoughts
If you have a straightforward H-1B renewal case and hold a valid Canadian TRV, getting your visa stamped in Canada as a TCN is absolutely doable. The entire process from interview to passport pickup took about one week for me, and it saved me a much longer international trip.
Would I do it again? Yes.
With proper planning, regular slot checks, and a flexible itinerary, this process is a practical and efficient alternative to stamping in India.
Disclaimer
This blog reflects my personal experience as an H-1B visa holder renewing in Canada. Visa policies, interview questions, and processing timelines can vary based on individual circumstances, U.S. consulate discretion, and changing immigration rules. For the most accurate and personalized guidance, please consult the official U.S. Department of State website or a licensed immigration attorney.