H1B extension | Matamoros, Mexico

It all started when I decided to extend my H1B visa which expired last year (2014). Everything happened in less than 10 days.    I completed my DS 160 online took an appointment in Matamoros, Mexico consulate then booked flight tickets.

Note: If you can get ASC finger printing ( 8 AM) and Visa interview ( 8: 30 AM) on same date go for it.  It will save you time and money and it can be done on same day.

Day 1 (March 2^nd Monday):

I took an early morning flight to Houston.  I woke up at 4 AM, which made me sleep like log in the 2 hour long flight.  From there I took connecting flight to Brownsville, TX it’s a 50 min flight.   As instructed by Salvador I took a cab to greyhound bus station which took about 15 min it costed $17 USD.  I stood at subway and Salvador picked me up after a 5 min wait time.

He drove me directly to his hotel, Best Western (Plaza Hotel), in Mexico.  He gave me a room on 4^th floor, which even I preferred, for the cell phone signal quality.  Settled in the room,  had my lunch. The chef’s name is Francis, he is very friendly guy.  I had fajita it was good.  After that, I went straight back to my room and slept as I was super tired.   Woke up had dinner and slept after watching some TV.

Day 2 (March 3^rd Tuesday)

I woke up at 7 AM had breakfast and got ready by 7: 45 AM. The ASC finger print center was 5 min drive from the hotel.  I was the first guy there my appointment was at 8 AM. They checked my DS 160, passport and some guy ushered me to another hall there was zero wait time. Gave finger prints and photo and was back in car in say 4 min. Back to hotel, again eat-sleep-TV-internet cycle.

Day 3 (March 4^th Wednesday)

I woke up at 7 AM and was ready by 7: 45 AM this time I waited in the room till 8: 15 AM until Salvador’s assistant called me to say that he was ready.  I went to US consulate at 8: 25 AM they let me through a metal detector. At reception area they asked me  

1. I 797  

2. I 129

3. My passport.

 I presented all three.

They gave me a token number of 1103.  I went into the hall where there were like 50 empty seats.  They called me say less than 3 min.  There were 8 counters operational at that day.   Extreme right ones were for initial data entry.  The lady in counter asked my address, phone number and entered data from my I 797 and I 129.   It took about 3 min.   I was asked to move to extreme left counters for visa interview.  There was small queue, say about 7 people (3 different families) before me. I was called in less than 3 min. The visa counselor looked Chinese. She never asked me any questions.  First thing out of her mouth was we are issuing you visa, slam-dunk!! I was expecting it so I was not that excited.  My case is pretty straight forward. My H1B expired last April but all other things are valid and unchanged and I work for a global software giant.   

Back to hotel, had lunch check out of hotel and I was dropped at Mexico US border by my hotel staff (where I stayed).  I walked about 10 min to the US I-94 process center.  Before that I paid 30 US cents toll on Mexican side.    In the process center,  I sat for say 30 minutes.  One officer called me by my name (I submitted my passport earlier and was asked to sit).  

Officer asked my  

1         I 197

2         Old passport, in which,  I had my valid visa

3         My driver’s license;

He asked me

1.       Why I was in Mexico  

2.       What is my nature of work

3.       If I have any violations or legal issues

4.       Where my work place is    

He interviewed me, about 4 minutes asked for 6 USD as I-94 issue fee.  Surprisingly he gave us a printed old I-94 paper to be stapled in our passport.  *in my head* fine, as long as it works.  He escorted us (not always necessary) out of the office, helped us to cut long line. I appreciated his gesture.

Back in USA, later that evening I took flight back to my home city.  I saved lot of money and time by choosing Mexico over Canada, it was hassle free. All in all, comfortable, safe and fast trip

You can email me at kalyan.turaga@gmail.com for any questions.  I cannot promise I can answer your questions or respond to your emails. I can give you my opinion to the best of my knowledge, if I choose to do so... 

I was in Best Western hotel plaza. Well known, Mr. Salvador took good care of me. I recommend his services.

Site: https://mexicovisaservice.appspot.com/