H1 stamping while in UK for an HSMP holder

[mmhtn]

Hi,

I hold an HSMP visa and working in UK right now. Can I get my passport stamped for an H1? Does anyone have any experiences?

[Kayalami]

1. Where (country) did you obtain your educational qualifications?

2. When did you obtain your H1B approved petition?

3. How far into your HSMP visa are you?

4. What is your nationality?

[mmhtn]

Hi,

1) MS from States, BS from Pakistan
2) Just recently
3) Just applied for extension. I'm expecting no problems in extension
4) Pakistan

[Kayalami]

1. Consular officers have had a tendency to only review applicants with educational qualifications from institutions in their processing jurisdiction - minimises fraud as local expertise in place. Your US qualification is easily verifiable so may not be an issue.

2. My understanding is that H1B visa quota used up for this fiscal year so you must wait for next one i.e. 1 Octber 2005 to apply/ get such approved. You may be exempt from quota - what category/nature of business is your sponsor? Is it an educational institution?

3. Covers issue of your residence in processing jurisdiction. London consulate notorius for ILR requirement to approve most visas especially non immigrant category. Consulate may tell you to apply in Pakistan.

4. Some nationalities (I believe to inlcude Pakistan) require enhanced security checks (administrative processing) - this could take anywhere from a few months to 2 years with corresponding delay on visa issuance.