helmet

we are currently here on an e-2 but we i have got an h1b starting this october , do we have to go to the us embassy in london or can we go to the bahamas or mexico somewhere closer and cheaper to get the visa in our passports ?

malj

You can go to interview at any Consulate outside of the US, but bear in mind that interviewing at a Consulate not in your home country is not a sure deal. In other words, a Consulate outside of your home country can refuse to take your application. This seldom happens except for cases where the Consulate suspects something is not right with your application and does not want to deal with it.

rew1000

Also (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong), you don't have to travel to change status to H1B - if the I-129 requested change of status, the approval notice should have included an I-94 valid until the end of your H1B approval. If it suits you, you can remain in the US until then.

Obviously, if you leave the US for some reason, you'll need the visa in your passport to get back in.

helmet

so you are saying we could go to the bahamas to get the visa put in our passports?

ian-mstm

Yes... *IF* the Bahamian government will allow you to get processed there. They aren't obligated to... so you'd best contact them first to find out.

Ian

Folinskyinla

Hi:

You would be what those in the trade call a "TCN" -- and TCN applications are always problematical. Also, applying for a visa at a border consulate followed by a refusal often results in being unable to return stateside.

I would recommend contacting an attorney who does a lot of these type cases. [Disclosure -- I'm not fishing for business because I don't do these.]