From: rabi@agni.larc.nasa.gov (Rabindra.P)
Newsgroups: soc.culture.indian
Subject: H1 at El Paso
Date: 13 Nov 1992 13:29:15 GMT
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA  USA
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: agni.larc.nasa.gov

Hi! guys

Recently, I went to El Paso, Tx to get my H-1 multiple. Here is a
summary of my visit.

1. I reached El Paso on Saturday afternoon. I had a friend at UTEP and
crashed at his place. Motel 6 seems to be a resonable place to stay.
Make sure you book into the one close to the airport.

2.Took a cab to the US side of the border.($5.00). Walked across the
bridge into mexico.Takes at the most 5 min. Took a cab from the border
to the consulate ($5.00).

3.At the embassy there were two lines. The line to the left when
facing the embassy is the one for H1. I showed them my passport to
get in.Once inside the embassy complex, I went thro a security check 
to get into the building. 

4. At the information counter, I was asked for a passport size
photograph which was stapled to an application form and given back to me
to be filled out. You can fill out the application while standing in
line. There is one common line for all types of visa.

5.At the counter, the person asked for my passport,H1 approval and
employer letter. He wanted to know my nature of work. Might help to take
some literature about your company. He then asked me when I plan to
visit India. I had to tell him that I had no plans right now and that I
wanted to attend a conference in Australia. I had a letter to that
effect from my employer. The same person had not asked any questions to
some of the other guys.Make sure your apply for the visa till the
day your H1 expires. He then asked me to pay $100.00 to the cashier
in the adjacent building. I payed the amount and gave him the receipt.
Now basically you wait for an hour for them to call your name.The only 
advantage one had by coming early on the day I went was that your interview
got over early whereas you had to stand in line for a longer period. Since 
the visa's are issued in bulk, you might end up getting yours at the same `
time as some how got in line only at about 7:30 am.

6. You can get a cab outside the embassy to take you to the
border($5.00). You will find many guys to share a ride. You walk across
the bride and get a new I-94.

Documents
1.Valid passport.
2.I-94 and H1 approval
3.Employer letter stating that your job requires you to travel
internationally.

Things to do 
1. If you have time in El Paso try to visit the Caverns in Carlsbad NM.
It is about 120 miles and it is worth the drive.

2.In mexico, cigarette and liquor are inexpensive. Cartoon of cigarettes
cost $10.00. A 1 litre of Tequila is $6.00. Your are allowed to bring in
1 cartoon of cigarettes and a litre of liquor. There is a $1.10 Tx state
tax on the liquor.
 
Things to remember..

1.In Mexico they do not turn back the clock one hour.
2 Since El Paso is a border town, their are a lot of border police. You
would be better of having your passport with you. I was detained on the
highway for 30 min on my way to the Caverns. My guess is I fit a
description.

Any of you have questions, feel free to send me email at

rabi@agni.larc.nasa.gov.

Good Luck,

Rabi.