H1b, London Embassy, How long does it take?

[tmedonaldson 0]

I'm a UK citizen. Last year I was on a J1 visa. My employer applied for a change of status to H1-b, and it's been granted. On Monday (the 22nd) I'll be going to the Embassy in London for my interview. I want to know how long it's likely to take to get the stamp. I already have a flight booked on the 31st.

The embassy says that typically it takes 3-5 days for the stamp to be given. Since Christmas day and boxing day are not working days, the 5 working days after the 22nd are:

- the 23rd
- the 24th
- the 29th
- the 30th
- the 31st

Should I change my flight now, or should I wait?

(To change my flight costs $300 + the difference in price between my old flight (about $600) and the new flight.)

The safe option is to change my flight now. It'll cost about $700.

If I wait, I might get my visa in time for the 31st, in which case I won't have to change my flight at all - hooray! On the other hand, if I wait I might not get my visa in time, in which case I'll have to book a flight to the US at very short notice, which is likely to cost a small fortune.

My first day back at work in the US is the 5th of January.

In case it's relevant:

- I live in the SF Bay Area

- I recently married an American

- My employer is a large US university.

[Boiler 43,433]

Is there a reason you are not just adjusting to LPR in country?