I have s slightly technical problem regarding J-1 visa. I have a ivsa
that expires in Dec 2005. I tried to renew this visa when I visited my
home country, Pakistan, this summer (Jul 2005). However, after 2 months my
security clearance (visa was approved) hadnt arrive. So I returned on
my old visa. Recently, though I have received information that the US
embassy in islamabad has gotten my clearance and needs my passport to
stamp the new visa. My problem is that I dont want to go back so soon
(that is very expensive - will cost ~ 2500 with my spouse) and also it
will disturb my studies. I can probably get someone to take my
passport to Islamabad, but I am worried that the embassy might not
stamp it seeing that the old visa has an entry stamped, but no exit -
meaning that I should still be in USA (which I will be). Is there some
legal way of getting this done withoug going to Pakistan (my home
country of orignin and nationality). I have heard people can now get
J-1 visa's stamped from canada. That might be an option I could
exercise but I am not sure if my security clearance can be transferred
to Canada or not.
So any concrete answer regarding my predicament and any options that I
have available, will be great. If you can suggest some way to save me
the botheration , I might even give an extra tip.

Thanks.