Business Visa - B1

Firstly, a big thanks to all the people who posted their experiences here. It was certainly very helpful and helped me to prepare for my Visa interview. It would have been really bad if after all the planning from client side, to have my Visa rejected and miss this opportunity to travel to US through the company I work with. I have a client requirement to travel to US for 3 weeks for new project setup. So, I filled my DS-160 and accidentally submitted it without reviewing properly. Since I had to make some changes and didn't wanted to take a chance, I emailed the Embassy helpline and got a reply that I should fill a new DS-160 with the new info as no changes can be made to the submitted DS-160. I filled the new DS-160 form and booked my OFC for 2nd Jan and VISA interview for 9th Jan.

At the OFC, 2nd Jan 2014, 9:00AM
Got late while leaving from home so had to really drive fast to get to Nehru Place OFC center. Dad was furious that I was late that day. However, we didn't found any traffic jams (strange for Delhi in morning) and reached 15 minutes before OFC timings. Got parking easily (Rs 40 per hour)as it's a 4star hotel and business center. Parked the car and ran to the queue. There were around 20 people in the queue for 9AM appointment. People with appointments as late as 11 were also there but were not allowed in the queue at that time. It's very disciplined. The only documents required were OFC and VISA appointment letter, Passport and DS-160 confirmation page. However I took many others including Stanley page, Visa fees payment confirmation page and Government IDs. Only required 3 were asked for and checked. No electronic devices are allowed inside the OFC center so better leave them in the car or take someone with you who can carry them for you. There might be a locker facility but I am not sure of it.
Even after getting inside the center, one lady's form was found to be incorrectly filled as she had to write FNU in the sir name as her passport has entire name in the Given names field. She was told to fill a new DS-160 (without any new fees) and come back any time in the day for OFC again. Not a big deal but certainly a waste of precious time (maybe her full day was gone by finding a cyber cafe, filling new DS-160, all details and coming back). So, be very careful while filling your DS-160 forms. Moving on, I got my docs checked and entered the center, was checked for security and again my documents were checked at the counter inside and I was given a token and asked to wait in the sitting area. My token number was called and I was asked to go to a specific counter. Guy on the counter checked my forms, asked my Name and DOB, clicked my pic, took fingerprints and stamped my OFC and VISA interview confirmation letter along with the DS-160 confirmation page. Keep these stamped docs intact as you'll need to carry them to
your VISA interview.

At the Emabassy, New Delhi, Thursday 9th Jan 9AM
Woke up at 6:30, got ready by 7:30 and left home. My brother drove me to the Embassy (30 minutes from my house) as all electronic devices had to be left in the car and there's no parking facility. Joined the Non Immigrant Visa queue and since I was applying for B1/B2 category, was allowed inside quickly than others (not sure what was the reason). My passport was checked and I went through the security check and went inside. My Visa interview confirmation page, DS160 and Stanley page were checked and I was given a token number and sent inside to the interview area. There was quite a rush. I had to show my passport and provide my fingerprints once again before being sent to the waiting area where I would be called for interview based on token number. I saw quite a few rejections in the 15 minutes I had to wait and that got me a little nervous, so I started looking at the TV screen to divert my mind. Some of the guys who were rejected even started to argue loudly with the VO as it was there 2nd or 3rd time rejection (one of them for student Visa). Only reasons I saw with their rejection was their dull body language, weak voice, lack of a convincing reason and lack of confidence. There were other rejections too but they were circumstantial (unfavorable circumstances to get a VISA). Finally my turn came and I got in queue. I wore a suit and tie (one of the very few) as I wanted to give it my best shot. There was a long gap between my OFC and VISA interview and I was tensed all these days regarding Visa denial and wished I had planned the interview very next day of OFC. Anyway, everything happens for the best. My Interview lasted 2 minutes:

VO -- Good Morning Sir
I-- Very Good Morning Mam(lady in her 40s) Looked at the passport for 5 seconds

VO -- What is the purpose of your vist to US?
I -- Told

VO -- What do you do? What is your profile?
I-- Told

VO -- Where will you be going?
I -- New York

VO -- Why can't you do these things from India? Why it's necessary to travel to US?
I -- Told

VO -- What's the duration of your visit?
I -- 3 weeks

VO then Upheld the passport and while showing it to me said,Sir I am approving your VISA today. Have a good day
I -- Thank you very much mam, you have a great day too.

I was ecstatic as there was so much depending on my Visa getting approved. In India, it's a big deal for people to go abroad especially to US and such news spreads like wildfire among your friends, relatives and social circle. I fee until you get your VISA, keep this news to yourself as you feel double the pressure by thinking that what others will say if now you are denied a visa and unable to travel. I felt that pressure too so this is my advice. Prepare well, be confident, know what's written in your DS160, tell the truth, don't show documents until asked. I wasn't asked for even a single document apart from Passport.

All the best

I had my interview yesterday morning. 9-01-2014.

Que 1. VO: Why would U want to travel to USA?

ME: Answer.

2. VO: How is d event beneficial to Ur company?

ME: Answer.

3. VO: The name of Ur company?

ME: Answer.

4. VO: Are U into **** * only?

Me: Answer.

5. VO: Are U going to buy equipment over there?

ME: Answer.

6. VO: Who is accompany U?

ME: Answer.

7: How long ve U been with Ur company?

Me: Answer.

VO: Pls, My system is down, give me few minutes.

ME: No problem. Tanks.

After 5 minutes, she came back and d golden word. Mr XYZ am going to approve Ur VISA. She gave me a white paper and said U can pick up Ur Visa on Tuesday.

None of ma documents checked.

I did mine in Nigeria, West Africa. I really thank immihelp and those who ve shared there experience a great kudos. May God bless U all. Experiences posted here really help me a lot, it gave me boldness and ability to face VO without fear.
Although many were refused before me but I never give a fuck.

Thanks a lot immihelp.

MY WIFE AND I WERE GIVEN DATE ON 13/12/2013.TIME WAS 10AM.WE REACHED AT 9AM.SECURITY PERSON ASKED US TO JOIN QUEUE IMMEDIATELY. WE WERE BEFORE OFFICER AT @10AM.

OFFICER:WHAT FOR U R GOING TO US?

ME: AS TOURIST

OFF:WHAT DO U DO?
ME:TAX CONSULTANT
OFF:WHAT DO U DO MADAM?
WIFE:I M A TEACHER
OFF: ANY RELATION IN US?
ME: MY DAUGHTER
OFF:ANY IDEA ABOUT HER VISA STATUS?
ME: SHE IS ON ...... VISA
OFF:IS SHE WORKING?
ME: YES. WITH XYZ CO. @ ..........CITY.
OFF:IS HER SPOUSE WORKING?
ME:YES,WITH ABC CO @ ...........CITY.
OFF:WHEN UR DAUGHTER REACHED USA?
ME:IN MAY 2013
OFF: I AM APPROVING UR VISA.HV SAFE JOURNEY.GOOD DAY.U WILL RECEIVE PASSPORTS WITHIN 3-5 DAYS.
WE: GOOD DAY MAM.
OBSERVATIONS:NO DOCCUMENTS WERE ASKED FOR.BUT, KEEP ALL DOCUMENTS WD U.BE COOL,COMPOSED.AND GIVE TO THE POINTS REPLAY ONLY.ONLY TRUTH HELPS.

Date 07/01/2014

Me : Hello,how are you ?
VO :Hey Hi(without eye contact or didnt even had a look at me ,looking into the monitor),Give me your passport please.

Me : --Gave the Passport--
VO : Purpose of your visit

Me : Well i`am going to attend a Corporate training at YYYY labs in YYYY City and to have a technical discussion with my onsite team members,to gather information on my future implementations which could start by mid march (Giving her assurance that i`ll come back soon )

VO : Duration

Me: 2 Weeks

VO : Is ZZZlabs your client

Me : Yes

VO : How much do you make per year

Me : X.X laks

VO : Put your fingers on the scanner, Good luck i`am approving your VISA

Me : Thanks ma`am you have a nice day

VO : You too

Piece of advice : No matter what have a smile on your face whenever a word comes out of your mouth during the interview. She acted so rude with me but she is not rude and i didn`t got nervous not even scared,this is my first time and i told myself this is not the end of the world when i was waiting for my token number .. Seriously if you have time, please go through previous buddies experience ...with your own hands write those original questions and prepare answers for them in realistic approach .. Make sure you give them answers not more than 10 words unless they ask you in depth about something and give them assurance somehow that u`ll return soon add some sentence like how i did..Cheers have a great year ahead and once again when your stomach feels warm inside breath heavily and just say Aall is well Aall is well

Date: 07/01/2014

Chennai Office:

VO: Why are you visiting to the USA?
Ans: For new project requirement gathering and technical discussions with the stakeholders.

VO: (He looked into the computer and said) Ohh, you work for YYYY ZZZ..?
Ans: Yes, YYYY ZZZ India Pvt Ltd.

VO: Who is your client?
Ans: I am not visiting to client side. I am visiting to my head office in ZZZ, CA.

VO: What will you do over there?
Ans: I am visiting for Technical discussions and information gathering for the new project.

VO: What are the new project requirements?
Ans: We work in the online banking domain. There is a requirement for fraudelent trasactions check, for which we are going to use thirdparty software into our....
[in between he interupted, and said...]

VO: Your visa has been approved, have a gr8 day ..[With smile]
Ans: Have a gr8 day to You too... Thank You Sir. [With smile]

Hi,

First of all thanks for Immihelp for the suggestions.

V : good morning mam
VO : good morning , passport pls

VO: purpose of visit ?
V : said

Vo : u work for sdsofteh ?
V: yes mam

Vo: whos your client
V:

Vo : she asked to spell ..

Vo : are you married sir ?
V: no

Vo : how long have you been with this company ?
V : said

Vo: how old are you ?
V: said

Vo: what's your annual salary.

Vo : she was typing continuosly ans finally said I cannot give you visa this time.. and said ,

I will tell you the reason , its nothing personal.. you are young and unmarried and about to establish your career, I did not type anything negative and will not effect you in future..

She gave me the form and passport.

Hello my dear friends,

I am working for XYZ company. And I have got an invitation from my counterpart company in USA for project work kick start & training.

First I would like to THANK YOU all for sharing your experiences and which help us the people like me to get VISA and which is a big thing. I wish all the people a very good luck for there future!!

I got the invitation letter for 80 days to stay in USA. Initially i throughout that my VISA will not gone approve because of the invitation letter. The first and most important is how is your invitation letter and how short you will stay.

I have done my own preparation to get my VISA and everyone case will be different. So please prepare yourself well and make a question and answers prepared and be confident!!!

VISA process :

1) First I have filled the VISA form.
2) My OFC went well and there will not be any problem to anyone here.
3) The big day came - Interview and I reached 1 hour before and they sent me in immediately inside and my interview is done before the schedule time.

VO : Where are you going ?
Me : ABC, NJ

VO : Did you get hotel or how is ur accommodation?
ME : Guest house (But I lied here very confidently, because I know my company is giving me hotel there)

VO : How long you work for the present company/
ME : X years Y months

VO : What is your salary?
ME : XY per annum

VO : Where will you stay?
ME : ABC, NJ (Just to confuse me and VO tried to check how faith I am with my answers)

VO : "Your going for three months" what is the purpose?
ME : Going to attend meeting, training & requirement gathering for the project.

VO : May I see your training schedule?
ME : Yes (Given to him the schedule of the training. FYI- If you don't have the training schedule my suggestion prepare yourself, well)

VO : What is the training all about?
ME : I explained where this training will help me.

VO : I have approved your VISA
ME : THANK YOU!! Wish you a nice day.

So my suggestion please study your case well and be prepared well and ready for any type of questions. I WISH ALL A VERY BEST!!!!

Good Afternoon Viewers,

I had my B-1 Visa interview today and i am through with my Visa, thanks for immhelp which gave me a brief idea of DO's and DONT's of Visa interview

My suggestion for B-1 visa interview would be, be focused and cool. Give only appropriate answers and do not give them a statement as your answer.

Thanks,

Hi All,

I applied for B1 visa once on 9th dec 2013.
VO: good morning..
Me : Good Morning..

VO: why do you want to goto US?
Me: I work for ####### and as a part of my job profile as an application specialist, it is my responsibility to onboard new applications. There is a new application that we need to onboard which will help users to #######. I have to travel to US to have business meetings with my counterpart to assess the effectiveness of the application and then to strategize a roll out plan for the application

VO: why can’t you do all the things from here over con calls and net meetings,why do you need to trvale there personally?
Me: I need to travel to US, because the implementation strategies will be formalized keeping in mind the architecture,DB and user prespective and then I will need to test the application keeping in mind the user experience and ease. Which is why I need to be there personally to look over it.
VO: how long you will be in US.
Me: 28 Days
VO: as of now your VISA is rejected , (handed me the rejection letter with 214b )
Me: (when I saw the 214 b clause) mam, I have documents to prove the ties with my country
VO: I am sorry sir..please come out of the line

now i am reappearing for visa inter view on 6th Jan 2014, i would really like a little help in as to what went wrong and how can i avoid it now

Hello everyone,

First of all, Many Many Thanks to Immihelp for making a place where applicants share their experiences & Helps the New Applicants, Every time when i used to read the Experience of others everyone wrote that Confidence is the Key then thought that How to get the confidence.

But i realized that It comes automatically if you are a genuine applicant, One should never lie to them, Have faith in God...

Now, I would like to share the questions which i was asked by the VO.

1. Why you want to go to USA? Business Meetings
2. Clients Name -- Told
3. Company Profile -- Told
4. Designation -- Told
5. Countries traveled before --Yes, I had traveled few Countries before for Business. .

Then Golden Words -- Your Visa has been Approved. Interview lasted for less than a Minute.

Regards