L1, L2 Visa

Hi All,
October 13th done with PA for L1B Individual interview @US Consulate. Everything went smooth, finally Consular gave the Yellow slip (221(g) Refusal) status stated as in "ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING" and kept my Passport and Petition copy with them. What will be the next step. Can anyone suggest or share your valuable input.

Hi All

This forum has been really helpful for me - so here's me giving back - hopefully someone can benefit from it.

Background: Have B1/B2 Visa, travelled once on it in 2016. Applied for L1-B Visa in 2019 and was approved. Travelled twice on it for 3months each (in 2020 - pre covid) and then it expired in Jun 2022. Instead of renewing wanted to apply for L1-A Visa since that was closer to my current role (Managing a team rather than having specialized knowledge).

Logistics:

Stay - Taj Connemara - ~2kms from the Biometrics VAC, ~1.2kms from US Consulate (<10mins ride each time)
Biometrics: Date XX-Oct-22. Apt time -9.00 AM, Arrived at 8.30 AM

Things to carry for Biometrics-
1. DS 160 Confirmation Form Pages for all applicants
2. Appointment Confirmation Page
3. Passports Original

Your name, DOB and other details should exactly match in the above 3 documents.

Dress - Formal Shirt and Trouser (Optional- this is what I wore)

What else you can carry -
1. Phones are allowed but must be switched off.
2. Smart Watches are not allowed

Process -

1. You are made to wait in a line on the 1st floor post verification at the entry gate
2. Submitted documents mentioned above for verification along with passport.
3. Photo and fingerprints for all 10 fingers.

Overall biometrics process should not take more than 30-45mins (at max) from your reaching the venue to exiting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interview - XX- Oct-2022 - Apt Time - 8.00 AM - Arrived at 7.20 AM.

Since this was the first slot in the morning, there was a queue outside - There are 2 barricades with security protection. They allowed inside the first one by 7.50, and inside the final one (that allows entry to the US Consulate by 8.05am)

Documents required:

1. All original passports
2. 2 Sets of 1-129
3. First page of 1-197 (2 Sets)
4. Credit Card/DD for $500 Fraud Prevention Fees. (MC or VISA only works/AMEX doesn't work - No PIN is required for the transaction)
5. Stamped DS-160 from the Biometrics
6. Appointment Confirmation Page

Dress - Formal Shirt and Trouser with Blazer (Optional- this is what I wore)

Note: Make sure NOT to carry anything else apart from the documents and wallet/cash. Smart Watches are not allowed, so are mobile phones or any other gadgets. Analog watches are allowed but asked to keep inside along with documents.

Process -

1. Entry in consulate – all your belongings are scanned, and you are post security check - there is counter to segregate/arrange your docs as per instructions provided for each VISA Type (List mentioned above on what is required for L1 (Blanket) Visa.

2. Document validation – Here is where they verify your DS-160 and Appointment letter along with your passport.

IMP Note: I had an issue with my DS-160 where I found there was an issue in my Spouse’s middle name (Spelling error) – I highlighted the same to the officer and they corrected the same. If there are any issues/discrepancies that you identify in your DS-160, please make sure to highlight it to this officer and he’ll make sure to correct it in your original DS-160. On a safe side, I had made correction to the DS-160 online and carried a new DS-160 number along with updating the same DS-160 in the Appointment Confirmation (by updating the profile) and the new print for both. They said since it was a small change, they corrected in my Original DS-160 itself and I was good to go. Any corrections to the DS-160 can happen until right before the Visa Interview (even after Biometrics) so don’t panic if you find an issue with your DS-160 a night before the interview. Be honest with them and they should be able to help

3. Proceed to VISA Fees (Counter 32)- $500 - you get a receipt for the same – You proceed to counter 32 crossing the other counters where the interviews are happening for others, so you tend to overhear the kind of questions being asked and their responses.

4. Wait in Line for the Visa Interview (separate line for Blanket) – There was only one person ahead of me and he was applying for L1-B so I could hear what was being asked, while I was mentally preparing for my interview
As soon as it was my turn - Handed over the documents and passports (arranged and wrapped with a rubber band to the VISA officer – VO). Kept my folder on the side and waiter for her.

Usual Greetings.

VO: So you’re applying for L1-A visa, Ans -Correct? Yes.

VO - Which company do you work for? - Ans - XXX

VO - How long you have been working with this company? - Ans 5.5 yrs.

VO Did you join the firm as a manager? – Ans – No, I joined as an XXXXX and grew in the firm to become a manager

VO - How many direct reports? Ans – 7 Direct

VO - What is your US Salary? Ans - Total of $XXX,XXX

VO - So are you going to be there on a short term assignment? Ans - Yes, I'll be there for about 3 months on the current engagement

VO – Are you travelling alone? Ans – Yes

After Q4, I saw that she already started arranging all documents and had stamped the I-129 (S) which is for the visa approval (Knew this from my earlier experience with L1-(B) Visa. Handed over stamped form 1-129 back along with green slip.

I kept my answers to be crisp and to-the point of what was asked. I read a few places to answer descriptively but I felt as a manager, you’re expected to be crisp and clear in your communication. I answered what was asked in it’s entirety but not more details that weren’t required or asked specifically)
I was out of the embassy by 8.40am. Actual Interview time was <3mins (Including time for her to review her screen for my profile, the actual Q&A).

Wish you the best, being calm and verifying all information you’ve provided is accurate is helpful to prepare. Also, make sure you practice the sample questions enough times as it’ll give you confidence to answer questions and know what could be asked. The forum here provides an exhaustive list of questions asked. From what I could hear in other parallel windows were pretty much the same set of questions over and over again.

Here is the list of questions I had prepared for (This is for L1-A Blanket)

Commonly Asked L-IA Visa Interview Questions:

• Which company do you work for?
• How long have you worked for XXX?
• What is your current title?
• What will be your title in US?
• Where will you be working in the US?
• Will you be working at a client location?
• Who is the client?
• What does the client do?
• What will be your role on this project?
• Who will you report to in US (state XXX Supervisor name)?
• What is your direct supervisor's title?
• How many people will report to you on this project?
• How many of your reports are physically in the US?
• How many will be direct or indirect reports?
• What will be the titles of your direct reports?
• (If you do not have any direct reports) In what department will you be situated?
• What is the primary function of this department?
• Who will you report to within the department?
• What will be the major initiatives of this department?
• In what way are you leading the initiative or an aspect of the initiative?
• What are the managerial decisions you'll make in pursuing these initiatives?
• What will be your salary in US?
• What kinds of projects do you manage?
• Why are you transferring to the US?
• Have you travelled to the US before on any other visas?

Thank you!

All,

Does anyone know what is the current (Sept/Oct 2022) normal processing time for L1A Visa in Chennai VAC? Appreciated any responses.

Hi All,

First of all big thank you to this forum for helping me prepare for interview and all other processes. It helped a lot.

Here is how my experience went.

Stay - Hyatt Regency - Very near - 10 mins by Auto
Consulate - 5 Mins by Auto

Biometrics : Date XX-Sep 2022. Apt time - 1.30 PM, Arrived at 1.00 PM

Pre-requisite -
1. DS 160 Confirmation Form Pages for all applicants
2. Appointment Confirmation Page
3. Passports Original plus recent expired
4. Photos of kids if under 14 Years

Dress Code - Formal Shirt and Trouser

What else you can carry -
1. Phones are allowed but must be switched off. Small backpacks too are allowed. No issues.

Most Imp Tips:

1. DS160 Confirmation form must match all details with your most recent passport. Especially, name, DOB and Passport number. If there is any mismatch, then your form will not be accepted till the edit is complete and details are up to date.
2. Personal Exp. - My daughters latest passport received after DS160 was submitted and appointment schedule. Hence, old passport number was present on DS160 confirmation.
3. So I was asked to visit a nearest cyber cafe to have it update immediately. There is one right opposite the VAC center - that fellow was very helpful and knew these were common edits. This does not alter your schedule. So no worries. Within minutes, I was in same queue for Biometrics with my kids.
4. Photo - Must ensure Photo is as per specification Size plus - Forehead and both the ears must be visible.

Steps Followed -
1. Submitted documents mentioned above for verification along with passport.
2. Once validated, you proceed for Photo and fingerprints.
3. Kids under 14 yrs fingerprints are not taken.

Interview - XX- Sep-2022 - Apt Time - 8.30 AM - Arrived at 8.10 AM.

Actual Entry inside 8.40 AM

Documents -
1. All original passports - Primary Applicant First (Along with recent expired passports)
2. 2 Sets of I-129
3. First page of I-197 (2 Sets) - Rest other stuff is put aside ( All those exhibits and summary pages are not included in application)
4. Demand Draft for $500 Fraud Prevention Fees. You can pay it with Credit Card ( MC or VISA only). Ensure to have Card activated for international transactions.
5. For DD - Follow this link for latest USD Rates and DD details - https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/american-citizen-services-acs-fees/
6. VAC Stamped DS160 Form for Primary Applicant
7. Photos of kids incase not given at Consulate.
8. Appointment confirmation page for entry in consulate

Dress Code - Formal Shirt and Trouser ( I did not go with Suit or Tie - my attorney specifically advised not to overdo it. Not too casual and not too formal). I saw several candidates with suit getting rejected. So I doubt if that matters much.

What you can carry?
1. Apart from documents and small hand held folder - nothing is allowed inside.
2. All electronic gadgets, mobile phones, smart watches, even the digital ones are not allowed.
3. Can carry small water bottle in case you have kids.
4. Can carry wallets with Cards, Cash and Hotel Key pass - make sure no SIM or memory cards inside

Steps
1. Entry in consulate
2. Once all belongings are scanned and you are post security check - there is counter to segregate/arrange your docs as per instructions provided for each VISA Type.
3. Docs arranged, you can get priority in Queue if kids are accompanied.
4. Counter 2 - Validation of documents at Consulate Window ( There are 2 dedicated windows for document verification) You can submit kids photo, in case was not taken at VAC center at the time of Biometrics. Keep extra copies.
5. Counter 3 - Proceed to VISA Fees - $500 - Ways - DD or Credit Cards - you get a receipt.
6. In line for L1 interview - There was separate Queue for L1 Blanket candidates.
7. My turn came - Handed over the earlier arranged forms and Passports.
Usual Greetings.
Noticing multiple passports - VO inquired if my wife/kids were with me - I said yes. But he requested them to be seated separately till the interview was over.

Q 1 - Which company do you work for? -
Ans - XXX
Q 2 - How long you have been working with this company? -
Ans 10.5 Yrs - (At this time VO stamped my form - which I did not know was approval till I came back and saw the actual text. I thought it was just date stamp.)
Q3 - How many direct reports? (Here he put all the passports and forms in a separate Bin)
Ans - Team of 12 - 4 Direct and 8 are sub-reportees
Q4 - Educational Qualification?
Ans - Post Graduation

This time he requested to call my wife. No question asked - only told to scan our fingers. We parted ways with big smile.
Handed over stamped form I-129 back along with green slip.

I was out at 9.30 AM . Actual VO interview time - not more than 3 minutes.

Thank you!

Hello : We have (Myself & Wife) our L1 / L2 interview scheduled in Oct. We booked this interview back in April at the time my wife was pregnant.

Fast forward, we have baby now and got her Canadian passport.
 
Now our attorney is trying to add her into our interview slot but they say they need to cancel and book another appointment to add the child, it means next available slot was going to be in Feb 2023.

How to approach this ?

Can you any one please share more information or link for this ?

Hi, One of my friend who is an Indian national is working in Malaysia for the last 7 years. Her company requires her to work in the USA for about 2 years on an important project assignment which involves some propriety skills. Company has has filed a L1 Blanket petition and is approved. She has applied for L1B visa stamping in Malaysia. What are the chances of her getting the visa given that she is applying outside her home country ? Does anyone here have any experience in L1B stamping in KL ?
Also while scheduling her visa appointment they asked for Visa priority & Regular. we dont know which option to choose ? any help is appreciated

This is a very late post. Apologies for the same!
Below is how the interview went

VO: hi, how are you?
Me: I am doing good. How about you? “She responded saying she was doing good”
She asked for the documents and I gave her the requested documents.
VO: Which company do you work for?
Me: gave the name of the company
VO: Location of your US office
Me: gave the details
VO: What’s your specialized knowledge?
Me : Explained her
VO: Salary in US?
Me: gave the salary
VO: how long is your assignment for?
Me: gave the duration
VO: Does your wife work?
Me: No
VO to my Wife: Do you have kids?
My wife: Gave the answer
VO to my Wife: are you planning to work in the US?
My Wife: Not planned yet

She took our passports and said that she is approving the Visa for 3 years.

P.S. I don’t correctly remember the order of questions. The specialized knowledge in this case was Recruitment and TA.

All the best!

🙏

Hello everyone and thankyou for all the guidance and help!
We had our visa interview today. L1A with 2 dependants. Visa approved!
The whole process took close to 40-45 mins
We had our appointment at 830. They let us in at 8.15
After entering there is a guy who will arrange your docs in passport. Since my husband was primary applicant, they took his passport and kept 2 sets of i129s and i797
Then they asked us to move inside where there was a queue to get your docs approved by an agent. Afterwards we had to stand in queue for fraud fee payment
After that we were in line for the interview.
Interview was for 3-4 mins. We greeted the vo and he asked us for the docs. He only saw the passports and forms
Vo: hi. Good morning
Us: good morning
Vo: can i have your docs pls
Handed him the docs
Vo: which visa is this
Us: l1a
Vo: okay great and your company?
Us: xxx
Vo: okay so what does your company do
Us: xxxx
Vo: and what will be your role
Us:xxxx
Vo: okay. What much experience do you have
Us:11 years in total and 1.5 yrs with this company
Vo: and what will be your designation
Us: manager
Vo: so you were hired as a manager as well?
Us: yes
Vo: where all have you worked besides your present company
Us: multiple companies over the years and then listed them off
Vo:how many reportees will you have
Us: xxx
Vo: okay. Let me just arrange your docs and can you please place your fingers on scanner
Us: sure
V9: okay your visa is approved. You will get your passport in 3-4 working days
Us: thankyou!

This was for my husband who is the primary applicant. He didnt ask me any questions just asked me to scan fingers.

This was our experience! All the best to everyone!

Does job title Senior Systems Engineer impact chances for L1A Function Manager visa?
TOE - 15 yrs
Current Employer - Leading Technology Product company
Years with Current Employer - 3.10 yrs
Salary - 3 digit salary + Bonus + Stocks

L1B Blanket Interview Experience:

OFC: 14th Aug Chennai
Tips:
 - Reach only 30-40 mins ahead on scheduled time to avoid waiting in humid weather
 - Phones switched off

CA: 16th Aug Chennai 11 AM
 - Reach only 30-40 mins ahead of scheduled time to avoid waiting in humid weather
 - No electronic device (Mobile, electronic car keys, smart watch etc)

Reached Consulate by 10.30. 50 Rs Auto from Taj Coromandel after crossing road at hotel. Too much traffic, could have reached walking in the same time :)
After ~ 10 mins waiting in multiple queues, was inside Consulate. Was asked to arrange docs in order. If I remember correctly:
- I-129s two sets
- I-797B two sets
- DS 160 X 1
- DD (if applicable)
- Passport
They again arrange the docs and put a rubber band on docs along with PP.
Proceeded to another building. Waited ~5 minutes for a counter where there was camera, she scanned docs.
Went to a counter in an alley for FP Fee payment by card. Was asked to wait after it. Had to wait for ~30 seconds (applicant was reapplying and it was the same VO, so VO asked him to go to some other counter)

Interview:
Usual greetings.
VO: Which company do you for?
Me: XXXX
VO: Ohh XXX great!! (Smiling, he moves his hand to pickup stamp)
VO: How long you have been working for XXXX?
Me: Close to 8 years. (He puts the stamp)
VO: What do you for XXXX?
Me: Started talking about my position etc for 30 seconds he wasn't listening anyway.
At one of my pauses he said your visa has been approved followed by usual instructions.
After handing out documents, Asked me if I was married. I said yes and they have appointments on xxxx date. He suggested that dependents should carry a copy of my visa or the stamped I129s copy with them, but also said anyway everything is there in the system. Made some note about my dependents while I was talking. Confirmed with me how many kids I have.

Reached hotel room by 11.20 AM. This time auto route was longer and they knew from my face that my visa was approved. Asked for 150, gave him 50 tip at drop.