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Visitor Visa - B2

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Successful DV Lottery Status
I entered the US in F-1 status to do my undergraduate work. I finished undergrad and started grad school in Computer Science.

I won the DV lottery 2006-2007 and was really confused about the whole process.
I tried reading online about it, but and immihelp.com was the best source.
The other sites were a bunch of frauds or just talked about adjustment of status by marriage and work.


Initially, I received the DS-230 Part I and Part II forms.
I filled them out, but I was not sure about where to send them.
I called the USCIS but they were mean as hell and the wait time was 1 hour every time (I called them three times).
I called for assistance the KCC but they were just flabbergasted that I was asking such question, but didn't know how to answer me.

Finally, I used INFOPASS to make an appointment with a KCC immigration officer in Louisville.
They told me that I needed to submit the DS-230 forms and payment $375, and gave me an I-485 form and other forms for employment authorization and travel permit.
This was the first time I felt someone understood what the heck was going on.


Then I submitted both DS-230 and payment, but I made a HUGE mistake.
I mailed them to the same address. There are two addresses to be mailed one is for the KCC (where the application goes) and the other for the Department of State (where the payment goes).

The casheer's check came back, and I thought it was a mistake. I called KCC but they said they didn't know anything about it.
I kept the money and thought that the payment didn't apply to me. I WAS WRONG!!!
This turned against me later on.

I was again unclear about how the process went and what I needed to file with the I-485 form.
I postponed this since school was my priority and I got scared that I would loose my F-1 status if I applied for adjustment of status.

It turns out as long as you keep to the guidelines of F-1 status, you are fine even if your AOS (Adjustment of Status) application (I-485) is not accepted. Hew !!! That was a relief.

Finally, in June 2006, after I was done with exams, I thought it was time I resumed the application procedures.
I started reading more carefully immihelp.com guides and samples and discussion forum.

It turns out I have had two TB skin tests but no proper official copy of the results. So, I had to get one at my school. That's 15 bucks for a mark on my arm.

I got the TB certificate, and made an appointment with a Designated Civil Surgeons, I used google to find the uscis.gov site where I could look them up.
Made an appointment, and went for the consultation. They slapped me with a $150 fee for basically looking at me and running a HIV test.
They sent me copies of the medical forms for me to keep and a sealed envelope with instructions to file with the I-485 form.

Finally, I made a list of things that I needed to provide. My thinking was how can I answer any questions they may have.
I collected my package the following way:

1. Birth Certificate and Translation (actually I did the translation, even though technically you need to ask someone who speaks your language to translate and sign it)
    I had this really old certificate of identitiy from 2000. I sent the original since I didn't care for it, and had my parents send me new ones in the mean time.
    Interestingly, I had a family composition certificate from 1998 and send that too.

   I laeled these FRONT and BACK appropriately.

2. Copy of Passport with the old non-emmigrant visa

3. Medical Examination (sealed evenlope. DON'T OPEN IT)

4. Form G-325A Biographic Information, which I was given with the I-485 form.

5. Evidence of Status and maintaining status
Copy of I-94 Card
Current I-20 form (this is for students)
Sponsor Information for I-20
My school's admission letter and funding information
Official Transript form current school
Copy of School Student Card (just in case) (when I write copy I mean photocopy)
Copy of Driver Licence
Copy of Social Security Card
Copy of Bachelor's Degree from previous school
Proof of scholarship from previous school
Copy Honor Society membership
Copy of Old/Expired Employment Authorization Card ( I had taken it for OPT - this is for students only)
Copies of all Old I-20's
Copies of Tax Returns AND W-2 forms for the all years


Basically, I was saying, this is all I have to prove that I am a good person. :D

I sent it all and then read immihelp.com that said that I was supposed to have the birth certificate translated an official translator or someone that is fluent in my language.
This was crappy because there are no translators for my langauge where I live, and my friends weren't in the US at the time.

Anyways, I received an appointment for fingerpriting. The people that fingerprinted me were REALLY NICE. I even filled an evaluation form where I praised them.
They stamped the form that I brought and I got on my way home.

A couple of weeks later after receiveing the first letter for fingerprinting I got my interview date and time.

On the day before the interview, I received a letter from the Department of State saying that I hadn't paid my fee but they had forwarded the application to USCIS any ways.
However, I had to pay the fee or my application was not going to be accepted.

Quickly that day, I went to the bank and got a casheer's check for $375 and brought it with me with my supporting documentation.

I kept record of all communication with USCIS and brought everything, in a VERY ORGANIZED FOLDER.

During the interview, I explained what had happened with the payment and that I had taken out a casheer's check and I was going to mail it immediately after the interview.

The officer was really nice and said that was good that I had done that and that he would proceed with the interview.

The interview was really simple, asking silly questions that were found in the G-325A.
I couldn't help laughing at some of the questions cause they were pretty inappropriate for me.

Anyways, the officer was nice, he gave me a letter saying that he would continue my application and will make a decision after the payment was received.

I got out of the room and straight to the post office and mailed the payment.

Two weeks later I got my green card, and submitted the AR-11 form since I changed my residence during that period.

I wanted to thank you all for the information you have placed on this site.

Roland
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Desperately in need of a greencard
Hello,
  My name is Jessica Bonheur and I am 17 years old. To keep things brief, I have been in this country since I was about 4 years old (13 years), and for as long as I can remember, my parents have been petitioning to adjust our immigration status. I will be attending college in the fall of 2008, but I don't see how that will occur if our status is no adusted. I don't have legal documentation, or even asocial security number, so I haven't even been able to work Soon i willbe filling out College Applications, and my FAFSA, but a required part of both applications are one's social security numbers anf proof of immigration status. USCIS has all of our papers and documentation in their posession, but for the past 13 years I have not received an answer on my status. Time is quickly approaching, and my future depends on this...I prave everyday for an answer, but to no avail! What should I do???
    Sincerly,
     Jessica
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B2 Granted in first Attempt
"Well I trust you Mr. Sapra , you'll recieve the back pack in next seven days , make good use of it " were the magical words at 3:15 pm that are still ringing in my ears . ALL THANX TO IMMIHELP.COM !!!!!!!!

Ok to start with im 31/M/Single and self employed , I reached the counslate at 11:30 good 45 minutes ahead of my schedule at 12:15 . Initial process was smooth and i was inside in first 8 mins done with my finger printing in next 7 mins & found myself in a chair waiting for my token number being called out by 11:50 .

But there was a mega rush even though it was 9/11 the dreadful day ! I was finally called at 2:55 to get into the queue which was now being consumed fast by 5 counsollers in full swing i finaly hit the window 13 at 3:14 , walked confidentaly to the window and wished the counsoller before handing over my papers :

Me : Goodafternoon (with a little smile)
VO : Very Goodafternoon Mr. Sapra and a nice shirt you wearing

Me : Thanx
VO : So why do you wanna travel to States ?
Me : For a vacation and to see some friends
VO : Where are your friends in US ?
Me : Florida
VO : Where all do you plan to go ?
Me : Florida,Miami, Bahamas and if the time and finances permit would love to do Vegas as well
VO : What do You Do ?
Me : Im into Business
VO : what Business ?
Me : We engrave leather products for American & european market
VO : Turn Over ??
Me : YYYY X (Offering to show my bank statements ) which he said was not needed
VO : How much would you be spending ?
Me : Around two hundred fifty thousand INR
VO : dhayee lakh (smiling)
Me : yeah dhayee lakh (gave him a small laugh)
VO : that includes the air fare
Me : As of now ya but if the need be i have ample limit on my credit cards to cover up
VO : I trust ya youl get the back pack in 7 days make good use of it
Me : Thanks
VO : & be careful while using your card in vegas you might end up loosing quite some money (Smiling )
Me : Sure thanx

Conclusion : Interview Duration : 2 Minutes
Documents seen : None apart from DS-156/157
Result : Positive
Advice : a)What matters is your walk from the queue to the window
b) Your confidence level which is there if you have right intentions

All the best to all of you who planning for it
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Doubt reg Visitor visa
Hi,
 I am planning to visit my sister and brother-in-law for about 3 weeks. In addition to the documents specified for visitor visa, do i need to take any letter from my current employer stating that i am permanent employee.

Thanks
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Received Business Visa on 2nd Attempt
Dear All,
My USA-Visa Interview was at 8:30 am on 04-9-07, in Mumbai. I reached their centre at 8 am.
The officers were already there with a long queue of people scheduled for 7:45 am still being taken in. At around 9:15 they checked up outside the gate whether I had the appointment letter or not.

Then there were 2 security checks one at the outer gate entry (campus) & the other at the entry of the office building. Then they lead us to the waiting hall. This was done on quick succession without any delay.

In the hall there were 2 receiving counters - I deposited my papers. The officers were indians & they checked the papers and information and told me to submit the documents at counter no 1. On Counter No 1. they took my left hand index finger print as well as right hand index finger print and given a token no. Then I was told to be seated and wait for my token no to be announced. There were 5 interview counters right infront of me & the interviews take place in full view of others waiting. Three interviewing officer were young male americans & the other two were american ladies.

Few of them I saw were rejected Visa.

Then My turn came within 15 minutes of waiting.
The young female american Consular Officer (CO) was my interviewer & asked me few questions

CO - Good Morning
Me - Good Morning. How is the day going.
CO - Smilingly said.. Pretty Interesting today.
CO - So why are you going to America?
Me - My company's head quarter is in Los Angeles and I am going there to get trained on our Content Publishing Tools and to learn the processes and methodologies to implement them.
CO - What is your company name?
Me - XYZ company.
CO - What does your company do?
Me - We provide web based courses on ethical and legal compliances to our clients.
CO - Since When are you working with the company?
Me - 7 months
CO - For how long do you intent to stay in US?
Me - Just for a month.
CO - {Going through the Form DS 156 -DS 157} I see your Sister is in US what does she do?
Me - She is a house wife.
CO - What does her husband do?
Me - He is a software developer.
Me - Do you want to have a look at my invitation documents?
CO - No. Your visa is been granted and your passport will be couriered to you. Thank You.
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Visa Procedure
Dear All,
Our USA-Visa Interview was at 9:30 am on 29-8-07, in Calcutta. We reached at their centre at 8 am.
To our pleasant surprise the officers were already there & the moment we reached started the procedure immediately without waiting for the scheduled time. they checked up outside the gate whether we had the appointment letter or not.
Then there were 2 security checks one at the outer gate entry (campus) & the other at the entry of the office building. Then they lead us to the waiting hall. This was done on quick succession without any delay.
In the hall there were 2 receiving counters - we deposited our papers. The officers were indians & they politely asked us several questions about only the papers & forms & the information entries & certain corrections & additional info were filled up. By this time we were having at least 15 individuals & couples before us. The officers were nice & gave as many advices & suggestions for correct papers submission.
Then we waited. There were 2 interview counters right infront of us & the interviews take place in full view of others waiting. One interviewing officer was a young male american & the other was an elrderly american lady. They were standing behind a glass window with a computer terminal taking finger (both hands' index) prints of each candidate.
Whoever went that morning before us were granted visa except one young nagaland girl who was denied to join her brother in USA.
Our turn came.
The young male american was our interviewer & asked two major questions apart rom some minor questions. The major questions were what we do - I am a freelance consultant - what area - I said personal finance & investment/saving, and I am a visiting professor in one of the busines schools in Bhubaneswar. My wife is a fashion designer & she does small job at home & teaches a few students about stitchinf/cutting/tailoring.
Then he wanted to see the IT returns - of both. He saw & then said visa approved & returned all extra documents we had deposited in the earlier counter.
We thanked him & came out of the office. It was exactly 9:30 am then. The next day (30-8-07)we reached Bhubaneswar at 1 pm. The Passports with visa stamps reached at 11 am same day (30th)before we reached home. ( Pls compare the whole procedure in Indian standards)
But the only thing was that we were granted Visa for 5 years. Thanx !
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parents got Visa at Chennai yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!Very Happy
First of all Thanks for everyone in the forum. You all have helped me gather the documents and prepare my parents for the interview. Since my father was retired, and I the only child, I was afraid that they would not get the visa. But I was patient and never made my parents afraid of the interview. I always told them to tell the truth and be positive.

These were the questions that the visa officer asked my parents.
1. when was your son born?
2. What is the source of your income now after your retied
3. When are leaving to US
4. For how long do you want to stay
5. Who are there for you in India.

And thats it. They have been given 10 yrs multiplt entry. I guess nowadays they give 10 yrs for every visitor. They also said that all the parents got their visas on that day.

I think just stick to the documents listed in the forum and you should be good. Again thanks a million for all your posts. I am a very happy man today.

Shiva
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Visa Rejected instead of calling mother-in-law called Aunt
Hello Friends,
I was sponsoring visa for my mother-in-law and described her as Aunt and they rejected saying I am not accepting her as mother-in-law. She got rejected with 214b.

My question is : Do I need to take new DD and apply freshly or use the same DD and apply.
Thanks in advance,
Waiting for your precious reply
Chinna
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B2 Visa
First I would like to thanks to immihelp.com and all the members who helped me alot for preparing the interview and for their moral supports also.I have prepared all the documents as per the instruction given on the site
My mom and I attended the visitor Visa interview on 17 aug and got our passports on 21 aug with 10 year visa for both of us.
I want to give my interview experience to all the members.
Vo Hi
me hi
vo u r going for relative visit or tourism
me visiting sister and for tourism also
vo are you studing or working?
me working xxxx comp
vo have u been abroad (this qns she was asking to all applicants)
me yes I been to europe and singapore and bangkok.
vo for how long you want to go?
me 15 days
to my mom
vo what r u doing
mom house wife
vo is your husband also trvling
mom
vo how many children u have?
mom three one in us 2 in India
your visa is approved
without looking at any paper she has only taken our form 156 and 157.
Best of luck to all the applicants those are applying for US visa.
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Parents got vistors visa (1st attempt)
My parents attended the interview yesterday and got the visa.

I would like to thank everyone in this forum for the fantstic job they are doing. The forum provided all the information required for preparing the necessary documents( I have to add that no suuporting documents were asked for at the interview).

They attended the interview in malayalam. following were the questions

1. Purpose of visit
    -- tourism and visiting SON & DIL
2. How long would you would be visiting
    -- 3 months
3. Do you have any other children india
    -- One unmarried Son
4. Your Anual Income
    xx lakhs
5. what was your proffession before you retired
     xxx
6. Your income before you retired..
    xx lakhs
7. what is your Son's anual income
    $xx
   


that's it. The interviewer(my parents said she was an old lady ..conducted the interview with a tranlator) said you would get your passport next week.. Thanks everyone and good luck to all those planning to attend the interview
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