Business Visa - B1

In my first B1 Interview I was rejected at Hyderabad Consulate on 02-Feb-2018.
My Client asked me to reapply again and this time applied at Chennai Consulate.

The interview went nearly for 15 minutes and finally, it was Approved.

Here are the Questions which VO asked me

Me: Good Afternoon Mam, how you doing Today?
VO: I am Good. Thank You. How About You?
Me: I am doing Great
VO: Purpose of the Travel Sir
Me: To be Part of Series of Business Meetings with my Client regarding Project.
VO: Which Location?
Me: Woodinville
VO: Sorry?
Me: Woodinville, Washington
VO: Oh! Washington. Can you explain in Detail about your visit?
Me: Recently, my client has acquired a couple of other companies, so I will part of meetings with Business Stake Holders to discuss about the next steps and accordingly we going to set Future Road Map.
VO: What will you do?
Me: I am an Associate Lead Business Analyst in SCM and WMS applications.
VO: What is your role in SCM and WMS?
Me: I will work With the Client about the Requirements and with the Development Team I have, will work on the Changes.
VO: What are these Applications?
Me: These are Oracle Applications where Users will place few Orders about their needs and these applications fulfill the User needs until End it reaches to Users. It’s something like Database which Stores these day to day Transactions.
VO: Will you do Coding for the Development?
Me: I know little bit Coding but not involved in the Complete Code Development.
VO: Then who will do that?
Me: I have a team in India who will do this.
VO: So, you won’t do coding?
Me: Yes, I am a pure Business Analyst
VO: Are you Married, Sir?
Me: Yes Mam
VO: Where you put up?
Me: In Bangalore
VO: Who and all stay with you?
Me: My Parents and my Wife
VO: Your wife works?
Me: No, she is a Home Maker

VO: Give me a Minute Sir.

She went to his Higher Official where they discuss 3 minutes and both came to the place where the interview is going on.
She switched off the Microphone and they both gone through the system and discussed again for 2 minutes.
Then, the higher official left the place and the interview continued……….

VO: Did you have any travel history?
Me: No Mam
VO: Why?
Me: All my previous projects were based in India, so I had traveled within India and this is my first project which I am part of being Outside of India.
VO: So, did you travel similar kind of meetings before?
Me: Yes Mam, within India I had traveled to many locations.
VO: What is your Package sir?
Me: YYYY LPA
VO: Can I see your Pay slips?
Me: Sure, Man and handed over my Pay Slips.
She Looked the document thoroughly and she kept with her
VO: Why was your last B1 rejected?
Me: I am really not sure why it was rejected during that time, but now the circumstances totally changed and my Client really wants me to be part of meetings and hence I reapplied again.
VO: Do you have the Schedule plan?
Me: Yes Mam, I do have.
VO: Can you please show it to me?
Me: Sure. Handed over the Invitation Letter.
She went through the letter completely till the last page

And Finally said,
VO: Thank You Sir and your visa is Approved. Have a Nice and safe Stay.
Me: Thank You Very Much, Mam

Hey all..

I posted a query 2 days back but didnt see any response coming. However, in the mean time, I finished my Visa Interview and got it approved.

The immihelp Visa interview experiences of others has immensely helped me in preparation of the interview.

here is my experience:

on 15-March-18, the biometrics was done, it went pretty smooth.no issues faced, everything was done within 40 mins.

Note: you can carry your mobile to biometrics, but keep it in silent/airplane mode. there is locker facility provided by the Building Facility management for a small price.
outsiders can keep their luggage in it.

On 16-March, I reached the Embassy at 11:30 Am for 11:45 AM appointment.There were many happy and sad faces that were coming out of the embassy after their interview, some people were crying, some were jumping.I was getting nervous seeing all that, So I stopped looking at people :) I was let in exactly at 11:45 AM, after going in, security checks were done, biometrics were checked within 45 mins I was before the VO.

Note: For people who want to take their bikes/cars, there is a BotanicalGarden/ Semmozhi Poonga just a few steps away from the embassy on the opp side of the road. You can park your vehicles there and go to the embassy, you may have to walk a bit, 700-800 mtrs, but there is an option :)

When I reach the counter at close to 12:20 PM (11:45 PM slot is last slot before lunch time) the VO was typing something for the previous candidate. Hence, asked me to wait for a few mins. I patiently waited until she asked me to come forward.
The VO was in a rush so she could leave for lunch after finishing the interviews.

This is how it went:

I: Good Afternoon maam
VO: didnt care nor responded to what I said (i had an inner feeling that VO wasnt interested)
VO: Passport please
I: here it is.
VO: what is the purpose of your visit?
I: to participate business meetings and discussions with our client.
VO: how long?
I: 3 weeks
VO: What are the meetings about?
I: to discuss business strategies and plans with stake holders, these meetings involve brain storming sessions, these meetings are meant to add value for our client and make their processes efficient.
VO: who is your client?
I: xxxxx (a well known company)
VO: which location?
I: NJ
VO: Annual package
I: xx laks(she took a long time, was doing something on the screen,as I mentioned my package per month, I didnt include the bonuses and perks that I receive at the end of every year).
VO: how much did you say?
I: again xx Laks
VO: thanks. Your visa is approved. You can collect it after 2-3 working days.

it took close to 2-3 mins for the entire process, was highly relieved after a bad night's sleep.

I had a thorough preparation for the answers, but still every time I was reharsing, I kept adding more to the actual answer :D

I was very thankful to God for getting the Visa approved.. since it was lunch time, VOs were leaving the counters and there were a lot of people for L1 blanket Visas than B1 visas when I went in.

For all those who have their interview in coming day, guys, be confident, give your best, and leave the rest to VO and GOD, there is nothing else we can do.

life doesn't end at B1 .. as mine didnt end after 3 H1 applications :D

Hi all..

I am really fortunate to find this site as I was tensed and totally worried about the interview day.But going through various experience s of the people on this site,I realised I wasn't alone:)

I am going to attend B1 ivisa interview on 16th March. I have applied for H1B visa 3 times so far .First 2 times it didn't get through the lottery and the 3rd time, last year it was picked in lottery but the petition was rejected.can you please tell me if it could cause an issue for me to obtain B1 as I have continuously applied for H1 last 3 yrs?

Thanks again!!
Dj

Background -
Working as Client Services Manager
Total experience - 4.9 years (with the same company)
Married

I appeared for B1 Visa interview today at Mumbai for the 10:15 am slot and was rejected, the VO was quite rude as well in her behavior.

Me: Good Morning Mam
VO: Good Morning, passport please

VO: So have you traveled anywhere before?
Me: No

VO: What do you do?
Me: I work as Client Services Manager with YYYY Company

VO: What is your work Experience?
Me: Total of 4 years and 9 Months with the same company

VO: Why are you travelling to US?
Me: For series of business meetings with the client and our onshore management

VO: What are these meetings about?
Me: One of our major client has requested for transfer of IT Services from offshore to onshore and I have been invited by our Onshore management for series of discussions regarding the same and once they sign the new contract i will be back in India.

VO: Sorry cannot approve your Visa and handed me the 214b paper.

I have been going through this forum since long, I had dressed up appropiately, i was looking at her all the while also I am sure my body language was quite ok all this while.

Before me, she had approved 4-5 visas on the trot for school kids and i was praying that i don't get to interview by her since i knew she would reject anyone that comes after the kids.

Please advise what went wrong.

Thanks for this group giving valuable suggestions and sharing experiences. it helped me a lot to get through.

I attended B1 Visa

Me: Good morning interview on 9th march at Chennai. i dont have any Visas and till now not traveled.

VO: Good morning passport please

VO: Why are you traveling?
Me: To attending Business and Technical discussions with my client YYYY about my new project.

VO: which location you are going?
Me: Santa Clara, California

VO: For how long you are going?
Me: Two weeks.

VO: Whats your experience?
Me: 8 years.

VO: whats your designation:
Me: Lead Engineer.

VO: Whats your annual income.
Me: YYYY lakhs per annum.

VO: Are yo married?
Me: Yes.

VO: Is your wife traveling with you ?
Me: No.

VO: Your Visa Approved.
Me. Thanks.

 

Hi Friends

This is my first post. My L1B visa was rejected on March 2012. Now I joined a different company couple of months back and they decided to send me Houston for business meeting. Here is my experience.

I went Chennai VAC on 9th March for biometric and it was fast and very simple. I came back Bangalore and again went on 11th March because my interview was on 12th March.

I went to consulate little early (my appointment was at 10:15 and I reached at 9). Waited in hot weather of Chennai. I was allowed to go inside at 10:20. I did not carry mobile, wallet etc. Only passport and documents.

After security check, I was allowed to go inside. There was a hall and my passport was scanned and I was asked to stand in a queue. After waiting for 10 mins, I was asked to go to counter no 21. VO was a guy.

Me: GM sir
VO: No reply, passport please.
I handed over the passport.
VO: Purpose of your visit.
Me: Business meeting and workshop with xxx leads in Houston.
VO: Since how long in this company?
Me: 2 Months
VO: Before xxx, which company?
Me: xxx company
VO: For how long?
Me: 4 years
VO: Salary?
Me: xxx lakhs per annum (pretty decent).
VO: Designation?
Me: xxx Manager
VO: For how many days you are going?
Me: 10 days.
VO: Where in US?
Me: Houston.
VO: Have you travelled outside India before?
Me: Yes, UK in 2012.
VO : Your visa is approved.

I was in formal, no tie or coat. I was nervous but when I went to counter, I answered flawlessly.

All the best.

Hi All,

I have taken B1 visa interview on 08-03-18, below are details

Here is my Case:

B1 visa applicant,
IT Business Professional since past 7 years
Qualification: MBA and MCA
Marital Status: Single
Age: 30 - Male
Travel: 1st time International traveller

Below is the interview conversation

VO: Good Morning.
Me: Good Morning, How are you doing today?
VO: I am doing good.
Me: How was your day so far?
VO: Good, enjoying Happy Womens Day (VO being a Female)
Me: Happy Womens Day to you...

VO: What is the purpose of the Visit?
Me: Meeting with Business Stakeholders like Customers, Partners and Product Managers.
VO: Looks convinced (started typing something on Computer)

VO: Where are you planning to Visit in US?
Me: Seattle
VO: Looks convinced (started typing something on Computer)

VO: What is your Designation in your organization?
Me: Business Analyst
VO: Checks something on computer looks convinced and started typing something

VO: Are you going to work on New product or Existing one?
Me: I will heling in existing and new product, explained exactly what I would be doing.
VO: Checks something on computer looks convinced and started typing something

VO: What is your Salary per Annum?
Me: xx,xx,xxx per annum
Note: I find my salary to very less compared to US, based on recent research
VO: Types something on the computer

Sorry, you have not qualified for Non-immigriant visa under section 214(b). Hands over a paper with
details to section and law details. If you wish you may apply again sometime later. Thank you.

Queries:
1. What is your view on my interview, why do you think I would have been rejected B1 visa?
2. What does section 214(b) actually mean? Shall I re-apply and by when?
3. What should I change in my DS-160
3. Can I re-apply for B2 Visa for tourist purpose and will B1 Visa rejection have any impact?
4. If in future I plan to visit USA for Business purpose can I use my B2 visa or will I have to
   re-apply for B1 visa?
5. I planning to apply for Schengen Visa, just to avoid rejection for 1st time Visa applier for
   Foreign country? Do you have any thoughts?
   I plan to ONLY apply for visit and not taking any visit for Europe.

Looking for replies and suggestion from this forum.

Thanks in advance!

Hello All.

Firstly, I would like to thank this website and all of you guys for helping me out in my VISA interview.

So let's get started !!!!

I was scheduled at 10:15 AM slot. I reached there by 9:45 AM and straight away got in.

After their usual security checks I was allotted first window. Here is my conversation and hopefully someone will suggest me my rejection reason.

VO: Good Morning!!! Your passport please.
Me: Good Morning Sir (with a smile). Here it is.

VO: What is the purpose of your travel?
Me: I need to attend business meetings with our client.

VO: What is the duration of your visit??
Me: 2 Weeks.

VO: So, since when you are working with YYYY Company?
Me: In total, I have XX years of experience and with YYYY company I have 3 years of experience.

VO did not ask me anything else and he gave me 214 (b). I was in shock that I was asked/judged only on 3 questions. He was also rude while calling the next participant. He was waving his hand to call the next person in queue(which I did not find okay). I was also called up in the same way. I walked out thinking where did I mess up??

I am not sure if this could be the reason (just wondering) but before me he approved 2 VISAs. Both of the VISA applicants were senior citizens and they were going to meet their grandchildren in the US.

As per me nothing went wrong from my side and today has just not been good for me!!! I was judged only on 3 close-ended questions.

Can someone help me in understanding what went wrong.

Regards,

Hello, I have been going through this forum for a while now. I recently had the B1 Visa interview and had to face the rejection even though I had Previous L1 B Visa approved and i stayed in US back in 2014-15. I have also traveled to other Countries( Schengen and Ireland) on Business Visa from same company. Here is how my Interview went :

VO: Why you are travelling to US?
ME: I am travelling to attend Business Discussions and Meetings with Business Stakeholders.
VO: People coming in meetings are of same/parent company:
ME: Yes we have internal meetings where various YYYY location Representative are joining this.
VO: Designation?
ME: Senior Consultant
VO: Looking at all the visas I had in past at my passport. What is Exp with YYYY company?
ME- 7 years now.
VO: What is package?
ME- YYYY LPA. I have good package with respect to Industry standards.
VO: Looking at her computer monitor , why have you overstayed in Ireland during your business visit.
ME- I never did that mam.
VO: You did, that is what it shows , give me the reason:
ME- I never did that, if that would have been the case I would have got the red stamp on my passport. I can show my passport with all the exit stamps within time limits.
VO: I am not asking if Immigration allowed or not or they gave permissions. I am asking reason why you overstayed.
ME: Since I never did this overstay I have no reason to give.
VO: How long you were staying with Ireland in business visits.
ME: 2 to 3 Weeks.
VO: Continuously typing something on screen and said visa not approved.

As I came out I was really shocked to learn that I have overstayed and that too I have never been caught:). I was more concerned with my Travel History rather than B1 Visa. I recently had Schengen Business Visit Last month without any issue nobody mentioned about overstay in Ireland.

Anyways, with the above conversation I was sure my rejection reason was overstay which I never did. So post my interview I reached out to Ireland Immigration office to understand what is the issue here did I ever Overstayed with you guys. If yes, then send me the duration so I can show the proofs. I have been on 2-3 Weeks Business Visits in Ireland for 5 times but never seen any issue.

I have been mentioned by Immigration office that you never overstayed with us. In all your business visits your history is absolutely clean. It depends on USA Visa Authority why they are considering if you overstayed with us.

I am really not sure now what should be done in this case. Is my understanding correct with the above conversation that rejection was due to overstay issue which VO mentioned? As I have the email from embassy mentioning that you never overstayed so shall I re apply with the proof?

Please advise!!

Hi all!

Can anyone help me with questions along with appropriate answer that can be asked if I am applying for B1 US VISA after first rejection.

Thanks!