Business Visa - B1

My Interview was at 1st April 2014(Mumbai), time scheduled was 11 AM, I reached at the venue @ 10.40 and there was no rush at all, within 10-15 mins I was done with the interview , actual time the Visa Officer took was less than a Minute.

VO : Good Morning , may I have your Passport?
Me : Good Morning, i handed over my passport.

VO : May I know the purpose of your visit to USA?
Me : Training on a software.

VO : Which Company you work for?
Me : Answered.

VO : For how long are you working with this company?
Me : Answered.

VO : For how long will you be in USA?
(I did not understood the question or did not listened properly so i asked him can you please repeat your question)
VO : What is the duration of your stay in USA?
Me : 2 Weeks

VO : What is your Annual Salary with current organisation?
Me : Answered.

VO : Why do you really wanna go to USA?
Me : Answered the same thing which I answered in purpose of visit with adding a word importance also showing the urgency and value of training.

VO : Your Visa Has Been APPROVED, have a safe trip, Thank you.
Me : Thank you.

Every time I was answering the question, VO was typing the same.

Make sure you maintain the eye to eye contact with him and ask him to repeat the question if you have not understood.

Regards
Aalok Pandey

for CPA Students who wish to appear for their exams in US. I had one L1 in 2007, second L1 rejected in 2012.
this time B1/B2 approved. Thanks to this forum.. helped me in many ways..

VO: Hi Good morning sir,
Me: Good morning sir,
VO: Why are you travelling?
Me:To appear for my CPA Exams,
VO: oh CPA? I guess it would be tough.
Me: Yes sir, preparation is going well.
VO: Have you travelled to US before?
Me: Yes, in 2008
VO: Oh .. as what?
Me: I travelled on L1 -- intra company transfer.
VO: How much are you drawing now?
Me: YYYY rupees per annum
VO: Put your left hand on the Biometric machine:
Me : done
VO: .... he typed some thing on the system. and said.... sweet words" Your Visa is approved" Good luck.
Me: Thank you Sir.

I had applied for business visa (B1/B2) at Mumbai consulate. This was my first attempt.

Form Filling and Appointment Scheduling
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I filled the DS-160 form correctly. Then profile was made at US Travel Docs site. Here, mistakenly I had entered my passport number wrong. I made the payment and got the appointment scheduled. But, unfortunately, the appointment letter had the wrong passport number.

I tried going back to the profile section, but the passport number section was locked and it said that I need to email to change it. I sent the email and got an automated reply that the problem would be solved in 2 working days. Time was running out, so I decided to call the customer care. I explained my situation and she told me to cancel the last appointments and then gave another email id and told me to send the request mail along with scan of passport. I was assured that within 48 hours it would be resolved. After 15 hours, the next day, when I found that the passport number was not corrected I called the customer care once again. I requested them to expedite the process. The person said that, they had my request email and would change the passport number in 5 minutes, which they did! After that I scheduled the appointments once again. Luckily I got the same dates which I had selected earlier.

OFC Appointment
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My appointment time was 10:30 AM. I reached the site at around 9:30 AM. Please try not to carry any electronic items. I just carried cash (not even in wallet) and the following documents: Appointment Confirmation page, DS-160 Confirmation, Fee Receipt and Passport.

At the gate, they took the appointment confirmation, DS160 confirmation and Passport. They verified the information and allowed me to go in. There was a brief security check and I was led to the reception. At the reception again they verified the information and put a bar code sticker on my passport. Then was I taken to the waiting area where on entering I was given a token.

At that time there was only another person. So within 10 seconds my token number was called and I went to the given counter. The person, asked me to handover the passport. They took my photograph and fingerprint. I was asked about the type of visa I was applying for. Then she handed back the passport, appointment confirmation and DS-160 confirmation (stamped). And, I was done by 9:40 AM !

Interview
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My interview was scheduled at 9:00 AM. I reached the consulate at around 7:40 AM. At 8:15 the queue for 9:00 AM appointments was started. We were taken inside and led to a counter where they again verified my fingerprint. Then I was taken to another side and was assigned a counter number and was asked to wait till the previous person was done. Apparently, the person ahead of me was being asked a lot of questions but she got her visa approved. Then came my chance..

Me: Good Morning Sir..
VO: Good Morning, Can I have your passport please?

VO: Why are you travelling to the United States?
Me: To attend training regarding oil and gas drilling.

VO: Oil and gas training?
Me: Yes, oil and gas drilling training.

VO: How long have you been working with **my company name** ?
Me: For four months.

VO: What is your educational qualification?
Me: B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering

VO: How long will you stay in the United States?
Me: 25 days.

VO: Your visa is approved sir, you can collect it in 3-5 days.
Me: Thank you sir!

He kept back my passport. He did not even look at any documents I was carrying. It was 8:55 AM when I left.

First of all thanks to immihelp.

I had my B1/B2 Visa rejected earlier in 2012, i am not sure why was that, i was not asked for any documents. I work in a big US based product company, and was strange that the visa was rejected.

I went for my second attempt on 19-20th March in Chennai
Here is my experience.

Day 1: OFC - 19th March
The first day was very smooth and there is nothing to worry for this. They will only take the fingerprint and photo. Documents they checked were only the DS-160 form, appointment letter and passport. My appointment was at 1PM, i reached there at 12:30 and was out at 1:20 PM. The process just took around 15 mins.

Day 2: Visa Interview - 20th March
My appointment was scheduled at 9:00 AM, I reached there by 8:30 AM, and was shocked to see the huge rush. The were people from all appointments till 11:00 AM. People having appointment on 8:30 were still outside, so was sure that this gonna take some time. Finally was able to cross the first line and herder to the second line. After a round of security was inside the consulate.

First was asked to stand in a line where they again asked for left-hand fingerprint, i think this was just to load the profile was the last day. Done with that was asked to wait and within 5 mins my turn came.

Here is the questions asked by a lady VO.

VO: Good morning (with a huge smile)
ME: responded to the greeting, handed over the passport

VO: Why are you travelling to US
ME: I will be meeting my counterpart in US for release planning and technical discussion for next release of our product, (Typed something in here computer)

VO: Which company do you work for
ME: (Answered)

VO: When you say counterparts, are you gonna meet a client
ME: Explained that i will be meeting my team members, explained that we have teams in 3 places all them are meeting at one place

VO: Where place are you going
ME: (Answered)

VO: Is this the headquarter of your company
ME: No, the headquarter is in (named the place)

VO: How much do you salary
ME: (Answered)

VO: How long will you be staying
ME: 1 week

Then the golden words "Your Visa is approved".

 I was not asked anything about the earlier rejection, was not asked for any documents.

Tips:
Be confident, prepare the basic question very well, Purpose
Be precise in the answers
Purpose should be same as in Invite letter.
Be attentive, the accent and the voice from the speaker can be a little difficult to understand
Carry all the required document

Rest is your luck. The person in front of me was not even asked a single question, as soon as he gave his passport, the response was "You Visa in approved"

Hi All,

First of all thanks to immi help.

I have attended my B1 visa interview on 21st march,14. Below are the question asked me by a lady VO.

1) What purpose is your travelling?

2) What are you going to discuss in meetings and how it will be helpfull?

3) What's your designation?

My sincere advise is please be confident on your answers, don't repeat the same answer. be prepare before interview. Immi helpmed me alot to attend my interview with out fear.

Thanks again,

I wish you all the best,
Suman

Hi All,

I have got my B1 VISA in 3rd time. Although it is not good to get VISA after 3 attempts but its your fate. Thank god I got it this time..

First attempt:
I was not prepared enough. I thought whatever comes as natural flow, I will reply.

VO: Why r u going to US?
Me: I am a software engineer. I am working with xxx...... <It was a very long answer>
VO: Whom r u meeting with?
Me: <started telling names, actually he was asking for designation of people whom I will meet. So foolish answer>
VO: I am sorry, this time I cannot grant you VISA?
Me: <couldn't say anything, took my passport back and headed to EXIT>

Second attempt:
This time I am over-prepared. Which is not good again for your VISA interview.
I have satisfactorily answered all the questions, didn't make any blunder but still VISA rejected. She was asking me so many questions this time as if she already made her mind to reject and waiting for me to make mistake...

Me: Good morning mam. <no reply>
Me: I said, good morning mam <repeated>
VO: Good morning sir. May I have your passport please.
Me: Yes sure <she was not adequately audible. Bad luck>
VO: Why do you wish to go to US?
Me: I am a software engg. To attend some of the business meetings around requirement planning meetings I need to travel to US.<answered one liner>
VO: How long you will be on travel?
Me: Maximum 8 days including travel time <before I could finish my answer, next question>
VO: Where do you work?
Me: xxx
VO: What is your experience?
Me: 1.5 years <I don't know she asked me total exp. OR current company's exp.>
VO: So Where r u going?
Me: I will be going to xxx, xxx, xxx <I gave full name of the company and location>
VO: Is this your client company?
Me: No, it is part of global, xxx
VO: Where have you travelled before? Netherlands..
Me: Yes
VO: What were you doing there?
Me: I have been there ..... <before I could finish my answer, next question>
VO: What is your salary?
Me: xxx
VO: What is your qualification?
Me: Bachelor of Engineering in BioMedical <a long pause as if she is ready to approve VISA>
VO: I am sorry sir but I cannot approve your VISA
Me: Please reconsider because my visit is important..... <before I could finish>
VO: I am very sorry.

Third attempt:
VO: Why r u travelling to United States?
VO: How long have you been working with current employer?
VO: How long will you be staying in US?
VO: OK sir. You are granted with VISA. Your document will reach to you in next 3 days..

And very next day my passport with 10 years VISA reached to me.

In my view, getting US VISA is directly linked to your luck..
Basically, they might judge following points:
1. You didn't mug-up answers and whatever you are answering is not cooked-up.
2. You are earning a decent amount as per your experience and qualification. Not too low not too high. Because in both cases you are under doubt...
3. Your first answer is precise, accurate, confident and giving enough information about your visit.
4. Your attire is professional
5. You answer only what is asked for. Do not confuse them with long answers... they already have your history...

As soon as interview begins, they create an image of yourself into their mind based on your history. Then during the interview they verify, if you are a genuine, confident, look-professional, clear about your trip.

Thanks immihelp for getting my visa B1.

Hello all

I had my B1 visa interview on 21st Mar and OFC on 20th Mar at Chennai.
OFC was at 12:30 pm, again there was a line and the process seemed slower due to the hot weather. Once inside everything happened fairly quickly: took fingerprint scans, took a photo, asked for name, DOB and passport number.
Get a date and time stamp on the DS 160 confirmation page.

Interview slot was at 11:30 am. I don't know how may more slots are there after this, i guess this was the last one.
I reached by 11 am and had to wait till almost 12 noon to get in. I was one of the few wearing a suit in the sweltering chennai heat.
No mobiles are allowed inside, there's a facility for storage before joining the final line, don't know if it requires payment..
Once I got in, after the mandatory security checks, I had to get my fingerprints scanned again and they put a red swipe on my token slip.
Waited for around 10 mins for my token to be called up. The VO was a kind young lady. Following is the transcript of our discussion:

Me: Good Afternoon
VO: Your passport please
(I gave her both my passports, she returned the older one)

VO: Why are you traveling to the US?
Me: Business meetings

VO: Who are you meeting?

Me: Our client xyz

VO: Where do you work?

Me: <My company name>

VO: Oh ok, What position do you hold?

Me: <Told her my designation>

VO: What's you annual salary?

Me: <Told her my annual salary in lacs>

VO: What will be the duration of your stay

Me: 3 weeks

VO: So why is it that you have to go the US now?

Me: There is this project on XYZ where i need to assess the client's current processes around ABC domain

VO: but why now? how long have you been at your company?

Me: Just one and half months

VO: Oh alright then, I'm approving your application now

Me: Thanks, have a great day

It is good to dress in business formals, but for the chennai heat, applicants should at least put on a shirt and tie along with formal pants. Do not carry anything that you won't need. As for me, just out of my sheer paranoia i was carrying all my original educational documents, which were not required, at least for a B1 in my case.

Advisable to prepare for the standard questions in advance.
All the best!

Hi immihelp,

A BIG THANKS to immihelp. I got approved my B1 from Chennai consulate and my interview was at 21st Mar 2014. My Appointment was at 7.30 which was the first slot of the day. My OFC got over on 20th. I was stayed near to the consulate. I get in queue at 7.00 and tried a makeover on my face & shown a simulated confidence (this helped me).

VO: Good morning, passport plz
Me: (passport given), said good morning. (I have taken my invitation letters in hand).

VO: Why you are going to US? (At the same time he moved hands towards me by asking docs in my hand)
Me: To attend business meetings and technical training at (client name).

VO: (he did not get the client name, he again asked), who is ur client?
Me: said.

VO: What is your company?
Me: said

VO: How long are you working with this company?
Me: said.

VO: Who is your immediate superior in India?
Me: said

VO: who is from client side?
Me: said

VO: How long will you be there in US?
Me: 2 weeks.

(VO heard it like 2 years.)

VO: 2 years on B1, you couldn't.
Me: clarified it is that 2 weeks not 2 year.

(He was reading the docs I given)

VO: what is this project about( by looking my invitation letter)?
Me: I briefly explained.

VO: Then why you need to go US?
Me: said my reasons.

VO: Why you can’t do that from here?
Me: said some technical difficulties.

VO: Just explain any case you need to be there in US?
Me: I pick an example case and explained that.

All these time VO had my invitation letter and company introduction letter. Before me completing my example he started to talk again,

VO: Okay I am approving your VISA, wish you a nice journey ?(with a smiled face)
Me: Thanks ?(Me immediately ran from him).

Points: Be confident, don’t show over confidence
             Be precise when you reply. Be calm when you answering.
             Concentrate the questions; if you see any of our answers going wrong to him immediately clarify that just in my case. All the best :)

Hello All,

Thanks for all the folks in this forum who have shared their experiences. This was very helpful / usefull for the overall B1 visa interview preparation.

My schedule was by 8.00 AM @ Chennai. Reached the place by 07.45 AM & joined the queue outside.

It took half an hour to get inside the building. By 08.30 AM I waited for my turn / coupon # to be displayed in the screen to meet the VO. In 10 minutes I got the counter # to meet the VO.

This gentlemen (VO) was really polite & accomadative. I was asked 3 questions....

Me - Hi Good Morning
VO - Good Morning Sir, How are you
Me - Good thanks, How about you
VO - Good thanks

VO - Please pass your passport.
Me - Done

VO - Who is your client
Me - Sai

VO - Purpose of visit
Me - Said

VO - What will you do there
Me - Going to get trained by my client @ my onsite office

VO - How long
Me - 5 Weeks

Then the golden words...Your Visa is approved. You would get the passport ASAP & would be notified via SMS.

I thanked him. And was off to a tea shop outside for relaxing.

Few Tips

Stay calm & quiet
Just run the agenda of your visit in your mind
Stay relaxed when VO asks for any question
Process the question appropriately in mind & then answer. As there is no hurry answering the questions (It's not a rapid fire game)
Don't be nervous at all. As life doesn't end there.
Be precise to the point