Business Visa - B1

Thanks to immihelp

My interview held on 24-Jan-2014 at 9:30 A.M @ Chennai . i was there little early around 8:30 A.M. and joined the Que , through with all Security check . I was at Consulate Hall around 9:00 A.M , I have got my Token # and here goes

VO : Good Morning sir
me : Good Morning Sir , How are you

VO: I'm Good Sir , how are you
Me : Good

VO : Whom do you work for
Me; Said YYYY X Inc

VO : What's profile
Me : Said YYYY X

VO : Whats your Salary ?
Me : Said

VO : Are you Married
Me: Yes I'm Married

VO; Thank you sir, You will get confirmation SMS and pickup your Passport at Bangalore Office and have Great Day Sir :)
Me; Thank you and have a pleasant day for your too. I finished and came out 9:15 A.M.

That's it they didnt even check any Documents Not even Invitation letter expect Passport. But i advice be specific in your words and they should trust your words . I suggest to go in Formal , Since I am country head I dressed with White Shirt , Tie and Blazer .

Cheers and all the best for all who is attending Interview .

First of all ,thanks to immihelp and all who posted their experience .

I got my Business visa approved on 22/01/2014 from

Vo:- Good morning
me:- Good morning mam !

Vo:- Can i see your passport
Me:- sure

VO:- why you want to go US
me:- I am going to release XYZ product on XX date so there is a confrence/meeting and I have to atttend that.

VO:- Why you
ME:- because i work as a YYYY position.

VO:- what you company do ?
Me:- YYYY YYYY YYYY YYYY YYYY X

VO:- I did't get you
me:- I repeat again

VO:- again I did't get you
Me :- I repeat again

Vo:- ok tell me what you will do first day
me:- xxxx

Vo:- second day , third day... fourth day till sixth day
me:- xxxx

VO:- what is you monthly salary
me:- YYYY

VO:- since how long you are working with the company
me :- X months but i have prior experience in same domain

VO:- start typing
me:- waiting .....

VO:- your visa has been approved.
me:- thanks mam
 

First of all, hats of to all the guys who took their time and posted on immihelp. We only refer this site for preparation but don't even think of posting it here once our visa is approved.

I got my Business visa approved today on 22/1/2014. Visa officer was pretty and cheerful lady. She rejected another person's visa while i was waiting for my turn in line so i was scared initially.

VO : Good morning
Me : Good morning Mam !

VO : May i see your passport please
Me : There you go !

VO : Why are you going to U.S ?
Me : For attending business meetings with our client

VO : Who do you work for ?
Me : YYYY

VO : oh YYYY ! , Which client ?
Me : YYY

than she was confused and coudn't recognize the client so i said the full name of the client rather than abbreviation

Me : YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

VO : Oh OK. For how long you have been working ?
Me : ZZZ Years and ZZ days

VO : What is your role at ZZZ
Me : Bla bla bla

VO : For how long you're travelling ?
Me : 1 Week

VO : May i see your invitation letter ?
Me : Sure ! ( I gave the invitation letter to her)

VO: OK your visa is approved, you will get your passport in 5 working days !
Me: Thanks Mam and Bye :)

Be confident and good luck to all

Hi All,

This forum helped me alot to get B1 visa in first attempt :)

Thought to share my experience as well.

Consulate Office - Mumbai
Date - 21 January 2014
Visa Type - B1

Questions -

VO - Good morning
ME- Good morning

VO- Why are you travelling?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- How long you're planning to stay?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- Tell me about client's application ?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- Have you travelled before outside of India?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- Who is going to pay for your expenses?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- Are you married?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- How long you're married?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- Do you have children?
ME- Relevant answer

VO- for few minutes started typing.
ME- waited positively.

VO - "I am approving your VISA, you can collect Password in 2-5 days".
ME- Thank you, have a nice day.

Thank you and Best wishes friends.

Hi,

I had my B1 VISA Interview on 15th January 2014 at Mumbai.

immihelp was a massive help in the preparation. I thank everyone who took time out to share their experience.
It does help a lot, and it is even more helpful (psychologically, at least) if the experience you are reading about is very recent and you have an impending interview.

Firstly my appointment was at 1100 hours but just to beat the traffic I reached a lot early ... at 0900 hours.

I asked the Consulate people, who were standing outside and checking the Appointment letter for people going in,
If I should come over half an hour before my appointment. He said you can join in now.
So I joined in at 0915.

Remember they do not allow you to carry anything electronic (Mobile Phones, Digital Watches, pen drives etc.), keys, bags. Just take your folder which has all your documents in it. (This goes for both the Biometrics and The actual Interview)

Once I got through the security, I was asked for finger prints again.
And then they let you go in to the line, which will lead to the Window where the VO is.
There are no separate enclosed rooms, like there were in the earlier center at Mahalaxmi.
This is completely open and there is a lot of noise around, so give your complete attention to the VO.

At the window:

VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning

VO: Can I have your Passport, please.
Me: Sure

VO: So what brings you here today
Me: Meetings with Company A in xxxx

VO: How long will you stay.
Me: xxx

VO: What is the purpose of the meeting
Me: xxx

VO: Your VISA has been approved.

Do prepare a lot, they may ask you anything.
Make sure all the homework is done and answers to the general questions are well rehearsed and CONCISE.
No extra information. Only TO THE POINT answers.

Thank you
All the best.

 

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]