H1B, H4 Visa

Encounter 1: Fresh H1B Visa

Aug 5: Biometrics
Aug 6: VISA Interview
Details :

Parking is expensive here, better would be hiring a cab or come by metro(just 1 min walk away). As expected, no electronic items are allowed inside consulate. Lockers are available at premium price.

You will be allowed on time or in my case 15 mins before scheduled time.There will be security check followed by waiting in waiting area(10-15 mins max).

Once this is done, next will be standing in line for finger print verification followed by VISA interview. below was my conversation with VO

Me: Good morning mam
VO: Good morning
VO: What is your employer name ?
Me: Told employer name
VO: Position ?
Me:Answered
VO : City ?
Me: Answered
VO: Client or direct employer ?
Me: Answered
VO: Is it the client that is part of XYZ company? (actually our client is subsidiary of fortune 500 company)
Me : Yes
VO: Congratulations, VISA approved

It took less than 2 mins.

Aug 7: Issued
Aug 9: Collected passport.

Unfortunately i couldn't go with that employer and another employer raised for Cap exempt premium petition (H1B transfer) which is approved in 15 days.

I can go with old H1B VISA stamp but attorney advised to get new one as CBP officers tend to make mistake with I-94. So i decided to get new VISA stamp

Encounter 2: VISA Dropbox

Sep 17 : Dropped documents via dropbox. I am eligible as i already have valid h1b visa with another employer
Sep 19: Passport returned. Asked to come for interview and old visa is cancelled without prejudice.
Sep 23: Attended interview
Details :
Procedure is same but this time no appointment is required. We can show the letter (221G) we got with passport and it has certain time mentioned (in my instance, i was asked to come in between 10 to 11 am on any week day).
Same finger print again and interview line.

VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning, How are you doing ?
VO: Good.
VO: You already have VISA, why apply new ?
Me: Answered, Change in employer from india
VO: Tell me about experience
Me : Answered
VO: Why didn't you join old employer ?
Me: Answered
VO : How different is role from previous employer to new one ?
Me: Answered
VO: Current job title and duties
Me : Answered
VO: When was lat visa issued ?
Me : Answered date
VO: Know your rights, handed over pamphlet
Me: Thanks
VO: VISA is approved
Me: Thanks

Sep 25: Collected passport

That's my experience. it is unique but positive one. Try to be genuine with your answers and be frank. There is no need to boast to impress VO. They need facts.

All the very best