L1, L2 Visa

Biometric is simple and easy. Just don't carry any gadgets, mobiles etc. rest it 15 minutes task over all.

I will focus on Interview - we had an appointment for 10:30 and we were let go early at 10:00 am. As I was with my family. I was asked to skip the que and directly go for an interview at the window. Officer - Asked for.the passport, I797. Questions - what your employer wants to send you to the united states, what is my role there, How many direct reportees, Salary in the US and what does my company do. These were all the questions asked to me. And there in asked my wife to step forward and place her left hand and then right hand for scanning. Then finally the golden words "" Your entire family VISA is approved " you will get you passport in a week's time. Thank you all who have shared their experience it helps.

Please find my interview transcript for your reference:

VO: is it L1A or L1B?
Me: L1B

VO: what’s your specialization?
Me: My specialization lies in that I have designed and developed ABC proprietary tools, added one-two lines on the my involvement in design and dev, (but i noticed she was in a hurry to cut me off)

VO: what’s your salary?
Me: xxxx p.a. (110+)

VO: your visa is rejected, please check with your HR to apply to the right category.

My question is what was the Officer looking for? I was judged only on one question, nothing else asked. I saw she rejected all the L1 visas before me, literally all. She was frustated and screaming. I have seen in this forum that many blanket visas got accepted by the same answer on specialization, I guess its all about VO luck now. Hence, I tried to calm myself and answered confidently but she rejected at the end of the day without even listening to me properly. One question if guys could help me, does she mean that I should apply L1 individual as the right category? Note: I had previous F1 visa also.

Tips:
- Be confident and answer.
- Dont bother about the outcome. Its not in your control
- It can be frustating to get rejected but its not the end of the world. If someone doesnt value you, find your value somewhere else or try again.

Sharing my experience of the same as this forum has been extremely helpful to me. Grateful to everyone who took time to post their experience.

My L1 approval came in end of May as the company wanted to transfer me for business expansion. I have been working with the company for more than 5 years.

Filled out the DS 160s for myself, my husband and my child.

Got the VAC appointment in mid June and not mentioning a lot about it as it was pretty straightforward.

For the consular appointment, late June, our slot was at 10 am. We reached by 9:30 and there was a 30-50 minute queue. However the process was smooth. I had carried a lot of documents from my petition.

At the window, the VO greeted us and asked us for our passports.

Upon scanning, he asked my husband to step forward and scan his right hand fingers.

It was clear from that moment that our visa was approved. Then he asked my child to scan his fingers and then me.

I was asked only two questions

-Which company do you work with and how long have you been working with them.

And then, "your visa has been approved. "

All in all about 2 minutes with the VO.

Thank you everyone, for sharing your experiences and making this a truly useful channel.

Hi Everyone,

I hope this post helps anyone preparing for their L1A visa journey, especially those applying along with L2 dependents. Here's a detailed account of our recent experience, including key tips and practical pointers.

Appointment Details:

Appointment Booked On: 11th April 2025 (via Traveldocs)
Biometric Appointment: 21st April 2025 at Mumbai VAC
Consular Interview: 25th April 2025 at Chennai
Visa Type: L1A Individual (with L2 for spouse and child aged 5)

🔸 Biometric Appointment – Mumbai VAC

We reached the Mumbai VAC around 2:30 PM for our 3:00 PM slot. Since there's no waiting area, we waited across the road until our time was called. Entry is strictly based on the appointment time.

Only Below Documents Asked at VAC:

Passports
DS-160 Confirmation
Appointment Confirmation
Passport Photo (only for the child)

Process:

    Once inside, you’ll go to the 1st floor.

    Counter 1: They verify your DS-160, affix a sticker to the back of your passport, and stamp your DS-160 confirmation.

    Counter 2: They collect biometrics (photo and fingerprints).

    🔸 Children below 14 do not need to be present for biometrics. Just carry their passport-size photograph.

Important Notes:

    Do NOT carry phones, bags, or electronic devices. Locker facilities are available inside for ₹500.

    If you need urgent document corrections or printing, there’s a xerox shop at the exit—but be cautious: DS-160 corrections are charged at ₹3000 and printouts at ₹500.

    Alternatively, head to a nearby cyber café (e.g., near Kurla Station – 2 km or Vidyanagri – 3.6 km).

🔸 Consular Interview – Chennai VAC

Our interview was scheduled for 8:00 AM, and we reached by 7:30 AM. A staff member with a tablet verified our appointment and passports outside before allowing entry.

Steps Inside:

    Security Check

    Move to an adjacent building for document verification and wait for your turn.

    🔸 Again, children under 14 are not required to attend the consular interview.

Only Below Documents Asked at VAC:

Passports
DS-160 Confirmation
Appointment Confirmation
I-797 (for L1A applicant) - 1 Copy
Passport Photo (for the child) - 1 Photo
✅ No other documents were asked.

Visa Interview Questions:

Is this your first time applying for an L1A Visa? ➝ Yes

Which company do you work for? ➝ I mentioned the company name and gave a brief about the business.

No questions asked to spouse

We were then asked for fingerprints (left hand for me and spouse). And then came the Golden words: ✨ “Congratulations, your visa is approved.” ✨

Stay Recommendation – Chennai

We stayed at The Park Hotel, which is diagonally opposite the VAC, just a 2/3 minute walk. The room rent was around ₹8000 (bed & breakfast). While the in-house food is pretty pricey, there are several restaurants and even a McDonald's right across the street.

Biometric Appointment: 03-Apr-2025, 12:00 PM
Visa Interview: 04-Apr-2025, 9:30 AM

I had to travel from Bangalore to Chennai for the visa process. I booked an early morning flight at 7:30 AM on the 3rd. Unfortunately, due to heavy traffic, I reached the boarding area by 7:10 AM, just as the boarding bus was leaving. Despite requesting the staff, they denied boarding.

I immediately booked the next available flight and reached Chennai airport around 12:00 PM. From there, I rushed to the metro and caught the 12:06 PM train. I got down at AG-DMS metro station, took an auto, and reached the biometric center by 12:55 PM—just in time for my appointment.

On the interview day, no electronic devices were allowed inside. After entering, I was directed to the security deposit counter, where they asked for a credit card to pay the deposit.

I had two cards, but both had international transactions disabled. I even tried using my wife’s card, but it was not accepted. I was asked to write down my name on paper and was given one hour to come back with payment.

I rushed back to the hotel, enabled international transactions, and returned.
I completed the deposit process successfully.
The staff mentioned to inform the HR team to ensure this does not happen in future cases.

Honestly, the interview itself was quite smooth. The real review seems to happen at counters 7, 8, and 9, where the technical officers assess your profile. After reviewing my documents, the Visa Officer noticed my company name and background and seemed impressed. I sensed a positive response.

Here’s how the conversation went:

Which company do you work for?

How long have you been working there?

What is your role?

While explaining, I mentioned that I hold a patent. The Visa Officer paused, asked for more clarity, and I shared that it was filed as part of a team of four.

Shortly after, he said:
"Your visa is approved."

My company submitted a petition for an L1B visa under the specialized skills category. Since the petition was blanket, we needed to travel to Chennai from Hyderabad.

Biometrics Appointment: 4:00 PM on 23rd March '25
Visa Appointment: 8:00 AM on 24th March '25

We arrived in Chennai on 22nd March, and my company had booked us a stay at the IBIS Hotel, which is conveniently located near the consulate. We rested that day.

23rd March: We arrived at the biometrics center at 3:00 PM and waited for our appointment time. Arriving 15 minutes early is sufficient, as they only call people at their specific appointment times—there’s no need to queue up in advance.

You’ll need your appointment confirmation letter, your current passport, and the DS-160 confirmation page. They verify your documents first, then place a sticker on the back of your passport and send you to the next counter. During biometrics, they verify your name and date of birth, take all your fingerprints, and capture your photo.

Before leaving, ensure your DS-160 confirmation page is stamped, and you’re done with biometrics.

24th March: The hotel offered a free drop-off service to the consulate, which starts at 7:00 AM, so we used that. When we arrived, there was already a line outside. We joined the queue, and they checked the 8:00 AM appointment times before allowing us inside. Next, we placed all our documents in a tub for scanning and went through a security check. Note that no electronic devices (including smartwatches and AirPod cases) or cosmetics (such as lip balm or inhalers) are allowed.

Inside the consulate, there are multiple windows for different purposes. We waited for about 15 minutes before being sent to the cashier, where I submitted the demand draft provided by my employer and received a receipt. We then proceeded to the document verification window.

After verification, we waited in line for the interview. There were several windows, and personnel moved applicants to whichever window was free. We waited about 10 minutes in the queue. It was not completely silent, and we could hear other applicants' questions, although not clearly. We saw several approvals and rejections before it was our turn.

The Visa Officer (VO) was a woman in her 30s-40s, and she greeted us with a big smile. We handed over two copies of the I-129S, I-797, our passports, and the DS-160 form.

VO: Good morning!
Me: Good morning, Officer!

VO: Are you applying for L1A or L1B?
Me: L1B blanket

VO: How long have you been with your company?
Me: I’ve been with my current company for 2 years and 10 months.

VO: What is your special skill?
Me: I explained about our proprietary application, the features I developed, and their uses.

VO: What is your salary in the U.S.?
Me: I told her the monthly salary, and she asked for the annual amount.

To my spouse:
VO: Are you working?
Spouse: Yes, I’m a Senior Software Engineer at xxx company.

The officer then took our fingerprints, stamped our I-129S copies, and returned a stamped copy to us.

VO: Your visa is approved! Please carry these documents and present them at the port of entry.
Me: Thank you! Have a great day!
VO: You too!

The entire process took just about 2 minutes, and we left with smiles on our faces.

Since we didn’t bring our phones, several auto drivers asked if we had good news. If so, they’d ask for 1500 rupees, joking that it would make them happy since we’re going to earn dollars. I simply told them we’d walk, as the hotel was nearby, and we walked for about 10 minutes to get back. We had the complimentary breakfast at the hotel before heading out for some shopping at a nearby mall, as our return flight was scheduled for 8:00 PM.

Personal Tips:
Be confident. I noticed that the officers mainly observe how you present yourself and communicate. Don’t be anxious—speak clearly, slowly, and loud enough for them to hear.

Went for L1 interview and the officer approved I-129 and asked if I was traveling and I said yes, he then handed me the below instructions, but when I login I don't see the option - what could I do? How long does it usually take for this option to become available.

The officer told you that you are otherwise approvable, but you need your passport immediately for travel? No problem. We are returning your passport to you today and administratively refusing your application.

When ready to return your passport, please log on to your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv and select the "consular section instructed me to send more documents" option. Follow the instructions and return your passport to us to continue processing your application.

Hi All,

Firstly, Thank you for this greatest forum where we can see the visa experience for each category. This gives confidence about the current visa process.

I would like to share my experience as well.

I travelled to Chennai on 29th Jan 2025 and landed in the evening around 4pm. My biometrics(Chennai VAC) were on 30th Jan 2025 @11:00AM and visa appointment was on 31st Jan 2025 @11:00AM.

Biometrics:
1. For biometrics, Hardly it is a 15 mins process to complete. I reached biometrics entrance by 10:30am and security person verified my appointment time and allowed me inside. I see lot of people waiting outside and may be the *** for others or their appointment time not turned up. Once I visited the entrance, security person diverted me to first floor and they asked me to stand in a line for 5 mins and later they sent us to one more floor up where the actual process commences i.e, document verification for this we need visa appointment confirmation page, DS 160 form new + old(If you have), current passport. The team will do the verification and validation and they put the docs in the order and club them using a band. After this, they will add two stickers at the back of passport one is latest DS 160 form application id with barcode and second one about your name and passport number. After that, Need to join an another queue - where there are multiple counters ahead, they may send you to one of the counters where they will capture the finger prints, left four fingers and right four fingers and followed with left and right thumb and also they will capture your photo. Finally they will do the stamp as VAC Chennai with the current date on the DS 160 form and the same paper need to carry for visa appointment.

2. Next Day, i.e. 31st Jan 2025, one of the biggest days in my life(Visa Appointment). Literally, no sleep the before night. I wore a blazer, I carried all the supported documents in the transparent case folder. No mobiles were allowed. I reached venue by 10:30 AM and shown visa confirmation page to the security and they allowed me. After that, one person will proceed the system check for your details and then they will allow you inside the main door and there the metal detector and baggage scanning will go on. After that, we need to go into the next place where the documents need to be arranged in two sets i.e, 1. I129S and Blanket Petition Document first page, Current passport and back side of the DD (need to write passport number and the name). They will arrange this into an order and rubber band them. After this, they will move to another building inside, where the DD submission counter will do the verification and the generate the receipt. This may take some time because some people in the queue may be having issues with their DD and they will do the credit card payment or debit card payment (make sure international transactions are enabled). While standing in this queue, I can see the people coming with happy faces and luckily haven't seen any sad faces at all and absolutely no crowd. Once I received the receipt and moved to the next counter where they proceed the system check for my DS160 and others. They have done the validation, and then finally asked me to join in the visa interview queue. I have see only two counters were open, I was asked to wait in one queue where the lady is interviewing one person and their visa got approved and while other counter done with their visa and they got approved and I moved to that counter. Here is my experience with visa officer

1. Me : Good Morning officer, How are you?
    VO : He said "I am fine"

2. Me : I have passed my documents (He scanned my DS160 bar code and I think my data reflects on his system)
    VO:He asked are you for applying for L1A
    Me: Officer, I am applying for L1A blanket"

3. VO: "Which company are you working for"
     Me: XYZ

4. VO:what is your designation in US"
     Me:XYZ

5. VO: what is your salary in US?
     Me: Answered

5. VO:How many reportees will report to you in US"
    Me: XYZ

6. VO:Do you do "Hire and fire authority"
    Me:Yes/NO

7. VO: He asked how many reportees for you in US ?
     Me: As said, again repeated the answer

8. VO: are you married -
     Me: Yes,

9: VO: Kids?
       Me: Answered.

10. VO:Why they have not joined with you now ?
       Me: I have explained the reason and said they will join with me in the couple of months in US.

11. VO: Finally, they asked me to scan the four fingers and while doing this he stamped on my DS160 form and the golden words from him as "Congratulations, I am approving your visa" Please show this to immigration authorities while travelling. Happy Journey.

What a moment this that was! where people can see the happiness which cannot be bought.

I went for my L1b (Blanket) Visa interview. Travel to US is planned in July 15, 2025 (mentioned in my I-129s as well). VO gave 221g White Slip (with a note to come back within 90 days of planned travel to USA) and returned passport. Anybody else know about this restriction? I previously thought you can apply for Visa for travel in next 6 months.
One more thing, she did take my fingerprints of left hand at the end of the interview. Passport returned.

Folks - Can you please tell me if i can take photo copies of my work permit documents to prove my legal status in Canada. I actually lost my permit documents.