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L1A (Blanket) Approved - Chennai Location
Hi All,

First of all big thank you to this forum for helping me prepare for interview and all other processes. It helped a lot.

Here is how my experience went.

Stay - Hyatt Regency - Very near - 10 mins by Auto
Consulate - 5 Mins by Auto

Biometrics : Date XX-Sep 2022. Apt time - 1.30 PM, Arrived at 1.00 PM

Pre-requisite -
1. DS 160 Confirmation Form Pages for all applicants
2. Appointment Confirmation Page
3. Passports Original plus recent expired
4. Photos of kids if under 14 Years

Dress Code - Formal Shirt and Trouser

What else you can carry -
1. Phones are allowed but must be switched off. Small backpacks too are allowed. No issues.

Most Imp Tips:

1. DS160 Confirmation form must match all details with your most recent passport. Especially, name, DOB and Passport number. If there is any mismatch, then your form will not be accepted till the edit is complete and details are up to date.
2. Personal Exp. - My daughters latest passport received after DS160 was submitted and appointment schedule. Hence, old passport number was present on DS160 confirmation.
3. So I was asked to visit a nearest cyber cafe to have it update immediately. There is one right opposite the VAC center - that fellow was very helpful and knew these were common edits. This does not alter your schedule. So no worries. Within minutes, I was in same queue for Biometrics with my kids.
4. Photo - Must ensure Photo is as per specification Size plus - Forehead and both the ears must be visible.

Steps Followed -
1. Submitted documents mentioned above for verification along with passport.
2. Once validated, you proceed for Photo and fingerprints.
3. Kids under 14 yrs fingerprints are not taken.

Interview - XX- Sep-2022 - Apt Time - 8.30 AM - Arrived at 8.10 AM.

Actual Entry inside 8.40 AM

Documents -
1. All original passports - Primary Applicant First (Along with recent expired passports)
2. 2 Sets of I-129
3. First page of I-197 (2 Sets) - Rest other stuff is put aside ( All those exhibits and summary pages are not included in application)
4. Demand Draft for $500 Fraud Prevention Fees. You can pay it with Credit Card ( MC or VISA only). Ensure to have Card activated for international transactions.
5. For DD - Follow this link for latest USD Rates and DD details - https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/american-citizen-services-acs-fees/
6. VAC Stamped DS160 Form for Primary Applicant
7. Photos of kids incase not given at Consulate.
8. Appointment confirmation page for entry in consulate

Dress Code - Formal Shirt and Trouser ( I did not go with Suit or Tie - my attorney specifically advised not to overdo it. Not too casual and not too formal). I saw several candidates with suit getting rejected. So I doubt if that matters much.

What you can carry?
1. Apart from documents and small hand held folder - nothing is allowed inside.
2. All electronic gadgets, mobile phones, smart watches, even the digital ones are not allowed.
3. Can carry small water bottle in case you have kids.
4. Can carry wallets with Cards, Cash and Hotel Key pass - make sure no SIM or memory cards inside

Steps
1. Entry in consulate
2. Once all belongings are scanned and you are post security check - there is counter to segregate/arrange your docs as per instructions provided for each VISA Type.
3. Docs arranged, you can get priority in Queue if kids are accompanied.
4. Counter 2 - Validation of documents at Consulate Window ( There are 2 dedicated windows for document verification) You can submit kids photo, in case was not taken at VAC center at the time of Biometrics. Keep extra copies.
5. Counter 3 - Proceed to VISA Fees - $500 - Ways - DD or Credit Cards - you get a receipt.
6. In line for L1 interview - There was separate Queue for L1 Blanket candidates.
7. My turn came - Handed over the earlier arranged forms and Passports.
Usual Greetings.
Noticing multiple passports - VO inquired if my wife/kids were with me - I said yes. But he requested them to be seated separately till the interview was over.

Q 1 - Which company do you work for? -
Ans - XXX
Q 2 - How long you have been working with this company? -
Ans 10.5 Yrs - (At this time VO stamped my form - which I did not know was approval till I came back and saw the actual text. I thought it was just date stamp.)
Q3 - How many direct reports? (Here he put all the passports and forms in a separate Bin)
Ans - Team of 12 - 4 Direct and 8 are sub-reportees
Q4 - Educational Qualification?
Ans - Post Graduation

This time he requested to call my wife. No question asked - only told to scan our fingers. We parted ways with big smile.
Handed over stamped form I-129 back along with green slip.

I was out at 9.30 AM . Actual VO interview time - not more than 3 minutes.

Thank you!
All Replies (0)
L2 child visa for canadian passport holder
Hello : We have (Myself & Wife) our L1 / L2 interview scheduled in Oct. We booked this interview back in April at the time my wife was pregnant.

Fast forward, we have baby now and got her Canadian passport.
 
Now our attorney is trying to add her into our interview slot but they say they need to cancel and book another appointment to add the child, it means next available slot was going to be in Feb 2023.

How to approach this ?

Can you any one please share more information or link for this ?
All Replies (0)
Indian national workign in Malaysia - L1 B Visa stamping in KL ( Malaysia )
Hi, One of my friend who is an Indian national is working in Malaysia for the last 7 years. Her company requires her to work in the USA for about 2 years on an important project assignment which involves some propriety skills. Company has has filed a L1 Blanket petition and is approved. She has applied for L1B visa stamping in Malaysia. What are the chances of her getting the visa given that she is applying outside her home country ? Does anyone here have any experience in L1B stamping in KL ?
Also while scheduling her visa appointment they asked for Visa priority & Regular. we dont know which option to choose ? any help is appreciated
All Replies (0)
L1 B-blanket Visa Interview- Chennai
This is a very late post. Apologies for the same!
Below is how the interview went

VO: hi, how are you?
Me: I am doing good. How about you? “She responded saying she was doing good”
She asked for the documents and I gave her the requested documents.
VO: Which company do you work for?
Me: gave the name of the company
VO: Location of your US office
Me: gave the details
VO: What’s your specialized knowledge?
Me : Explained her
VO: Salary in US?
Me: gave the salary
VO: how long is your assignment for?
Me: gave the duration
VO: Does your wife work?
Me: No
VO to my Wife: Do you have kids?
My wife: Gave the answer
VO to my Wife: are you planning to work in the US?
My Wife: Not planned yet

She took our passports and said that she is approving the Visa for 3 years.

P.S. I don’t correctly remember the order of questions. The specialized knowledge in this case was Recruitment and TA.

All the best!

🙏
All Replies (0)
L1A visa with 2 dependents- chennai
Hello everyone and thankyou for all the guidance and help!
We had our visa interview today. L1A with 2 dependants. Visa approved!
The whole process took close to 40-45 mins
We had our appointment at 830. They let us in at 8.15
After entering there is a guy who will arrange your docs in passport. Since my husband was primary applicant, they took his passport and kept 2 sets of i129s and i797
Then they asked us to move inside where there was a queue to get your docs approved by an agent. Afterwards we had to stand in queue for fraud fee payment
After that we were in line for the interview.
Interview was for 3-4 mins. We greeted the vo and he asked us for the docs. He only saw the passports and forms
Vo: hi. Good morning
Us: good morning
Vo: can i have your docs pls
Handed him the docs
Vo: which visa is this
Us: l1a
Vo: okay great and your company?
Us: xxx
Vo: okay so what does your company do
Us: xxxx
Vo: and what will be your role
Us:xxxx
Vo: okay. What much experience do you have
Us:11 years in total and 1.5 yrs with this company
Vo: and what will be your designation
Us: manager
Vo: so you were hired as a manager as well?
Us: yes
Vo: where all have you worked besides your present company
Us: multiple companies over the years and then listed them off
Vo:how many reportees will you have
Us: xxx
Vo: okay. Let me just arrange your docs and can you please place your fingers on scanner
Us: sure
V9: okay your visa is approved. You will get your passport in 3-4 working days
Us: thankyou!

This was for my husband who is the primary applicant. He didnt ask me any questions just asked me to scan fingers.

This was our experience! All the best to everyone!
All Replies (3)
Does job title Senior Systems Engineer impact chances for L1A Function Manager visa
Does job title Senior Systems Engineer impact chances for L1A Function Manager visa?
TOE - 15 yrs
Current Employer - Leading Technology Product company
Years with Current Employer - 3.10 yrs
Salary - 3 digit salary + Bonus + Stocks
All Replies (0)
L1B Visa Approved without dependents - 16th Aug 2022
L1B Blanket Interview Experience:

OFC: 14th Aug Chennai
Tips:
 - Reach only 30-40 mins ahead on scheduled time to avoid waiting in humid weather
 - Phones switched off

CA: 16th Aug Chennai 11 AM
 - Reach only 30-40 mins ahead of scheduled time to avoid waiting in humid weather
 - No electronic device (Mobile, electronic car keys, smart watch etc)

Reached Consulate by 10.30. 50 Rs Auto from Taj Coromandel after crossing road at hotel. Too much traffic, could have reached walking in the same time :)
After ~ 10 mins waiting in multiple queues, was inside Consulate. Was asked to arrange docs in order. If I remember correctly:
- I-129s two sets
- I-797B two sets
- DS 160 X 1
- DD (if applicable)
- Passport
They again arrange the docs and put a rubber band on docs along with PP.
Proceeded to another building. Waited ~5 minutes for a counter where there was camera, she scanned docs.
Went to a counter in an alley for FP Fee payment by card. Was asked to wait after it. Had to wait for ~30 seconds (applicant was reapplying and it was the same VO, so VO asked him to go to some other counter)

Interview:
Usual greetings.
VO: Which company do you for?
Me: XXXX
VO: Ohh XXX great!! (Smiling, he moves his hand to pickup stamp)
VO: How long you have been working for XXXX?
Me: Close to 8 years. (He puts the stamp)
VO: What do you for XXXX?
Me: Started talking about my position etc for 30 seconds he wasn't listening anyway.
At one of my pauses he said your visa has been approved followed by usual instructions.
After handing out documents, Asked me if I was married. I said yes and they have appointments on xxxx date. He suggested that dependents should carry a copy of my visa or the stamped I129s copy with them, but also said anyway everything is there in the system. Made some note about my dependents while I was talking. Confirmed with me how many kids I have.

Reached hotel room by 11.20 AM. This time auto route was longer and they knew from my face that my visa was approved. Asked for 150, gave him 50 tip at drop.
All Replies (0)
L1B Visa Approved with Dependents (Wife and daughter) - Chennai - August 2022
This community helped me for preparation and I am sharing my experience.

VAC center/OFC appointment: Appointment at 8.30

We reached at 8.15 fat VAC center. They allowed entry after checking the appointment letter, ds160 confirmation and passport. Inside at one counter, they verified all the details and noted that my daughter's given name was not as per her passport. I went down to cyber cafe on the ground floor and the lady over there immediately corrected it and I was back upstairs within 5 minutes. Next, we waited in the queue for 5 mins for Photo and Biometrics. The entire process should not more than 15 mins if all your information is accurate.

Next Day Visa Interview at Consulates: 8.30 appointment time:

We reached at 8 and they allowed us to enter. There was a separate queue for L1 and the person asked to make 2 sets of I-129S and the first page of I-797, later he put rubber band on those documents along with our passport and DS160 (primary applicant). After that, we went to the next building where the interview was happening over various counters. They asked us to go to one counter where someone was checking documents, they will also scan photos of kids if applicable at this counter.
After that we paid fraud detection fees at a different counter, I was carrying cash however person at the counter insisted credit card which I gave him. After that, a person immediately pointed us to stand in front of a window where an interview was already happening. We were next:

Questions in sequence:
VO - Greetings, asked us to hand over documents and passport
Me - Greetings, followed by my documents
VO - What is your salary?
Me - Answered
VO - What will be your US Salary?
Me - Answered
VO - What specialized knowledge do you have?
Me - Answered
VO - Asked follow-up questions on my answer (basically why it specialized)
Me - Tried my best to answer in layman's terms (but she interrupted me with the next question)
VO - What's your company do?
Me - Explained
Asked my wife to come forward:
VO - Your name and highest qualifications

She took some time to enter details into the computer and after approx. 1 min said that your Visa is approved and handed me over stamped copy of I-129S and green slip.

YOU WILL SEE TOO MANY CANDIDATES FOR INTERVIEWS, MOSTLY STUDENT VISA RELATED. BE CONFIDENT. THERE WILL BE A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS SO PREPARE WELL FOR ANSWERS BASED ON THE TYPE OF VISA. MAKE ANOTHER VERSION OF YOUR ANSWER WHICH YOU CAN EXPLAIN IN LAYMAN'S TERMS TO VO. ALL THE BEST.
All Replies (1)
L1,L2 stuck at application received status after interview
Hi. I went for my L1 visa interview on Jul 22 with my wife who is applying for L2.
The interview was very smooth and finished in 2-3 minutes with the consular telling us that our case was approved and we should get our passport back in about a week.
It's been 12 days since then and our status is still at Application Received. We see that the last updated date changed twice during this time, the most recent updated was Aug 4 for us and Aug 3 for our daughter.
I know it is a busy season for them but my colleague who interviewed 2 weeks before us received her passport back in a week.
Is there anything to worry about? Has anyone had similar experiences?
All Replies (0)
L1B blanket + 2D @ Chennai on July 18th, 2022
My L1B got approved on July 18th. Everything was smooth. My experience wasn’t much different than most of the other people who shared their experiences.

Stay:
I stayed in The Park. This is very well located for all the VISA aspirants as it is merely 1.2 km from biometrics location & walkable from consulate. Don’t waste money in superior room. Their deluxe room has better facilities than superior room! Make sure to ask for non-smoking room unless you want otherwise. In smoking rooms, you will get the smoke smell. The breakfast buffet is good. Dinner buffet also has good options, but the taste is very much plain & non-spicy.
If you are making hotel arrangement on your own & don’t want to shell out more money, I saw couple of more hotels which are just behind The Park. The two hotels are The Kings Park grand & Hotel Palmgrove.
There are some good restaurants around. Gangotree chats is very famous which is at a couple of km distance. Barbeque nation is about a couple km distance. MacD, KFC is walkable distance. Saw couple of more restaurants. Plus there is always an option of ordering food online.

Attractions:
Must visit VGP marine Kingdome which has underwater tunnel with marine fishes like Sharks & sting rays.

Biometrics on July 13th @ 8:30 am:
Documents to carry:
Passports for all, DS160 confirmation for all & appointment confirmation (only 1 for all). Keep the DS160 confirmation page inside respective passport similar to bookmark.
This was pretty simple, came out within 25 mins. Reached there around 8 am. You can take an auto or book the cab. Generally you will find couple of auto guys always on the road standing between entry & exit gate of The Park hotel. Auto fare is pretty standard (& inflated) – Rs 150 single trip.
Cellphones in switched off mode are allowed. I told security guard that I have cellphone in switched off mode.
There was already a queue on road outside the gate. With L1 blanket & /or family, don’t stand in that queue & directy go to the guard who allows going inside the campus. They will send you in after verifying the time & date on appointment confirmation.
There are people at all the points where one could get confused or multiple paths. So not to worry & follow them. The main queue starts on the stairs itself. The biometrics happens at second floor.
Your details on passport & biometrics get verified letter by letter so make sure everything on DS160 confirmation page is per passport.
At the second checkpoint after entering the second floor, one barcode label gets pasted at backside of the passport. It has your passport number, both biometric & consular appointment details (date & Time) etc… make sure that all info is correct & it is pasted properly. In case of multiple people like dependents, make sure that the barcodes aren’t swapped.
In case of dependents usually kids & wife will be sent to one counter & you will be sent to another counter.
At counter, they will ask to read the consent, then they will verify again everything on DS160 is per passport. After that they take your photo followed by fingerprints. Once done, they will ask to stay present for the interview which is scheduled at xxx time & At xxx date. They stamp your DS160.
While exiting the building, one more person will make sure that DS160 & then only send you out.
There are plenty of autos standing outside the gate to come back OR even you can book a cab,
Finding parking for own car is difficult there. So opt auto/cab option as much as possible.

Visa interview on July 18th, 2022 @11:30 am

Documents required:
Total time taken: 35 minutes. 10 minutes wasted because of payment guy was on break.
Passports for all, stamped DS160 confirmation for only primary applicant, I129-S all 8 pages (2 sets), I797 only 1 page (2 sets) + Visa fraud detection fees receipt you will get in the consulate after payment of the fees. These are compulsory documents asked by interviewer.
Remaining all other supporting documents in back-up
Reached there by 11:00 am. Was a long queue mostly for F1 standing on footpath. 11:00 am F1 people werent’ yet let in. Again here, we let in after confirming our date & time slot. Here security just asked whether carrying any electronics.
After entering first building, multiple F1 people in queue. There is a desk on left side once you enter the hallway of first building. Usually, a person will be there. But during my time, after preparing my documents, she left for some time. So, if no one is there wait for some time to get the documents arranged.
Again, at all points of confusion or where there are multiple paths emerge, there will be someone to guide you. Just tell everyone that you are L1 Blanket & by-pass all the queues!

Document arrangement:
Need to fold DS160 confirmation for primary applicant int center on the longer edge. Need to fold 129-S & I-797 only 1 page together in half along vertical line. Do it for both the sets. Keep folded DS160 on top such that barcode in top side, then 2 folded sets of I129-S & I-797 back-to-back each other such that the place for stamp faces upwards & then all passports (sequence doesn’t matter for passports). All of this will be in a rubber band. This all the docs arrangement you have to do.
After this we moved to next building again by-passing a huge queue & landed in the hallway where interviews were going on. They will ask to sit for a while until your turn comes to pay the visa fees. Saw 3 F1 rejections & couple of F1 & L1 approvals.
At visa fees counter, make a payment by card cash or DD. I didn’t carry cash/DD. Paid by card. There is one ATM in first building where you can withdraw cash. Once fees are paid, he will get you two receipts. One will be stapled to your documents & other will be handed over ot you. If paid by card, you need to sign the receipt. Not worry here as well, as he will guide you.
After that I was immediately sent to window #25, where this famous American bald guy was interviewing & I got relaxed. Adjacent to our windows were famous scrutinizing lady & that Latin American guy who is famous for rejections!

Conversation with VO:
He was observing us since we were in a queue.
Greeted with each other. He was reading something form I129 & something on computer.
VO: Which company?
I: XXX
VO: What are your products?
I: We make XXXX products & supply to XXX companies. (VO seems confused here as I used technical jargons what attorney was mentioned). In simpler words, we make machines which make xxxx.
VO: ahh! I liked that simpler answer very much & started laughing. So, you make machines which make XXX. Then who makes the machines to make your machines? We all started laughing…& then he said it is kind of a chicken & egg story, isn’t it?
I: Yes
By this time, he had stamped both I129-S.
VO: So, are going for few months?
I: Yes. (I’m going to perform some experiments to qualify ur products & not a relocation case)
VO: Let me know if I’m right. So, you will be on India payroll, with stay & transportation provided by company & plus you will get daily allowances (per diem)
I: Yes
By this time, our passports were in the bin & I was happy as hell!!! 😊
VO: Where you will be staying:
I: XXX
Then he asked to scan 4 fingers of left hand.
To my wife scan 4 fingers of right hand & parallelly asked what she will be doing there. She answered it.
VO: Conratualtions1 your visa is approved. Have a wonderful stay in US.
We: Thank you!

Passport status:
On the day of interview i.e. July 18th, 2022 @ 10 pm: Status: No status
Jul 19th, 2022 @ 7 am: Status: Administrative processing
July 19th, 2022 @ 6 pm: Status: Issued
July 20th, 2022 @ 7 am: Status: Issued
July 20th, 2022 @ 8 am: Received SMS from Bluedart that shipment will be delivered today.
July 20th, 2022 @ 11 am: Passports delivered (delivery location: Bangalore & were shipped from Chennai around 5 p on July 19th itself)

Few other things to note:
I wore just formals & no blazer for interview. I felt, the blazer is not really required. Formals are enough. Though, if not wearing blazer & looking at other people in blazer, if you feel nervous, then wear the blazer. Do, all that what you could to boost your confidence!
Biometrics, you can even go in causal. It is just for your photo & fingerprints.
Answer all questions confidently & keep them limited to 2-3 sentences. There is word document online which has summed up all these questions pretty nicely. Write down you answers there & read them & the petition support letters provided by your attorney for your case. This really helps & you don’t end up in confusion.
My attorney told, mainly the chanaces of rejections are if your compensation is not that good OR not enough experience in existing company. So, at time you need to be thoroughly prepared for technical. He told; my case is strong & I may not expect anything on technical side of it. & Same happened.
From Park hotel to consulate entrance is ~400 meters walk. For that also, auto guys will tell you that the gate has moved back, you can’t walk with kid. Auto guys charge heftily. 150 per trip. They will even mention I’ll wait for you. Once Visa approved you give me whatever your wish but they expect atelast Rs 500 for round trip + waiting charge. So, if you with your kid could manage to walk for 400 m, avoid taking auto. There are plenty of autos waiting at consulate. So, don’t get into the deal of auto guy waiting over there. Confirm the fare before you get into an auto.
Park hotel considers late check-out upto 1 pm. Post 1 pm, they charge half a day rent. Since my appointment was at 11:30, we requested them for late checkout.
Ola, Uber & auto everything works fine in Chennai. So, no issues for roaming around.
Apologies for a long answer but tried to provide all logistics & other details as they maybe helpful & I haven’t seen many posting them. Since most of the Visa experience is same as other, thought to concentrate more on this side as well.

Feel free to reply/connect if anymore details are needed Or sharing your inputs.
All Replies (5)

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