Business Visa - B1

Hi Guys,

Here is my experience on the visa interview (28/04/16).

1. There are no car/bike parking spaces for the applicants (I know, I hate it too!). So cab/auto is your best bet to reach the consulate.

2. The less things you carry with you, the quicker you can move in. No electronic devices are allowed inside (Mobile phones, Electronic car/bike keys etc.). You can carry normal keys and wallet with you inside.

3. Appointment time doesn't matter. Everybody stands in a big queue and things move forward from there. So don't worry if you are 5 or 10 minutes late.

4. And I think there is a misconception that you need to wear formals (Because everyone except 2 or 3 were in full formals). That is not the case. I applied for a business visa and went with a casual attire.

5. Here are the questions asked to me.

Me: Hi Sir, Good Morning, How are you doing?
Vo: Good.

Vo: Passport please.
Me: Handed over the passport

Vo: Why are you visiting US?
Me: To meet our client and gather technical requirements for the next phase of our project. (Exact words)

Vo: Where are you going in US?
Me: New York

Vo: So your client is X?
Me: Yes

Vo: And you are working for Y?
Me: Correct

Vo: What does your client do?
Me: I explained it in few words.

Vo: How long have you been working for Y?
Me: 1 Year

Vo: Before that what were you doing?
Me: Worked 2 years for Z.

Vo: How long will you be staying there?
Me: 2 weeks

(And then the Golden words)

Vo: Your Visa is approved sir. Have a nice trip.
Me: Thank you very much sir. Have a good day!

No documents were asked from me. The process usually takes a couple of hours depending on the crowd. It seems they just want to have a casual chat with you to check if you are genuine and will return to India. As long as you are confident and true, you have nothing to worry.