H1B, H4 Visa

Recently, I went to the New Delhi Embassy for H1B visa interview. Everything went well and the visa got approved. Immihelp portal helped me a lot in preparing my documents and going through other people's experiences gave me an idea of the do's and dont's at the visa interview.

My H1B petition was filed in April,2018, the notice of being picked in the lottery came in May, 2018. After that it was in processing status for almost 6 months, and petition got approved in December, 2018. Due to certain circumstances, it took another 3 months to book interview slot. Here's my experience:

OFC Appointment: 5th May, 2019

It takes only 10 minutes. They only need DS 160, Appointment confirmation and original passport. The documents were checked in the queue, and the details on the DS 160 were verified with passport. Then there was a physical security check. After that, I went to a counter, where they put a sticker with a bar code, visa interview timings, visa type, etc. on my passport. After that, I was given a token and joined a queue to wait for biometrics. When the screen showed my number, I was directed to go to one of the several counters. There, I was asked my language preference. Then they asked me to read a notice that said that I swear under the penalty of perjury that whatever information I supply during the interview is true to the best of my knowledge. Then my fingerprints and photograph were taken and I was told to reach the interview location on time. Also, the DS 160 form was stamped with the date of OFC visit and mode of passport delivery.

Consular Interview Appointment: 6th May, 2019

 I was told to be on time, as the waiting area inside the embassy can't accommodate many people. Still, as I was very anxious, I reached 1.5 hrs before the interview. There were more than a hundred people waiting for their turns in the lawn in front of the embassy. Every 15 minutes, the security staff were announcing the slot time, so that people having that slot could form a line to enter the embassy. My interview was scheduled at 10:30AM. I was allowed into the queue at 10:20AM.

The sticker on the passport was scanned at the entry. Then the physical security check was done. After that I was asked to sit in the waiting area. After around 20 minutes, I was asked to go into the consular section. Before proceeding for the interview queue, my I-797 was checked. Then I joined the interview queue. My turn came in around 15 minutes. I was exhausted from all the waiting and travel.
Still I managed to smile.

VO: Good morning, Sir!
Me: Good morning Sir!!
VO: May I see your passport
Me: Sure.
VO: So, what is the purpose of your trip?
Me: To work for ABC Corporation.
VO: ABC, hmm.. Can I see your I-797?
Me: Yes, please.
VO: What do you do for ABC?
Me: (Explained my responsibilities in brief)
VO: Have you ever been to the US before?
Me: No, I've never been to the US before.
VO: (Pointing at the I-797) Do you directly work for ABC?
Me: Yes, I directly work for ABC.
VO: Your visa is being approved. You will receive your passport in a week.
Me: Thank you so much Sir!

The visa interview was just 2 minutes but the wait time was nerve-wracking. I had opted for premium delivery and received my passport on 9th May, 2019.

My advice like others have already given:
- Every case is different. I work for a US company directly. Those applying under EVC model would be asked different questions.
- Be honest with your answers.
- Be precise with your answers.
- It's okay to be nervous. Just take deep breathes.

All the best!