H1B, H4 Visa

Hi Guys,

Would like to add to this very valued repository, which has helped infinite number of guys.. I got through a lot of jitters for a couple of days before the interview which was scheduled this Monday.

Here goes my exp:

Reached the consulate 45 mins before the appointment time and outside police told me already late you are. I was surprised but still trodded inside with anticipation and a little fear.

Inside we were asked to wait for the initial round of security scrutiny of all the belongings, where every metal part or electronic component was scrapped out of us. I was lucky enough as did not not carry any such item,

Next step, we were asked to clamp in the invitation letter, company letter, passport and hdfc recipets and asked to present to the first VFS officer, where initiatlly it would be scrutinized. This was checked and, the lady handed me over a Pamplet which tell us about immigration rights and contact points in case of abuse.

Passed on to the next counter for the biometrics, done it without much fuss.

Then comes the waiting area where you wait for the interview with a token clamped to your passport. This is the place where u see all kind of people and hear all type of conversation. This is the place i like the most. Just to loosen up, i was watching the activities going around. People with tense faces, some studs who dont show any emotions in face even if mount vesuvious is in rampage inside...

Just beware not to involve in some mindless conversation in here which can hinder your focus... There are many self proclaimed and recent visitors who open up their pandoras box of expert advises. Here in were asked by VFS and consular members to arrange our docs, like petitions, I-129, LCA, 797, supporting docs like exp letters and client letters. This should go in with the passport and if required VO would ask for more.

After 2 hours or wait, was asked to join a queue in front of a counter. It was going on smooth with rejections and approvals being a mixed bag.

I was waiting for my oppurtunity, and when it was my turn, VO took a break of 5 mins. I was just hoping to get through it asap.

Interview resumed:

Passed on my docs

1) VO: Scanned my ID and started going thourgh the details, started smiling.

VO: So we meet again after last summer of course.
Me: Yes sir (My L1 was rejected last time)

VO: So now you are back.
Me: Yes Sir, with an H1, i took your advice (he rejected me saying you should come back with H1)

VO: I am glad that you took my advice
Me: Smiled

VO: So *** company
Me: Yes

VO: *** client
Me Yes

VO: So you married
Yes: Yes

VO: So wife travelling with you.
Me: No

VO: All good, have a safe flight and have a NICE stay in US, he said just glancing through my docs.
Me: Yes sir. Have a nice Day Sir.

I mocked my interview many times, but apart from YES\NO i didnt have much to convey. I wont say that its very simple or its a cakewalk. Its all how you handle the situation.
One thing is Visa officers are the one of the most courteos and polite persons you will come accross in your professional life.

Hope this review helps a couple more to soothe their nerves as it did mine.