H1B, H4 Visa

Here goes my experience at HYD consulate

My last stamping was done in 2015 (FTE); Change of employer (FTE)and new passport. I was previously on F1 from reputed university. Education and work are in the same field. Under 6 years of H1. Always works in the field of education

4/2 - Dropped passport, previous 797 and current 797
4/3 - DS160 status updated ; Administrative Processing
4/6 - Received email from the consulate to attend interview
4/9 - Interview day
 About 6 members in the same counter were rejected variety if visas including B1and H1 with white, green and no slips. VO asked me these questions
Do you work with <company name>?
What is your annual salary?
Which state do you live in?
What is your highest level of education?
Is your masters in CS? (I answered no and told him the field)

Though VO looked serious, I got nods all along; Interview was about 2-3 minutes in total.

He then said my visa is issued. I asked him when I can get my passport, he said 5-7 days but no guarantee.

4/10 - Admin Processing; Last updated changed to 4/10
4/11 - Passport status changed to ready for pickup with an email (SMS not received)
4/12 - Passport picked up

Before even I came for the interview and reading through forums, I was kind of sure they will call me for an interview (considering last stamping was about 3.5 yrs ago + new passport + new employer).

Though I had a clear case and was confident about the interview, when I saw many people getting rejected that day, I panicked a lot during my interview. No sugar coating, lot of wired questions asked by VO's (i did overhear some of them) and lot of people that day had their passports in hand (I think their visa is rejected)

Just be confident and it is always good to know the current trends. Every case is different and you know your case the best.

Happy stamping everyone!