L1, L2 Visa

Hello All,

Firstly thanks to all the contributors on this forum which has immensely helped me in having many questions answered. Wanted to share my experience with all of you as way of Paying it Forward :)

L-1A Blanket rejected in Nov'2019 (thankfully if I think about it now). It was a very depressing experience since I had prepared really well for the interview and was confident of securing the Visa, but the VO thought otherwise.

My firm then filed my Individual petition under Premium processing in Dec'19 to which I received RFE in Jan'20. Now started another round of digging documents and preparing a very solid support letter. My attorney firm filed response to RFE in Feb'20. I received approval to my petition in Mar'20 and then started the long wait due to COVID.

Finally, after months of waiting I secured an appointment in month of Mar'21 at Chennai, which was cancelled by USCIS in 1st week of Jan'21. This further stressed me out since the next available slot was in Nov'21. But things changed around mid of Jan when I found slots in Feb'21 in Mumbai and rushed to block them.

Biometrics on 31st Jan in Mumbai - This went through very smooth and without any hassles.

Interview date: 09th Feb in Mumbai - The Finale!!

Timing was at 8.30am for which I reached the Consulate at 8.20am. On entering the center, was asked to keep I -797, Passport, Offer Letter etc in order. I waited with along with many others equally looking forward to complete the interview. I could see many approvals and candidates leaving the center with happy faces which got me calm and confident...I was called in for my turn.

Me: Good Morning Sir!
VO: Good Morning, How are you doing today? Could you give me your passport?
Me: Doing good Sir, hope you're doing well too.

The VO started pulling up my info and spent about a min reading through it.

VO: Where were you in June?
Me: Last year?
VO: Yes
Me: I was in India
VO: Which visa are you applying for?
Me: L-1A Multinational Manager
VO: What is your designation at the US firm?
Me: Answered
VO: Which office would be you working at?
Me: NYC
VO: What is your compensation there?
Me: Answered
VO: Could you give me your I- 797?
Me: I gave him the bunch which contained the CoC letter, Offer letter.

He read through just the I-797 and then started typing again and then said:

VO: Could you place your left hand on the scanner?
VO: Your Visa is approved, thank you and have a nice day.
Me: Thank You Sir! You have a good day!!

This felt unreal since it got over in under 5 mins while I was expecting the VO to ask multiple more questions as during my Blanket interview.

I received an SMS on 10th Feb that my passport has been processed and ready for pick up.

Few suggestions based on my experience:

1) Carry all documents along, such as offer letter, CoC letter (if your firm can provide), educational certificates, pay slips.
2) Read through your petition documents and answer exactly as mentioned in them.
3) Suit up for the event, it helps.

I thank all the contributors on this firm for their valuable suggestions and wish all Best of Luck for their interview. Do write back on this forum about your experiences for others to read and gain information.