L1, L2 Visa

Hi,

Greetings,

 First of all, a very warm thanks to all the people who have shared their personal experience of respective visa interviews. It's such a treasure cove for mortal souls like us who are looking out for support and guidance.

 We are a family of 2+1. My Husband was applying fo L1A-Blanket.

 Our Visa interview was on the 2nd of Dec'14.We had the appointment at OFC and Consulate on the same day. OFC was at 8am. So we were promptly there at 7.25am. There were already two queue's, one for 8am and the other for 8.30am. They had put up time printout sheet at the gate, so check that. For the 8am, there were already some 35+ people in the queue (I wonder what time they would have come!). By 7.50am, the guard started sending people in. Right at the gate, there would be people to check your documents, i.e., appointment printout, passport & DS-160 of all the family members. You proceed inside (where we got lost, since it was quite a big reception area with no guiding signage!). Go to first floor and stand in a mini queue. Security check is done. Post which mini reception to check your docs again. Enter the big hall with counters. Again a mini desk reception, to check docs. Wait in the big hall, check your counter number and go accordingly. Very meticulous process, quick and simple. FYI-Children under 14 need not attend visa interview (we didn't know!). So for my son, they just took the photograph and no finger print. The hearing through the glass via a mike was tough for me, since no clarity but you should pay attention. also the wife should know the visa she is applying for. It all got over within 5 minutes. and we were out of OFC by 8.15am. Caught an auto, went back to the hotel.
 Our Consulate interview was at 11am. Left hotel by 10.15am. Rchd by 10.30am. Again time specific queue was there. Check and stand in the respective queue. a officer will check your sticker on the passport (which was stuck at OFC) and note down something. All this happens on the footpath. you follow the queue. on the way there is small shack kind of thing where you can keep your valuables for some deposit. we didn't have anything to keep, so just proceed. went and joined the main queue to enter the consulate. there were some 75+ people in the queue. but not much waiting time. very organized. Security check before entering the big doors. once inside security check of your belongings...documents etc. Be careful here since they just rip of everything in the cover or folder you are carrying. not sure whether they know the value of those documents!! Keep a hawk-eye on your belongings. The document/folders go through security scanner. again security check for you. collect you docs, check your belongings and proceed through another door. a officer would be sitting there to check you appointment time. proceed towards the main building. mini reception to check your docs, I think it was the sticker on the passport (not sure!). Enter the first main hall through the heavy door. mini queue. get your finger print verified and proceed. Here there are officers moving around who will check your docs and collect the DD. other family members can enter the sanctum sanctorum and wait. the coupon number is given so keep watching the screen for the counter number against your coupon number. once it flashes, go and wait near the respective window. its quite nerve wracking to see other people's interview. since all visa types are there, there are some people seeking tourist visa, having a casual attitude whereas others like the L, H or E type are so tensed. So keep your cool focus on your preparation and pull it together when your chance comes. as mentioned by many here, it's just 2-3 mins max. following were the questions for L1A:

 No greetings exchanged, VO was pretty kurt. My Husband greeted.

 VO : Could I have your passport/s please? (Keep it handy)
 Us : Given

 VO : How many people are applying?
 US : 3

 VO - Which company do you work for?
 Us : Answered

 VO : Whats your job title?
 Us : Answered

 VO : How many Direct reportees?
 Us : Started answering the dynamics, but VO cut off and just wanted a number. So Answered.

 VO : Are the reportees based out of US?
 US : Answered

 VO : What's the profile of the reportees?
 Us : Answered

 VO : What's your salary?
 Us : Indian?

 VO : Yes Sir.
 Us : Answered ( pretty loud, everyone could hear!)

 VO : Whats your Salary in US?
 Us : Answered (again pretty loud!)

 VO : Whats the name of the manager you would be reporting to?
 Us : Answered

 VO : Where would you be staying in the US?
 Us : Answered

 To Wife:

 VO : How long have you been married?
 Us : Answered

 VO : Whats your highest qualification?
 Us : Answered.

 VO : Thank you sir, your visa has been approved :)) I am keeping the passports for stamping. Give one set of docs to your HR and the other one while entering the United States.
 Us : Thanked the VO, Have a great day Sir.

 Keep your cool and calmly walk out.

 We were out by 11.30am. The whole process happens pretty fast, so keep track of it. Don't get overwhelmed. Always check your docs.

 Challenges faced :

 The Auto scenario is Chennai was pretty scary. The rates they demand are ridiculous. Most of the people who come stay in nearby hotels, 3-5Kms distance. For that they ask you from Rs.150 and up. Need to negotiate a lot. Language for us was a major problem. Once you are out of Consulate, they gauge your facial expression and demand fare accordingly. They actually just pounce over you both at OFC and consulate. It was pretty scary. So please watch out. My suggestion would be to just hire a cab for the day and be relieved. Because this auto thing really is a mental exhaustion.

 Was uncomfortable with :

 At the visa interview counter, the next candidate stands just a ft or two away from you, so its pretty claustrophobic and invasion of privacy! we tend to get flustered. few counters facing the main hall are cool, sufficient distance but the other counters on extreme left are very congested. they should do something about it. all the candidates speak loudly so its pretty distracting when you are trying to pull your answers!!

 Tips :

 Its seriously just preparation and super duper confidence and of course genuine prayers.
 Keep your required docs, check again and again. No harm in carrying support docs. (we had carried marriage certificate, child birth certificate, ceremonial photographs etc.)
 Carry docs in a transparent see through folder with easy accessibility. Put tabs on documents as to what it is so that you are not flustered when the VO asks for any specific documents.
 Go through this website thoroughly, its a treasure!
 Prepare your questionnaire according to the visa you are applying for. Do a mock interview at home. Record it too, it helps.
 Make your travel logistics as comfortable as possible, it helps and avoids any unwanted tension.

 Again thanks to all in this forum for helping us out.
 Hope this write up helps too!! :))

 Regards