L1, L2 Visa

Hello Everyone,

My L1A (individual) visa was approved in Nov 2019. Let me give some my background of my application. My business visa was earlier refused multiple times in last 3 years and I was really frustrated. After doing some research (esp. on this forum) I realized that I had been probably applying through the wrong category. I changed my visa category to L1A.

Timeline:
June 2019: Applied for L1 visa under premium processing.
Late June 2019: Received RFE
Sep 2019: Submitted all required documents
Oct 2019: Received approval notice from USCIS
Nov 2019: Appeared for personal Interview

Overall Experience:
It was bit exhaustive to compile and collect all the documents from initial application in June 2019 to RFE submission in Sep 2019. However, USCIS was quite prompt in responding at each of the stages.

Interview Experience:
It was all very well managed at both VAC and US Consulate. After completing formalities at VAC a day before, I reached at the consulate 30 mins prior to the appointment time. Within an hour, I was in front of Visa officer (VO). I was well prepared and composed. I greeted her and she responded back quite cheerfully. This gave me a sigh of relief as It reminded me that a good beginning is half job done.

Q&A
VO: Please pass on your passport and I797 B approval notice (first page only)
Me: Submitted
VO: Have you been to US before?
Me: Yes
VO: Visa category and when?
Me: : xx years back under XYZ category.
VO: Its quite long back, what was your age? Bit of laugh exchanged between us. I thought it’s a good sign.
Me: I nodded and I told her my exact age then.
VO: Why and when did you switch your career?
Me: Replied quite confidently
VO: Current company name
Me: Replied
VO: Location of US office
Me: Replied
VO: Indian and US salary
Me: Replied
VO: Is this a specialized role?
Me: No, it’s a managerial role. I gave some details about my role. I thought this was a trick question. Be very clear with your roles and responsibilities.
VO: Why did you come here for interview, why not nearby consulate offices?
Me: Actually interview venue was allocated by USCIS based on my old address. I believe this was based on my Income tax document. I just explained that and she looked convinced.
VO: Why is your wife and son not travelling with you? I went alone for the interview?
Me: I will be travelling for a short term project at the moment. Next time, I will take them along.
VO: Current job responsibilities, no. of reporting staffs?
Me: I tried to give a detailed answer but she stopped me in between.

VO was looking at her computer screen and she was typing all the time. However, It sounded like an easy interview and i got quite hopeful by then.

Then came the Golden word from her. She smiled and said, your visa is approved and you will get your passport at your communication address. I was on top of my world and took a deep breath.

My two cents to all new applicants:
Be genuine with your application and don’t overstate any information. You should spend a good amount of time for the interview. VO generally asks questions from a fixed list and hence it shouldn’t be a great deal to prepare answers. IMMI forum is the best platform to prepare the list of expected questions. Lastly and most importantly, be confident and composed in front of the Visa officer. A good preparation with little bit of luck will certainly help your cause.

My best wishes.