L1, L2 Visa

I had L1-B appointment at 10:30 am at Hyderabad Consulate along with L2 for my wife. We reached the consulate around 9:30 am. As the crowd was very less gate security let us in immediately. We had to go through the formal security check (similar to airport security check). Do not carry keychain, mobile phone inside, as they won’t let you take those in. There is a store just opposite to the consulate in case you need to keep all these stuff.(We didn’t use it, so don’t know how safe it is).

We proceeded to cashier, who took L1-DD 27500 and returned the slip attached to DS156 &DS157. Next there is a small queue (5 min) where a VFS guy quickly checked that we had requisite documents in order. Next a queue to actual VFS counter (2 min queue time). He took passport, BEP letters, DS 156 & DS 157 & HDFC barcode and verified everything is correct and entered the details in his records. Finger prints are also taken here. After the VFS counter we were given a token number and asked to wait in a open area. Seats are only around 20 and there were 40 people waiting there. So we waited standing for around 10 min and our turn came. We went to VO counter. I was asked following questions:
1. Why are going to US?
Ans: Special project I am going to work which needs my specialized skill.
2. How many years of experience?
Ans: X years and y months.
3. Total years of experience
Ans: Z years.
4. US salary?
1 miillion 
She turned to my wife and asked following questions.
1. How long you are married?
2. Have you visited US before?
3. Where?
4. How was the weather there?
She smiled and said our visa is approved and we will get it in courier in next 1 week. She didn’t return my 2 other copies of L1 petition forms and said we will get them through courier as well.
 
We were out at 10:30 am. Whole process took around total 1hr.

My recommendations:
- Prepare well, read the petition multiple times and always mention about the specialized skill you have.
- Dress formally (No need to wear a tie as its too hot and you need to wait in an open area without AC ).
- Be confident and truthful.
- Have all documents in order (like marriage certificate and marriage photos). It doesn’t look nice to search in VO counter for trivial documents.

All the best.

Thanks,
Abhijith.