L1, L2 Visa

Below are the details of my visa experience:

My appointment was scheduled for 8:30am at the US Embassy in London, located close to Nine Elms tube station. I arrived to the embassy at around 7:45am and joined a long queue outside. The queue moved quickly and within 10 minutes I reached the security checkpoint. I was asked for my passport and DS-160 confirmation page. After a quick check of these documents, I was directed inside the security screening building. I passed through the metal detector and was asked to make my way across the courtyard to the main embassy building. Inside, my DS-160 confirmation page was checked again and I was issued with a number. I then made my way to the lifts and up to the first floor marked ‘Visa Services’. Once there, I took a seat and watched the screen for my number to be called. Once called, I went to the window number stated on the screen and passed the officer two copies of my I-129S along with my passport. The officer checked these over, slipped them into a plastic folder and passed them back to me. My fingerprints were then scanned and finally I was asked to make my way to another window to pay the ‘Fraud Prevention’ fee. This was for $500 and I paid using a credit card. Next I returned to the waiting area and watched the screen for my number (the same number as before) to be called again. After about 20 minutes my number was displayed and I went to the window indicated. I had to wait while another interview was being concluded and then the officer called me forward. The interview went like this:

VO: Good morning! How are you? (very friendly)
Me: Good morning! I’m well thank you. How are you?
VO: Good thank you. Please may I see your documents.
(I handed her my documents pack).
VO: So I see this is your first time applying for an L visa?
Me: Yes that’s correct.
VO: Ok. Please can you tell me about the company you work for:
Me: I work for XXX. We do XXXX
VO: And what role do you do?
Me: Explained my role and the unique specialised skill set I have
VO: How long have you worked there?
Me: 4 years, 5 months (be exact with this)
VO: Tell me a little more about the role you do
Me: Went into further detail about what I do and the tools I use.
VO: Ok, thank you.
(VO then began typing and then stamped my I-129S)
VO: Ok – your visa has been approved and you will receive your documentation within a week. Enjoy your stay in the US!
Me: Thank you very much! Take care.

I then headed back to the lifts and exited the building.

Overall the process was efficient, easy and very professional. My main tips are:
- Be calm, confident, smile, and maintain eye contact with the VO.
- If you fumble your works, stop and calmly start again
- Wear a suit. I honestly saw someone go for his interview wearing a Grateful Dead baseball cap. Ridiculous.
- Be prepared. Have all your documents ready and bring $500 in case your credit card doesnt work.

Good luck!