L1, L2 Visa

First of all, I'd like to recommend immihelp.com for being such a candid discussion board to share visa interview experiences. Understanding others' experiences and arming yourself for your own interview is something that I found very useful and effective.

Now, let me share my interview experience which happened today (23 July). My appointment was scheduled for 10.45 and I reached the consulate just before 10 AM. Being an L1 petition holder, I had to carry my office employment material, including my badge. And I discovered to my horror that I'd left it behind at the hotel. I rushed back, recovered it and was back at the consulate, all in the small matter of 20 minutes. Then, I had my preliminary screening, during which snafu #2 occurred: my photo, which I had obtained 2 years ago for my B1 visa, was deemed too old for current application and I was told to get another one for a cost of Rs.100. So, I got a new set of photos done and was back at the counter to complete the preliminary screening, which now passed by in a flash. I now knew the moment of reckoning was close at hand: the final stamping interview.

I eventually handed my petition and other documents to the stamping officer, greeting him (cheerfully, I hope) as I did so. Heart thundering like a bongo, I was asked to place my right thumb on the finger-print scanning device. Then, he asked me a question: "What will you be doing there onsite?". I started with a stammer, but finished off strongly, mentioning the key skills that distinguished me and the project on which I will be working there. He then asked me couple of minor questions and then said the magic words: "Your visa has been approved and you will get in a week through courier."

So, as a vast majority of friends have said here, I'll repeat: it all depends on your confidence. Getting nerves is understandable, but, feeling confident and telling yourself that "you can do it" is the way to go.

All the very best to those who are yet to appear for the interview.

Cheers,
Mohan