L1, L2 Visa

Thanks to everyone who is contributing to this forum, especially Libra_14 who is exceptional in providing a response to most of the queries, hats off to you.

My VISA process Journey:

L-1 Blanket process initiated on 12 March 2019
VISA Interview scheduled on 3 May 2019
Result: Rejected
Reason: Not clearly Approvable.
Complete details: https://www.immihelp.com/forum/usa-l1-l2-visa/694949-l1a-blanket-visa-denied-with-221-g-form-stating-not-clearly-approvable

L-1 Individual process initiated on 18 May 2019.
Approved by USCIS: 21 June 2019
VISA Interview scheduled on 30 July 2019
Result: Approved

Biometric: All you need is DS160, Appointment letter, Passport(s), Child photo (If you have one).

PS: Be there just 5 minutes before the scheduled appointment, the whole process will get over in max 15 minutes.

VISA Interview:

Since I went with a child of 18 months, all queues are bypassed. Within 10 minutes we were in front of VO.

PS: Be there just 15 minutes before the scheduled interview, otherwise unnecessarily you will wait on the road.

Fun fact: I got the same counter number which I got for my blanket VISA! However, it was different VO :)

There was B1/B2 (or L1B) interview going on, the candidate appeared a bit nervous while answering questions, somehow I got the clue that she will be rejected (Maybe from my last experience), and I'm telling myself that your case is completely different and strong, so be confident, don't be worried based on outcome of that interview. As I guessed it was rejected.

Now it's my turn!!!

VO: Next
(Lady in front of me was shocked because of rejection, took a while to move from the counter).
VO: Next, Please
(I started to make a move along with my spouse and a child).

ME: Good Morning officer.
VO: (Drinking water), hmm, Good morning. (She went backside for few minutes)
VO: Give me your passport.
ME: Handedover all 3 passports.
VO: Are you applying for L1?
ME: Yes, L-1A Individual.
VO: Which company you work for?
ME: XYZ (Product company)
VO: What's your designation?
ME: XX YY(Function) Manager. (I mentioned US designation)
(This is where we had eye contact, and I was pretty confident(Due to all preparation) and with a smiling face (because my child was continuously fulling my shirt).
VO: What's your US salary?
ME: 1XX US Dollars.
VO: (Kept green slip), Typing... Your VISA is approved, go through the green slip to know more details, thank you.
ME: Thank you, have a great day officer.

Key to success:
1. Know your petition thoroughly.
2. Understand the VISA type you are applying for.
3. Prepare for all questions available here - https://www.immihelp.com/l1-visa-stamping-interview-questions/
4. Some mock interview may help (Your spouse can take VO position :) )
5. Practicing your answers in front of a mirror (or camera) will help to appear confident.

About L-1A VISA:
The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.

Executive capacity generally refers to the employee’s ability to make decisions of wide latitude without much oversight.

Managerial capacity generally refers to the ability of the employee to supervise and control the work of professional employees and to manage the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization. It may also refer to the employee’s ability to manage an essential function of the organization at a high level, without direct supervision of others. See section 101(a)(44) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and 8 CFR 214.2(l)(1)(ii) for complete definitions.

About Functional Manager and No direct reports:
If you read the Managerial capacity explanation you understand that you can qualify for L1A if you manage an essential function of the organization at a high level, without direct supervision of others. So it's absolutely fine if you are a functional manager with no direct reports!, however, you need to make it very clear to VO on your position, role, and responsibilities if asked. Especially for the most anticipated question - How many direct reports? your answer can be - This is a functional manager role, I will be managing xyz function which is essential to abc organization, but you will not have any direct reports.

Referance: https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager

I received passports with VISA stamp after 3 days, I selected the option to collect instead of courier. Better to go with spouse, carry any identity proof of yours and spouse. Carry passport copy or birth certificate copy of your child.

Last few words:
Blanket VISA is very straightforward with less hassle, but VO will be adjudicating you strictly and very carefully. So if you prepare well then you will get it. If it's rejected it's not an end, you have the option of L1 Individual, if your case is strong and your attorney prepare the case well by providing all necessary evidence to show you are a qualified candidate then you will get the approval from USCIS, fortunately, I didn't get any RFE's, however, if you get also no need to worry, work with your attorney for strong response and you will get the approval.

Wish you all the very best and good luck (I still believe it matters :) )