L1, L2 Visa

Hello,

Wanted to share my VISA stamping experience on this forum as I got my VISA L1A individual approved today.

Day 1 - 05/02 - Bio-metrics

Our appointment was at VAC office at Nungambakkam for Bio-metrics at 1245. We reached just 5 mins before our scheduled time and were told to go straight to the office inside. We had our kids with us so we were told to skip the lines from the initial document screening itself. Person at the system will scan your DS-160 and passport, and issue you tokens (1 each per passport). Once your token gets displayed, it takes approx 5 mins. for the entire process of fingerprint scanning and photo. We were out by 1:10 PM.

Day 2 - 05/03 - OFC Interview

Our scheduled interview appointment was at 10AM, but we reached by 9:05AM (we were way too early, but as advised don't be there before 15 mins from scheduled time). Ironically, queues were small compared to how some people have described in this forum. The whole process time is pretty seamless right from the queue outside the consulate. There is a person to scan your passports in the first initial queue and you move to the main entrance session for security check. There is a second level security check for all applicants and documents before you proceed to the waiting area. Word of caution: You can carry food items and water for children, however they will ask you to taste or sip it. Applicants with kids are prioritized at each point, person in the waiting area asked me what type of visa I was applying. As I had applied for L1A Individual, we did not have to wait and were told to proceed to the main complex. I could see huge queue on the left of the entrance in the complex (usually for B1 and other visa category). Once inside we were told to skip all lines and assisted to stand at 15-18 for bio-metrics and initial verification of passports (Time spent:5 Mins). Then we were told to go directly to counter 27 for the interview. I could see the Visa officer was speaking to a couple in Tamil to my surprise. He sounded very relaxed, flexible and accommodating with the applicants. I waited for approx 5 mins and could hear he approved the visa for the couple with a smile. Here are the questions that were asked during my round of interview:

VO: Good Morning, Can I have your passports please?
ME: Good Morning, sure here you go. (Handing over our passports)

VO: So your company name is ____?
ME: (Confirming) Yes Sir, it is ______

VO: And you are going to Allentown?
ME: Actually, Emmaus but yeah I have been to Allentown couple of times

VO: (Striking up a conversation) Did you enjoy the place?
ME: Yes, I did. It's a beautiful scenic place, I like it more than some of the big cities

VO: I agree (with a smile)

VO: Can I see your I-797 please?
ME: Oh sure, here it is (handing over the original approval notice)

VO: Thank You! (Browsing through my I-797)

VO: What is the name of the client?
ME: It is ______

VO: Can you spell that out for me?
ME: Sure, it's _________

VO: Thank you, how much is your salary?
ME: It will be ___K per annum plus company benefits and bonuses

VO: (to my wife) And ma'am what is your highest qualification?
My Wife: It is ____

VO: (to me) And you Sir?
ME: _____

VO: (to me) And do you remember your Marriage Date?
ME: Of course, it is _______

VO: I bet you don't want to get that wrong (with a chessy smile and a laugh)
ME: Absolutely not Sir, I practiced it a thousand times now (sharing a laugh!)

VO: (to my elder one) Hi, can I ask you a question?
My Kid: Yes

VO: Who is the person standing next to you? (Pointing to me)
My Kid: He is my Father

VO: And who is the one standing behind you?
My Kid: She is my Mother

VO: Very Good, And who is she holding?
My Kid: She is my sister

By this time, he gave my my I-797 back and told me "The system is taking time, but it is approved". This was a confidence booster.

VO: I will keep you passports now, your visa's are Approved. Congratulations and all of you have a safe travel to US
ME: Thank you Sir, just a question though. Do you need the Approval notice?

VO: Oh no, that you can keep. You should have it handy at the POE, they might ask for it though rarely.
ME: Thank you! Have a nice day.

VO: You have a great day as well! (With a smile!)

I was lucky to have sailed through without an effort (we were out of the building by 9:40 and our interview was 10AM!!!), but here are a few pointers of wisdom:

- BE SURE - Don't overthink, (thanks to the forum, but don't think out situations before hand)
- Prepare but don't OVER-PREPARE, there are folks who say we prepared for a week in advance. Ideally, a day or two before is enough. You don't need to "PSYCHE OUT" yourself. Relax and stay focused
- Stack your documents, take all your required documents and don't leave anything to chance
- No need to overdress or accessorize (formals and presentable clothes only)
- Keep A SMILE on all the time! It melts the sternest of hearts.

If you have traveled earlier and have a valid B1 or other visa, it is added advantage. However, everything depends on the day!

Once again Thanks to everyone who was of help and Good Luck to ALL the aspirants!