L1, L2 Visa

First of all, i am really thankful to all the people who shared their experiences on Immihelp. I would like to share my experience for L1B blanket Visa interview @ Chennai on 12th Nov 2024.
I already have a valid L1B visa, which was approved in March 2024 and was valid till March 2027. However, since the blanket petition was expiring on 31st Dec 2024, had to reapply with new petition.
I had my biometrics done at Mumbai on 3rd November. Although it was Sunday, the center was operational. The biometric process is quite simple. Just carry the passport and DS160 confirmation. It took merely 15 mins to get through.
Now coming to the big day.
My L1B consular interview was scheduled on 12th November at Chennai. Thanks to God that i checked the weather beforehand and carried an umbrella. it was pouring on that day in Chennai. My appointment was at 8:30. I stayed in Kings Park hotel which is just 5-10 mins walk from consulate.
I started from the hotel at 7:45.
At the entry there was a long queue and all the applicants in the queue were of 8-8:30 slots.
After verification of Visa appointment letter, the security staff let me in.
Inside, there is a counter where a person asked the Visa type. On telling L1B, he gave me a pamphlet in which the documents to be presented were mentioned.
1) Two sets of I-129S and I-797
2) DS160 confirmation (carry the one which is stamped at OFC)
3)DD for fraud prevention fee.
He put rubber bands on the document sets and asked me to proceed to next building.
At the entrance of the next building there was provision to keep the umbrellas.
On entering the building, i was asked to join a queue for DD submission.
Unfortunately, my DD was not legible and the officer at the counter respectfully rejected it. I was carrying credit cards as a backup and paid the fees (inr 42000) using the CC.
The officer provided a receipt stapled to my Documents and then i was sent to another counter, where after some verification i joined the queue for the actual interview.
The interview went as below:
Me: Good Morning Officer, How are you doing today?
Off: I am well thanks, how about you?
Me: I am fine too thanks.
Off: So , how long have you been working for XXX (My company)?
Me: 17 Years.
Off: Well, that is a pretty long time.
Me: Yes, it is.
(She stamped my I129S after first question itself, so i knew that the Visa was approved, the following questions were just formality)
Off: What will be your salary in the US?
Me: XXXXXX USD. ( Be sure that the salary in DS160, I129S is matching and tell the same to the officer)
Off: Tell me something about your expetise?
Me: I explained it in two lines (no technical jargon)
Off: Your Visa is approved. You will receive your passport after stamping. "Safe travels"
Me: Thanks you vey much, you have a nice day ahead.

Thats all.... it lasted for less than 2 minutes.
Key points:
1) Try to book a hotel close to consulate to avoid travelling hassles.
2) As far as possible, reach Chennai a day in advance and get an appointment for next day early morning. (This is my feeling that officer is generally in good mood early in the morning)
3) Carry pay stubs, ITR, Degree certificates, letter from your company corroborating length of your employment. Although i have never been asked for any of these documents (in my last three visa interviews), it is better to carry them anyways.
4) Do not carry mobile, smart watch etc. I did not even carry keys or wallet, just carried some loose notes and CC in my shirt pocket.
5) No need to wear a blazer, but dress formally.
6) Keep our answers short and to the point. If in doubt, ask the officer to repeat he question.

When i was waiting for my turn, i was observing the other interviews and almost all the Visas were getting approved.
So be prepared and all the best for your Visas friends.