L1, L2 Visa

First of all I would like to thank the Forum Owners and for all for their posts. Here is my VISA Experience (I may end up with writing so much so for those who is not
Having much time, please go through the questions and points directly)

There was no tension or worries in how to reach consulate and on the moving aspects inside consulate as this is the second time I am appearing in Chennai Consulate.
I had a L1B Blanket rejection in Dec 2008. With seeing the rejection ration in recent times here, I was very much tensed on my chances of clearing this. Whomever I approached
And asked about the chances of getting approved, they said "you have a good chance for rejection". And for me getting this VISA is a do or die kind of situation as I already waited
For 1 year to reappear and all my career plans got delayed by a year.

Ok with all these I have entered the Chennai consulate at 11:15 PM on 1st April. 12:15 PM was my appointment. So all the hard work that my saloon guy put on my face gone in sweat in waiting queue

After entering the consulate, I went to the fee paying counter. Here is the first hurdle came in. Though it’s not a big issue. But for a min I was very much tensed. We need to write our detail on back
Of the DD and I forgot to do that. Some people will say you should not get tense be confident. But when there are good reasons to get tense I don’t know how to switch over our mind to be confident
But I tried it by not thinking either positive or negative.

Once that’s done, she made some entries and took finger print. She asked me to go to the next building counter 12 for paying fee. When I asked the volunteer over there to guide me the way, he showed me the counter 12 which is in the same building. I didn’t realize it first
And was waiting for my turn, I observed that this counter is not for fee but it’s actually the interview counter. I immediately went to the Volunteer again and clearly asked him once again on the way.
Then he realized and said “Sorry I was wrong and showed way to next building". Who needs his sorry damage is almost done (which means already my heart beat is increased because of tense)

Ok then I entered the next building. Counter no 12 cashier. She was out for a break. So we were asked to wait until she comes in. This is where interviews also going on. When I sat opposite to the counter, I looked at the next counter where interview was going on.
Sudden Shock and I felt like some earth quake happened. I recognized the guy who actually rejected me in Dec 2008 taking interviews. I prayed to god for not getting to his counter. Meanwhile Cashier came and I paid the fees.
We need to enter to main lobby and already the lobby is fully packed. So again we were asked to wait in front of lobby which is straight opposite to his counter. I observed him, he is still the same. He rejected two persons in front of me and screwing up the third one as well
So I was fully nervous as I thought we may be asked to go to his counter because of long queues in lobby. 15 mins I had this torcher. Then a bit relief came in when we were called into main lobby (I escaped from this guy)


I observed all the interviewers. Two counters are good rest all are coming out with blue slip. Ok I was asked to stand in the queue which is opened to either of 3 counters. I felt happy because 2 of those counters are here and chances that I may go to these. But then still if my luck is bad
I may go to the one which is harder. I observed that counter and noted few points in my mind. He is rejecting almost every one. OK now it’s my turn to go to any of these counters based on vacancy. And as usual, my luck played on me and I went to the tougher guy.

I observed that he is looking at our body language while going to him. So I maintained a confident walk and went to him


Me: Good Morning Sir (No answer ... by the way I forgot to mention one more point... he is looks are also not pleasant... he look like WWF star Stone Gold Steve Austin)
 
I have given my documents.

VO: how long have you been with YYYY
Me: 3 Years 8 Months
VO: (with in himself.. ok ok let me see this record )
VO: So wot were you doing for YYYY
Me: I have been working as YYYY X Engineer. I have been working with the project for YYYY XX Client. I will take care of day-day maintain activities, production support and other minor enhancements for the application.
I m working as OFFSHORE LEAD for this project from last one year 4 months.
Big Pause... He is verifying my I129 form to see if everything is correct wot ever I said. Also he saw my DS160 and I think he has seen my previous rejection record
The pause he has given is good enough to make you feel nervous.

VO: Wots your project
Me: I explained about my project.
Again pause ... This time I tried to stop feeling nervous and tried to read his mind.

VO: Sorry who is your client
Me: YYYY X
VO: As you know, you have applied in specialized knowledge category. So tell me what is the specialized skill you have
ME: I have been working with this project from last 3 Years 6 Months and posses END-END application knowledge. I am also well experienced with YYYY's processes and methodologies which are customized to YYYY .
This is very important to the project, for providing the optimum, cost effective and holistic solutions for the xZZZ.

Again big pause... Meanwhile I read his mind... I m sure he gonna ask to give some supportive statements for my answer. So I pulled in few good points where in I got appreciation from YYYY managers

VO: Ok... where did you work before joining YYY
( this question surprised me and I got a clue that i m able to convince him in a different manner compare to guys attended with him with my experience )
ME: Actually , This is my first company

VO: Oh ok .. you joined YYYY in 2006
( I thought i impressed him.. but then he started to screw me in different angle )
VO: How many people are there in your team
( Ok with this question i understood wot he wants.. now he will be trying to see whether is it possible to have specialized skill set in 3 years without any prev experience )

Me : 6 members in offshore and 1 in onsite

VO: Why not others can go onsite. Why only you
( OK now I need to give logical answers which he can relate them to my previous answers )
Me: I have been working in this project last 3 years 6 months and got END-END knowledge. I have taken up key role in developing certain modules which helped YYYY to grow his business globally (specifically ASIA )
I am also an offshore lead for this project. Showed my best in mentoring new people , co-coordinating the project activities and providing solutions in cost effective manner
And it’s my Employer's choice to choose me.

VO: Ok why you have been chosen for offshore lead.
(Cool.. this is the next question I expected .. n he asked ..now ball is in my court.. from this question onwards i have got matched to his wavelength )
Me: Again I said about experience. I said i m good in interacting with people, mentoring new joinees etc etc. And also as mentioned before I have taken up a key role in leveraging my application for Asia for which
I received appreciations from YYYY Senior Management

VO: Did you design any components? How many
( when you are on song .. you will never look back. that’s the magic of confidence )
Me: I have developed around 12 important modules. out of which 4 have been developed for Asia and 8 have been developed for Europe. I didn’t get chance to involve in design activities for NY as the time zones are
different and also data sensitivity is more. That’s why i have been now called to US for working on the design activities for new requirements /enhancements

VO: how many years this project is there with YYYY
Me: 5 years 6 months

VO: who is having highest years of experience
Me: My onsite lead.. 5 years 2 months. Almost he is there from the beginning of this project

VO: Who is next highest
Me : Its Me with 3 years 6 months

big pause... I was confident before this pause .. but now he is verifying documents.. he saw me twice in between i gave a smile.. Seriously referring the screen
and finally the GOLDEN WORDS came... Your VISA have been approved.. its nice one..

Oh My God... is this true... almost 10-15 mins.. finally did i hear it right.. I am very very very happy and at the same time still in that tense filled condition

Here are the few points which you can concentrate.

At time of preparation:-

1. Take it very serious. Be focused. Its not just you need to read your PRD or the support documents. You need to keep your achievements which got appreciations form your Client Managers
2. Try to use some words like END-END, Cost effective, Key Role, and Holistic view. Never use any specific mention about tools guys are already bored. And definitely these tools are not developed by you, you just y
3. Follow the immihelp forum ..Experiences are really helpful..
4. You need to be very active at the time of interview. Presence of mind is key.
5. Prepare yourself for different puzzled questions and try to impress yourself.
6. If possible you can have mock with your friends i did it and it was really helpful.. feedback is important

Do's and Dont's in Consulate

1. Dont try to talk with anyone until unless its very needed ( even if you see an angel or your close friend ). Guys will be monitoring you. So didnt give him a chance to decide on your result before interviewing you
2. Be positive. Walk should be positive. There is a thin line difference between positive and aggressive. So be conscious that you wont send wrong signs
3. Have a blank mind. dont try to memorize or remember wot u prepared. Its not needed at all at this point of time
4. If possible keep an eye on the counters. Also you should maintain such a way that VO will not watch you observing.
5. Always have confident smile n confident outlook though you are nervous inside. Hold your nerve for some time "all is well” :)

At the time of interview:-

1. Wish him with pleasant smile
2. When you answer certain things bring your passion in your expressions. He should feel it. Again don’t be over.
3. Always try to be logical. Don’t think that you job is done on one question and answer in different way to other one. They need a logical connection between all
4. Answer short and sweet. You don’t have much time there. So don’t try to build a platform and then highlight your points.
5. Especially for one word questions just give answer. Like lets years of experience.. don’t try to tell i have been with is project for 3 yrs 4months.. just say 3 years 4 months
6. What ever answer you frame try to fit in the words you have given in I129s Form.
7. Maintain good eye to eye communication

I agree that luck matters a lot.. but be prepare for badluck as well.. If project your USP and make yourself sellable then you’re done.


All the best... There are quite good threads in this forum which will help you a lot.


Anytime for help

[email protected] ( do post your queries )