Business Visa - B1

I attended the B1 Visa recently at Chennai. My interview slot was around 11.45 AM and I was in the queue by 11.25 AM. I could see the Consul General outside making sure everything was ok

I handed over my appointment letter to get the token number (While you are on the Queue take out the interview letter and keep it outside the folio).After all mandatory security clearance I was allowed to sit in a small passage. Please make sure you keep watching those LCD TV's as your number might suddenly flash.

Once you see the number proceed to the counter and hand over the DS-160 Form.HDFC receipt and your passport. I was a bit scared at this point because the people in line before me told that I needed a photo. Fortunately I asked the officer and he explained me that there is no need for it. BTW I also saw a photographer sitting on the corner, looks like you can avail this facility inside the consulate.

The person at the counter then puts all your documents in order in a blue / green file. You will have to again sit in Queue for Ten Print. Once this is done you can proceed to the Visa issue hall in the next building. Assistance is provided and you can always ask one of the executives there if you are in doubt.

On the visa hall, again watch out for the LCD, it's easy to get distracted because of so much activity going on.

My turn came and I answered in a calm way

Me : Good Morning
VO: Good Morning
VO: Can I have your files,please
Me : Sure ( I hand over my blue file)
VO Looks in system and then asks me questions
VO : How long have you been with this company
Me: x months
VO: What's your purpose of travel
Me: Training
VO: How long
Me: 10 Days with couple of days for sight seeing
VO: Are you married
Me: Yes
VO: Is this your first time to USA
Me: No
VO: When did you travel last to USA
Me: In 20xx
VO : We are issuing Visa to you Sir. You'll get your passports back in a weeks time
Me : Thank you

I Left the hall immediately and came out of the consulate. The interview process happened in less than 2 minutes from the start and none of my documents were checked.(Though I prepared very well with all relevant documents)

My experience can be summarized as follows
1. Dress Professionally. Tie not required unless you are a high profile executive. I saw some of the guys had come in wrinkled shirts,trainers.I hope they weren't applying for a B1 / L1
2. Be confident
3. Be Honest and always look at the VO and answer
4. If you are nervous, its ok. Everyone is.
5. Carry business cards
6. If you are from a company, wear your name tag
7. Answer only what's asked. Clear and concise . If VO doesn't understand he/ she will ask you to explain more.

I strongly felt that they assess you on the basis of your communication,your posture and the confidence level and not on the basis of your documents.

So do remember and Good Luck