H1B, H4 Visa

Hi Friends,

Thanks all for sharing your experiences. and after gaining from this, it is my turn to pay back off.

About 11 months back, I attended interview at delhi for H1 and was sent back with yellow slip to bring waiver for 212e rule which was annotated on my J1 visa. This calls for 2 years of stay in home country.

I came to know from friends that it takes almost a year to get this waiver where as i was required to spend 9 months in India to fulfill the requirement. So I decided to stay back.

I went to consulate on 21st nov.. just 10 days before I finish a year after my last visit. Appointment was not required as it was clearly mentioned on my yellow letter.

I went at about 10.30 to consulate, had tea at a road side stall just outside the consulate. and stood in the que. Security at the enterance noted down my passport no. and let me inside. Then I was in the que where they check the documents. I thought I have already submitted DS156/157 last time so it is not required this time. But I took one with me. As expected I was asked to sumbit the form. I gave it in a minute. The officer was in a bad mood. He asked me where was my I797. I took 5 seconds to take it out. and he got angry. he said I came for the second time and dont even know what documents I should keep ready. So guys be ready with ur DS156/157 and I797, and DDs.
Then he asked my yellow letter and I was little down by his gestures. I couldnt hear him properly and he gave me a very cold look. I felt as I am not gonna get my visa today.

Then I was sent inside after a security check. Inside the counsulate there was a guy who was guiding people. He saw the yellow letter with me and asked if i am coming for the second time. I said yes and he told me to go to the Q for interview. (Otherwise people should go for fingerprints and then should submit the 441 Rs draft to TT Services desk). After standing in the Q for about 2 hours, my turn came. Fortunately there was only one guy at that time taking interviews and he was the person who issued me yellow letter last year. My interview lasted for 5 mins and was like this....

Me: Good afternoon
VO: hi, how are you doing?
Me: Good, thank you.
(I handed over my passport, I797)
VO: So you are coming for the second time?
Me: Yes, I had 212e rule on my J1 and was asked to bring waiver for that.
VO: So do u have it now?
Me: No, I was supposed to spend 9 months to fulfill the requirement and it takes about a year and a half to bring the waiver.
( thats the fact !!)
VO: so where are you going now?
Me: YYYY in ZZZ.
VO: ZZZ? (searched something on this PC)
VO: where are you working now?
Me: YYY.
VO: What you did on ur J1?
Me: It was cultural sharing... training on globalisation.. and interaction with our counterparts.
VO: Looks like you had to stay back because of ur J1.
Me: Yes ..!! and it was YOU who did this to me. Last year I attended my interview with you.
(I couldnt stop myself sharing my agony)
VO: oh ..! is that so??
VO: Enjoy your stay in USA. You are all set. Your visa is through.
Me: Oh..Thanks a lot.

Surprisingly... I was not asked for any documents about client , company in US or any questions that are usually asked in the interviews.

I was in to formals with a tie (which i specially bought previous night) but I think its not necessary. BUt nothing wrong in going all perpared. Who knows it might play its role !!

So friends ... This is how was my experience with Delhi Consulate. VOs and all the staff (including the angry verification officer) was good, kind and helpful. and I had very nice time which I'll never forget in my life.

-- Anonymous