Business Visa - B1

Dear all,

I had two back to back Visa interviews at the Chennai Consulate. The biometrics went pretty uneventful, so I am not adding anything about it. Here goes my consulate experience.

Attempt 1 - 13th July 2017, 9:00 AM

Reached the consulate at around 7.45, joined the queue at around 8.15. Was right in front of the consular office at around 8.45.

VO : Waved his hand at me
Me : Good morning Sir, how are you doing?

VO : I am good, how are you? Give me your passport
Me : I am good, Sir

VO : So why do you want to go to the US?
Me : I will have to attend three web security conferences in US

VO : Where all would you go?
Me : Texas, Chicago and SFO

VO : Who is paying for the trip?
ME : My employer ZZZ

VO : Have you travelled outside India?
ME : Yes, once to UAE and to Thailand for my Honeymoon

VO : What are the conferences all about?
ME : Web Security and monitoring

VO : I appreciate you coming in, but I'm afraid I can't approve your Visa.
ME : <Blank Stare> Thank you Sir.

I didn't see that coming, honestly! He just had a glance at my passport and the whole thing happened in less than a minute. He handed me over the form 214(b) and it took me a couple of minutes to realise what had just happened. I was the only one who came out with the passport during that time slot, most of the visas were approved (or at least, I presumed so)

I lost my mind, and I badly immediately wanted another chance. I paid up for the next appointment, and like magic, I got an empty slot as early as on 17th July (4th day after rejection)

Attempt 2 : July 17th 2017, 10:00 AM

I had a 10AM appointment and I joined the queue by 9.30. I became so well versed with the process and I proceeded confidently. Enter the interview area, and I could see the gentleman who had rejected my application just before 3 days. I lost it, all prayers offered so that I don't end up with the same VO again. My prayers worked, and I was behind a family where a lady officer was doing the interview.

VO : Waved at me with a smile
ME : Good Morning, Madam

VO : So where do you work?
ME : I work as a Product Manager in XYZ company

VO : And what's with your US trip?
ME : I will be attending 3 conferences in the USA

VO : Married?
ME : Yes

VO : What does your wife do?
ME : She works in the same company as I

VO : Cool, did you have a love marriage?
ME : Yes, Mam.

VO : How sweet, so what's your annual pay
ME : YYYY pay + YYYY bonus. Total YYYY gross

VO : Cool, How long is your trip
ME : Tentatively 18 days

VO : Is someone else coming along with you?
ME : No, Mam

VO : Why is your company so particular on sending you?
ME : I own the security product and I lead the team

VO : How many years with this org.?
ME : 5.5 years and this is my first job

VO : That sounds right, your Visa is approved. Have a fun trip
ME : Thank you very much Mam, Have a nice day!

No questions asked about the previous visit. I was all prepared for that. The only difference between both the interviews was that I was wearing a tie during the second attempt. It would be too silly to arrive at a conclusion - wear a tie and get the visa, right?

It is all luck, things happen very randomly. All said and done, hope this review is of use to someone. A B1 rejection is not the end, contest as early as possible, if you feel you have the right reasons! All the best!

Needless to mention, special thanks to Immihelp. I have read all the B1 experiences a minimum of 3 times. You're the best, Immihelp!