Business Visa - B1

First, this forum was very helpful in preparing questions to review for my interview.

Second, it is my belief that the decision regarding visas is already made prior to your actual interview. A scoring system is applied and the questions are just a formality. The VO's really don't have much power unless you fall into a "grey" area.

Third, the DS-160 is the key. My first time applying I went through a visa agent and as it turned out my DS-160 was all messed up and needless to say I didn't get the visa. This time, I completed the DS-160 myself with in-depth detail and prepared my questions according to my DS-160. **Again, the DS-160 is the most important part of the application**

Location: New Delhi
Date of Interview: 16/1/2018
Type of Visa: B1/B2

After the good morning formalities I was asked for my passport.

VO: Why do you want to go to the US? (MOST important question)
Me: YYYY gave specific reason which related visiting a trade show to promote my start-up company.

VO: What is your annual salary?
Me: XX lac

VO: How long are you going for?
Me: 5 days

VO: Who is going to pay for your trip?
Me: Cash and Credit Card (I misunderstood his question)
VO: (very rudely) I don't care how you are paying I asked you WHO?
Me: (rudely back) I AM PAYING on my own.
VO: Okay, fine, fine.

VO: Where will you stay?
Me: Gave hotel name and location

VO: Which countries have you visited before?
Me: Listed all countries previously visited.

VO:Do you know someone in America?
Me: Yes, I have an American friend. She lives in New Delhi.
VO: Tell me about her.
Me: I explained how I know her and her family.
VO: Okay

VO: What is your monthly salary?
Me: XX Lac

VO: Is that salary only from your start-up company?
Me: No, it is from my other businesses too. (Explained in more detail).

VO: Visa is approved....Sir.
Me: Thank you. Have a good day. (I just left the counter and didn't even ask when I could pick up my passport because the VO was so rude. I asked another officer and was told I would get a message in a couple of days.)

Notes:
1. No documents were asked for.
2. I wore a white shirt, dress pants, tie and sweater vest (aka "smart business casual")
3. I am not married and they didn't ask me about being married so I don't think that really matters and the rumor that "single males" don't get approved isn't necessarily true.
4. You should prepare your DS-160 very strongly and know everything that is written there. If possible have an American friend or native English speaker go over it with you before you submit it.
5. Don't hesitate in front of the VO because he/she really has no power to stop you from getting the visa. I believe it has already been decided.
6. Practice a lot and be confident.
7. I was denied a tourist visa last spring and that was my first time applying so don't give up if you get denied.
8. Have a good reason for visiting the US.

Good luck!