H1B, H4 Visa

Hi All,
First I would like to thank this site and folks for sharing detailed experiences with others. Therefore I thought I should also share mine as a return favour.

My case:
1. This is first H1B (selected in 2018 lottery and approved after RFE 4 months back, earlier once filed but not selected in Lottery)
2. Earlier I had 1 L1B (blanket) approved and travelled and was in US for more than 3.5 Yrs
3. In 2017, I had got 221(g) AP / rejection for 2nd L1B (Blanket) at Chennai consulate
4. I’m FTE in service company (one of the Top beneficiary of H1B) with double digit years of experience.
5. My client is one of the 3 Top company in the world.
6. My work location is client location.
7. My OFC & Consulate Interview Dates were: 17th Sep (11:30 am) and 18th Sep (9 am)
8. Attended with Wife and Son (H4 dependents)

On the date of Interview we were there 30 mins before appointment time. We were asked to stand at the end of long queue. However just around 10 mins before the appointment time, we were allowed to move forward all queues and asked to stand after 2 persons in-front of the entry gate.

As I was with family (son age is less than 4 years) we didn’t face any queues for long. After security check was asked to enter the main building straight. There our Passports and thumbs were scanned to check against OFC data.
Then we were asked to go the side last counter (32) where mostly families were interviewed. In-front of us a family Interview for H1 was going on.

Though I didn’t want to hear anything and wanted my focus on my Interview I could hear some details which might help others here.

The person was having latest experience with Petitioner company of 3.5+ years however till the time he got his approval notice his company was acquired by other company. The VO was asking for client letter and was explaining that his invite letter (which he might have given to VO earlier) is expired and looking for anything like - Individual client letter, SOW or MSA as client letter. He could not provide however the VO lady was very polite, she informed him that they need a valid one which he can provide online and handed over 221(g) and kept passport stating he need not come for another interview.

Then our turn came. The interview went like this:

VO: Hi, GM

I: GM officer how are you doing today?

My wife and son also said GM

VO: great! Can I have your Passports? (With a smile)

I handed over all 3 passport (latest only)

VO: Then she checked in system and asked ’This is your first H1B?’

I: Yes officer.

VO: which company?

I: ZZZ

VO: Oh…ZZZ (expressed that she knows very well). Who is your client?

I: YYY

VO: That’s nice (with a smile) which location?

I: stated the LCA location of work

VO: Yeah that make sense. What’s your total experience?

I: YY years XX months

VO: What’s your salary?
[she was typing simultaneously something]

I: Said LCA salary per annum.

VO: What’s your Role?

I : Said LCA Role.

VO: So all three of you are going?

I and my wife said: Yes (My son was playing with a small toy)

VO: handed over a template and asked -This tells about your rights there.

After some 20-30 secs of typing in the system she said the Golden words with a smile - “I’m approving your visa have a safe flight” and handed over approval slip (blue colour) and told you will get your passports back in 3-5 business days.

We couldn’t believe that our Interview was over in less than 2 mins! Neither she asked about any specific question on my project/ speciality (which I prepared for more than a month) neither asked any question to my dependants.

We thanked her and quietly left the building!

Next day within 24 hours I got an email stating that your VISA is issued and ready for collection.

Some Tips:

1. Client letter is a must if your company/ client is not reputed enough (please carry one of the 3 mentioned above which is valid)
2. Salary if high and Role is good with experience, getting visa should be smooth.
3. If you have dependants please take them along.
4. I was in semi formal (full shirt with tie, jeans) - you should be looking like a professional for the role. Don't be too much formal and too much casual.
5. Greet with a smile at the beginning and eye contact while answering make the difference.
6. Keep all documents in semi opaque folder on the corner of the platform.
7. Answer all questions without leaning forward.
8. Be truthful and pretend to be one.
9. Try to get early slots where chances VO will be in a good mood.
10. Carry only required documents in a file (no Mobiles etc)

Hope this experience helps others...

Thanks