H1B, H4 Visa

Although the OFC appointment is fairly straightforward, I figured it would make sense to add few tips for those who are appearing for the interview.

Documents required
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1. Passport
2. Appointment Confirmation
3. DS 160 (original AND modified, in case you have amended the original)

Tips
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1. If you need to play safe in terms of time, 15-20 min ahead of appointed time is more than enough.
2. When you enter, couple of guys sitting outside will check your appointment confirmation document and then you'll have to walk way around the building to enter.
3. Backpacks, laptop bags and other appendages are not advised, though umbrellas (during monsoon) and cellphones (switched off, of course) are allowed.

Consulate Interview
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One useful tip: if you are carrying specific, sealed, confidential documents marked "For Consulate Use Only", be prepared to unseal them after being searched for inside. Preferably, request your employer to send these documents in a way that unsealing them doesn't consume additional time, though this won't necessarily hurt your chances of getting your visa approved.

The actual interview is where luck can make a telling difference. When I joined my assigned line, there were 2 individual applicants and a family standing ahead of me. The first individual's application was marked by the VO for "Administrative Processing" (RFE) while the second individual's application was rejected outright. I was a little apprehensive when this happened. Fortunately, there was an adorable 5-year-old boy in the family immediately ahead who was asked for his name by the VO. The kid nodded his head, leading to significant brightening of the VO's mood. Seizing my chance, when I approached the VO, I greeted him as cheerfully as I could and this is how my interview transpired:

VO: Is this a new job or an existing role?
ME: New job

VO: I'm not sure about <employer>. Can you tell me what they are into?
ME: Responded, by adding <client>

VO (immediately catching on): So who is <client>?
ME: End Client for <employer>

VO: What does <client> do?
ME: Responded

VO: So what is your role in this project?
ME: Responded using excessive technical jargon

VO: See, I am not a very technical person. Please explain as you would to a kid.
ME: Tried again using simpler words. (make sure you dumb down your exposition as much as possible; no jargon, no acronyms, no fancy IT-lingo!)

VO (smiling): That wasn't of much help either.
ME: Let me try one more time.

VO: No, that's alright. Give me couple of minutes here and I'll need to ask you something else.

Types on the computer for 5 minutes.

VO: Do you have any document detailing your relationship with <client>?
ME: Sure, sir. Here it is (showed the client letter and employer's letter to USCIS)

More typing on the computer

VO: How much will you be getting paid working for employer?
ME: $ YYYY X per annum (make sure you quote the figure in your LCA and any letter from your employer to USCIS)

VO: Have you worked anywhere else before working for <employer>?
ME: Yes sir, for ABC

VO: How long were you with ABC?
ME: Responded

At this point, VO checked his monitor for few things and after a while, returned my I-797, I-129, LCA and letters and kept my passport. He then gave me the employee rights booklet and said the magic words: "Here is your booklet. That's it. You are all set!"

I thanked him and left. So, bottom line is this: you can prepare all you want, but it would be unwise to blame yourself if your application is declined, since Lady Luck can be such a decisive factor on occasions. Prepare to succeed, but also be prepared to know your way in the lines and make the best use of any small mercies that come your way.

Good luck to all applicants!