L1, L2 Visa

First of all, I would like to thank the forum and its members for posting their experiences which really helps.

Coming to my story, Mine is a very peculiar case. My L1 Individual petition was filed end of 2013 and I got an RFE on it. Later I replied to the RFE and it was denied saying lack of evidence to prove that I have specialized knowledge. Unfortunately for me I did not have the fall back option on H1B because I got my denied notice on my L1B after the H1B cut off date.

With no option left I went for blanket with nothing to lose & I should thank my company for having a faith in me that I could make a difference if its a 1-1 interview.Many people were saying your Individual was denied, you stand no chance of getting a Blanket Visa. I went through several forums to check for a story like mine and did not find any. That's when I went through many experiences shared in this forum and also started preparing for all the FAQ that are posted in this forum. 3 days prior to my Visa/OFC, I prepared answers for all the FAQ and took a print out with me and started my preparation. I learnt one thing that there is no Mantra for these kind of interviews, only thing that will certainly aid you is your preparation and a bit of luck/divine intervention.

D-Day

My interview was scheduled @ 9 AM. Went to the chennai consulate at 8:45. No point going early except that you should wait in a line. All the formalities and security check was done. I was sitting for my turn looking at the monitor to see when is my turn. In the meanwhile, I was able to hear Visa officers interviewing others and just ignored those voices in the background.

At around 9:50 a lady came in and asked me to deposit the fraud deposit cheque at some counter along with my petition documents.. The concerned officer took the cheque and return my petition. In about 5 mins my token number appeared on the screen.

I went upto the counter

Me: (with a smiling face) Hello Good Morning.. How are you doing today ?

VO : (seriously replied) I am doing good. Can I have your petition please. I gave mine.

VO: Which Company ?

Me : YYYY ZZZ

VO: What do they do ?

Me : YYYY ZZZ

VO :What's your designation ?

Me : YYYY ZZZ

VO: Who is your petitioner ?

Me : YYYY ZZZ

VO : What would be your CTC ?

Me : YYYY ZZZ

VO: Who is your client ?

Me : YYYY ZZZ

VO : (now arguably the most important question) What is your Specialization ?( All the while he was typing something and suddenly was looking into my eyes as I was answering the question)

Me : Bla Bla Bla(confidently)

Finally the most pleasing words I heard for years... Your Visa is approved, I am retaining one copy of your documents, give one to your HR and take one when you travel to US". I said Thank you.

Like I said and learnt from many in this forum, the most important thing is Preparation & Confidence.