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L1, L2 Visa
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L1A - Mistakes I made, you should Avoid
Hi, I would like to share mistakes that I made on both the days, which you should avoid. As far as the interview itself goes, it was straight forward. The questions were similar to what others had shared based on their experiences. I will share my mistakes only.
1. Mistake on Day1 - Underestimated Chennai Traffic.
I had my biometrics appointment at 10:30 am. I gave 2 hours lead time and started from my home at 8:30 am, but reached the OFC only at 11:30am. My mistake, I underestimated the Chennai Traffic and also the fact that OFC office has been moved to a new location on Kodambakkam High road ( earlier it was at Cenotaph rd).
If you are living any where on OMR past Shollinganallur, please give 3 hours of lead-time to reach the OFC . Plan for the Traffic congestion in the morning Office hours.
What happened when I reached Late to the OFC ? I went straight to the security at the Gate and told him that I am late . The Security guard said that , It is fine as long as you have come on the same day of the Appointment. I was sent straight inside the building and didn't have to wait in the line outside. One benefit of coming late to the OFC. Went in at 11:30 am and was out by 11:45am.
2. BIG MISTAKE On DAY2 - Didn't Carry DS-160 Confirmation letter.
I had the appointment at 8:30 am for my Visa interview. Woke up early, got ready , checked the documents one last time, and sat had breakfast. I didn't realize that while keeping the docs back into the folders, DS-160 alone was kept outside by mistake. I started at 7am from home , thinking early morning the traffic will be OK and I can easily reach on time. I had called a Cab, and half way through the ride to the US consulate, I wanted to check the docs one more time. Now after we had traveled almost half way, I realized that the DS-160 is not in the folder. I couldn't call home to confirm if the DS-160 is at home, because I wasn't carrying the phone and drivers phone was dead. I asked the driver to turn the car back home as one important paper is missing. The driver gave me advice that I should have been careful.
Reached Home at 8:30 am ( my appointment time, I should have been at the consulate). I ran upstairs and found the DS-160 on the table , nicely kept on top. I picked it up and ran to the CAB and again we were on the way to the US Consulate. I reached the consulate at 11:00 am .I was praying the whole way..anyway , went straight to the Security and told him that I got late because of Traffic :)).. The security guard told me to go to the back of the line and just follow the procedure. As long as you have the appointment today, you are fine.
I went in, rest of the steps were normal. I was inside the consulate by 11:30 am and out by 12:20 pm.
Interview was simple - Got the VISA approved and thanked GOD on the way back.
Few Tips:
1. Don't panic if you are late . You will be accommodated.
2. Carry extra set of Photos (2) with you even if your BIOMETRICS was done. Some people faced this issue.
3. DS-160 confirmation letter and Appointment letters are must to enter the US consulate.
4. Always plan for Traffic.
Have fun..
THANKS for reading ..
1. Mistake on Day1 - Underestimated Chennai Traffic.
I had my biometrics appointment at 10:30 am. I gave 2 hours lead time and started from my home at 8:30 am, but reached the OFC only at 11:30am. My mistake, I underestimated the Chennai Traffic and also the fact that OFC office has been moved to a new location on Kodambakkam High road ( earlier it was at Cenotaph rd).
If you are living any where on OMR past Shollinganallur, please give 3 hours of lead-time to reach the OFC . Plan for the Traffic congestion in the morning Office hours.
What happened when I reached Late to the OFC ? I went straight to the security at the Gate and told him that I am late . The Security guard said that , It is fine as long as you have come on the same day of the Appointment. I was sent straight inside the building and didn't have to wait in the line outside. One benefit of coming late to the OFC. Went in at 11:30 am and was out by 11:45am.
2. BIG MISTAKE On DAY2 - Didn't Carry DS-160 Confirmation letter.
I had the appointment at 8:30 am for my Visa interview. Woke up early, got ready , checked the documents one last time, and sat had breakfast. I didn't realize that while keeping the docs back into the folders, DS-160 alone was kept outside by mistake. I started at 7am from home , thinking early morning the traffic will be OK and I can easily reach on time. I had called a Cab, and half way through the ride to the US consulate, I wanted to check the docs one more time. Now after we had traveled almost half way, I realized that the DS-160 is not in the folder. I couldn't call home to confirm if the DS-160 is at home, because I wasn't carrying the phone and drivers phone was dead. I asked the driver to turn the car back home as one important paper is missing. The driver gave me advice that I should have been careful.
Reached Home at 8:30 am ( my appointment time, I should have been at the consulate). I ran upstairs and found the DS-160 on the table , nicely kept on top. I picked it up and ran to the CAB and again we were on the way to the US Consulate. I reached the consulate at 11:00 am .I was praying the whole way..anyway , went straight to the Security and told him that I got late because of Traffic :)).. The security guard told me to go to the back of the line and just follow the procedure. As long as you have the appointment today, you are fine.
I went in, rest of the steps were normal. I was inside the consulate by 11:30 am and out by 12:20 pm.
Interview was simple - Got the VISA approved and thanked GOD on the way back.
Few Tips:
1. Don't panic if you are late . You will be accommodated.
2. Carry extra set of Photos (2) with you even if your BIOMETRICS was done. Some people faced this issue.
3. DS-160 confirmation letter and Appointment letters are must to enter the US consulate.
4. Always plan for Traffic.
Have fun..
THANKS for reading ..
All Replies (2)
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