H1B, H4 Visa

Friends,

I am an Indian, resident of Australia, working here from last 1.5 years. This is my recent H1B stamping experience in Sydney. It was fairly simple and easy. I was renewing my unused H1B visa which was stamped earlier in Chennai, India. My US employer is small and good company. He provided all the documents required.

Our appointment was at 9:30. We reached to consulate by 8:30. Waited in the lobby area till 9:00. (Later realised that, no need to wait, we can proceed to reception area where security check happens). At 9:00 we went to consulate's reception area (10th floor) where security check happens. There was a queue for security check. We were there in queue for about 20 min to get our turn. Friendly officers checked us thoroughly. They kept our phones, bags there with them gave us a token to collect our items back after the interview.

After security check, our documents (Passports, DS-160, I797) were verified and wrapped DS-160 and I797 with passports and gave them back to us. Then we were redirected to 59th floor for visa interview. We went to 59th floor, there the security checked our passports just for confirmation.

We went inside the consulate, proceeded to left side and stood in the queue as directed. We were called immediately. The lady officer returned our DS-160 forms and labelled our passports with some stickers. She asked two questions. What type of visa you are applying for? Were you given US visa earlier? Then she took our 10 finger prints. This was quick, just 2 minutes.

We were asked to proceed to next queue without taking any queue number and asked us to stand in the queue. (Most people were sitting there) In the queue, before us there was one guy for H1B. Two counters were there. One lady VO and one man VO. Man VO was so serious and issued a yellow slip to a group of 3 girls, guess they were there for F1 visa, not sure. Lady VO was so pleasant and talking to some US citizens. Once they are done, she called the guy before us for H1B. Here I was a bit nervous, thinking that man VO would call me. But he called a queue number and I felt better. Within 5 minutes lady VO finished the H1B interview and issued the visa. Next she called us. She was so friendly and positive. She didn't ask me a single document.

ME: Good Morning (Passed the passports)
VO: Good Morning

VO: She commented on our family with a smile.
ME: Yes (with a smile)

VO: Were you given US visa earlier?
ME: Yes

VO: Is this the same employer?
ME: No, this one is with different employer.

VO: How do you know about this company?
ME: One of my friends work there.

VO: Oh... then you better know about the company. (after few seconds) What do your employer do?
ME: I answered

VO: What do you do?
ME: I answered

VO: What is your highest qualification?
ME: I answered

VO: In Computers?
ME: No, Mathematics.

VO: How long you were there in US?
ME: I didn't use my earlier visa.

VO: She was a bit surprised and asked why?
ME: I answered and she was happy with that.

VO: How long have you been working here (Sydney)?
ME: I answered

VO: How long have you been in this field.
ME: I answered

VO: (To my son) Are you excited to go to US?
My Son: Nodded his head and said Yes.

VO: Your visa is approved. You will get your passports in 5 working days.
ME: Thank you.

Here are my comments to get visa.
* Be confident, answer with clear voice.
* Listen carefully and answer with 'No less, no more'.
* Every question they ask is from your petition, so go through it thoroughly.
* If you make a mistake, no need to worry correct it immediately.

Know the specifics
* Know where you are going
* Know how long you are going to stay
* Know what you are going to do
* Know what software you are going to use
* Know why you were chosen for this position
* Know who you report to
* Know about the project

Hope this helps, Good Luck.