L1, L2 Visa

Hi All,

Want to share my experience as well in this forum. My L1B Blanket was rejected in Aug 2012 when I applied as a specialized knowledge individual. My company applied for an L1A Blanket visa this July. I was told by some friends that L1A Blanket cannot be applied as it will be rejected by default. But our immigration team asked me to give it a try as my position has changed now, and I am applying for a managerial position. I searched in the internet for any experience of L1A Blanket approval after L1B rejection, but could not find any such case.
Hence I feel my experience may help others, who are in the same situation.
Please be confident that L1A Blanket can be applied (as a manager / executive) after L1B Blanket
Rejection also.

Surprisingly the interview started with questions to my wife first:

VO introduced his name and greeted us good morning, and we reciprocated.

VO to my wife: How long have you been married?
My wife: Its xxxx months.

VO: Congratulations. Keep it going. Then asked how we met.
I answered: At our parents place.

VO to me: How many years have you been working with xxxx company?
I answered: for xxxx years.

VO: Whats your designation?
I: I am a SW Test Manager

VO: Where are you going in the US?
I misheard the question, and started to talk about Why I am going to the US, when he corrected me again, and asked where I am going..
I said sorry and answered that I am going to xxxx place.

Then he checked my petition to find that its the same petition on which my L1B got rejected 3 years ago and, typed something in his PC. He asked me if my L1B got rejected earlier and if I am applying as L1A Blanket, at which time, I was really tense.
I was composed and said: Yes Sir.

VO: Did you ever visit xxxx place earlier?
I said: Yes. I have been there 3 times already on business trips.

VO: Smiled and said that its a colder place and asked if I advised my wife if she knows that it would be much colder than in South India.
I said: Yes sir.

VO: Whats your salary in the US?
I said: xxxxxx dollars

VO: Who do you report to?
I : xxxx

VO: Who does he repot to?
I: xxxx

VO: How many people report to you directly?
I: ZZZ

VO: How many of them are US citizens?
I: xxx

VO: How many indirect reportees do you have?
I: xxxxx

VO: Do your direct reportees have people reporting to them?
I: Yes

VO just typed something in his PC, and said the words I was waiting to hear. That our visa got approved and handed over two copies of the I129 to us asking to submit one to the HR and other at the port of entry during immigration..

I thanked him and wished him a nice day.

Hope this post helps others .... Thank you and all the best :)