L1, L2 Visa

Hi all,

My L1-B (individual) visa was approved at Chennai consulate yesterday. There is a wealth of information regarding the whole interview process and everyone visiting the website here may be looking for some information that may help in avoiding some costly errors. I have learnt a lot from this forum and it has helped me a great deal, right from the preparation of the petition to USCIS till the interview at the US consulate. My petition was approved without any RFEs but i spent a lot of time preparing it. Trust me, it does deserve some time and thinking. The interview questions were quite standard but i would like to share few additional points which i think will help.

1. Prepare the elevator pitch for your question on specialized knowledge. L1B individual may be less scrutinized at US consulate as it is already approved by USCIS, so there is little risk of being rejected at US consulate. However, L1-B blanket visa may be more scrutinized than L1-B individuals. i did hear this common question on specialization for L1-Bs (mostly blanket). So when you are just couple of minutes away from the officer you may hear a lot of questions, answers, rejections, approvals going on around you. It may seem bit crowded and there is a sense of urgency that the officers will have because of the crowd that may easily put you under the stress. Because i did get my business visa few months back, i was kind of prepared for this atmosphere. For visa categories which are more scrutinized like the L1-B blanket, i believe the most important question is about your specialization and when preparing for the interview, keep in mind the officer is eager to close the interview and move quickly to others. So it is important to prepare short and precise answers, call it an elevator pitch. Be prepared to relax yourself and give your answers in calm and composed manner yet short and precise. i know this may be difficult in the middle of the crowd and when everyone wants things to be done quickly but i believe the 2 mins in front of the officer will be important. For L1-B individuals, my advice would be stay calm and relaxed, your visa is most likely already approved, it is just more like a formality unless you have something seriously wrong as part of your documents. Those who are on L1-B blanket don't under estimate the interview and go without any preparation. Spend at least half a day in preparing the answers and most people may advise you to answer in front of the mirror but follow-up answering the same questions in your mind; in middle of a crowded place (choose any). You will have some space and maintain a fair distance from the crowd when you are actually being interviewed but i think it is about getting used to the crowd and still being able to think clearly (what a task!).

2. If your interview is in Chennai, i would advise you to start at least 2 hours early if you wish to complete your interview at scheduled time. However, for OFC appointment at Chennai VAC, there is no point going early. Don't carry bag just try to go only with documents and the wallet / cash. Mobile must be switched off at OFC and I believe they don’t allow mobile phones for the interview. I carried only documents and some cash

3. Keep your documents in order and well organized so you can present it as requested. Small things… but it does create an impression..

Each visa has unique requirements and i have spent months in understanding and getting my L1B done. I am happy to help at least a couple of aspirants. i may be able help and provide some useful info but only regarding L1B visa.

Let me know ?

Good luck to all of you.