H1B, H4 Visa

Hi All,

Below is a brief experience of mine

I have scheduled for OFC on 9th Dec and Interview on 10 Dec.

OFC - 9th Dec :

I had my slot scheduled at 9 AM. Reached there by 8.15 AM. Security did not allow me inside till 8.30AM even though it was slightly drizzling. While entering inside, security asked for my appointment confirmation which I have shown. Then I was redirected to a queue in first floor where they cross check your DS 160 confirmation with your passport details(like first name, last name, DOB, passport number etc). Once this is done, I was asked to move to the next counter(dont remember if this is also there on the same floor) where Indian officer once again checks the DS 160, sticks a bar code to the passport that represents your DS160. In the next counter, you will be issued a token by the security and I had to wait for my turn. Mapping of token number with the counter number would be displayed on a screen. When I went to the counter, I was asked to give impressions of my left hand four fingers, followed by right hand four fingers followed by the two thumbs. With this I am done with OFC.

10 Dec, Consular Interview :
As it was predicted to rain that day, I have reached the consulate at 10.30 and my slot is at 12PM. Then realized that they were doing it on FCFS basis(not the same always). After waiting in the queue around the consulate for 10 mins, I was let inside with an immediate security check up, where they open all your files and sealed envelopes if any. They scan your folders as well. Once done, we were asked to sit in a room(have not entered the main building yet). After 5-10 mins, we were asked to join a queue outside the main building. Around 70-80 candidates were waiting ahead of me to enter the building. Took around 40-45 mins to clear up. Once you are inside, your biometrics will be cross checked and few marks will be placed on the DS 160 barcode(not sure what those marks meant) on your passport and I was asked by the Indian Officer if I am going for a new employment for which I answered.

Then I was directed to another queue of around 8 rows where around 50 candidates were waiting for their interview. Waited for 40 mins for my turn. The staff there asked me to go to a specific counter number where an elder couple were being interviewed for a tourist visa and they were done in no time. As they left the counter, VO greeted my and below is the conversation.

VO : Good Morning sir
ME : VGM Sir, How are u doin
VO : Good, Passport pls
ME : Passed on the Passport
VO : What is your highest educational qualification
ME : Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science Engineering
VO : So, your petitioner is YYYY ..??
ME : Yes sir
VO : Are you going to work at your client location..??
ME : Yes sir
VO : Client name..??
ME : ZZZ
VO : What is the project name
ME : YYYY sir
VO was typing continuously and I think that he is checking petition details.
VO : How long have u been working on this..??
ME : This is a new employment sir
VO : How did you get to know about this position..??
ME : One of my childhood friend who is working with them referred me to an open position
VO : Can I have your Client Letter
ME : Passed on
Typing Typing and after around a minute,
VO : Your Visa is approved sir, pls read these employee rights and keep this along with you sir
ME : Sure Sir, Thank You

He returned the client letter and kept my passport.

Documents that I have carried.
1) DS 160 conf, Appointment letter, Passport
2) I797
3) LCA
4) I129
5) Offer Letter
6) Client Letter
7) Experience letters
8) Last 3 years form 16's along with returns.
9) Educational Certificates

I got mail that my Passport is ready for pick up on 14 Dec.
Hope this helps.