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Today we had visa interview. Sharing the experience here. I will try to skip already repeated details in the forum.
1. We were in USA on visitor visa with a plan to return in Dec 22 as we expected IL by end Dec. But we received it in July for interview on Sept 26. We explored the option to reschedule for December. But there were no clear guidelines for the same. Helpline numbers were not much of a help. Ultimately decided to stick to the given date, booked Medical and VAC appointments and landed in Mumbai, our home city, on 14 September.
2. Medicals at Rele Clinic was on 16 September. When we called Rele Clinic from USA for appointment,we were told to call after 2 pm, but when informed that the call was from USA, they promptly responded and booked the date. Our appointment was at 9:30 am, but we reached early and received the token immediately. While giving the history, I mentioned having some lung issues and current medication for the same. I also informed him that I was carrying my earlier Chest X rays and CT scans.They assured me that, if required, Doctor would call for the reports and co-relate. Fortunately, my X ray was clear. Rest of the check up was also smooth. I was given 3 vaccines as I had Chickenpox in childhood. My wife was given all 4 vaccines. Side effects like pain and mild fever lasted for 2 days.
3. VAC on 19 September at Mumbai was as smooth as experienced by all.
4. Interview was on 26 September at 9 am. Reached by 8 am and waited till 8-45 am to be ushered in. Deposited one phone at the counter and went inside. Here the scene was same as described by many forum members.When called first time at the counter, we were asked for only passport, birth certificate(SSC passing certificate), PCC and marriage certificate for me and birth certificate(SSC passing certificate),PCC for my wife. We had filed Form i-864ez at NVC, although my daughter, the petitioner, and her husband file tax jointly. As one forum member had an issue about form i-864ez, we had additionally prepared form i-864 and i-864a and took along. But the lady behind the counter said the interview officer would ask if needed. She did not take any tax related form or documents. Then we were called for final interview with an american officer through an interpreter. Here the usual questions about my daughter,her job,her kids, maximum day of stay in USA etc apart from finger scanning. The interview lasted for about 5 minutes. No tax documents were asked.The officer then put a stamp on our passports, retained them and gave a sheet mentioning about further action for passport and immigration fees. I will update more after passport pick up.
5. My daughter and I had jointly filled and filed all immigration forms online without help of any lawyer. While filing online the instructions are pretty clear. In lieu of birth certificate, SSC passing or school leaving certificate is accepted which most of us could be having. Sometimes lawyer advise many unnecessary but costly affidavits or certificates which may never be asked to submit.The forum has been immensely helpful to clear many doubts and by correct inputs for flawless immigration journey. We are thankful to senior members like AlienKanpur, Geomac, Sapnaanagol and many others for their contribution.
6. Last but not the least, while exiting after interview, Mr Anupam Kher, the film actor also exited from other section and walked out with us, all the time holding all exit doors for us and finally asked "Aap kab USA ja rahe ho? After our reply he wished all the best to us. A very humble gesture.
1. We were in USA on visitor visa with a plan to return in Dec 22 as we expected IL by end Dec. But we received it in July for interview on Sept 26. We explored the option to reschedule for December. But there were no clear guidelines for the same. Helpline numbers were not much of a help. Ultimately decided to stick to the given date, booked Medical and VAC appointments and landed in Mumbai, our home city, on 14 September.
2. Medicals at Rele Clinic was on 16 September. When we called Rele Clinic from USA for appointment,we were told to call after 2 pm, but when informed that the call was from USA, they promptly responded and booked the date. Our appointment was at 9:30 am, but we reached early and received the token immediately. While giving the history, I mentioned having some lung issues and current medication for the same. I also informed him that I was carrying my earlier Chest X rays and CT scans.They assured me that, if required, Doctor would call for the reports and co-relate. Fortunately, my X ray was clear. Rest of the check up was also smooth. I was given 3 vaccines as I had Chickenpox in childhood. My wife was given all 4 vaccines. Side effects like pain and mild fever lasted for 2 days.
3. VAC on 19 September at Mumbai was as smooth as experienced by all.
4. Interview was on 26 September at 9 am. Reached by 8 am and waited till 8-45 am to be ushered in. Deposited one phone at the counter and went inside. Here the scene was same as described by many forum members.When called first time at the counter, we were asked for only passport, birth certificate(SSC passing certificate), PCC and marriage certificate for me and birth certificate(SSC passing certificate),PCC for my wife. We had filed Form i-864ez at NVC, although my daughter, the petitioner, and her husband file tax jointly. As one forum member had an issue about form i-864ez, we had additionally prepared form i-864 and i-864a and took along. But the lady behind the counter said the interview officer would ask if needed. She did not take any tax related form or documents. Then we were called for final interview with an american officer through an interpreter. Here the usual questions about my daughter,her job,her kids, maximum day of stay in USA etc apart from finger scanning. The interview lasted for about 5 minutes. No tax documents were asked.The officer then put a stamp on our passports, retained them and gave a sheet mentioning about further action for passport and immigration fees. I will update more after passport pick up.
5. My daughter and I had jointly filled and filed all immigration forms online without help of any lawyer. While filing online the instructions are pretty clear. In lieu of birth certificate, SSC passing or school leaving certificate is accepted which most of us could be having. Sometimes lawyer advise many unnecessary but costly affidavits or certificates which may never be asked to submit.The forum has been immensely helpful to clear many doubts and by correct inputs for flawless immigration journey. We are thankful to senior members like AlienKanpur, Geomac, Sapnaanagol and many others for their contribution.
6. Last but not the least, while exiting after interview, Mr Anupam Kher, the film actor also exited from other section and walked out with us, all the time holding all exit doors for us and finally asked "Aap kab USA ja rahe ho? After our reply he wished all the best to us. A very humble gesture.
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