Interviews for EB1 visa in mumbai consulate

[krishnanks]

ayraval
The Visa officer asked my wife if she had travelled to US and if she stayed beyond the 6 months period.
Regarding the job, the officer asked me what I planned to do in the US, I said that I already have a job with a US based company and that I will transfer to a US contract. I also told that I have other job opportunities which I will pursue.
So don't worry about it, if the question about jobs comes up, tell them what opportunities you have in the US and in which field you will be working and how you can benefit that particular industry.

[ayraval]

Personally I haven’t used the TG group. But, i am sure the link is posted by a member on this forum. If you browse through older posts on this thread, you would be able to get. Pls check.

I did it but the link is not available. The link is removed.

[sjchn]

I am not sure what this TG group is, please if someone else knows about it and can share the link, would be a great help.

Personally I haven’t used the TG group. But, i am sure the link is posted by a member on this forum. If you browse through older posts on this thread, you would be able to get. Pls check.

[ayraval]

There is one TG group for EB consular processing. It has around 60 members and pretty active, lot of support and help for everyone.

I am not sure what this TG group is, please if someone else knows about it and can share the link, would be a great help.

[ayraval]

There is one TG group for EB consular processing. It has around 60 members and pretty active, lot of support and help for everyone.

Can you please share the link for TG group? Or help me to access that group?

[sjchn]

Hi all, thanks for sharing your experiences. Very helpful.

Our documents were qualified on Aug 26th for EB1A. My wife and I are waiting for the IL. Looking at the trend can we expect the interview in 5-6 months?

thanks!

I haven’t seen anyone informing about the ILs in this forum recently. Based on what i have seen in this forum, mine was the last one and my DQ date was mid march, got IL notification from NVC mid june and had the interview on 29th Aug. If any one with the DQ date after mid march update here, then that would give us an idea. Based on my case if we go, then you are right, i hope, you can expect the IL in 3 to 6 months.

[VSRam]

Hi all, thanks for sharing your experiences. Very helpful.

Our documents were qualified on Aug 26th for EB1A. My wife and I are waiting for the IL. Looking at the trend can we expect the interview in 5-6 months?

thanks!

[sjchn]

Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing!

Was your interview for EB1A?

Mine is EB1C.
And in my case, they haven’t asked any questions to my wife. Even if they ask, my understanding is, it would be very basic questions.

[ayraval]

Hi All - Completed my interview and all went well. Giving below my experience in detail (though its mostly similar to the experience of other friends who explained it, just sharing it with the hope that it helps others, similar to the benefit i got from others experience)

DQ- 16 Mar 2022, Interview date- 29 Aug 2022

Our (for my family and me) interview was on the 29th August at 8:30am, we went to the entrance around 7.30am and was allowed in immediately after the passports check.

We carried only our documents in transparent folders. That helped us to go thorough the security screening quickly.

Then we have been directed to an area which was specific to immigrant visa process (Non immigrant visa process happens on the other side). We were asked to go to Counter 1 to collect the token.

Once the token is collected, we were waiting on the area to get our token number called. Waited for around 15 - 20 mins and went to a counter in which we had an Indian Officer. He asked us to share original passport, PCC, DS-260 (which was stamped and handed over to us in biometrics), employment/offer letter and birth certificates. He reviewed, organized the documents and said we are good from the docs end and asked us to wait to be called again for the interview - This process took around 10 to 15 mins. - This document verification happens between Counter number 2 to 8, i guess.

After almost an hour wait we have been called to go counter number 12 (Counters between 9 to 15 are used for this final interview, i guess). Here we had an US immigration officer and he asked us to raise our hands pledge that the information provided was true. All of us were asked to do finger scan (four fingers of the hand). Then the immigration officer asked me a few questions about my work (Just basic question on what role i am playing, how long i am with current company, currently am i playing similar role of what we mentioned in our initial I140, etc.,). Asked if we have stayed beyond an year on any countries other than US and India. In our case we haven't and said NO to that question. Then he said we are all set and stated our Visa is approved. He asked me to travel with my family at the first time of entry as I am the principal applicant. Also handed over a sheet which stated that our Visa is approved and had the instructions to pay the Visa/GC processing fee of $220 per applicant. He asked us to pay the same anytime prior to our travel. That's it and this process took around 10-15 mins.
By 10am we were done and out of the embassy.

On the same day afternoon my NVC case status changed to "Administrative Processing". On the next day afternoon, its changed to "Issued", I opted to mail the passport in courier. Passport delivered at home on 2nd Sep.

By the way, we stayed at Hotel Sofitel which is 5 mins walk from the embassy. On the previous day, i just tried to visit the embassy location. On google map i checked for US Consulate and it took me to a place which is around 1 KM from the hotel, which was not the right location. Then i checked with the Hotel folks and they told its just 5 mins walk. Just pointing out if in case you face similar issue. Embassy location is 5 mins from Sofitel Hotel and right opposite to Trident Hotel.

Hope this helps.

Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing!

Was your interview for EB1A?

[ayraval]

I had a successful interview for my IM visa (EB1A), will give you a blow by blow account of it.

Priority date- 21 Oct 2021, DQ- 22 Feb 2022, Interview date- 23 Aug 2022

Our (Wife, son & myself) interview was scheduled on the 23rd August at 8:30am, we stayed at the Sofitel Hotel. We stood in the queue at 7:45am, passports were checked (they look at the sticker pasted by the VFS biometric center). After that we entered the place were they did security check (typically what you see in airports). We left our phones, smart watches and bags in the room and only carried transparent covers to hold our documents.
After the security check there was an open area where other categories of visas were asked to wait, since ours was EB1A we were asked to enter another area. There were 18 counters, I was asked to go to Counter 1 to collect the token (8:01am). At around 8:45am we were asked to go to counter 17, the lady checked our DS 260, birth certificates and PCC. This was done in 15 minutes. At around 9:15am we were called to counter another number. The US immigration officer asked the three of us to raise our hands pledge that the information provided was true. We were asked to do finger scan (four fingers of the hand). Then the immigration officer asked me a few questions about my qualifications. I briefly explained that to her as I am a patient safety and risk management expert. She asked if we have stayed beyond 6 months during our stay in the US. My son goes to college in the US (he is 20 years old) she said that she would cancel our B1/B2 visas for my wife and me and for my son she asked us to present the immigrant visa instead of the F1 visa at the port of entry. After this she said the golden words (your visa has been approved). She asked me to travel with my wife and son at the first time of entry as I am the principal applicant. By 9:30am we were out of the embassy.

I checked my NVC case status, it said "Administrative Processing", the same status remained until 25th August afternoon. On the 25th August afternoon it changed to "Issued", I opted to collect the passports instead of courier. On 26th Aug at around 1:00pm I received the SMS saying that the passports are read of collection. We presented a original ID proof and a copy to collect the passports and the sealed cover (yellow color) which needs to given to the passport officer at the port of entry.

Started at 7:45am- finished at 9:30am

Hope this helps.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing your experience in detail. If you could guide me on following questions then it would be a great help.
My EB1A interview has been scheduled on 14th September.

1) Did they ask any questions to your wife?
2) Do they ask for the job offer letter from the US employer? (I have done my EB1A I-140 filing from India and I am employed in India till this time. I don't have US employer as of now and that is perfectly fine in the case of EB1A)

I would really appreciate your help for this. Thank you.

[sjchn]

Hi all, we successfully immigrated on the 1st September, completed our US Preclearance Customs & Border Protection. The officer was very courteous, we made an inventory (self declaration) of all the valuables (gold Jewelry and silver articles) that we carried. We had most of receipts and the officer briefly took a look at it and let us go.
The officer stamped in the passport as (admitted) and wrote a date one year from the date of entry. The officer said that we could travel in and out of the US during the one year period mentioned in the stamp. However we have decided not to leave US until we receive the greencard.

Glad to hear Krishnanks. Thanks for sharing. Please update in this group when you receive your GC.

[krishnanks]

Hi all, we successfully immigrated on the 1st September, completed our US Preclearance Customs & Border Protection. The officer was very courteous, we made an inventory (self declaration) of all the valuables (gold Jewelry and silver articles) that we carried. We had most of receipts and the officer briefly took a look at it and let us go.
The officer stamped in the passport as (admitted) and wrote a date one year from the date of entry. The officer said that we could travel in and out of the US during the one year period mentioned in the stamp. However we have decided not to leave US until we receive the greencard.

[sjchn]

Hi All - Completed my interview and all went well. Giving below my experience in detail (though its mostly similar to the experience of other friends who explained it, just sharing it with the hope that it helps others, similar to the benefit i got from others experience)

DQ- 16 Mar 2022, Interview date- 29 Aug 2022

Our (for my family and me) interview was on the 29th August at 8:30am, we went to the entrance around 7.30am and was allowed in immediately after the passports check.

We carried only our documents in transparent folders. That helped us to go thorough the security screening quickly.

Then we have been directed to an area which was specific to immigrant visa process (Non immigrant visa process happens on the other side). We were asked to go to Counter 1 to collect the token.

Once the token is collected, we were waiting on the area to get our token number called. Waited for around 15 - 20 mins and went to a counter in which we had an Indian Officer. He asked us to share original passport, PCC, DS-260 (which was stamped and handed over to us in biometrics), employment/offer letter and birth certificates. He reviewed, organized the documents and said we are good from the docs end and asked us to wait to be called again for the interview - This process took around 10 to 15 mins. - This document verification happens between Counter number 2 to 8, i guess.

After almost an hour wait we have been called to go counter number 12 (Counters between 9 to 15 are used for this final interview, i guess). Here we had an US immigration officer and he asked us to raise our hands pledge that the information provided was true. All of us were asked to do finger scan (four fingers of the hand). Then the immigration officer asked me a few questions about my work (Just basic question on what role i am playing, how long i am with current company, currently am i playing similar role of what we mentioned in our initial I140, etc.,). Asked if we have stayed beyond an year on any countries other than US and India. In our case we haven't and said NO to that question. Then he said we are all set and stated our Visa is approved. He asked me to travel with my family at the first time of entry as I am the principal applicant. Also handed over a sheet which stated that our Visa is approved and had the instructions to pay the Visa/GC processing fee of $220 per applicant. He asked us to pay the same anytime prior to our travel. That's it and this process took around 10-15 mins.
By 10am we were done and out of the embassy.

On the same day afternoon my NVC case status changed to "Administrative Processing". On the next day afternoon, its changed to "Issued", I opted to mail the passport in courier. Passport delivered at home on 2nd Sep.

By the way, we stayed at Hotel Sofitel which is 5 mins walk from the embassy. On the previous day, i just tried to visit the embassy location. On google map i checked for US Consulate and it took me to a place which is around 1 KM from the hotel, which was not the right location. Then i checked with the Hotel folks and they told its just 5 mins walk. Just pointing out if in case you face similar issue. Embassy location is 5 mins from Sofitel Hotel and right opposite to Trident Hotel.

Hope this helps.

[krishnanks]

anku123 Hi there, I will try to answer your question as much as I know. Others from the group can step to add.
Not sure if you have already filled up the DS 260 form in the NVC site, if not there is a section in the DS 260 where you could mention that your wife and son would be "immigrating to the U.S. at a later date to join you." Remember if your son is above 21 then he may not be able to join, so if he less that 21 then include him. You can still register your marriage, you may have to visit India to get that done, usually it should be a one day process. You should be able to get it done in your local municipal office in your home town in India.
My understating is, if you answered "NO" to the question "Is your wife/ child immigrating to the U.S. with you or at a later date to join you" then you would not need a marriage certificate, if not yes.

Here is the link to required civil documents for India. https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...try/India.html

I have copy pasted the text that appears in the Marriage Certificates section - see below.....

Marriage Certificates


Available

Fees: Varies by authority.

Document Name: Marriage Certificate.

Issuing Authority: Religious authorities and the offices of the Government Registrar of Marriages, which are located in the headquarters of each district.

Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Varies substantially.

Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Different for each state and religious authority that conducts the marriage.

Registration Criteria: Prior to 2006, marriages by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs were not required to be registered, but may have been voluntarily registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. As of 2006, it is mandatory to register all marriages. In India, a marriage can either be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 or under the Special Marriage Act of 1954. For marriages registered at government offices under the Special Marriage Act, the certificate will be issued by the Registrar only if the bride and groom personally appear before the official and pay the required fee. For other marriages that are required to be registered with government authorities under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, registration criteria vary by authority.

Procedure for Obtaining: Varies for each authority.

Certified Copies Available: There are no certified copies available.

Alternate Documents: See comments section.

Exceptions: None

Comments: Hindu Marriage Act is applicable to Hindus, whereas the Special Marriage Act is applicable to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion. Please note that marriages by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs may be voluntarily registered under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.

A marriage certificate issued by a Christian church needs to be registered in the office of The Registrar of Marriages. The registration authority varies from state to state.

If the parties are married in an Islamic religious ceremony, the certificate issued by the religious authority (such as a Nikah Nama contract issued by the mosque, or a marriage certificate issued by the Waqf Board) is sufficient proof of the marriage, and an additional registration with government authorities is not necessary/mandatory. A document known as a “Marriage Agreement” or “Deed of Marriage” to live as man and wife (under the Registration Act of 1908) is not sufficient confirmation of a marriage. Such a document does not confer legal marital status under the law. The minimum age for a marriage to be legal is 18 for females and 21 for males.

[anku123]

Hi everyone,
I am EB1A, approved by USCIS, need to upload documents on NVC portal. My whole family is in India, and only I will be immigrating. My wife and child do not want the green card (at least as of now). I have never registered my marriage. My fear is that they may reject my application in the lack of a marriage certificate. Anyone has any idea if I need marriage certificate even when only I am immigrating, not family members. Are there alternatives to a marriage certificate?
Thanks.