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H1B, H4 Visa
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Quick follow-up to "Admin processing w/ quick turnaround"
I forgot to mention a couple other useful details in the previous post and this website doesn't let me edit. Here goes:
- I have a Bachelor's degree from a US university, and that's my highest level.
- I was promoted to a second level software engineer in 2018, so my salary is quite high now.
- I have an ongoing PERM labor certification filing back home, but that more than likely doesn't affect anything.
- This was my first time getting an H-1B stamp. The only US visa I have is an F-1 visa that expired in 2017.
More things that the consulate dude asked me that I forgot to mention:
- My salary.
- When I plan on traveling back.
In case you're curious, my I-94 now admits me until the end of my first H-1B visa period. This used to be "D/S", aka "Duration of Status" before, when I last entered on my F-1 visa. Also, in case you were wondering, I read on some govt. website some time ago that the I-94 admit-until date that you find online *does* get invalidated silently if you are issued a different visa status down the line. I assume this applies to H-1B renewals as well.
My tips:
- Note that 98% of the people dress formally for their consulate appointments. I was dressed extremely casual (loud graphic tee and jeans), but it doesn't really matter. That's what I wear to work anyway! I was a bit taken aback in the waiting area, though.
- Empty your pockets before entering. Ideally, go with someone you know and have them wait somewhere. I carried my wallet. You can wear a not-smart watch.
- If your case is straightforward, don't worry if you go into admin processing. It *felt* to me like that was just part of the process. I know this is hard, because it truly is a black box state. :(
- Be confident and smile when speaking to the consulate folks. Actually, smile when speaking to all strangers, ever. Even if you have a straightforward case and have never been out of status etc etc., you don't want to appear sketchy. Try to talk to them like you know them.
- I have a Bachelor's degree from a US university, and that's my highest level.
- I was promoted to a second level software engineer in 2018, so my salary is quite high now.
- I have an ongoing PERM labor certification filing back home, but that more than likely doesn't affect anything.
- This was my first time getting an H-1B stamp. The only US visa I have is an F-1 visa that expired in 2017.
More things that the consulate dude asked me that I forgot to mention:
- My salary.
- When I plan on traveling back.
In case you're curious, my I-94 now admits me until the end of my first H-1B visa period. This used to be "D/S", aka "Duration of Status" before, when I last entered on my F-1 visa. Also, in case you were wondering, I read on some govt. website some time ago that the I-94 admit-until date that you find online *does* get invalidated silently if you are issued a different visa status down the line. I assume this applies to H-1B renewals as well.
My tips:
- Note that 98% of the people dress formally for their consulate appointments. I was dressed extremely casual (loud graphic tee and jeans), but it doesn't really matter. That's what I wear to work anyway! I was a bit taken aback in the waiting area, though.
- Empty your pockets before entering. Ideally, go with someone you know and have them wait somewhere. I carried my wallet. You can wear a not-smart watch.
- If your case is straightforward, don't worry if you go into admin processing. It *felt* to me like that was just part of the process. I know this is hard, because it truly is a black box state. :(
- Be confident and smile when speaking to the consulate folks. Actually, smile when speaking to all strangers, ever. Even if you have a straightforward case and have never been out of status etc etc., you don't want to appear sketchy. Try to talk to them like you know them.
All Replies (0)
Admin processing w/ quick turnaround
I’ve been lurking here for some time, so I decided to share my own experience.
I had a relatively straightforward case. Graduated in 2016, worked for one company (Amazon) on OPT until September 2017, switched to H-1B status in 2017, traveled to internationally for the first time in December 2018. I got appointments in Mumbai.
Biometrics appointment (on 12/16) was quick. They accommodated me almost an hour before my appointment time.
Consulate appointment (on 12/17) was a 2+ hour deal, not including the time I waited because I got there early, with probably an hour of waiting beyond the appointment time before being let into the main building. People were being let in in batches, and the main building had maybe a 20-30 minute standing wait time in a queue for the counters.
There was one small caveat with my application. In early 2018, Amazon reconsolidated corporate entities and renamed the company that employs me slightly. They supplied a couple of supporting documents to bring to the visa interview in case there was an issue with the mismatch between my petition filed in 2017 and my DS-160 that I filled out in 2018.
The guy at the counter was very pleasant to speak with. He didn't ask me too many questions. The following come to mind now:
- Asked me if I like San Diego (where I studied) or Seattle (where I live) better. :)
- "What do you do at Amazon?"
- Verified my timeline from graduation to OPT to H-1B, kinda offhandedly.
- Asked me if I know my rights and whether I have seen the pamphlet that covers that.
I went over prepared with a huge stack of documents, but was only asked for current passport (which is almost empty!), I-797, DS-160 confirmation page. He didn’t ask for my second most recent passport or the visa fee receipt. He said my case was straightforward, kept the passport, and returned my I-797, saying they’ll notify me via SMS when the visa is issued. No slips or anything else.
I only checked the passport tracker initially, which said that the passport is still with the consulate. I found out about the CEAC tracker on the second day of waiting and saw that my application was in administrative processing (dun dun!). I didn't bring up the Amazon name change supporting documents during the appointment, and it never came up. I regretted this because I thought that was the reason for admin processing.
On 12/17, the CEAC tracker had these dates IIRC:
- 12/14: Case created (before my appointments; weird)
- 12/16: Last updated (before my consular appts.; likely because US timezone)
After a couple more days of waiting, the last updated date moved to 12/20, with the case still in administrative processing.
On 12/21, it switched to “Issued”. Passport was delivered to my Mumbai address in maybe 2 days (incl. weekend). I returned to the US yesterday (12/27). Seattle border lady only asked for my passport, no I-797 or anything else. It was super smooth.
I had a relatively straightforward case. Graduated in 2016, worked for one company (Amazon) on OPT until September 2017, switched to H-1B status in 2017, traveled to internationally for the first time in December 2018. I got appointments in Mumbai.
Biometrics appointment (on 12/16) was quick. They accommodated me almost an hour before my appointment time.
Consulate appointment (on 12/17) was a 2+ hour deal, not including the time I waited because I got there early, with probably an hour of waiting beyond the appointment time before being let into the main building. People were being let in in batches, and the main building had maybe a 20-30 minute standing wait time in a queue for the counters.
There was one small caveat with my application. In early 2018, Amazon reconsolidated corporate entities and renamed the company that employs me slightly. They supplied a couple of supporting documents to bring to the visa interview in case there was an issue with the mismatch between my petition filed in 2017 and my DS-160 that I filled out in 2018.
The guy at the counter was very pleasant to speak with. He didn't ask me too many questions. The following come to mind now:
- Asked me if I like San Diego (where I studied) or Seattle (where I live) better. :)
- "What do you do at Amazon?"
- Verified my timeline from graduation to OPT to H-1B, kinda offhandedly.
- Asked me if I know my rights and whether I have seen the pamphlet that covers that.
I went over prepared with a huge stack of documents, but was only asked for current passport (which is almost empty!), I-797, DS-160 confirmation page. He didn’t ask for my second most recent passport or the visa fee receipt. He said my case was straightforward, kept the passport, and returned my I-797, saying they’ll notify me via SMS when the visa is issued. No slips or anything else.
I only checked the passport tracker initially, which said that the passport is still with the consulate. I found out about the CEAC tracker on the second day of waiting and saw that my application was in administrative processing (dun dun!). I didn't bring up the Amazon name change supporting documents during the appointment, and it never came up. I regretted this because I thought that was the reason for admin processing.
On 12/17, the CEAC tracker had these dates IIRC:
- 12/14: Case created (before my appointments; weird)
- 12/16: Last updated (before my consular appts.; likely because US timezone)
After a couple more days of waiting, the last updated date moved to 12/20, with the case still in administrative processing.
On 12/21, it switched to “Issued”. Passport was delivered to my Mumbai address in maybe 2 days (incl. weekend). I returned to the US yesterday (12/27). Seattle border lady only asked for my passport, no I-797 or anything else. It was super smooth.
All Replies (0)
admin process to issued
Interview on nov 30th
My Background: Did masters and did not get H1. Joined CPT and H1 got approved just before my 2nd masters ended.
Questions asked:
Who is your employer?
What is your highest degree?
What is your salary?
Did you work while in OPT?
Do you know your rights?
VO: We need to do some administrative processing it may take about a week
Nov 30th: case created
Dec 10th: last update date changed
Dec 11th: Issued
Dec 12th: Got email that your passport has been shipped to the below address.
Good luck!!
My Background: Did masters and did not get H1. Joined CPT and H1 got approved just before my 2nd masters ended.
Questions asked:
Who is your employer?
What is your highest degree?
What is your salary?
Did you work while in OPT?
Do you know your rights?
VO: We need to do some administrative processing it may take about a week
Nov 30th: case created
Dec 10th: last update date changed
Dec 11th: Issued
Dec 12th: Got email that your passport has been shipped to the below address.
Good luck!!
All Replies (0)
End client same, vendor changed in same MSA. Going for visa stamping
SCENARIO:
I got h1b extension back in Jan 2018 and it's valid until July 2021. I work in EVC model. After the extension my vendor, my vendor changed , but I still work for same client, same role and duties and in same MSA. My company lawyer asked employer to post LCA at new site for 10 days and there is no need for H1b amendment. Now I am going for visa stamping and I am eligible for dropbox. My lawyer asked me to carry end client letter, proof of LCA posting at new job site and other docs.
QUESTION:
Do you guys see any issue with my case? will there be any issue with dropbox with this type of case? BTW I have been working for same end client since last 10 years.
All Replies (1)
H1b renewal approved, Chennai
Hi everyone, hoping to add more visibility by sharing my experience & dates here.
VISA/Consulate Info:
H1b - renewal. My current h1b will be expiring in 2 months from now. Stamping the visa that renews for 3 years after that date.
Chennai consulate.
8:30am appointment on Dec 27, 2018.
TIMELINE:
Dec 27, 10:00am: actual interview. Visa approved by visa officer. Questions below.
Dec 27, 10:30am: back at the hotel, CEAC now shows "Administrative Processing"
Dec 27, 3:10pm: same day, later. CEAC shows "Issued"
Dec 28, 1:40pm: Next day. CGI shows "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery"
Dec 28, 3:10pm: An hour and half or so later. "Passport is ready for pickup"
VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
- (briefly exchanged greetings)
VO: (looks up application) So you work at ________?
Me: Yes
VO: What's your designation?
Me: Staff Software Engineer
VO: Changing petitioners?
Me: Sorry, petitioners? (was still jetlagged and my brain was slow)
VO: You were at _______ before it looks like, and now you're getting visa for ____?
Me: Oh, that was a long time ago, my current visa is for my current employer; I'm just here for renewal.
VO: what's your annual income?
Me: xxxxxx
VO: what kind of work do you do for ______?
Me: (gave her 1 sentence answer)
VO: It shows you're married, does your spouse need a visa?
Me: She's on H1 by herself.
VO: (Confirms if I understood my rights when working in the US)
VO: your visa is approved, you'll receive it 2-3 business days
Me: Thank you!
To recap interview:
- no documents were asked; I only gave my passport
- basic job/situational questions
My background:
- MS from a university in US
- currently working in a top tier & well known web based company
- have a good base salary
- This is a H1b renewal
Observations while I was inside the consulate:
- I saw quite a few APs. It was a rapid-fire of 221(g) with few approvals. So it was a suspense for me till the end.
- Take your 'Employment Verification' letter if you're already working there (I noticed everyone before me was being asked for this; but I was not asked)
- If this is a new employment, take your 'Offer' letter
ADVICE:
- make sure your passport is in good shape; physically & factually. This includes typos in name (one couple was sent back to get a new passport because of this)
- have crisp answers; straight to the point. Make sure you're not vague in your replies
- Leave electronics back at the hotel! I had a Tile tracker in my wallet without my knowing, and I was asked to leave by the security! I just came out and threw the Tile into the trash, and went back inside.
All the best!
VISA/Consulate Info:
H1b - renewal. My current h1b will be expiring in 2 months from now. Stamping the visa that renews for 3 years after that date.
Chennai consulate.
8:30am appointment on Dec 27, 2018.
TIMELINE:
Dec 27, 10:00am: actual interview. Visa approved by visa officer. Questions below.
Dec 27, 10:30am: back at the hotel, CEAC now shows "Administrative Processing"
Dec 27, 3:10pm: same day, later. CEAC shows "Issued"
Dec 28, 1:40pm: Next day. CGI shows "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery"
Dec 28, 3:10pm: An hour and half or so later. "Passport is ready for pickup"
VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
- (briefly exchanged greetings)
VO: (looks up application) So you work at ________?
Me: Yes
VO: What's your designation?
Me: Staff Software Engineer
VO: Changing petitioners?
Me: Sorry, petitioners? (was still jetlagged and my brain was slow)
VO: You were at _______ before it looks like, and now you're getting visa for ____?
Me: Oh, that was a long time ago, my current visa is for my current employer; I'm just here for renewal.
VO: what's your annual income?
Me: xxxxxx
VO: what kind of work do you do for ______?
Me: (gave her 1 sentence answer)
VO: It shows you're married, does your spouse need a visa?
Me: She's on H1 by herself.
VO: (Confirms if I understood my rights when working in the US)
VO: your visa is approved, you'll receive it 2-3 business days
Me: Thank you!
To recap interview:
- no documents were asked; I only gave my passport
- basic job/situational questions
My background:
- MS from a university in US
- currently working in a top tier & well known web based company
- have a good base salary
- This is a H1b renewal
Observations while I was inside the consulate:
- I saw quite a few APs. It was a rapid-fire of 221(g) with few approvals. So it was a suspense for me till the end.
- Take your 'Employment Verification' letter if you're already working there (I noticed everyone before me was being asked for this; but I was not asked)
- If this is a new employment, take your 'Offer' letter
ADVICE:
- make sure your passport is in good shape; physically & factually. This includes typos in name (one couple was sent back to get a new passport because of this)
- have crisp answers; straight to the point. Make sure you're not vague in your replies
- Leave electronics back at the hotel! I had a Tile tracker in my wallet without my knowing, and I was asked to leave by the security! I just came out and threw the Tile into the trash, and went back inside.
All the best!
All Replies (0)
H1b renewal approved, Chennai
Hi everyone, hoping to add more visibility by sharing my experience & dates here.
VISA/Consulate Info:
H1b - renewal. My current h1b will be expiring in 2 months from now. Stamping the visa that renews for 3 years after that date.
Chennai consulate.
8:30am appointment on Dec 27, 2018.
TIMELINE:
Dec 27, 10:00am: actual interview. Visa approved by visa officer. Questions below.
Dec 27, 10:30am: back at the hotel, CEAC now shows "Administrative Processing"
Dec 27, 3:10pm: same day, later. CEAC shows "Issued"
Dec 28, 1:40pm: Next day. CGI shows "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery"
Dec 28, 3:10pm: An hour and half or so later. "Passport is ready for pickup"
VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
- (briefly exchanged greetings)
VO: (looks up application) So you work at ________?
Me: Yes
VO: What's your designation?
Me: Staff Software Engineer
VO: Changing petitioners?
Me: Sorry, petitioners? (was still jetlagged and my brain was slow)
VO: You were at _______ before it looks like, and now you're getting visa for ____?
Me: Oh, that was a long time ago, my current visa is for my current employer; I'm just here for renewal.
VO: what's your annual income?
Me: xxxxxx
VO: what kind of work do you do for ______?
Me: (gave her 1 sentence answer)
VO: It shows you're married, does your spouse need a visa?
Me: She's on H1 by herself.
VO: (Confirms if I understood my rights when working in the US)
VO: your visa is approved, you'll receive it 2-3 business days
Me: Thank you!
To recap interview:
- no documents were asked; I only gave my passport
- basic job/situational questions
My background:
- MS from a university in US
- currently working in a top tier & well known web based company
- have a good base salary
- This is a H1b renewal
Observations while I was inside the consulate:
- I saw quite a few APs. It was a rapid-fire of 221(g) with few approvals. So it was a suspense for me till the end.
- Take your 'Employment Verification' letter if you're already working there (I noticed everyone before me was being asked for this; but I was not asked)
- If this is a new employment, take your 'Offer' letter
ADVICE:
- make sure your passport is in good shape; physically & factually. This includes typos in name (one couple was sent back to get a new passport because of this)
- have crisp answers; straight to the point. Make sure you're not vague in your replies
- Leave electronics back at the hotel! I had a Tile tracker in my wallet without my knowing, and I was asked to leave by the security! I just came out and threw the Tile into the trash, and went back inside.
All the best!
VISA/Consulate Info:
H1b - renewal. My current h1b will be expiring in 2 months from now. Stamping the visa that renews for 3 years after that date.
Chennai consulate.
8:30am appointment on Dec 27, 2018.
TIMELINE:
Dec 27, 10:00am: actual interview. Visa approved by visa officer. Questions below.
Dec 27, 10:30am: back at the hotel, CEAC now shows "Administrative Processing"
Dec 27, 3:10pm: same day, later. CEAC shows "Issued"
Dec 28, 1:40pm: Next day. CGI shows "Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery"
Dec 28, 3:10pm: An hour and half or so later. "Passport is ready for pickup"
VISA INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
- (briefly exchanged greetings)
VO: (looks up application) So you work at ________?
Me: Yes
VO: What's your designation?
Me: Staff Software Engineer
VO: Changing petitioners?
Me: Sorry, petitioners? (was still jetlagged and my brain was slow)
VO: You were at _______ before it looks like, and now you're getting visa for ____?
Me: Oh, that was a long time ago, my current visa is for my current employer; I'm just here for renewal.
VO: what's your annual income?
Me: xxxxxx
VO: what kind of work do you do for ______?
Me: (gave her 1 sentence answer)
VO: It shows you're married, does your spouse need a visa?
Me: She's on H1 by herself.
VO: (Confirms if I understood my rights when working in the US)
VO: your visa is approved, you'll receive it 2-3 business days
Me: Thank you!
To recap interview:
- no documents were asked; I only gave my passport
- basic job/situational questions
My background:
- MS from a university in US
- currently working in a top tier & well known web based company
- have a good base salary
- This is a H1b renewal
Observations while I was inside the consulate:
- I saw quite a few APs. It was a rapid-fire of 221(g) with few approvals. So it was a suspense for me till the end.
- Take your 'Employment Verification' letter if you're already working there (I noticed everyone before me was being asked for this; but I was not asked)
- If this is a new employment, take your 'Offer' letter
ADVICE:
- make sure your passport is in good shape; physically & factually. This includes typos in name (one couple was sent back to get a new passport because of this)
- have crisp answers; straight to the point. Make sure you're not vague in your replies
- Leave electronics back at the hotel! I had a Tile tracker in my wallet without my knowing, and I was asked to leave by the security! I just came out and threw the Tile into the trash, and went back inside.
All the best!
All Replies (0)
Admin Processing for more than a month
Hey Guys
My Case: H1B Dropoff
Case Created: 16th Nov, 2018
Case Last Updated: 3rd Dec, 2018 (Admin Processing)
I wanted to create this post to know experiences of other people like me on the same boat. Lets put all our experiences here and keep each other posted.
My Case: H1B Dropoff
Case Created: 16th Nov, 2018
Case Last Updated: 3rd Dec, 2018 (Admin Processing)
I wanted to create this post to know experiences of other people like me on the same boat. Lets put all our experiences here and keep each other posted.
All Replies (4)
H1B approved @Hyderabad
Interview was for less than a minute. But officer rejected 3 candidates right in front of me. They were not able to answer properly and obviously I was nervous and he is no mood to approve.
VO: Good morning. How are you doing?
Me: Good morning. I am doing fine how about you.
VO: Which location do you work for your company?
Me: abcde
VO: What is your designation?
Me: abcde
VO: Have you read about worker rights while filling the application?
Me: Yes
VO: Your visa is approved. Thank you.
Me: Thank you.
Just be professional in responding to their questions. I see most of applicants are either tensed or giving incomplete information. They are trained to ask you relevant questions. Just be confident and respond. Good luck to all of those applying.
VO: Good morning. How are you doing?
Me: Good morning. I am doing fine how about you.
VO: Which location do you work for your company?
Me: abcde
VO: What is your designation?
Me: abcde
VO: Have you read about worker rights while filling the application?
Me: Yes
VO: Your visa is approved. Thank you.
Me: Thank you.
Just be professional in responding to their questions. I see most of applicants are either tensed or giving incomplete information. They are trained to ask you relevant questions. Just be confident and respond. Good luck to all of those applying.
All Replies (2)
Hyderabad Drop Box (Dec 18-24)
Anyone use the dropbox facility for H1B at Hyderabad VAC during the dates Dec 18-24. I want to know if the status is getting updated or if everything is at a standstill.
I submitted my documents on Dec 18th. As of today Dec 27th,
Status: Application Received
Case Created: Dec 19th
Case Last Updated: Dec 19th.
I submitted my documents on Dec 18th. As of today Dec 27th,
Status: Application Received
Case Created: Dec 19th
Case Last Updated: Dec 19th.
All Replies (33)
H4 - Restamping -visa approved - admin processing
Came here to chennai for vacation.
Hubby on h1 and myself ( h4 ead) and my 10 yr old son in h4 .
Not a drop box case and it was in person interview that we went for .
finger print and photo - dec 12
Interview -dec 13
Visa was approved and we don’t not get any slips .
Hubby (h1) and son (h4) collected their passports by dec 17
Mine shows admin processing with updated date as interview date - dec 13
They both are traveling today 27 dec and am canceling mine .
Am on h4 ead and working as an automation test engineer .
Any clue as to what’s going on ?
Thanks in advance .
Hubby on h1 and myself ( h4 ead) and my 10 yr old son in h4 .
Not a drop box case and it was in person interview that we went for .
finger print and photo - dec 12
Interview -dec 13
Visa was approved and we don’t not get any slips .
Hubby (h1) and son (h4) collected their passports by dec 17
Mine shows admin processing with updated date as interview date - dec 13
They both are traveling today 27 dec and am canceling mine .
Am on h4 ead and working as an automation test engineer .
Any clue as to what’s going on ?
Thanks in advance .
All Replies (13)
Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.
