H1B, H4 Visa

OFC-Dec 22nd at 11am
Consular interview- Jan 3rd at 11am

I)OFC- Carry only the below documents, No bags, No water, No food or candy allowed
Please be there at least 45 mins early sometimes they will let you in early and you can be done early
1) Passport
2) DS-160 receipt
3) Appointment confirmation receipt
4) I-797 A (H1-B document)
5) Offer Letter

They will take your finger prints only and they will not ask any other questions
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II) Consular Interview-Carry all the necessary documents, No bags, No water, No food or candy allowed.
They will throw it in the garbage. Also the questions are like RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS. Really quick be prepared to answer quickly

My appointment was at 11am but I was there by 9am and its first come first serve basis.
Honestly its better to be early and calm down and prepare in your mind.

1)They will check your passport , DS-160 form
2) They will be a security check
3) They will make you sit in a line and handout know your rights book
4) They will do finger printing again
5) Then they will make you sit in another line and you have to wait depending on the number of people.
6) Then they will make you stand in another line for consular interview with the VO and handout a token/window number
7) There were 4 people in front of me when I went to my window.

Q) Greet the officer and ask How are you? Be confident and say it in a confident tone.

Q) You work for xxxx employer? ( The agency/company which runs your payroll)
A) Yes

Q) Who is your client? ( The end client you work for)
A) I work for xxxxx

Q) Where is it located?
A) It is located City, State ( Know the complete address)

Q) How is the weather up in the City?( The one you mentioned above)
A) I just talked about the weather and compared the weather there and Hyderabad in degree Fahrenheit

Then the wonderful words your visa has been approved.
Tip: Be confident and confident in your voice tone as well. Greet the VO and answer to the point. I was done in <1min
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I also saw few F1’S which were being rejected in front of me. I felt they were not confident and not answering quickly when the VO asked. The questions are like RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS. Be confident in your voice tone practice your questions before you go to the interview.

1) Where are you going?
2) How much is the fees?
3) How are you funding?( Be prepared with the numbers)
4) Who is paying for your fees? (Be prepared with the numbers and relevant documents)
5) Why did you choose Computer Science/MBA/xxxx?
6) What made you choose that university/college?
7) What courses are you going to take?
8) Do you plan on staying back in the US after your education or do you plan on returning back to India? What is the plan?

All the best !! Confidence, preparation and organizing the documents to show at the right time is the KEY !!

I had my visa interview with my family and our Visa's were approved. We got the H4 visa stamped passports back within 2 days for my family but its been over 2 weeks and the CEAC tracker shows the status as "Administrative Processing" and last update date is the date of interview.

Are there others out there who had similar experiences and who can share some insights on what I can I do or how soon can I expect this nightmare to be over ?

Urgent response appreciated..

Here is the scenario- I have H1B recently transferred from Company A under cap exemption to Company B. I got approval copy of I797 in Oct 2016 and went for VISA stamping at Consulate in India wherein I was issued white slip 221(g) with one option ticked asking for- project details in specific format (Project description, detailed research, how many resources will be working etc..). This was in Oct 2016, I had requested Company B to respond but didn’t see positive response therefore started applying and got Company C who is interested in transferring my I797 and stamp my VISA. In the meantime Company B reverted with desire to send docs requested.

My question-
1. Can I pursue with Company B in submitting documents requested in white slip 221(g) & in parallel transfer I797 with Company C?
2. If yes, Will it affect my H1B stamping? As I am approaching 2 companies (Company B & C) in parallel.

Kindly let me know.

Who is your Employer?

Is it a new employment ?

Highest Qualification?

Salary?

Hi All,

How long (days) does it take to get H4 visa stamping appointment? How long does it takes to get the visa stamped passport?

Thanks,
Regards,
Raju

Hi all,

I was issued 221g at Hyderabad.

Documents requested by them were already provided to consulate. When I used to track the case status the dates used to show always as below

Oct 2nd
Oct 3rd.

recently I see an update in the dates as
Oct 2nd
Dec 21st

Still it shows as administrative processing. Let me know what it means.

If anybody has similar experience , please reply.

Thanks.

Hello, I was taking H1 B Interview through online in Sept 2016 from US and at that time, my last visa stamp was valid till 9/30/2015 so I checked yes for the question where it's asking 'existing visa is valid or expired in last 12 months' so system shows I am eligible for Dropbox. I am currently in US and visiting India in January 2017. So anyone has any idea if there will be any issue in visa stamping by dropbox as my existing visa stamp is expired for more than 12 months.
Last I797 was expired on 9/30/2016 which was valid from 10/1/2015 but I don't have visa stamp for that.
Current H1 is approved from 10/1/2016 - 9/30/2018.

Please advise if anyone have any insights or experience!

Appreciate your help here!

Hello Everyone,
First of all I want to thank immihelp forum where I have gained so much of guidance before appearing for visa interview.
OFC : 26th Dec 2017 @ New delhi
Documents required:
1. Appointment confirmation page
2. DS 160 confirmation page
3. current and old passport

At OFC center in New delhi, they only scan your fingerprints and take your photograph. Once this is done they provide stamp on your DS 160 page and appointment page which you need to produce in Visa interview day.

Visa Interview : 27th Dec 2017 @ New Delhi

Mandatory Documents Required
1. I797 original
2.. I129
3. LCA
4. OFC stamped Appointment and DS 160 letter.
5. current and old passport
6. Client letter/SOW/MSA
7. Education documents
8. Resume
9. Employer letter
10. payslips and bank statements

Questions & Answers
VO : Good morning how are you ?
Me : Good morning I am fine thanks, how about you mam?

VO : I am also fine thanks, Please pass me your passport.
Me : provided

VO : who is your employer
Me : provided the name

VO : Please give me your I797
Me : Provided

VO : Who is your client
Me : gave my client name and briefed about my client

VO : she asked to spell the name of the client while searching the same in computer
Me : Provided

VO : Tell me about your project
Me : Provided my project details

VO : Your role and responsiblity
Me : Provided

VO : what is your salary
Me : Provided as per LCA & I129 document

VO : Are you married
Me : Yes

VO : for how long you will stay there
ME : 11 months

VO: Have you got know your rights brochure
Me : Yes mam

then she said those golden words, your visa is approved.

My only suggestion to each n everyone is to be simple and confident. Don't lie because they can easily catch you. Please say whatever is truth.
All the best !!!

Dear Friends,

It's been long time , I was following this forum and getting lot's of good information regarding process and interviews. I have attended H1B visa interview recently and want to share my whole experience so that it will be very helpful for other members as well.

Interview Location : Mumbai

Day 1: Biometeric and Photograph.
Location : Trade Center (BKC,Mumbai)

We have interview scheduled for 3:15 PM and we reached before time. Remember that don't go too early as they don't allow to enter before time and there is no arrangements to seat outside . Better carry least laggage and all the required documents in transparent folder. Don't bring mobiles and any other electronic device unless you are accompanying with some other person.

We have been told to wait for turn and after some time they announce to make a queue, we have been called half hour before due to less peoples standing in queue. Passport checked along with DS160 and appointment confirmation letter.

They verify documents and then you will be allotted token number . There will be queue and you need to look over screen where token displayed along with counter number.
One should not get any issues since there is instructions written in English, Marathi and Gujrati as well.
Once token show counter number go to that respective counter, person will get your passport and ask you to give your fingers and thumb impressions. After that he will take a photograph of yours.
Thing to remember :- Carry photograph along with you (US VISA size) , in case of any issues with photograph camera.
After this he will ask you to leave and tell to go through notice board.
You are done for the day.

Total Process Time : 15-20 mins

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Day2 : US Consulate Interview
Location : US Consulate , BKC Mumbai

We have been given appointment of 9 AM for second day and we reached well before the time.
Some Important things to remember here :
1) Don't bring mobile/any electronic device/apple watches/big size bags/bluetooth device.
2) Bring water bottle as you don't see any shopes there.
3) Don't bring food items, if you bring then it should be eaten well before you enter inside.
4) Bring transparent folder and put your all documents inside it.
5) There are auto drivers who told that they will keep your personal belonging with them, please don't trust and avoid not to bring anything which is not required.
6) come with plenty amount of cash (if coming from long distance) since there is no ATM's nearby.
7) In case of person coming by car there is one parking facility behind consulate but bring only if you are coming along with some other person who can handle car keys. Since those are also not allowed inside.

Once they will call for time slot , person need to move to queue and then there will passport and documents check along with security check. Don't bring bulky bags, plastic bags are allowed.
You will be move to big lawn where there will be around 300-400 people can seat.
From there each queue will be move inside building where visa interview happened.
Here you will see all american officers over the counter.
Firstly you will be moved to counter where your finger prints will be crosschecked. Passport will be taken and scanned and then you will be asked to provide finger print . Once that is done , they will ask you to move to next queue for interview. Here there are around 14-15 counter and visa officer are taking interviews.

You can easily listen question asked to other candidates and can guess mood of officer :)
We have moved to counter and below is the conversation:

Me and Wife: Hello Madam, Good morning.
VO: Good morning. (Looking at both of us)

Vo: Can I have you Passport please.
Me: Handed over my and wife's passport

Vo: I 797?
me: gave document.

Vo: Is this your first visit to US?
me: Yes

VO: You are going on H1?
Me: Yes

VO: Who is your end client?
Me: xxxxxx(client name).

VO: Where are your travelling in US?
Me: (ZZZ) City

Vo: What will be your role there ?
Me: My role will be YYYY XX (Explain role)

Vo to my wife: Are your going to work?
Wife: No i will be housewife.

Vo: What will be your salary?
Me: xxxxx per year
.
Vo: What is you highest qualification?
Me: YYYY .

Vo: Have you received know your rights ?
Me: Yes,

Vo: (With Smile) OK, Your visa has been approved.
Me: Thanks Madam, Have a Nice Day.

Few points to mention :
1) Be truthful while answering question.
2) Be confident.
3) Take all the documents , degrees even they don't asks but its always better to carry.
4) Have visa photographs along with you.
5) Prepare yourself well before interview.

I Hope that i am able to explain process and can help others.
Always remember... Sharing is Caring AND Confidence is the Key.

Thanks and All the Best.

Hi All,

I recently had my Visa stamping @Tijuana, thought sharing my interview experience will help for people who are going to Tijuana.

Day 1 (Friday): I drove to San Diego, parked my car nearby airport, there are many parking places available, they charge $15 per day.

I took an agent help since I am going to Mexico for the first time. He charged me $700 (includes hotel stay for 5 days).

This agent provides service to pick up(San Diego -> Tijuana) & drop off(Tijuana -> San Diego) in his car. (this service included in the package)

He picked us from the parking lot and crossed the border and entered into Mexico.
No security check at Mexico border, generally they do random security checks.

Went directly to ASC for fingerprinting, they allowed us 30 min before our actual appointment time.
it took 30 min to complete the work @ASC.

Documents required @ASC:
1) DS-160
2) Passports
3) Visa Appointment Letter
4) Payment receipt

Day 2 & Day 3 (Week End); Just stayed at the hotel, went to nearby shopping mall and restaurants.

Day 4: (Visa Interview)
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(Note: Cell Phones, USB, and any other electronics are not allowed inside)

I forgot to take out USB from my backpack, they asked me to store it outside, there is a shop outside you can store your belongings there. (They charged me $1 for storing USB)

I have to go through the security check again, then they let us into the consulate.

Once you entered into the consulate, they will issue a token number that will be called at different stages.

Step1: Your token number will be called, they will verify all your documents(ds-160, passport, I-797) are correct.

Step2: You have to verify your fingerprints.

Step3: They will the same token number again for Visa Interview.

here are the questions that VO asked me.

me: Good Morning
VO: morning

VO: can I have your passports, DS-160 and I-797
me: I passed them to VO

VO: Are you working for YYYY company
me: yes

VO: are you a direct employee or contract
me: I am a full-time employee

(VO started canceling my old visas stamps, I got a feeling that she will approve my visa.)

VO: what is your highest education.
me: I did my YYYY

VO: Did your employer started your green card process, do you have I-140.
me: yes

VO: what is the priority date.
me: YYYY ZZZ

VO: what is your current salary
me: YYYY YYYY

VO: your visa is approved you can collect the passport tomorrow.
and she returned my old passport(I have both old and new passports)

(Note: They keep your I-797 along with your passport if your visa is approved)

Day 3: Passport collection

I reached US consulate by 2.30 PM, passport collection window opens at 3 PM.

they will ask for your photo Identity card to hand over your passport and I-797.

it took 10 min to pick up the passport.

verify your passport, stamping and I-797, just to make sure all information is correct.

Updating your i-94 at the port of entry:
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The agent dropped us @ US customs and border protection office.

It will take 1 hour to 3 hours to complete your I-94 update and cross the border.

They still issue I-94 cards at this border, you have to pay $6 for each I-94 card.

Get your I-94 card, you have to go inside a room to update your I-94.

There they will take your fingerprints and picture. show I-797 and ask them to update date on I-94.

Though they issued card, the I-94 status got updated online next day.

It took me one hour to complete all the process and enter into US border.

There is shopping mall at US border, (transportation facility is available from here to San Diego airport).

Since I took the agent help, he dropped us at the parking lot where I parked my car.

The agent service also includes pick up and drop off to ASC, US Consulate at Hotel.