H1B, H4 Visa

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)
-------------------------------

(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:
---------------------------------------------

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.

Hi All,

Please kindly help with this issue about my visa stamping today, December 21, 2016.

I had visa stamping with my wife and two children today. I was granted the H-1B visa, but the Visa Officer (VO) denied my wife and children of their H-4 visas under section 214 (b), which indicate that my family did not demonstrate strong ties to leave the United States once my work is over. I do not understand why I will be given a visa and deny my wife and children.

I am planning to apply for only my wife and use our children as form of ties.

Please, kindly advice me on the best way to go with this because it will be difficult to leave my wife home after leaving her for the past 6 years. I had my master's and PhD in the United States. I was on OPT after my maser's. My second OPT (after) PhD was approved, which was what I used to secure a Visiting Assistant Position in one of the 4-year universities. Upon getting the position, the school filed for my H-1B which was approved. I visited my home country, GHANA for visa stamping because my F-1 visa had expired. I thought once I get the H-1B visa, my family were going to get their H-4 visas as well, but it did not go that way. Please kindly advice me because this has really affected me today.

Hope to hear from you soon.

It was very simple interview with following questions,

VO: What Visa I am applying for?
ANS : H1B
VO: Who is your employer?
ANS: YYYY COMPANY
VO: How big is your company?
ANS : X NUMBER OF EMPLOYEE
VO: Do you have end client?
ANS: YES
VO: Who is your end client? What they do?
ANS: YYY COMP, CLIENT NATURE OF BUSINESS

My Wife VO ask following question.

VO: Do you work?
ANS: YES
VO: Do you have EAD?
ANS: YES
VO: Where do you work and what do you do?
ANS: FEW WORDS

VERY EASY, BUT BE CONFIDENT

BE PREPARE WITH ALL DOCUMENTS.

I attended VISA interview on 5 Dec 2016 in ottawa CANADA.
Below was my experience.

1> Me and my wife were there at consulate by 8:45 AM as we had appointment at 9:45 AM. At the entrance we were not allowed to carry my wife's hand bag. The security officer asked us to drop the hand bag in the our car or else in simon mall guest services (which is just at walkable distance but guest services will be opened at 9:30 AM and they charge $2/day). My wife dropped her hand bag in simon mall guest services as we took UBER to consulate.
2> Once after security check, we went for finger prints. where in they asked for my I797 and my wife H4 Extension. she also asked if we came for visiting. we said yes. She took our photographs. She asked if the pictures are very recent or not. we said they are very recent as they were taken 15 days prior to interview.
3> First step within the consulate was finger prints. We went to VO window (only 2 windows were opened on that day, altogether 4 were there). where in, we were asked the following questions:
      a) I797 and my wife H4 Extension
      b) How many employees does your company have?
      c) What company do you work for?
      d) Who is your client?
      e) Which client did you work before?
      f) She asked my wife "what is your education? Are you working"?
      g) Again turned towards me and asked "Since how many years you are working for your last client?"
      h) How many years you are working in USA?
      i) Is your green card filed by your employer? I said yes then she said "so you kept on extending your H1B".
      g) Last stamping in which year?
      h) As my stamping was done way back in 2007, i was asked to show W2 for all the years.
      i) As they was discrepancy with one of my W2, they gave me yellow 221(G) and said it might take several weeks. Overall process from the entrance gate to VO interview took me about 1 hours

I submitted explanation for 221(G) along with my employer reference letter on the same day. My employer already had explanation from ADP regarding discrepancy which helped me to give explanation and send it to the consulate on the same day. Atlast our visa was approved on 9th Dec 2016. It took 4 days for getting the status to approved. Collected passports on 13th Dec 2016 evening from courier center.

Hello everyone,

I got my H1 filled by my employer and was picked up in lottery. I planned to visit India for family visit hence went for H1 stamping in Mumbai. Trust me I was scared as it was through employer .

Vo: Hello
Me: Hello , Good morning , How are you ?

VO: Fine , thank you, can I have your passport and other documents ?
Me: (Smiled) Sure, I handed over my passport and I-797 A

(I had like whole bunch of supporting documents with me and she , the VO asked for none)

VO: who is your petitioner?
Me: YYYY Company

VO: What is your salary ?
Me: I said as per my LCA . , $YYY an year.

VO: do you work for client location ?
Me: Yes.

VO: Ok, your visa is been approved , have pleasant stay in the States
Me: Thank you so much , have a great day ahead.

I think my H1 interview lasted like 2 - 3 minutes. Just be confident and keep smiling and maintain polite eye contact.

While coming back , my port of entry was Charlotte,NC. I was there too as port of entry seems to be a bad experience for many people.

I was in line for 25 minutes or so and the immigration lady asked about my job . What am I doing. and What does my company do. She asked same question twice. I answered it confidently and yay!! I am in US happily .

I think only thing is be confident and don't change your answer and keep smiling.
All the best to all those who are going for stamping in future.

I had my stamping in Oct 3rd week. Below is the conversation with the officer.

My appointment was at 11:30. I reached the place at 10:30 and they let me inside immediately.

Greetings Exchanged.
VO: Can I have your I797?
Me: Handed over
VO: Where are you going?
Me: I'll be joining my employer 'xxx' in 'xxx' city, 'xxx' state.
VO: What will you be doing for them?
Me: As an 'xxx', I'll be doing blah blah...(After the first sentence, interrupted me and went to next question)
VO: What's your designation?
Me: Answered
VO: Do you have a client?
Me: Answered
VO: Does your company have a website? Do you have anything about your company with you?
Me: The website URL is 'xxx'. I do have the company brochure with me (handed over the same, glanced the first 2 pages and kept aside)
VO: So you work for 'xxx' (highly reputed in the US) currently?
Me: Yes
VO: How long you've been working for them?
Me: Answered
VO: What are your duties in 'xxx'?
Me: Explained whatever I gave in DS 160
VO: What's your highest qualification? Do you have bachelor's degree?
Me: I've done Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science & Engineering
VO: In India?
Me: Yes
VO: Your visa is approved
Me: Thanks, have a good day!

It was pretty easy. Just be confident.

My wife and I had an appointment for H4 and H1b respectively.

OFC 14th December

At Trade center VAC

Appointment Time: 9 am
Reached: 8.30 am
In line: 8.45 am
In: 8.50 am
Out: 9 am

INTERVIEW 15th December @ 10 am

Reached: 9.45 am directly in queue.
We were taken in at around 10.10 am as there was long queue and waited in for security for approx. 15 minutes.
After security we were allowed to seat in waiting area were ~200 people were waiting! We waited for ~1 hour and got in interview hall at around 11.30 am. By 11.45 am we finished finger printing and waiting in line for interview. Finally interview with a lady officer at 11.55.

me: good morning (while passing i797 and passport of both of us)
vo: good morning

VO wrote/checked something in computer for 1 minute and put aside both the passports (that moment I knew that my VISA is approved because of same experience 9 years back)

vo: where do you work in India
me: YYYY XX

vo: ever been to us?
me: yes, years back. do you want to see my old passport with visa?

meanwhile I opened the VISA page on old passport

vo: no thats fine
vo: ok pass it on
vo: oh you were on the same category, how long did you stay?
me: ~8 months

vo: oh very less time any particular reason?
me: had emergency health issue in family

vo: oh and you are going back after these many years (with big smile) (look at the indication from her)
me: yes with smile

Somebody from staff came to VO for some other case related documents. and they discussed that for ~5 minutes keeping us waiting!

then vo entered something in computer for 1 minute.

vo to wife: how long are you married?
wife: 7 years

vo to wife: do you have any kids?
wife and me: 2 kids with smile

vo: ok pass their passport as well (another indication)
we: actually we are going for dropbox as they are not accompanying us (look at the confidence) :D

vo to me: what is your salary at xxxxx?
me: xxxxxx

vo: role?
me: xxxxxxxx

again same staff member came and they both discussed other case for ~5 minutes, we were waiting. meanwhile me and my wife looked at each other and smiled!
vo entered something in the computer for 2 minutes.

vo to wife: so this would be your first time in the US (VO was giving indication in almost each question!!!)
wife: yes

vo to me: which city would you be working?
me: gave statename

vo: city?
me: again gave statename

vo looking at me stargely: Which CITY?
me: oh sorry... its xxxxx with smile
vo: big smile!

vo: you will get your passport in 2-5 working days, your VISA is approved.
me: THANK YOU! after taking i797 back i said BYE!
vo: bbye with smiling face!

We got out at around 12.20! But believe me it was very relaxing interview. I would rather say it was not an interview but a conversation!

My tip, a smiling face with average confidence can help you a lot!

My h1b visa with the old institute will be expired on 6/2/2017.
The new institute filed the transfer petition in November 2016 but I haven't been approved yet.
I need to travel to Canada next two weeks (12/24/2016-1/8/2017).
Can I still travel? Can you answer following questions?

Option 1. I get approval notice before my departure date (12/24), I can travel with my old h1b visa with the approval notice, right?
Option 2. I don't get approved until I return, I can still travel with my old h1b. Still true?
Option 3. What happens if I get approved, while I travel? Can I get the print out of approval and return with my old h1b with the approval?

Thank you for your help and happy holidays!