H1B, H4 Visa

First of all i would like to say Thanks to all those who posted their query in this forum and it really helped me building up my confidence. Many Thanks again.

Below is my experience

OFC Interview
Date: 4th Aug

Pretty Simple and Smooth Process. No Hassle at all. When i reached consulate i saw there was a long queue so i was little worried. But after checking with Security People they said the Queue is for passport collection. Please come to the main gate of OFC 15 Minutes Prior to your OFC appointment date and we will take you inside.

I reached the gate 15 minutes prior and i was inside. Had to wait in queue for 10 minutes as before you enter the OFC center, they would again check your DS 160 and Appointment Letter to ensure the details are matching. Please ensure while filling your DS 160 form, enter your name excatly as it is in your passport. Many people were ask to re-fill the form as there was space in their name which was not as per their passport.

I enter the OFC, then had my security check, then there was a guy on the counter who checked my DS 160/Appointment Letter and pasted a bar code sticker on my Passport and gave me a Token number to wait inside the main OFC Section. There were hardly 1-2 people in the Queue hence i didnt had to wait and i went to one of the counter. I was done in 5 Mins and I was out the OFC Center. DS 160 would be stamped by OFC Center which you need to carry next day at Consulate Interview.

Consulate Interview
Date: 5th Aug

My Interview was scheduled at 9.00am hence i reached there was 8.15am. I went near the 1st entrance of consulate were my DS 160 and passport was verified. While entering the gate, security asked me if i have a Pen drive or Mobile and instructed me that its not allowed inside. After entering the 1st gate, i was asked to sit in an open area on a bench and asked me to wait. At around 9.00am, they asked people to collect their token for whom interview is scheduled at 8.00am and then for 8.30am and then for 9.00am. Here you need to give your passport and they would give your token number. After that you would need to pass through Security check. After clearing SC, we were allowed to enter the main premise of Consulate were they had couple of benches and Multiple LCD Screen displaying your Token. The waiting area at Hyderabad is well arranged and co-ordination to move the people ahead for interview was excellent. At every point, People inside were very helpful and were giving proper guidance if you were confused. It was around 10.15 am i guess my Token was called and by that the time.

I was asked to go to XX window for my final interview and while you reach the Window there are already previous candidate waiting in queue on that window which was pretty ok.

VO:- Good Morning Gentlemen
ME:- Good Morning

VO:- Your Passport and I-797 Please?
ME:- Handed over the same

VO:- What client Gentlemen?
ME:- Answered Accordingly

VO:- What Location in US?
ME:- Answered Accordingly

VO:- Please put your 4 fingers on the Finger print scanner please?
ME:- Did as per instruction

VO:- Thats It. You're Interview is done Gentlemen :)
ME:- Thanks Alot

She took away my passport which made me feel My Visa was approved but could not hear the Golden Word :)

I would suggest all the applicant to answer accordingly and do not give extra information which isn't asked as it can lead into a discussion and also into an argument sometime. A lady in front of me was for student visa and when officer asked her "Why you want to go to US for your Masters", she answered " Blah Blah Blah and after my master i want to come back to India" Thats it. VO was irritated and VO said " Listen Mam, i don't care if you come to India or not and you may get a job there. But i am still not convinced with your answer why you want to do your Masters in US etc". This was a live example for me. Just answer what she ask, be honest and don't be over Spoken too. Be Confident and Be Clear. Interview would go smooth for Sure.

I had my best experience at Hyderabad Consulate and i didn't felt i was tired though my entire Interview process took around 3 hours.

Once again many thanks to this forum and please keep posting your experience and Questions.

All the Best Guys.

Hi Readers,

Firstly thanks to Immihelp with their forums which really help in my preparation for the Visa Interview.

Summary of Dates for H-1B from lottery to visa approval

Picked in Lottery : Apr
Petition Approved : May (General Processing)
OFC : Aug 6th
Interview : Aug 7th

As you all know what happens at the OFC and there is no preparation required - so not detailing it again.

Interview:

My Interview was scheduled at 8 00 am, I reached the consulate (Hyd) at 7 am, joined the queue at 7 30 am

Like everyone I too prepared the big list of documents starting from birth certificate to the latest payslip of the current employer.

My approach was on a basic formula PSC

Point - Answer only to the point
Slow - Speak very slowly and loud
Confident - Speak confident - do not get nervous after all this visa result Is not the end of the world

My one suggestion is if the Employee - End Client relationship & your relevant experience is green then rest assured your visa is approved (though in some cases there might be delays)

My Interview:

Interview Schedule at 8 am
Visa Officer (VO) called at 8 15 am after interviewing the 2 persons before me
 
VO: Good Morning
SS: Good Morning
 
VO: Can I have your Passport and the original approved I 797
SS: Sure sir, here are they
 
VO: which company do you work for?
SS: xxxxxxx .
 
VO: Please put your left hand 4 fingers on the scanner
SS: Done as directed
 
VO: is this the first time you are travelling to the US
SS: Replied.
 
VO: where do you work after reaching US?
SS: I work at xxxxx located in &&&& which is my client
 
VO: What is your role their
SS: **** **** * .
 
VO: What is the project you work for them?
SS: Project Name
 
VO: Your visa is approved sir, have a nice stay in US
SS: Thank you sir.
 
I was out of the consulate at 8 25 the interview was only for couple of minutes

All the best for the applicants - Please post your questions I would be happy to help.

Sasu

Hi
I had applied for h1b in 2008 and my petition was approved. But due to personal issues and market conditions, I did not go through the process. However, now after 6 years, when I went to the UCICS website and entered the application number, it shows its in Post Decision activity. How would I know if it's expired or not. Has anyone seen thing like this before?
Kind Regards

Hi,

I am currently in hong kong living with my husband.He got transferred from USA to HK this year in Feb so we moved here.

My H1B petition got approved in July and now I need to take an appointment for the interview in HK embassy.Has anybody(Indian Citizen) experienced the same situation like appearing for H1B interview outside of India.

I am currently working here in a software company. Is there any risk from not getting visa approval here as I am actually Indian citizen?

I would really appreciate responses and kindly share your experience if anybody had faced same situation recently.

Kind Regards!

Had OFC appointment on 5th August by 8:30 AM. Reached OFC 30 mins prior to scheduled time. Enter OFC by 8:15AM then verified passport, DS160 and appointment confirmation at the entrance and asked us
to move to first floor then passed security check (make sure to switch off your mobiles), issued token, then moved to respective counter for fingerprint and photo. Left OFC by 8:30 AM

Consular interview on 6th Aug by 8:30AM. Reached US consulate by 7:45AM. Very big queue standing in front of us. Stood in queue for 45 mins. Then verified UID in appointment confirmation and asked us to
move to main entrance. Get the seal from the security before deposit your belongings at the entrance. Cleared security check, issued token after security check, then verified fingerprint and waited in the
hall for our turn. Watch the screen for your turn.. Assigned counter 17 for my token#. Stood in the queue in front of counter 17.. Now its my turn

Myself and spouse approached to the counter

Me&Spouse: Good Morning Sir !
VO: Good Morning

VO: Give your passports
Me: Handed over the passports to VO.

VO: Would you be working at Employer location or Client location ?
Me: I Would be working at Employer location

VO: Your visa is approved !
Me: Thank you

VO asked only one question to me and didnt ask anything to my spouse... Wat a Surprise!!! Spent less than a minute in counter

Tracked passport next day morning(7th Aug) and status was " Your passport is ready for pickup". Reached OFC by 3:00PM with Original PAN card and photocopy of self and spouse,
Appointment confirmation letter and Letter of Authority from spouse. Received Passport with H1B stamped

US Visa interview process is very simple.. Dont confuse and complicate yourself.. Stay calm and confident
If your Petitioner and documents are genuine then you visa is approved

Thanks to Immihelp and All the best !!

Hi guys,

 I went to the chennai consulate for my stamping this week and was given a 221(g) to give project description. I have only myself to blame because this forum clearly mentioned at multiple times that a PDD(project description document) was needed if you are going for an internal project. Somehow, it went below my radar.

 I will send in a detailed experience once my status is finalised. But as of now, I have one advise for you. If you are going for an internal project, please absolutely make sure you have a dedicated project description document and 2 years tax statements of your employer. This will clear most of your hassles and would eliminate a stressful a waiting period which I am enduring right now. Almost everyone for H1b on that day, for an internal project got some kind of question again and were sent back with a blue form.

So my question now is .. I was given a blue form (221(g)) with a case number. My employer will have to send a PDF of the project description which will be taken care of. Any of you know where I can monitor this online? I am not able to find. I am not sure if there is any website where we can check this online.

Biometric Process:

I have my H1 B visa filled by my company. I have submitted my documents to my company's immigration team and they filled all the details. Finally, August 6th 2014 is my biometric and 7th Aug 2014 is my visa interview. My slot on Aug 6th is at 4:00 PM for biometric. Documents verified were Appointment letter, DS 160, original passport.

As I am a newbie, I took all my complete documents. I also took my photograph with me thinking that I have to stick it on DS 160, but no one asked me about my photograph. Security Guard verified my appointment letter and allowed me to go in. At the door step, they again checked my passport (original; xerox not allowed here), appointment letter and asked me to go in.

After few mins they called my number and I am placed infornt of a lady. She checked my passport, DS 160 and appointment letter.

Officer: What is your full name?
Me: Gave my full name.

Officer: what is the purpose of my visit?
Me: For my Employment madam. (madam not needed, but I said)

Now she asked me to place my left hand four fingers on the biometric device. Once it is done, right hand 4 fingers, then two thumbs.

Thats it!! she stamped my docs and asked me to carry the same docs to my visa interview.

Visa Interview Process:

Finally the most awaiting day has come. Aug 7th 2014, my visa interview day. I took all my documents, DS 160, I 129, my educational documents, originals, etc.. List of docs depends on what kind of visa you are applying for. So, I didnt update my list here. My slot is at 11:00 AM. I reached Hyd US Visa consulate by 9:00 AM. Thiking of traffic, car parking etc, i went very early. By 10:00 AM they allowed me in. We need to stand in line at the consulate office. Security person checks our passport, and scans a label on it(you will get this label at the time of your Biometric process). You will be sent in and have to wait in the lobby. Next, you will go to reception and get a sticker(token number) on your passport. Now, you have to place all your belongings in a tray and go for scanning. Please check on the internet about what items are allowed and what not. Next, we will be placed in a row of seats where your number and window number are displayed. Check your number and when you hear it, check the window number and go to that window.

My Interview:

My visa interviewer is a foreigner. She was talking very freely with everyone.

Visa Officer: Hi
Me: Hi

She didnt ask anything. I gave my passport. She took my passport and checked something on her system.

VO: Is this a new job
Me: Yes

VO: Is this your first time
Me: Yes

VO: What is your client?
Me: Client name

VO: Place your left hand fingers on the scanner
Me: Did it

VO: Where is your client located?
Me: I gave my client's area name which is in my I 129(My visa is H1 B). In my DS 160, different address was mentioned. So, check thoroughly your addresses mentioned in your documentation.

VO: Thanks you are done. You may leave. (she took my passport and kept it in a tray on the next table)
Me: Did I, Did I..

VO: Yes you cleared.
Me: Thanks a lot.. you made my day. Thanks.

None of my documents are checked(originals or xerox nothing). But remember, your DS 160 and I 129 will be with VO already.

If you are going to a client from a company, better be thorough on your I 129 addresses(Based on my experience I gave this statement).

All the best!!

Hi friends, Below is my experience on H1b Visa Interview day

My appointment is at 8:30 AM, I arrived at 7:45AM and they immediately verified passport and asked us to sit before token was issued. Next is security clearance and then they allowed us inside. I was waiting there for about 45 mins and then my number was called.

Me: Good Morning Maam! How are you doing?
VO: GM, How are you?
VO: Passport Please
Me: Passed on my passport

VO: Who is your employer
Me: YYYY Company
VO: Client
ME: YYYY
VO: Salary, Title
Me: answered the questions
VO: Place your riight hand 4 fingers
VO: Visa is Approved.

Most of the people attended received Visa today.

HI Friends,

Today(7th august) i have attended H1B interview in Delhi.

i have asked with the following questions?

1)About Current employer?
2)About US employer?
3)How you came to know about US employer?
4)where you are going to US?
5)why roles and responsibilities with US employer?
6)How long i have been working with current company?
7)Why you have left the previous company?

Then he took my passport,I797B,LCA and I-129 Documents
and told me we have to look in to this Sir,we will get back to you like that.
He has not given any Color slip to me?
I am totally confused and scared,can any please help me on this,
whether any chances are there to get Visa?

Background:

Well, I am an employee from one of those so called BIG 5 MNCs. I have had close to 9 years of experience now and have been trying for a US visa since 2012. In 2012, I had a L1B visa rejection and in 2013 I had a H1B petition rejection (post RFE response). Unfortunately I never knew the reason why my H1B petition was rejected (submitted all docs including client letter and what not) till date. There is an open position for me at my clients place since the last couple of years and I never got a VISA approved till yesterday?. Please find my VISA stamping experience below and let me know if you have any specific questions. I would be happy to help.

OFC - Biometrics - Hyderabad:

On August 4th, we went for the bio-metrics at OFC center. I had along with me my wife for her H4 stamping. The time slot given to us was 4:00 PM. We reached the venue at around 2:40 PM. In fact we were too early and it is enough for anyone to reach the center 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Documents required for OFC:

1) Appointment Letter.
2) DS 160 Confirmation Page [Carry the new DS160 confirmation page in case you made any corrections]
3) Passport. Only the new passport is needed but you should carry the old one as well in case they want to see.

Your biometrics will be collected along with your photo. You need not come in formals as long as you wear decent casuals.

**** *If you need to get your DS160 form updated, let the officer at the reception know about it in advance. He will scan the new DS 160 form and stick an updated label on your passport.

H1B Visa Interview Day

The visa interview was on 5th August at 8:30 AM. We reached 30 minutes in advance and were allowed inside immediately.

Documents required (mandatory) for H1B Visa Stamping
1. Appointment letter [The same copy that you carried on Day 1]
2. DS 160 forms [Do not carry the old one in case you got a new one updated]
3. Passport
4. Approved petition original I797
5. All supporting documents provided by your company
6. ID Card

Optional documents (Carry these docs in a separate folder. 99.9% of the times, these docs will not be asked for):
1. All degree certificate and mark sheets (originals)
2. I129, LCA copies, org charts, resume and last 3 months offshore payslips.
3. Marriage Certificate
4. Photo album of your marriage

Steps once you enter Hyderabad US Consular office:
1. You get a token labeled on the Primary applicant passport
2. Security screening
3. Interview

H1B Visa Interview with Visa Officer

I greeted saying Good Morning. The officer greeted back and asked for the passports and nothing else.

VO: Who is your employer?
Me: Answered

VO: Who is Your client?
Me: Answered

VO: What’s your highest education?
Me: Answered

VO: What’s your salary?
Me: Answered (in $)

VO: Do you have any kids?
Me: Answered

There was a short pause and he asked me and my wife for finger print verification. That’s it. He placed the passports in a separate folder and said that our VISA was approved.

Note that there are no questions to my wife except for her finger prints. ?

Good luck to everyone attending the interview. Let me know if you have any specific question and I shall try to answer them for you in the comments section below.