H1B, H4 Visa

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.

I had an H1B in 2003.Came to US in Jan2003 nd went back in April2003.Stayed in India till Sep.2008.Came to US in Sep.2008,Lived and worked in US tillJune 2011on L1B.Returned to India on vaccation but visa was denied.Same company applied H1B in 2011.Got stamped in Dec2011.Entered US on July 2012 ie;an year after exit.What is my maximum stay there.Currently I'm in India on vaccation.Stamping done!!

Any helpful answer is much appreciated.

Thanks.

Hello Friends ,

I have question regarding H1 B re-stamping . I was working with Indian company on h1b and then switched to USA based company( in 2013) . Now my stamped Visa will expire on Sept. 2014 and My petition with current company is vaild till 2016 and my i 94 as well. I have plans to visit India in dec 2014

What are the documents I should carry ( is it as same as new stamping)

Any probable problem can occur or not . ( As I am already working with new company since 1 yrs)

Any other suggestion based on my situation .

Thanks a lot friends !

Hi All,

I am planning to send my Wife, Kid for H4 Visa Interview.

when my Wife is going for H4 Visa Interview, Is it mandatory to take our kid (4 Yrs age) also for H4 Stamping...?

or Is it enough if my wife will carry my daughter's application/Passport and other documents and appear for H4 Visa interview...? Please advice...!

Hi All,

First of all I would like to thank Immihelp for providing me confidence for facing my H1B visa interview process. If it was not for Immihelp, I would never have known how the process of H1B stamping works.
Below I am sharing my experience of H1B stamping process and I hope it will be useful for all.

Visa Category – H1B
Consulate Office – New Delhi, India

Day 1 – OFC Appointment – 7th July 2014
I had an appointment of 8.30 AM. Reached the OFC centre in Nehru Place at 8 AM. The queuing started at 8.20 AM. In the queue, only DS-160 confirmation, Appointment Letter and Passport were checked and I was let inside the premises. Once inside, there was a thorough security check, a lady checked all the personal details and gave a token and asked me to wait in the waiting area. In no time, I was called for bio-metric and photograph on one of the counters. The guy on the window confirmed few of my personal details, took finger-prints and photograph and the entire process was done in 6-8 mins. I was out by 8.50 AM.

Day 2 – Consulate Appointment – 8th July 2014
I had an appointment of 8.30 AM. I reached consulate by 7.45 AM and was shocked to find there was a huge gathering already. Anyways the queuing started at 8.15 AM. The guards at the consulate asked us to keep Appointment Letter and Passports in our hands. They checked the same and let us inside the embassy. Once inside, there was a rigorous security check and after that went to a counter where a lady checked my Approved I-797 Letter and stapled it along with my passport. After that we sat down in the waiting area. After 10-15 minutes we were called inside the main premises, where again passport was checked, fingerprints were matched and thereafter I was asked to move forward to a window where a Visa Officer (VO) was seated.

VO – Good - Morning. How are you doing?
Me – Good morning, I am doing great.

VO – Can I have your passport and approved I-797 please.
Me – (Forwarded the same to him)

VO – Can I see your I-129 petition?
Me – (Forwarded the same to him)

VO – Tell me something about your employer in USA?
Me – Told him few lines about my employer

VO - Where will you be working – Client Site or employers office?
Me – I will be working at my employer’s office.

VO – Can you show me your cover letter from employer?
Me – (Forwarded the same to him)

VO – What’s your total experience?
Me – Told about my experience

VO – Are you going for an internal project?
Me – Yes

VO - Where will you be working – Client Site or employers office? (asked again)
Me – I will be working at my employer’s office.

VO – Can I see your project letter?
Me – (Forwarded the same to him)

VO – So you will resign from your current company in India and join your employer there?
Me – Yes Sir

VO – Explain me what’s your project all about?
Me – Told him the same.

VO - Where will you be working – Client Site or employers office?(asked for the third time)
Me – I will be working at my employer’s office.

VO – Who paid for your petition?
Me – My employer

VO – Can I see tax documents of your employer?
Me – Sorry sir, I don’t have those right now.

VO kept working on his computer and after 3-4 minutes took out a white sheet of paper better known as 221G form and requested me to submit Tax Documents of the employer for the last two financial years along with my passport.

VO – I am sorry, I cannot approve your visa right now as I am not convinced that you actually have a project for you there.
Me – OK. No Problem. (even though I was shattered inside)

I went to enquiry counter, to know more about the 221G process and he told me that you just have to submit the requested documents at the OFC centre and do not have to come to consulate.

I went back home, and mailed my employer a scanned copy of 221G and asked him to submit the requested documents at the earliest.

I received my documents on 14th July 2014 and took all of those to OFC Center on 15th July 2014 at 10.00 AM. There was no queue for 221G submission.

After security frisking and token handing I was called on a window. I submitted a Xerox of my 221G Letter, 221G submission slip, the requested Tax Documents and passport. She kept all the documents in an envelope and gave me acknowledgement of all the documents she took. The entire process lasted 15 mins at the most.

I checked my case status online every-day and it used to say ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING. On, 22nd July 2014 the status changed to ISSUED and on 25th July 2014, I received a mail that my visa stamped passport was ready for collection.

I went to OFC centre the very same day and received my much coveted H1B VISA. Hurrrrrray !!!!!

Recap –
7th July 2014 – OFC Appointment
8th July 2014 – Consulate Appointment
8th July 2014 – Handed over a 221G slip
15th July 2014 – Submitted the documents requested in 221G slip.
22nd July 2014 – Status changes from ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING to ISSUED
25th July 2014 – Receive mail that visa is ready for collection.

I have written this detailed description to help all of you guys and I hope this might settle your nerves a bit. Thanks.