H1B, H4 Visa

Hi Guys,

Would like to add to this very valued repository, which has helped infinite number of guys.. I got through a lot of jitters for a couple of days before the interview which was scheduled this Monday.

Here goes my exp:

Reached the consulate 45 mins before the appointment time and outside police told me already late you are. I was surprised but still trodded inside with anticipation and a little fear.

Inside we were asked to wait for the initial round of security scrutiny of all the belongings, where every metal part or electronic component was scrapped out of us. I was lucky enough as did not not carry any such item,

Next step, we were asked to clamp in the invitation letter, company letter, passport and hdfc recipets and asked to present to the first VFS officer, where initiatlly it would be scrutinized. This was checked and, the lady handed me over a Pamplet which tell us about immigration rights and contact points in case of abuse.

Passed on to the next counter for the biometrics, done it without much fuss.

Then comes the waiting area where you wait for the interview with a token clamped to your passport. This is the place where u see all kind of people and hear all type of conversation. This is the place i like the most. Just to loosen up, i was watching the activities going around. People with tense faces, some studs who dont show any emotions in face even if mount vesuvious is in rampage inside...

Just beware not to involve in some mindless conversation in here which can hinder your focus... There are many self proclaimed and recent visitors who open up their pandoras box of expert advises. Here in were asked by VFS and consular members to arrange our docs, like petitions, I-129, LCA, 797, supporting docs like exp letters and client letters. This should go in with the passport and if required VO would ask for more.

After 2 hours or wait, was asked to join a queue in front of a counter. It was going on smooth with rejections and approvals being a mixed bag.

I was waiting for my oppurtunity, and when it was my turn, VO took a break of 5 mins. I was just hoping to get through it asap.

Interview resumed:

Passed on my docs

1) VO: Scanned my ID and started going thourgh the details, started smiling.

VO: So we meet again after last summer of course.
Me: Yes sir (My L1 was rejected last time)

VO: So now you are back.
Me: Yes Sir, with an H1, i took your advice (he rejected me saying you should come back with H1)

VO: I am glad that you took my advice
Me: Smiled

VO: So *** company
Me: Yes

VO: *** client
Me Yes

VO: So you married
Yes: Yes

VO: So wife travelling with you.
Me: No

VO: All good, have a safe flight and have a NICE stay in US, he said just glancing through my docs.
Me: Yes sir. Have a nice Day Sir.

I mocked my interview many times, but apart from YES\NO i didnt have much to convey. I wont say that its very simple or its a cakewalk. Its all how you handle the situation.
One thing is Visa officers are the one of the most courteos and polite persons you will come accross in your professional life.

Hope this review helps a couple more to soothe their nerves as it did mine.

Thank you for this site,from where I came to know the different questions and answers which helps me a lot.

Today my new H-1 B got approved. My appointment time was at 9AM on 11th Sep, US Consulate, Mumbai. I reached there by 8am. The process is very simple though I thought it will be very complicated.

1.Security Check:

Don't Carry any electronic items. Umbrella is allowed as it is raining in Mumbai.

2. Take the Token:

After security check you will enter in a hall where you need to show the Appointment letter and passport and you will received One token Number


3. Finger Print Scan:

After getting the token you need to go for finger print scan. After scanning wait for your turn for the interview.

Be confident. Don't get nervous while seeing someone's Visa got rejected. Carry all the documents, they may ask any particular document and not ask for any. After waiting almost 1hrs 30 mins my turn came. She said good morning and asked for my Passport. She did not check any of my documents. My interview was for max 1 to 2 mins.

Questions:

1. Which company you are working in?
2. Who is you client?
3. Total experience?
4. Highest degree?
5. US salary per annum?
6. Are you married/engaged/going to marry.

I answered all the question and finally the golden word Your Visa is approved, you will get it within few days.


Best of Luck to everyone, it is very simple.

Thank you for this site which helped me in my H1B interview prepration.

I have been visited the US counsalte on 10th September 2012. My Interview appointment time was on 9am.

I reached at 8:15 AM in the morning. At the gate i showed them the appointment letter. Do not carry the moblie phones, Sim card, memory card or any bag. You can carry your documents folder in polythene and they will allow the umbrella also.

They have alloted one token number. After waiting around 2 hours approx 11 Am my interview time came. I was little bit nervous..

List of questions were asked :

1. Who is your Client?
2. What's your client does?
3. What you will do in US?
4. How many employees working in current organization?
5. How many working for your client at offshore?
6. Is your spouse coming with you? Why?
7. Spell your Client name.
8. How much salry you will get in US? (P.A)
9. What is your Title (Designation)?
10. Which location you will be working in US?

I replied all the above questions with short and appropiate answers. They only asked my passport and petition copy. I carried around 2-3 kg weight documents. but it totally depends what they will ask, you should be with all the documents.

Then finally the happy moments came. He smiled and said I am Approving your Visa. You will get in 3-5 days.

I also smiled and said thanks to him as well as God.

After interview somebody was very happy and looks like he is now top of the world but lots of candidates were dissapoint too.

Hi,

Just came back from the consulate. I got my H1B visa approved today. My case was a transfer from an old visa in 2006 from a different company. My attorney filed it under PP on Aug 9th and it has taken exactly one month to get everything done without any delays (No RFE's)
I had not used my old H1B to enter US and hence was never in status. I had the visa stamp in 2007 and B1 in 2011. Apart from these I had stamps from Sweden, Germany and UK as visitor/student/work

Leave your mobile phones and bags at your room. Inspite of clear instructions , people still end up bringing them and being moved out of the line. Just carry your papers in a folder.
Things I carried: Petition copy, I797 approval(original), LCA (copy), Offer letter, duties and responsibilities of new role, all education certificates, previous employement offers, salary slips , experience certificates and relieving letters. I had 2 copies of all docs (almost 3-4 kilos of paperwork)

The following questions were asked(answers are obviously case particular)

1. Good morning sir, how are you?
2. So where are you going in the US?
3. Where have you been working till now?
4. How long have you been working at this company?
5. What will be your designation?
6. What will be your salary?

Ok, sir I am approving your visa. You will get it in a weeks time.

Solid paperwork + Good attorney = H1B

My Attorney told me that it's taking 4 months to get the new petition approved in normal cases, where as a premium case would take around 15 days.

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone tell me how much USCIS is taking to approve the visa. My employer submitted the petition for H1B almost 3 months ago and It's still showing 'Initial Reivew' status.

Hi,

 Thanks for this site and people who are sharing your experiences. I am going to attend visa interview on 26th of this Month.

Can anyone help and answer on below queries ?

1) why you are going to US?
2) For whom you are going to work in US? for this Do we need to tell Employer name / Client Name?


Thanks
sasidhar

I had my interview on the 7th of Sept. Most of the interview questions were the same as what most people have been posting so I will not repeat them. The interview lasted less than a minute.

Tip: Answer confidently and make sure you say exactly what is asked. Make sure your answers match what was stated in your petition. If the documentation etc is in order and its a legitimate case there is no reason that it will be rejected. So don't worry and keep your cool.

All the best!

Below are my H1 B interview Questions and Answers.

Visa Officer was indian. He was very rude.

Me : Good Morning Officer.
VO : (Nothing. He ignored me.)

VO : Ask for passport and I797.
Me : Pass on the document.

VO : Ask for other petion documents (I129 and LCA)
Me : Pass on other documents.

VO : Why are you going to US?
Me : Answered.

VO : Where are going in US?
Me : YYYY X.

VO : What is your responsibilities?
Me : YYYY XX

VO : Are you working at client loaction? Where?
Me : Yes. YYYY ZZZ

VO : (No golden words. He was so rude.)You will get passport back in 7 days.
Me : Thanks You Officer.

Hello H4 applicants I got my visa approved after 2 F2 rejections on sept 6th 2012....Im very thankful this forum is very useful I hope my experience will help you....
Below are my interview questions

Me:Good Morning....

VO: Good Morning.... Documents plzzzz

Me: I passed my passport and I797
     How Are you?

VO: Fine thank u.....How long u have been married..

Me: 6 mnths

VO: Was it Arranged OR Love marriage?

Me: Arranged Marriage..

VO: How was it arranged....

Me: I have explain in detailed ......

VO: What is the dowry..
 
Me: I ansd

He went inside with my passport and I797 and came after 2 mins
and said u can go and enjy with ur hubby in us but u did a mistake i was tensed but VO is very cool and said ok let me finish 1st u applied for f2 visa actually it is not valid and then i said sorry and last tme vo advised to apply for h4 visa (Actually i went to f2 visa on june 29 and his opt valid upto sept 30th opt validity should be minimum 6 mnths)

VO: From when he is working with this company...

Me: I answered...

VO: Can I see his paystubs...

Me: I gave 6 mnths paystubs...


and then after VO said u ll get ur passport within a week.....