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Visa
L1, L2 Visa
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L1A blanket approved
My L1A blanket got approved earlier this month. Biometrics went smoothly but the PAI was more interesting. Some of the questions asked -
1. Name of petitioning firm
2. Where did you work in the US previously?
3. Who’s your client?
4. Where will you work from?
5. Where will your manager work from?
6. You are the highest ranked person in client location?
7. Designation? US salary?
8. How many projects will you manage?
9. No. of reportees ? Direct, indirect#
10. What % of your time will be spent on managing people?
11. How long have you been working for Cognizant?
12. Who is your manager?
I must acknowledge that I had been a regular visitor of this forum in the last few weeks and inputs from members have helped tremendously.
1. Name of petitioning firm
2. Where did you work in the US previously?
3. Who’s your client?
4. Where will you work from?
5. Where will your manager work from?
6. You are the highest ranked person in client location?
7. Designation? US salary?
8. How many projects will you manage?
9. No. of reportees ? Direct, indirect#
10. What % of your time will be spent on managing people?
11. How long have you been working for Cognizant?
12. Who is your manager?
I must acknowledge that I had been a regular visitor of this forum in the last few weeks and inputs from members have helped tremendously.
All Replies (2)
L1B - Approved, wrong ds 160 post biometric changed - good experience
Me, wife and daughter got L1B and L2 respectively approved.
It was a wonderful experience today, and this forum was immensely helpful.
I am especially writing this to share my complete experience and because having wrong ds 160, or mistake in ds 160 and discovering it late can be a really worrisome experience.
So let me explain what happened.
In my wife's ds 160 which I filled initially there were many errors, and so she filled a new one and sent to me. However during visa payment and appointment confirmation I gave the wrong DS 160 number. We realized it pretty late around 1 AM the day of the interview. Biometrics were done. Online suggested that DS 160 can be updated in the biometric center but nothing online talks about what happens in this situation.
Well I took the new DS 160 and old today to consulate for interview. At counter 14 they took the anti fraud fee and then at counter 16a, they took passport where I asked them for this change. They updated the system with the new DS 160. NOTE: You need a US specification photo for this as they do not take new photo there. But , later we find out they should have taken her's finger prints as well.
Well next we went to VO. Here how did it go
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning
VO: Which company are you working for?
ME: Answered
VO: You are going to <this place>
ME: Yes moving to HQ
VO: Responsibilities?
ME: Answered
VO: Designation
ME: Answered
VO: Explain your specialization again
ME: Explained in details
VO:Salary?
ME: Base - $X, bonus Y%, stock - $Z
VO: Let me talk to misses
Wife: Good morning
VO: How long are you married?
Wife: Answered
VO: Love or arranged?
Wife: Answerd
VO: How did you meet?
Wife: Answered
VO: Any family issue for marriage?
Wife: Answered
VO: How many people at the wedding?
Wife: Answered
VO: How long are you married?
Wife: Answered
VO: How old is daughter?
Wife: Answered
Vo starts typing
VO: I am unable to find your fingerprint
Wife & Me: Explained the scenario
Frantic tension for few mins as VO goes to check with backend
VO: We need to take your finger print again for the new DS160
Wife: Gave finger print
VO: Your visa is approved
Us: Thank you
It was a wonderful experience today, and this forum was immensely helpful.
I am especially writing this to share my complete experience and because having wrong ds 160, or mistake in ds 160 and discovering it late can be a really worrisome experience.
So let me explain what happened.
In my wife's ds 160 which I filled initially there were many errors, and so she filled a new one and sent to me. However during visa payment and appointment confirmation I gave the wrong DS 160 number. We realized it pretty late around 1 AM the day of the interview. Biometrics were done. Online suggested that DS 160 can be updated in the biometric center but nothing online talks about what happens in this situation.
Well I took the new DS 160 and old today to consulate for interview. At counter 14 they took the anti fraud fee and then at counter 16a, they took passport where I asked them for this change. They updated the system with the new DS 160. NOTE: You need a US specification photo for this as they do not take new photo there. But , later we find out they should have taken her's finger prints as well.
Well next we went to VO. Here how did it go
VO: Good morning
Me: Good morning
VO: Which company are you working for?
ME: Answered
VO: You are going to <this place>
ME: Yes moving to HQ
VO: Responsibilities?
ME: Answered
VO: Designation
ME: Answered
VO: Explain your specialization again
ME: Explained in details
VO:Salary?
ME: Base - $X, bonus Y%, stock - $Z
VO: Let me talk to misses
Wife: Good morning
VO: How long are you married?
Wife: Answered
VO: Love or arranged?
Wife: Answerd
VO: How did you meet?
Wife: Answered
VO: Any family issue for marriage?
Wife: Answered
VO: How many people at the wedding?
Wife: Answered
VO: How long are you married?
Wife: Answered
VO: How old is daughter?
Wife: Answered
Vo starts typing
VO: I am unable to find your fingerprint
Wife & Me: Explained the scenario
Frantic tension for few mins as VO goes to check with backend
VO: We need to take your finger print again for the new DS160
Wife: Gave finger print
VO: Your visa is approved
Us: Thank you
All Replies (8)
L1A individual - drop box: Issued
This is my first drop box experience for L1 extension.
I have been with same company and same visa category for visa extension
Oct 30: L1A individual documents submitted to drop box @ Chennai
Oct 31: Documents received
Nov 02: Administrative Processing
I never got this status in any of my previous visa application. But I did not get 221g and no communication from consulate.
Nov 06: Visa status changed to "Issued" @ 10:20 am
Nov 07: Passport status changed to "ready for pick up" and picked up the passport.
I have been with same company and same visa category for visa extension
Oct 30: L1A individual documents submitted to drop box @ Chennai
Oct 31: Documents received
Nov 02: Administrative Processing
I never got this status in any of my previous visa application. But I did not get 221g and no communication from consulate.
Nov 06: Visa status changed to "Issued" @ 10:20 am
Nov 07: Passport status changed to "ready for pick up" and picked up the passport.
All Replies (1)
L1B visa Approved on 11/09 , but the status is Adminstrative Processing
Hi ,
Me and my wife got our L1B & L2 Approved on 11/09 (i.e yesterday) at chennai .
Expereince was smooth , questions are pretty straight forward like , salary , experience , Specialisation , US duties .
I feel it majorly depends on the company repurtaion
I see my status as "Adminstrative processing" . Can any one please tell me who has attended yesterday (11/09) got thier status changed
Me and my wife got our L1B & L2 Approved on 11/09 (i.e yesterday) at chennai .
Expereince was smooth , questions are pretty straight forward like , salary , experience , Specialisation , US duties .
I feel it majorly depends on the company repurtaion
I see my status as "Adminstrative processing" . Can any one please tell me who has attended yesterday (11/09) got thier status changed
All Replies (12)
L1A Individual - Approved on Nov 2nd - Chennai
Hi All,
First of all, thanks for keeping the page active by continuously update status of the ppl who have benefited from this group.
Had tough time with previous attempts- Two L1B rejections in 2013 and 2015 respectively after L1B approved in 2009.
This time was eligible for managerial category and proceeded with individual directly. Also spouse and my kid accompanied with me. No questions were asked to them.
Petition got processed within 15 days(premium) and was approved.
Overall experience was very smooth and managed to complete the process in less then 10 minutes.
Questions asked after greeting each other :-
1. Who is your petitioner? Answered.
2. Who is the client? Answered
3. Your salary? Answered
4. Your reporting manager? Answered.
5. Your role? Answered.
6. Your designation? Answered.
Please ensure to answer with confidence.
Wish you all the best -
First of all, thanks for keeping the page active by continuously update status of the ppl who have benefited from this group.
Had tough time with previous attempts- Two L1B rejections in 2013 and 2015 respectively after L1B approved in 2009.
This time was eligible for managerial category and proceeded with individual directly. Also spouse and my kid accompanied with me. No questions were asked to them.
Petition got processed within 15 days(premium) and was approved.
Overall experience was very smooth and managed to complete the process in less then 10 minutes.
Questions asked after greeting each other :-
1. Who is your petitioner? Answered.
2. Who is the client? Answered
3. Your salary? Answered
4. Your reporting manager? Answered.
5. Your role? Answered.
6. Your designation? Answered.
Please ensure to answer with confidence.
Wish you all the best -
All Replies (0)
L1B 221g administrative processing London
Interview date - 23 Oct 2017
CV requested - 25 Oct 2017
I have applied for L1B blanklet visa in London Embassy, Interview went really well, VO even stamped my I-129S and finally viewed few things in computer and handed over a 221g white slip n returned my passport. My client wants me there in US in 1 week. But I got stuck here. Really frustrating times! My company in UK have been really supportive. Anyoen applied through US consulate in London, please share their experiences.Thanks
CV requested - 25 Oct 2017
I have applied for L1B blanklet visa in London Embassy, Interview went really well, VO even stamped my I-129S and finally viewed few things in computer and handed over a 221g white slip n returned my passport. My client wants me there in US in 1 week. But I got stuck here. Really frustrating times! My company in UK have been really supportive. Anyoen applied through US consulate in London, please share their experiences.Thanks
All Replies (2)
L1A Individual VISA
Hi All- I had been reading the posts in this formum and the experieneces shared by the members are invaluable. I would like to share my experience.on :L1 A individual experience at Hyderabad Consulate.
OFC 26th Oct 2017,,3:30PM at HYD Consulate:: It was pretty smooth and I came out in 10 mins. Staff were very supportive.
Visa Interview on 27th Oct 2017,11:30 AM @ HYD Consulate:
Below were are the conversation details:
VO: Good Morning !!! How are you doing today?
me: Fine officer . Thank you . How about you?
VO: Doing good. Thanks!!!
VO: You have past denials of L1?
me: Yes sir. my blanket L1 was denied in May 2017.
VO: So , you filed for L1A individual?
me: Yes sir.
VO: Where do you work?
me: Answered my workign location
VO:: How many report to you in India?
me: Answered appropriately.
VO: How many people report to you in US?
me: Answered appropriately
VO: What is the Global strength of your company?
me: answered.
VO: Where you are going and will you be working from client location?
me: Going to <ZZZ> location , and will be working out from my office.
VO: Thanks . Your Visa is approved!!!
Entire experience has been pleasant and in 15 mins I came out. All the very best for all the people who have interviews planned in near future.
OFC 26th Oct 2017,,3:30PM at HYD Consulate:: It was pretty smooth and I came out in 10 mins. Staff were very supportive.
Visa Interview on 27th Oct 2017,11:30 AM @ HYD Consulate:
Below were are the conversation details:
VO: Good Morning !!! How are you doing today?
me: Fine officer . Thank you . How about you?
VO: Doing good. Thanks!!!
VO: You have past denials of L1?
me: Yes sir. my blanket L1 was denied in May 2017.
VO: So , you filed for L1A individual?
me: Yes sir.
VO: Where do you work?
me: Answered my workign location
VO:: How many report to you in India?
me: Answered appropriately.
VO: How many people report to you in US?
me: Answered appropriately
VO: What is the Global strength of your company?
me: answered.
VO: Where you are going and will you be working from client location?
me: Going to <ZZZ> location , and will be working out from my office.
VO: Thanks . Your Visa is approved!!!
Entire experience has been pleasant and in 15 mins I came out. All the very best for all the people who have interviews planned in near future.
All Replies (4)
L1A Individual Visa approved
First up thanks to all the members for sharing the interview experiences.
I would like to share mine which may help some of you looking for a L visa.
OFC - 31st October 2017 @ 2 PM
Reached the office at around 1:40 PM and went straight inside. They verified the passport, DS 160 and the interview confirmation letter and let me inside. Went through a quick security check and was given a token number for the biometrics.
Was in the queue for hardly about 5 minutes and my token number flashed on the TV screen.
Went for the biometrics was asked for my name and DOB and then gave the fingerprints and they took a picture.
The process was done in less than 5 minutes. Came out took an auto and came back to my hotel.
Tips - You many carry your phone and wallet but phone needs to be switched off.
PAI - 01st November 2017 @ 10 AM
Reached the Consulate at around 8:45 AM and was made to wait in a queue outside the building. In about 15 minutes they allowed everyone to go inside after verifying the passport.
- Went through the next check where they enter the appointment number and let you in
- On the third step was asked to surrender everything on a counter which went through a scan and I proceeded towards the entry gate.
- Fourth step was again a short queue where they verified the passport and the appointment confirmation letter
- Fifth step again there was a queue for people to go inside the main hall where the interview happens
- Went inside after waiting for close to 10 mins
- Got the passport scanned and gave the left hand fingerprints and finally joined the long queue waiting for the visa interview
- Had to wait for a good 30 minutes before my chance came for the interview
Interview:
I started with a "Good morning How are you doing today"
VO - Replied with a smile and asked me about my well being
VO - Which company do you work for?
Me - xxxx technologies
VO - Do you know the category of Visa you are applying for ?
Me - Yes sir it is a L1A individual visa
VO - Which client will you be working for ?
Me - xxxxxx (gave the client name)
VO - Where are you travelling in the US ?
Me - Gave the name of the state
VO typed something on the screen and said that my visa was approved. I could not believe it as I was expecting more questions. I did not reacted at all and the VO told me again excuse me sir your visa is approved you may leave for the day.
This is when I realized that I am done and I said thank you to the officer with a smile and left the building.
Tips - The auto drivers charge a bomb for dropping you if your visa is approved. I had this experience earlier with my B1 visa approval where they took Rs 400 to drop to my hotel which is 1.8 Kms from there. I was well prepared this time and brought in the actor within me in action with a very sad and dull face and managed to get back to the hotel in just 100 bucks :)
I would like to share mine which may help some of you looking for a L visa.
OFC - 31st October 2017 @ 2 PM
Reached the office at around 1:40 PM and went straight inside. They verified the passport, DS 160 and the interview confirmation letter and let me inside. Went through a quick security check and was given a token number for the biometrics.
Was in the queue for hardly about 5 minutes and my token number flashed on the TV screen.
Went for the biometrics was asked for my name and DOB and then gave the fingerprints and they took a picture.
The process was done in less than 5 minutes. Came out took an auto and came back to my hotel.
Tips - You many carry your phone and wallet but phone needs to be switched off.
PAI - 01st November 2017 @ 10 AM
Reached the Consulate at around 8:45 AM and was made to wait in a queue outside the building. In about 15 minutes they allowed everyone to go inside after verifying the passport.
- Went through the next check where they enter the appointment number and let you in
- On the third step was asked to surrender everything on a counter which went through a scan and I proceeded towards the entry gate.
- Fourth step was again a short queue where they verified the passport and the appointment confirmation letter
- Fifth step again there was a queue for people to go inside the main hall where the interview happens
- Went inside after waiting for close to 10 mins
- Got the passport scanned and gave the left hand fingerprints and finally joined the long queue waiting for the visa interview
- Had to wait for a good 30 minutes before my chance came for the interview
Interview:
I started with a "Good morning How are you doing today"
VO - Replied with a smile and asked me about my well being
VO - Which company do you work for?
Me - xxxx technologies
VO - Do you know the category of Visa you are applying for ?
Me - Yes sir it is a L1A individual visa
VO - Which client will you be working for ?
Me - xxxxxx (gave the client name)
VO - Where are you travelling in the US ?
Me - Gave the name of the state
VO typed something on the screen and said that my visa was approved. I could not believe it as I was expecting more questions. I did not reacted at all and the VO told me again excuse me sir your visa is approved you may leave for the day.
This is when I realized that I am done and I said thank you to the officer with a smile and left the building.
Tips - The auto drivers charge a bomb for dropping you if your visa is approved. I had this experience earlier with my B1 visa approval where they took Rs 400 to drop to my hotel which is 1.8 Kms from there. I was well prepared this time and brought in the actor within me in action with a very sad and dull face and managed to get back to the hotel in just 100 bucks :)
All Replies (0)
L1B approved in Chennai
First of all many thanks to all for sharing their experiences as they were extremely helpful.
Directly coming to interview:
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning Sir
VO: Company?
Me: XX (I work for a large US based MNC).
VO: Since how many years you are working for XX?
Me: 7+ years.
Then VO was continuously looking at screen and typing something for almost 2-3 minutes. This was increasing my heart beat as I had no idea what will happen next.
VO: Where are you going?
Me: Answered.
VO How long you will be in the US?
Me: XX weeks (I am going for a short trip)
VO: What is your specialization?
Me: I was well prepared for this hence answered in 3-4 solid sentences. Most important to note that this was the only question VO maintained eye contact all the time. Throughout the answer I tried my best to be confident and maintain eye contact as well. He probably made the decision to approve the visa during these 30 seconds only as he took hold of the stamp while I was finishing my answer.
VO: What will you be doing in those XX weeks?
Me: Answered in 1-2 sentences while he was stamping my petitions.
VO: Your visa is approved.
Me: Thank you sir, have a good day.
There were other factors such as my existing business visa and multiple US business trips in the past which might have helped, however I believe if interview goes below average these factors would not matter.
As I was standing in the queue I could observe few things which might help other applicants:
1. Few applicants did not greet with a smile, which is very important to start the conversation and very common especially in US.
2. One of the girl I observed was playing with her documents folder while VO was busy working on his computer. Few applicants stood with the support of slab which was easily visible. Actions like this do not leave a good impression as a professional.
3. Prepare well considering the questions here and you will not get any surprise. As we are already nervous for interview and as the interview is very fast paced, we may not be able to recall the answers when they are required the most, costing your visa.
4. Take two sets of documents - One handy set with mandatory documents (such as petition) and one for supporting documents. It is easier to verify mandatory documents before leaving for interview. I met with a senior applicant who had 100+ pages of documents mixed together (really not sure why he brought so many) but unfortunately he forgot one copy of petition at home.
5. Do not reach consulate too early. I reached 30 minutes prior to appointment time and I was directly allowed entry while those came hours before had to wait on the footpath outside in heavy rains(One umbrella seller on street made good earning that day!). Unfortunately there is no proper waiting area.
After exiting there is a very small shop at the corner. The lady allows to make calls from her mobile @5rs per call. You can use this to call your driver. Autos charge like anything.
All the best!
Directly coming to interview:
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning Sir
VO: Company?
Me: XX (I work for a large US based MNC).
VO: Since how many years you are working for XX?
Me: 7+ years.
Then VO was continuously looking at screen and typing something for almost 2-3 minutes. This was increasing my heart beat as I had no idea what will happen next.
VO: Where are you going?
Me: Answered.
VO How long you will be in the US?
Me: XX weeks (I am going for a short trip)
VO: What is your specialization?
Me: I was well prepared for this hence answered in 3-4 solid sentences. Most important to note that this was the only question VO maintained eye contact all the time. Throughout the answer I tried my best to be confident and maintain eye contact as well. He probably made the decision to approve the visa during these 30 seconds only as he took hold of the stamp while I was finishing my answer.
VO: What will you be doing in those XX weeks?
Me: Answered in 1-2 sentences while he was stamping my petitions.
VO: Your visa is approved.
Me: Thank you sir, have a good day.
There were other factors such as my existing business visa and multiple US business trips in the past which might have helped, however I believe if interview goes below average these factors would not matter.
As I was standing in the queue I could observe few things which might help other applicants:
1. Few applicants did not greet with a smile, which is very important to start the conversation and very common especially in US.
2. One of the girl I observed was playing with her documents folder while VO was busy working on his computer. Few applicants stood with the support of slab which was easily visible. Actions like this do not leave a good impression as a professional.
3. Prepare well considering the questions here and you will not get any surprise. As we are already nervous for interview and as the interview is very fast paced, we may not be able to recall the answers when they are required the most, costing your visa.
4. Take two sets of documents - One handy set with mandatory documents (such as petition) and one for supporting documents. It is easier to verify mandatory documents before leaving for interview. I met with a senior applicant who had 100+ pages of documents mixed together (really not sure why he brought so many) but unfortunately he forgot one copy of petition at home.
5. Do not reach consulate too early. I reached 30 minutes prior to appointment time and I was directly allowed entry while those came hours before had to wait on the footpath outside in heavy rains(One umbrella seller on street made good earning that day!). Unfortunately there is no proper waiting area.
After exiting there is a very small shop at the corner. The lady allows to make calls from her mobile @5rs per call. You can use this to call your driver. Autos charge like anything.
All the best!
All Replies (0)
L1b approved , L2 approved after 221g in 11 days
My L1B visa was approved in Chennai on October 12th 2017.
Interview questions to me:
1. What is your specialized skill?
- I was well prepared for this and was stopped in about 40 seconds by VO.
2. What is going to be your salary in US?
-Answered.
3. Educational background within US.
- Answered about my masters and location in US and previous F1 visa.
4.What is my duration of work in current company
- Answered.
Questions to spouse for L2:
How long have you been married, how you got to know each other, why less people in marriage.
- All explained well.
VO approved my L1 visa right away and had given blue 221g slip for L2 visa of my spouse with tickmark on additional administrative processing required (I suspect it was to verify her previous F2 visa status maintenance)
My wife's L2 was approved without any documents asked on 23rd October.
P.S. be confident , prepare welland do not lie, be genuine and only apply for visa if you deserve it and are eligible for it. So, no one can deny it and you can avoid blaming luck.
Good Luck.
Interview questions to me:
1. What is your specialized skill?
- I was well prepared for this and was stopped in about 40 seconds by VO.
2. What is going to be your salary in US?
-Answered.
3. Educational background within US.
- Answered about my masters and location in US and previous F1 visa.
4.What is my duration of work in current company
- Answered.
Questions to spouse for L2:
How long have you been married, how you got to know each other, why less people in marriage.
- All explained well.
VO approved my L1 visa right away and had given blue 221g slip for L2 visa of my spouse with tickmark on additional administrative processing required (I suspect it was to verify her previous F2 visa status maintenance)
My wife's L2 was approved without any documents asked on 23rd October.
P.S. be confident , prepare welland do not lie, be genuine and only apply for visa if you deserve it and are eligible for it. So, no one can deny it and you can avoid blaming luck.
Good Luck.
All Replies (2)
Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.
