L1, L2 Visa

Team,

I owe a lot to this forum, which gave me 360 degrees on the interview process and interview questions. Now this is my turn to update my experience. (Note: Last year my L1A individual visa got rejected with RFE)

Applied Category: L1A Blanket

Interview Appointment: 9:30 AM, 1-Dec-2014, Chennai

Carried the below documents

1. Appointment Confirmation Form
2. DS160
3. Passport (Old & New)
4. 3 Copies of I129S & I797
5. 2 DD's
6. Photo (Never asked)
7. Copy & Original (Education & Experience document) Never Asked

Reached US Consulate by 9:00AM, Stood in the appropriate queue lined based on the interview time. Waited for 15 minutes then queue started moving. Once you enter you will be provided with Token#. Reach out to VFS help team members to help you arrange the document as required.

Paid DD's & waited for my token# to display

Interview Questions:

Me: Good Morning Officer
VO: Good Morning Sir

VO: Asked for documents
Me: Provided

VO: Which company you work for?
Me: ABC Software services

VO: How long you have been working for this company?
Me: 2 years

VO: Who is your client?
Me: Replied

VO: What they do?
Me: Explained

VO: What is your team size
Me: 19

VO: Are you managing 19 team members?
Me: Team size is 19 with 5 direct reportees

VO: What's their designation?
Me: 2 PM's, 2 Technical Architect and 1 Business Analyst

VO: Are they based out of US?
Me: Yes

VO: What's your salary here?
Me: replied

VO: What's your onsite salary?
me: replied

VO: Is your earlier L1A Individual visa got rejected in 2008?
Me: No, it got rejected last year

VO: Whom do you report to?
Me: VP Client Services

VO: How long you are planning to stay?
Me: 3 years

VO: Thank you sir, you'r visa is been approved. (Stamped all 3 copies of I129s with approval, took one copy and returned 2 copies back).

VO: Have a good journey.
Me: Thanks

Hints:

All earlier stated in the forum,

1. Don't discuss about Visa details with others
2. Ensure all details mentioned in I129S & DS160 are same and you are completely aware of what is stated.
3. Go through all possible interview questions, prepare answers as per category. I did several time mock ups in front of mirror.
4. Don't rush to answer, understand the questions clearly ten answer. Getting tensed and fear will make you tremble while you answer, so be cool.
5. Dont carry Electronic items, mobile, USB, CD even Car keys with remote locking in it

All the very best.

Team,

I owe a lot to this forum, which gave me 360 degrees on the interview process and interview questions. Now this is my turn to update my experience. (Note: Last year my L1A individual visa got rejected with RFE)

Applied Category: L1A Blanket

Interview Appointment: 9:30 AM, 1-Dec-2014, Chennai

Carried the below documents

1. Appointment Confirmation Form
2. DS160
3. Passport (Old & New)
4. 3 Copies of I129S & I797
5. 2 DD's
6. Photo (Never asked)
7. Copy & Original (Education & Experience document) Never Asked

Reached US Consulate by 9:00AM, Stood in the appropriate queue lined based on the interview time. Waited for 15 minutes then queue started moving. Once you enter you will be provided with Token#. Reach out to VFS help team members to help you arrange the document as required.

Paid DD's & waited for my token# to display

Interview Questions:

Me: Good Morning Officer
VO: Good Morning Sir

VO: Asked for documents
Me: Provided

VO: Which company you work for?
Me: ABC Software services

VO: How long you have been working for this company?
Me: 2 years

VO: Who is your client?
Me: Replied

VO: What they do?
Me: Explained

VO: What is your team size
Me: 19

VO: Are you managing 19 team members?
Me: Team size is 19 with 5 direct reportees

VO: What's their designation?
Me: 2 PM's, 2 Technical Architect and 1 Business Analyst

VO: Are they based out of US?
Me: Yes

VO: What's your salary here?
Me: replied

VO: What's your onsite salary?
me: replied

VO: Is your earlier L1A Individual visa got rejected in 2008?
Me: No, it got rejected last year

VO: Whom do you report to?
Me: VP Client Services

VO: How long you are planning to stay?
Me: 3 years

VO: Thank you sir, you'r visa is been approved. (Stamped all 3 copies of I129s with approval, took one copy and returned 2 copies back).

VO: Have a good journey.
Me: Thanks

Hints:

All earlier stated in the forum,

1. Don't discuss about Visa details with others
2. Ensure all details mentioned in I129S & DS160 are same and you are completely aware of what is stated.
3. Go through all possible interview questions, prepare answers as per category. I did several time mock ups in front of mirror.
4. Don't rush to answer, understand the questions clearly ten answer. Getting tensed and fear will make you tremble while you answer, so be cool.
5. Dont carry Electronic items, mobile, USB, CD even Car keys with remote locking in it

All the very best.

I actually saw this portal first time after my interview but thought will share my experience. I agree, with gentlemen who posted his experience below: stay near the embassy to avoid hassle as Chennai weather can drain you.

OFC process is simple, straight forward. I went for visa interview with wife and 10 months old infant.

Visa interview day:
11 am appointment. It was drizzling in Chennai, carried umbrella and documents (Umbrella is allowed). Joined the 10 30 am queue at around 10 25 am. Again v long queue. Around 10 40, someone from embassy came to check passport and appointments, he saw us with infant and took us straight to entrance queue. Saved between 60-90 mins i guess.

So we were in at 10 50 after security check. Wife and kiddo were in waiting for me. My HR/attorney from US has sent me sealed packets of form-16 and WS-2 of my direct reports. I was asked to remove docs from sealed packets (they are not allowed). Had to go out and remove the packets. Then i figured out i forgot to take out my yuibikey from my wallet. So deposited it to small kiosk near entrance. Came back inside embassy where they scan your docs. At 11 05, we were ready to go inside main building.

We took a seat, lots and lot of people inside and kind of suffocating. It was running full, half the hall was for B1/B2 visitors i guess. On other side, L1 applicants were asked to arrange L1 docs in 3 copies (8-10 of us). Volunteers helped and verified arrangement is correct. Then I stood in queue for 5 mins, deposited DD for anti-fraud fee. Lady at counter took DD, stuck a post it with a number on my passport. She asked are you with infant and I said yes. She just told me to wait 2 mins and my number displayed on TV. So, 11 20 I was in queue for interview.

Saw an E and L1 blanket visa rejected (Cognizant lady), B approved ahead of me. Now my turn:

VO: Hi, Can I see your docs please. (passed on passports for 3 of us and I129s and blanket approval).
Me: Hello.

VO: Is it L1a or L1b?
Me: L1a.

VO: Whom do you work for?
Me: XYZ india pvt ltd, wholly owned subsidiary of XYZ Inc. in India.

VO: What does your company do?
Me: Explained in 2 lines.

VO: What is your role?
Me: Sr. Product Manager. I manage and lead team of 9 individuals (4 contractors and 5 full time employees), mapped to 4 key functional areas that i manage and run for organization.

VO: How many of them in US and how many of those are US citizens?
Me: 3, and 2 are US citizens. Also passed on org structure for our group.

VO: So you report to Sr. VP? Whom does he report to?
Me: Yes. He reports to CEO.

VO: Did you say you run 4 functions?
Me: Yes.

VO: (Typing something on screen for a min now, then waived at my little one. He stamped 3 copies.) Your visa has been approved. Give one copy to HR, one at POE and i will keep one.
Me: Thank you

Around 11 45, I was out. So my little boy saved at least 2 hours for us. Luckily, weather was nice. Received stamped passport back on 14th at Bangalore.

Tip: Less is more, so answer what has been asked. I saw lady who got rejected giving length details even when VO has asked next question.
And I agree with comment below, if you are relaxed and not too desperate it shows. I saw person in front of me was visibly nervous and hands were shaking while he spoke to VO.

As stated by many others this forum helps to visualize the process of visa interview and prepare for questions that you may expect in your interview. This is a highly effective forum for all passionate visa appliers to US. Thanks to all who took out time to document their experience which made my interview very easy and helped me to face interview process with minimum hassles. I am writing this review for 3rd time as first 2 times the site did not accept it for some other technical reason but I owed so much to this site that had to invest time again to ensure the future applicants take benefit of my experience.

Mine was a L1A blanket in Chennai scheduled on 18th Nov. I reached Chennai on 17th and decided to book a cab for 18th @Rs 1500 for entire day so that it hopping between venues, keeping personal belongings and drop to airport is easy without rush. Here’s my story of the day

[email protected] – Left my hotel at 8:00, reached OFC at 8:15 and was out of the OFC building at 8:25. No issues at all ..absolutely nothing to worry. Just take appointment letter confirmation, DS 160 confirmation and passport.

Now here a piece of advice, try to take hotel nearby these OFC, Visa Consulate..this really helps. I stayed in Courtyard Marriott and right after the OFC decided to go back to hotel as basis the earlier experience there is no point going early at VISA consulate. I reached my hotel back at 8:35 …had breakfast …relaxed and left hotel at 10:00. By 10:10 I was at consulate. I kept my cell phone, official laptop, purse in cab, noted cab number, took phone number of driver and asked him to wait in street. It was a long queue, I just checked with guards & other folks for the queue for 10:30 interview and stood in line.

Interview@10:30 - Very important , while in line do not speak to fellow applicants in queue or even if you do then ensure it is not related to interview process, visa laws etc…it will panic you for no reason.
I got a chance to enter building at 11:45 and post the security check was asked to head for second building. So first thing you do is get your documents in order which volunteers their will help you. Second thing you make the payment and finally you stand in the queue for interview. Tips at this point

1.Get 3 copies of I -797, I-129 S
2.See your bar code on cheque is working – I saw 2 folks rushing at last moment for this
3.While standing in queue do not listen others interview just focus on your piece

Finally VO called me to step forward for interview and though I am not too desperate to go to US for once my heart beat increased

Myself – Good Morning Officer
VO – Good Morning. May I see your documents..(handed docs from below the glass)
VO – Which company you work for?
Myself – I work for “ZZZ”
VO – How many years you have been working with this company for?
Myself – 11 years
VO – What will be your title in US?
Myself – Onsite Program Manager (Thanks to this forum, I used the word program as in my company despite working on multiple projects it is called a project only not program which is incorrect representation of fact so I decided to use word program )
VO- What will be your salary in US?
Myself – It will be “ZZZ” dollars per annum (it was 80+, I was speaking at very slow pace but loudly to show confidence)
VO – Who will you be reporting to in US?
Myself – I will be reporting to Mr. “ZZZ”
VO – What is his title?
Myself – He is onsite relationship leader (blunder---VO got stuck while typing something…he was looking very confused and I knew he was looking at my DS160 where I wrote engagement leader …but I did not show any sign of trying to rectify this and calmly waited for his words)
VO – Will you have any reportees?
Myself – Yes, I will have 6 direct reportees?
VO – What’s their designation?
Myself – 3 Managers and 3 Assistant Managers
He took about 45 seconds post that and said “Your Visa is approved”. I felt good but nothing like I have got the moon or something. I said “Thank you officer” and walked out.

My final tips
•US VISA is not end of life….be calm, composed and relaxed. It’s not matter of life and death
•Try wearing a blazer if you are applying for L1A…if nothing else you will feel more confident
•Mug up your DS160 so well that if someone wakes you up in middle of night as well then you will give the details exactly as they are written in DS160
•Save your DS160 before submitting it has an option to save and then submit later
•Don’t listen to others while in interview room, don’t talk about visa while in line
•Be 200% sure you will get the VISA…in all probabilities then you will
•Go through last 10 experiences of your VISA category in this forum, prepare answers and practice it in front of mirror, friends, girlfriend, wife whosoever makes you least shy
•Try to take hotel nearby …u will be much relaxed
•Don’t carry cell phone, cd, usb, wallet ..i mean no useless stuff to be carried…they charge Rs 150+ per item to keep it once you try to keep it post in line. Plus un-necessary hassle.

If any of you need any help in understanding the procedure or even getting the no. of cab driver who honestly kept my Rs 1 lakh worth of belongings with safety.
All the best to all passionate US VISA aspirants...God Bless All.

Hello all,
I found the site very helpful. I Need input on the below.

I got my H1B visa stamped, and my husband’s employer is initiating his L1 A Blanket Visa.

Is it possible that I can apply L2 visa with him even though I have H1B stamped.

 1. If I apply for L2 visa, is there a possibility that my H1B visa may get impacted.

2. Will it create any sort of issue during the interview of my husband's L1 A visa in case i will simultaneously apply for L2 visa (Even thought i have H1B stamped in hand).

3. Are there any chances of rejection of L1 A blanket if I apply for L2 with my husband due to my H1 B.

4. What sort of questions will be asked for L2 visa.

Input on the same will be appreciated. Thankyou.

I had my L1-B Visa approved Nov 5 2014 ... I entered through the Sweetgrass POE ( Montana ) and I must say I had the best experience down there.

Being that I am Canadian I was able to have my company fill out my I-129 right away along with the sponsorship money and have my interview right at the border at POE with no appointment necessary. If there is any advice I can share it's bring EVERYTHING with you even if you think you have to much paperwork, this is the list I brought that I put neatly in a binder :

1. I-129 ( 2 original copies )
2. Resume & Cover Letter
3. Offer Letter and in the offer letter make sure the company petitioning for you explains why you are a "Special Worker"
4. Proof of Education
5. Any Certificates that pertain to the job
6. List of references and past supervisors and current people you work with
7. Last 6 months of bank records
8. Last 6 months of pay stubs
9. In my case i added pictures of my work
10. Reference Letters
11. I was importing a vehicle to Compliance letter from Canada and then from the maker of your vehicle from USA

My experience at the border was a pleasant one, the patrol officer that I had was hard to read though and just seemed cranky while I was there ... but he was surprised at how well I put my package together and in the end explained to me that he was happy to help me out. In total it took about a hour from start to finish for the interview process and the Visa stamping for me to be on my way. Being that my profession isn't something that is well heard of and if you are in a similar situation take in the fact that the people interviewing you have no clue what it is you actually do so make sure your papers explain it in detail so they can have a better understanding, lets not just assume.

I can't stress enough to have your offer letter in tip top shape from your company, mine was not done well enough and I was extremely lucky the officer was having a good day and let the company fax me a new offer letter in better detail right on the spot!!! His supervisor was also involved in the process and she was a great help as well as they could have denied my entry and sent me packing.

My company does not participate in the blanket option even though we are a huge company ... Now that I am in head office I am told that I am the first person they have brought over on this type of visa, it was a lot of work but I am happy all is well.

H

I had my L1A blanket visa approved on November 13, 2014. Thought would share the experience as I also looked for similar experiences on this forum until my turn was up.

I don't want to get into the whole process but one word of caution -- please continue to check the consulate website regularly till the date of your appointment to see if they have any update. The exchange rate applicable, documents required etc. - you get information about everything. If you don't -- please call up the India number.

I had an appointment @10.30 am but the queue was long. They allowed us inside immediately because we had an infant child. The documents were sorted and kept in order by the staff and I was waiting for our token number to flash on the screen after fingerprint checking and payment of visa fee.

finally, the token number flashed for interview and the VO asked the following questions:

1. So, you are apply for L1B category?
2. How long have you been working with this Company?
3. What is your designation?
4. Do you have any direct reports under you?
5. What is your US salary?
6. Will you work out of your office or client office?
7. How long would be your stay in US?
8. What is your highest qualification? (asked the same question to my wife as well)
9. How long have you been married?
10.Where you will be based in the US?

Answered all the above and he said, " your visa is approved, Sir". Have a pleasant stay. Wished him back and came out.

For the benefit of those who are yet to appear or tensed about their interview -- Please be confident, smiling and be sure of the category that you are applying in. This forum has lot of material to enable us prepare for it. No one knows you better than you do.

All the best. Thank this forum again. Cheers.

I am committed to share my experience with this forum, because it was here where I understood every single thing about U.S Visa.

Few 'terrible' experiences I have had this morning.

1. Thanks to Chennai traffic - I started from my home at 09:15 IST as my interview was scheduled at 11:00 IST. I reached the consulate at 11:15 IST. Eventually, I was allowed inside at 12:00 IST.

2. I had taken DD worth of USD 500 [converting the $500 to local exchange rate], but I was wrong. It should be INR 31,000 - Please do not attempt to convert the USD into INR. Cashier had refused to accept the DD and I had to run around Chennai roads to arrange the money [I ain't rich to have 31,000 in my account - Curse me]. I did not carry mobile either. I was given 30 minutes time frame to return with money.

3. Auto drivers had taken advantage of my situation and lent me INR 30,000 for 30 minutes. Finally I went in at 12:30 IST. And when I stepped out, auto drivers took me alone with them [They were three] to payback the money. I managed the situation and arranged the money, but I was asked to pay INR 33,000 [Charged 3000 for 30 minutes]. Funny, ain't it? BEWARE folks - You've got some filthy people right there. I'd recommend you to carry cash to avoid unnecessary chaos.

4. L1B Blanket - Pretty straightforward. I finally reached the consulate in a feel that I got nothing to lose. Scale of my confidence was pretty high and I mustered all my courage and greeted the visa officer. He was quite impressed by the way I initiated the conversation. I managed to answer all the questions he asked. We finished the conversation within 3 minutes, and my visa was approved.

Good luck to everybody!

Hi All,

I have my biometrics scheduled for tomorrow. Please can you guys confirm the following documents that I need to carry for biometrics:

1. Passport
2. DS-160 Confirmation
3. Appointment letter

Do I need to carry any other documents?

Also, for the DD of $500, what should Payable to be? I have seen many people face issues due to incorrect "payable to" name on DD.

Thanks,
Om

I shared my Blanket L1-A experience earlier on 14-Oct. Today my wife went for her L2 stamping at the Hyderabad consulate, below is the experience:

The appointment for biometrics at the OFC was at 8:30 am on 10-Nov. The process is quite straight forward explained in detail earlier. Though we selected the language of interview as Hindi, the sticker on the back said "English". Not exactly sure what went wrong but it probably got messed up when my company scheduled the interview through BEP login. Anyways, it gave us good two days to prepare for English interview. My wife is not very fluent in English, but she managed well enough.

The Interview was scheduled for 8AM on 12-Nov. The attendants checked my approved L1 petition documents and my wife's passport. The Visa Officer (VO) didn't ask for any documents, though we were prepared with docs like marriage certificate, marriage ceremony photos, etc. The VO took fingerprints of the left 4 fingers and then proceed to the following questions.

VO: Will you work there?
W: No

VO: Which company is your husband working for?
W: YYYY

VO: Is he working for a Client?
W: No, he will not be working for any client he will work for YYYY .

VO: What is his salary in US?
W: $72,000

VO: Where will you stay in US?
W: New Jersey

VO: For how long have you been married?
W: It will be 2 years next month

VO: Do you have kids?
W: No

VO: Is your husband in US?
W: No, he is in India waiting for my Visa to be approved.

VO: Oh, so you can go together?
W: Yes

The VO then approved the Visa, kept the passport with him, and wished my wife a nice trip. While she was leaving she was asked to go back the same counter as the VO forgot to take the fingerprints of the right 4 fingers. Once done, she was good to go. The VO was very polite throughout. Overall the experience was smooth, without any major issues.