L1, L2 Visa

Thanks a lot to immihelp.All the possible questions and experiences are listed here which is very helpful for anyone who prepares for visa interview.

Let me keep it short.

Type : L1A individual
No of candidate : Self - Spouse - Child.

There is lot of information on the OFC and the consulate process so proceeding directly to the interview questions.

VO: Good morning, how are you
Me : Good morning sir. Doing good. Hw about you.

VO: Documents please.
Me : Provided the passport.

VO: Which company are you from?
Me : YYYY XX

VO : Are you into Manager visa? Do you have approved I797?
Me: Yes, Shared I797.

VO:Where are you going?
Me : New jersey

VO:Is it client location.
Me : Yes

VO: Who is the client?
Me : YYYY XX

VO: Whats your designation?
Me : YYYY XX

To my wife:

VO : Whats your highest qualification mam?
Wife : MCA

VO: Are you working?
Wife : Yes, YYYY X company

To my daughter.

VO: Your dress looks good....

Its over in couple of minutes. Am approving your visa and keeping the passports. It all went like a flash considering spent close to couple of hours in the queue and only 2 mins in the inteview window.

Regards,
Hari

First of all thanks to immihelp. It is a great forum for all who seek US VISA approval.
Below is my experience :

Me : Hello Sir, Good Morning.
VO : Good Morning. How are you ?
Me : I am good, Thanks.

VO: Are you applying together [to my wife]
Me : Yes

VO : Can i have your documents ?
Me : [Passed below the glass]

VO : This does not have your passport [to my wife]
Me : [Passed below the glass]

VO : Which Company ?
Me : XYZ

VO : How many years in this company ?
Me : 4.5 Years

VO : It’s an YYYY company Right ?
Me : Yes, It’s an YYYY Company.

VO : But your documents says you work for ABC ?
Me : ABC is a subsidiary of XYZ.

VO : Where ABC have offices in India ?
Me : Answered.

VO : Are these ABC offices or XYZ offices ?
Me : Sir, XYZ is a parent company of ABC. ABC is my employer and these are offices of XYZ. Expalined in detail what ABC and XYZ do and how they relate to each other. [This is the only time he was looking straight into my eyes].

VO : Which location in US you are going ?
Me : Answered.

VO : What is your salary in US ?
Me : Answered.

VO : How long you will stay in US ?
Me : Answered.

VO : Does your company provide benefits in India as well ?
Me : No.

VO : Which company provide same benefits in India ?
Me : Answered.

VO : Indian government also provide these benefits. Right ?
Me : Answered.

VO : Do you know if US Government provide these benefits ?
Me : No, I don't know.

VO : US Government don't provide these benefits, Canadian Government provides though.

VO : I am keeping one copy of this, Please keep two with yourself and collect your passport.
VO : Thank You. Your VISA IS APPROVED. Have a Nice Stay in ZZZ.

Me : Thanks Your Sir !!

It was over within 2 minutes. It took me a while to realize that he did not even ask about my specialized knowledge and not even a single question to my wife.

Tips : Confidence is the Key. It is hard but kill your anxiety in final minutes. Prepare well, If you can explain each and every word you say then you will get through. Best of Luck !!

Hi All-

My L1 A Blanket was rejected in May and my company went for Regular processing. Since I797 was already approved there was absolutely no questions asked.

VO - Good Morning.
Me - replied back with a smile.

VO -You are working for XYZ company
Me Yes
VO - How long
Me - 3 Yrs
VO - Which client will you be associated with?
Me - answered.

He started looking into screen for close to 2 min, I was unsure of what's going on... But finally said, Your VISA is approved have a safe trip to US.

Im sure he was checking up with the answer provided by me for what's there in the Petition. He did not even look into my I797 Approval notice!!!!

Good luck Guys... All the best

Hi
      I would like to share me L1 B visa experience

ME : Hello How are u ? (with Smile on face, maintained it till the end)
VO: I am good H r u?
ME : Doing good

VO: Plz give me ur document.
ME: Sure (Handed over my document)

VO: How long you have been working for the current company?
ME : Answered

VO: What is ur designation
ME : Answered

VO: what will be ur salary in US ?
ME : Answered

VO : where u will be working in US?
ME: Answered (Make sure all are matched with ur I-129S)

VO: Ok since ur petition is L1 i need more details, can u explain ur specialization?
ME: Answered (Make sure you mention ur company proprietary tool and not client tool. )

VO: Have you developed this tool?
ME: Yes and explained

VO: How many people developed this tool?
ME : Answered

VO: How long u will stay in us?
ME : Answered

VO: I will approve ur petition.

TIPS:

Friends now a days approval rate is fairly good compared to few months back.

Be Bold and Confident, have some demo with ur friends or infront of mirror.

Finally if ur petition rejected dont get frustrated , even this is not my first attemt i too got rejected before

Prepare well and leave the rest to God.

Hi,

Greetings,

 First of all, a very warm thanks to all the people who have shared their personal experience of respective visa interviews. It's such a treasure cove for mortal souls like us who are looking out for support and guidance.

 We are a family of 2+1. My Husband was applying fo L1A-Blanket.

 Our Visa interview was on the 2nd of Dec'14.We had the appointment at OFC and Consulate on the same day. OFC was at 8am. So we were promptly there at 7.25am. There were already two queue's, one for 8am and the other for 8.30am. They had put up time printout sheet at the gate, so check that. For the 8am, there were already some 35+ people in the queue (I wonder what time they would have come!). By 7.50am, the guard started sending people in. Right at the gate, there would be people to check your documents, i.e., appointment printout, passport & DS-160 of all the family members. You proceed inside (where we got lost, since it was quite a big reception area with no guiding signage!). Go to first floor and stand in a mini queue. Security check is done. Post which mini reception to check your docs again. Enter the big hall with counters. Again a mini desk reception, to check docs. Wait in the big hall, check your counter number and go accordingly. Very meticulous process, quick and simple. FYI-Children under 14 need not attend visa interview (we didn't know!). So for my son, they just took the photograph and no finger print. The hearing through the glass via a mike was tough for me, since no clarity but you should pay attention. also the wife should know the visa she is applying for. It all got over within 5 minutes. and we were out of OFC by 8.15am. Caught an auto, went back to the hotel.
 Our Consulate interview was at 11am. Left hotel by 10.15am. Rchd by 10.30am. Again time specific queue was there. Check and stand in the respective queue. a officer will check your sticker on the passport (which was stuck at OFC) and note down something. All this happens on the footpath. you follow the queue. on the way there is small shack kind of thing where you can keep your valuables for some deposit. we didn't have anything to keep, so just proceed. went and joined the main queue to enter the consulate. there were some 75+ people in the queue. but not much waiting time. very organized. Security check before entering the big doors. once inside security check of your belongings...documents etc. Be careful here since they just rip of everything in the cover or folder you are carrying. not sure whether they know the value of those documents!! Keep a hawk-eye on your belongings. The document/folders go through security scanner. again security check for you. collect you docs, check your belongings and proceed through another door. a officer would be sitting there to check you appointment time. proceed towards the main building. mini reception to check your docs, I think it was the sticker on the passport (not sure!). Enter the first main hall through the heavy door. mini queue. get your finger print verified and proceed. Here there are officers moving around who will check your docs and collect the DD. other family members can enter the sanctum sanctorum and wait. the coupon number is given so keep watching the screen for the counter number against your coupon number. once it flashes, go and wait near the respective window. its quite nerve wracking to see other people's interview. since all visa types are there, there are some people seeking tourist visa, having a casual attitude whereas others like the L, H or E type are so tensed. So keep your cool focus on your preparation and pull it together when your chance comes. as mentioned by many here, it's just 2-3 mins max. following were the questions for L1A:

 No greetings exchanged, VO was pretty kurt. My Husband greeted.

 VO : Could I have your passport/s please? (Keep it handy)
 Us : Given

 VO : How many people are applying?
 US : 3

 VO - Which company do you work for?
 Us : Answered

 VO : Whats your job title?
 Us : Answered

 VO : How many Direct reportees?
 Us : Started answering the dynamics, but VO cut off and just wanted a number. So Answered.

 VO : Are the reportees based out of US?
 US : Answered

 VO : What's the profile of the reportees?
 Us : Answered

 VO : What's your salary?
 Us : Indian?

 VO : Yes Sir.
 Us : Answered ( pretty loud, everyone could hear!)

 VO : Whats your Salary in US?
 Us : Answered (again pretty loud!)

 VO : Whats the name of the manager you would be reporting to?
 Us : Answered

 VO : Where would you be staying in the US?
 Us : Answered

 To Wife:

 VO : How long have you been married?
 Us : Answered

 VO : Whats your highest qualification?
 Us : Answered.

 VO : Thank you sir, your visa has been approved :)) I am keeping the passports for stamping. Give one set of docs to your HR and the other one while entering the United States.
 Us : Thanked the VO, Have a great day Sir.

 Keep your cool and calmly walk out.

 We were out by 11.30am. The whole process happens pretty fast, so keep track of it. Don't get overwhelmed. Always check your docs.

 Challenges faced :

 The Auto scenario is Chennai was pretty scary. The rates they demand are ridiculous. Most of the people who come stay in nearby hotels, 3-5Kms distance. For that they ask you from Rs.150 and up. Need to negotiate a lot. Language for us was a major problem. Once you are out of Consulate, they gauge your facial expression and demand fare accordingly. They actually just pounce over you both at OFC and consulate. It was pretty scary. So please watch out. My suggestion would be to just hire a cab for the day and be relieved. Because this auto thing really is a mental exhaustion.

 Was uncomfortable with :

 At the visa interview counter, the next candidate stands just a ft or two away from you, so its pretty claustrophobic and invasion of privacy! we tend to get flustered. few counters facing the main hall are cool, sufficient distance but the other counters on extreme left are very congested. they should do something about it. all the candidates speak loudly so its pretty distracting when you are trying to pull your answers!!

 Tips :

 Its seriously just preparation and super duper confidence and of course genuine prayers.
 Keep your required docs, check again and again. No harm in carrying support docs. (we had carried marriage certificate, child birth certificate, ceremonial photographs etc.)
 Carry docs in a transparent see through folder with easy accessibility. Put tabs on documents as to what it is so that you are not flustered when the VO asks for any specific documents.
 Go through this website thoroughly, its a treasure!
 Prepare your questionnaire according to the visa you are applying for. Do a mock interview at home. Record it too, it helps.
 Make your travel logistics as comfortable as possible, it helps and avoids any unwanted tension.

 Again thanks to all in this forum for helping us out.
 Hope this write up helps too!! :))

 Regards

Hi, I have my L1B interview scheduled on Dec, 5th, I noticed that, I have 3 copies of I-129 and I-797. But only one copy of G-28. How many copies of this G-28 forms are really required?

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.