L1, L2 Visa

Hi,

Writing my experience to give back to this community. This has been immensely helpful.

Won't go into too much detail around the OFC and VAC logistics, lot of other threads covering that in extensive detail.

Here's my experience -

Documents asked by the VO
1. Passport
2. 2 copies of I-129S
3. 2 copies of I-797
4. DS-160
5. Confirmation slip of the 500$ payment - you will get this once you make the payment from one of the windows (if you are paying by credit card)

Interview Experience -
VO starts to go through the documents before having the following conversation.

VO: So <XYZ> company is applying for you?
Me: Yes

VO: What is your salary going to be in the US?
Me: Replied

VO: What is the budget you manage?
Me: The revenue impact for the function I manage is ...

VO: How many direct reports do you have?
Me: I am functional manager so I manage multiple teams across the company.

VO: Let me ask you this, how many people do you manage indirectly?
Me: Including A, B, and C teams, it's around X number of people.

And that was it!

Few tips I learned -
1. You are only going there to tell him/her what you do. Nothing more, nothing less. As long as you believe in yourself, VO will too.
2. The more you treat it as a conversation, the less stressed or more confident you might feel. At least that helped me!

Bonus tip: Do not bring phones, wear mask and would recommend wearing a Blazer if you can :)

All the best. You got this!!

Hi,
First, thanks to all the members here and whoever posted their experiences here which is real help to all the people who are having visa appointments in coming days. Thank you All!

Biometric appointment - 10th July.
Very smooth.
All the documents list, but the important are -
Appointment letter
DS-160 forms
Passports.

Along with finger scans, Office there asked me my DOB and my Name for confirmation purpose only.
They put a stamp on DS-160 forms, and some sticker on back of passport.
We enter into building 8AM and by 8:30 we were out.

Consulate appointment - 11th July
It was too crowded so not allowing early entries. Just before 15-30 mins of your appointment time only it was allowed.
First it was asked to keep few main docs in sequence-
I-129S 2 sets
I797- 2 sets (1st page)
Passport
DD (for L1B). I had DD and cash of INR 42,000/- as well just for backup, and DD worked for me.
DS-160

Then moved to next building where DD was submitted first for L1B applicants. There was already a queue for all the applicants for interview window.
Not too many windows were opened that day , not sure why.
Surely I was very nervous until my turn came, once my turn came to go to window I left all my on-going thoughts behind and just stand in front of VO with little smile on face and all ears to their voice. Do not look or distract at other windows or applicants.

Questions were asked-
Which company do you work for sir?
For how many years you are working here?
Where you are going?
You been there earlier as well?
You like this place?
What will be your designation there?
What is your specialization in your company.
You are from which place?
Left hand finger prints from me, and right hand finger prints from my wife.
No questions to my family.

Few seconds of silence and then golden words, your visa is approved and you will get your passport within 7 days, and you need to carry this stamped I-129S with you when entering into US.

My appointment was on 11th June, and today (14th June) I received my passport along with my dependent ones also.

Be confident, they are sitting there to give Visa only until you reply something which they didn't expect or some documentation issue.
I prepared for few points which always help me-
Your specialized knowledge
What is your project
What you do currently?
What you will do in US?
Why you going there? or why only you?
Why this work can't be done in India.

If you prepare answers for these questions, mostly you have everything.

I appeared for L1A interview on 11th July 2023. Sharing my experience and hope it will be useful for folks applying L1A as functional manager.

OFC: 10th July 23
Straight forward process. Took Finger prints, photos. For kids less than 14 years they don't take finger printing

Consulate Appointment: 11th July 23
Don't carry any electronic equipment including smart watches. Carry Credit card for $500 fee payment

Before me F1 candidate interview was going on. Consular was asking questions related to university, course she choose reason etc. Candidate was very tensed and consular asker her to take deep breath and not feel stressed. Next was my turn

Me: Good morning, how are you
Officer: Good morning, please pass on the documents
Me: Gave my documents and officer scanned the document and took a min to read through my case
Officer: How long do you work with XXX
Me: Told my tenure
Officer: Salary
Me: Told
Officer: How many people report to you
Me: I am applying as functional manager and manage multiple teams and take care of technology delivery
Officer: Nodded. Who do you report
Me: Name and designation
Officer: Do you have Hire & Fire authority
Me: Yes. I manage budget and carry authority to expand and reduce team size which results in Hiring or let go
Officer: Took a min to update the system and asked me to scan my right fingers and left fingers of my spouse. Officer mentioned I am approving your visa, stamped i129 form and asked to carry the documents during travel

Main Tip: L1A Functional Managers don't need to have direct reports. When asked establish the fact that you are applying as Functional Manager. Don't justify and be confident. Dress in formals and no need to be in blazer (its my personal opinion). If dressed in Blazer gives you confident please do so

Writing down a detailed experience and I hope it is helpful. My experience in no way should be considered a consultation and is purely to help the community.

-> Stay:

Stayed in The Park Chennai - the stay experience itself was mediocre - The hotel isn't worthy of a 5-star - 4-star is a stretch. Almost 10K per night and doesn't include breakfast even at that price. Despite having an infant with me - the room was allocated at 3.30 PM and the reason cited was that there were too many guests the previous night. I had booked a deluxe room and requested a double bed but got a king-size bed instead. My request for an additional cot was only fulfilled the next evening that too after multiple reminders. Try and avoid this hotel if you would like some peace of mind since you're already under enough stress about the visa. There are many other good hotels around and in a 10 to 15-minute radius even in traffic.

-> Dress Code (what we wore):

1) OFC - I wore a shirt and trousers (not tucked in) along with sneakers. My wife wore a T-shirt and a jean.
2) Consulate - I wore a formal shirt(tucked in) and trousers - a brown belt - brown shoes - formal hair styled using gel. My wife wore a salwar - a kurta with a dupatta.

-> OFC Appointment: 03rd July, 08:30 AM

The distance from the hotel to OFC was less than 2 KM and I did a blunder by trusting the hotel bellman to get me an auto. I then did another blunder mistake to not ask the auto driver how much would it cost. I then got busy arranging the documents and completely forgot to finalize the price for the trip. We reached in less than 10 minutes and the driver there insisted that he would wait and take us back since it was going to take only 20-odd minutes. I agreed and that was another blunder mistake. I will talk more about this below.

We reached OFC around 8 AM and were let in immediately. The staff there are kind enough to consider that we had an infant. After the appointment time is checked at the gate, we were asked to move up where there was a security check. Mobile phones are allowed but need to be switched off. No other electronic items are allowed. A small handbag with baby food and a bottle was allowed. As soon as the security check is finished - you are requested to move forward where staff checks for the DS-160 - appointment time - confirms full name and DOB and bundles the papers and lets you move forward. You are now met with another section of staff who stick a barcode at the back of each passport and confirm the names again. You are finally asked to join the queue now in the area where bio-metrics are taken. I was asked to stand in the queue while my family was allowed to sit on a chair. My wife's turn was fast-tracked along with the infant and she was done with her bio-metrics in no time. My turn came after about 5 minutes and my 5-year-old daughter was with me. They took my fingerprints and bio-metrics first. My daughter was made to stand on a chair and a picture was clicked - no fingerprints for her. I provided a 2*2 photo of the infant and the staff there clicked a picture of that using the same camera and returned the photo. I was done in about 5 minutes and the staff ended by explaining to me that I need to be on time at the consulate and carry 2 pictures of both the kids and that I would be charged 650 per passport for home delivery. The exit door was close by on the same floor where my wife and the infant were waiting. We took the stairs and went down. The auto guy was waiting right at the gate and we got in. He dropped us back at the hotel in less than 10 minutes and asked for 500 rupees. This is when I realized my mistake - I couldn't argue despite knowing the language because I agreed for him to wait and I did not get clarity on the trip and waiting charges.

Do's:

1. Appointment confirmation + DS160 + Passport(s) + 2*2 photo if you have kids, is all you need on that day.
2. Try to reach at least 30 minutes early
3. Do not shy away or hesitate to ask anyone for help.

Dont's:
1. Do not take an auto or a taxi at the entry points of the hotel - the hotel staff and the auto drivers have some agreements between them. Even if you decide to take the trip - get clarity on the charges and only then board the vehicle.
2. Do not agree for the driver to wait for you at OFC - there are so many other autos available that can drop you back.
3. Do not carry electronics and other documents/files - you wouldn't need anything else.
4. Do not think too much about the dress code - there is no dress code - just wear something that you are comfortable with and that you know is right for the occasion.

We were back at the hotel by 8.30 AM and relaxed for the rest of the day. The next day (04th July) was a holiday and we didn't do much because our daughter was unwell. BRS hospital was nearby for a quick visit and the doctor (Ramesh) was great.

-> Consulate Appointment: 05th July - 08:30 AM

We woke up around 6 AM and were all ready by 7. I had walked around the hotel/street the previous night and got to know that the embassy building was just right opposite the hotel (the entrance gate is watching the flyover). We decided to walk with the kids. The auto drivers at the gate were trying to convince me that it is not walkable and that the gate is only the back side - they were lying of course and I did not fall for the trap.

In less than 10 minutes we were at the entrance gate where a huge queue was building up as early as 7.45 AM on the other side of the gate. There was another queue that was closer to the consulate entry point and I inquired with the staff if they would allow us to join that queue since we had 2 kids with us and he agreed. He asked for the passports and the appointment confirmation. He checked the stickers on the back of the passport and the stamp from OFC on all the DS160s. We joined the queue and waited for about 5 minutes where we are instructed that no electronics are allowed. We were asked to sanitize our hands and were let in. The first entry point is the security check where we drop all our belongings (in our case it was the file folder and my wife's handbag with only kid food and bottle inside). We cleared security and were let in. You will now be met with a staff seated on a chair who would give you a laminated document that provides instructions on the documents that I need to arrange. In my case of L1A, it was the following

* i-129S (2 copies of 8 pages)
* i-797 (2 copies of the first page only)
* Passports (all for us)

The staff bundled all of this and gave it back to me and asked me to proceed (i.e., go straight and take a left to go to the opposite building). I followed the instruction and could see the building as soon as I took a left. About 10 stairs and there was another staff at the building entrance who let us in. Once you get in - you are asked what visa and then I was requested to move to Counter 10 to pay the anti-fraud fee. My HSBC credit card didn't work even though it had international transactions enabled. Luckily I also had the AMEX with me in the same folder and that worked. Nothing to worry about if your cards do not work. The lady in front of me was in the same situation but she didn't have a backup card. She was allowed to go to the ATM which was in the same building as where your documents are bundled. You can withdraw cash and come back and join the line. The cashier will give you 2 receipts and you need to sign one and give it back to him. The fee was 500 $. He then requested me proceed to Counter 8 or 9. All this while my wife and the kids were comfortably seated. Counter 8 was empty and I took my position - this is the counter (along with 9) on that particular day where the receipt is verified and passports are scanned and then I was finally asked to share the photo of my infant which they scanned and returned to me. I was then asked to proceed to the interview section. Almost 15 counters there with a queue of 2 in each. I was moved to counter 23 along with my family and in front of me was a F1 visa student whose Visa was rejected. In-fact 80% of the conversations around me in all other counters were F1 visas. My turn came after 5 minutes of joining the queue.

Me: Good morning officer.
Officer: Good morning, I will have your documents, please
Me: Absolutely
Officer: How long have you been working for the current organization (I wasn't asked the company name since it was a well-known organization)
Me: Answered
Officer: What is your title?
Me: Answered
Officer: What is the size of your team?
Me: Current team?
Officer: Would it change when you are in the US?
Me: Yes current team of 3 and would be 7 when I'm in the US
Officer: What are the titles of the team members
Me: Answered
Officer: What does your team do?
Me: Answered
Officer: How long do you intend to stay?
Me: Answered
Officer: I assumed you will be paid a US salary
Me: Before I could answer she saw found the answer in the I-797

Scan the 4 fingers of your left hand. She then asked my wife to scan the 4 fingers of her right hand. She wasn't asked a single question.

Your visas are approved. She stamped one copy of the I-129S with the validity date and asked me to keep it carefully to carry it and show it at the Port of entry in the US.

All in all, it took about 30 minutes and we were back outside the building by 8.40 and into the hotel at 8.50 AM.

Do's:
1. Carry a backup credit card (Do not forget to enable international transactions). The card swipe doesn't require a PIN
2. I didn't notice any connection between attire and approval/rejection - so dress what you are comfortable with and what you feel is right for the occasion
3. Try to reach the venue at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.
4. Immediately ask for help if you are not sure about anything

Dont's:
1. Do not carry any electronic stuff if you want a seamless security check.
2. Do not fall for the trap of auto/taxi drivers who will charge exorbitant amounts.
3. Do not panic - I know it is easy to say that you shouldn't stress but all that matters is your documentation and the honesty of your answers.

Other General Lessons Learned:

1. OFC takes bio-metrics on Sundays too. I could have easily done a Sunday OFC and Monday consulate but instead ended up staying for 3 days because of the 04th July holiday
2. Do not elaborate your answers - answer only what is asked - do not try to justify that answer

Visa Status Check:

1. Around 5 PM on 05th July - APPROVED
2. Next morning - APPROVED
3. Noon - ISSUED
4. Evening - PROCESSING FOR DELIVERY
5. Today (07th July) - Passports delivered by Blue dart around 10.30 AM - paid 650 each by UPI

Sharing my experience, since this website has helped me a lot.
my OFC was on 26th June
and consulate appointment on 27th June

OFC appointment 10:00
I reached at 9:00
they start lining up 30 mins before appointment time, so I had to stand on other side of road for 30 mins.
It was little mismanaged that day so it took more than 1 hour for whole process. Usually it is 30 mins process throught out.
Documents required for OFC - Appointment letter, DS-160, Passport.
all electronic devices allowed, but switched off.
no bags allowed, but there is baggage deposit counter available on ground floor
Ladies purse is allowed
Smart watch not allowed

Consulate appointment on 27th June 2023 - 10:30
Mask mandatory
no mobile or smart watch allowed
no locker facility

I reached at 9:45 and lined up immediately
first security check
then cheque deposit
then document validation
then line up for interview

Interview questions
VO: - Name and Date of birth
VO: - which company do you work for
VO: - how long you have been working
VO: - what is your specialization
VO: - how did you get specialization on this tool
VO: - were you part of development team for this tool
VO: - do you have family
VO: - are they travelling with you

VISA Approved
right hand finger scan
Thank you!
VO: -

Sharing my experience here b/c this forum helped me a lot to prepare for interview
Biometrics and the interview were scheduled for June 30th and July 3rd, respectively.

30th JUN - Chennai VAC for Biometrics - 8.30 AM

The Chennai VAC for biometrics is pretty much the same as other experiences. There is no parking area for cars, so you go at your own risk. It's recommended to take a cab if possible. Don't worry about carrying visa format photographs for biometrics. They are not required for adults, as they will take your photo at the biometrics center.
Only the DS-160 confirmation page and passports are required. Your DS-160 will be stamped, and a sticker will be put on your passport.
3rd JUL - Chennai Consulate for Interview - 8 AM

On the day of the interview, my friend and I took a cab to the Chennai Consulate around 7.30 AM.
I asked my friend to hold onto my valuables until I finished the interview, as electronic devices and metals are not allowed inside.

After showing the stamped DS-160 and appointment confirmation page, I was allowed inside.
Once inside, I was asked to rearrange and have two copies of the i-797 and i-129 forms along with my passport.
I was then instructed to wait and proceed to a cashier counter to pay either 42,000 INR or 500 USD. Credit card are preferred(other option is DD), but if you have cash, the cashier will only accept it on bank holidays. After a few excuses from me, I managed to provide the cash. I received the receipt which was pinned to one pair of i-797 and i-129.
Next, I had to stand in another queue and wait for my turn.
Applicants were randomly sent to queues with fewer people for the interview with the Visa Officer.
The person before me in the queue was applying for a student visa, but unfortunately, their application got rejected.
Gathering my courage, I moved forward when it was my turn.

Interactions with the Visa Officer:

Me: I greeted the Visa Officer and wished them a Happy Independence Day (July 4th in US).
VO: Thank you. What visa are you applying for?
Me: L1B.
VO: Alright. How long have you been working for X company?
Me: I have been working with X company for around 4 years, to be exact, 4.5 years.
VO: What are your special skills?
Me: Let me explain what my company does and then I'll explain my role within X. I described my role in the project and what I will be doing in the US.
VO: So, you will be integrating this product when you are in the US?
Me: Yes.
VO: How long will you need to stay in the US?
Me: 3 years.
VO: Will you be receiving your salary in dollars?
Me: Yes.

The VO proceeded to take the stamp and asked me to put my fingers on the scanner. She stamped my visa and informed me to make sure to take the stamped i-129 form with me during my travel to the US.

Me: Thank you.

Hello All,

On June 29'th 2023,I done with PA for L1B Individual interview at US Consulate Mumbai. Interview went good and officer given me 221g “Yellow slip” with following Checkbox checked and kept my passport with them((which was quite surprising for me).

Checkbox checked in 221g “Yellow Slip” :
1) Copy of my complete academic credentials.
2) Evidence of previous work experience in petitioned filed.
3) A copy of the petition, I 129, and LCA.

So my questions are : ,
1) Do anyone here who has similar case like me?
2) In How many days we have to submit documents which are mentioned in Yellow Slip?
3) What are the chances of approval of visa after getting yellow slip and kept passport with them at the time of Interview ?
4) I have checked the status of visa online and it is showing as “Refused”. so It is rejected or still pending ?

I found this forum helpful and thought I'd share my experience.

Biometric Appointment: 7th June 2023
VISA Interview: 8th June 2023
Passport received (premium delivery): 10th June 2023

Documents required for VAC biometric:
• DS160 confirmation page
• Appointment confirmation
• Latest passport
Note: 2x2 picture is not required as they click it at the center.

Documents required for interview
• DS 160 confirmation page with a stamp from VAC
• Appointment confirmation
• I129S – 2 sets of the 8 pages only
• I797 – 2 sets of the 1st page only
• $500 fraud detection fee demand draft, cash, or credit card (US credit card works)
• Current passport

Interview questions:
1. Which company do you work for?
2. What does the company do?
3. How many years have you been with the company?
4. Is the filing for an L1A or L1B VISA?
5. Will you be a people manager or a functional manager?
6. What does your role mean?
7. Is this going to be your first time in the US?
8. Where did you study in the US?
9. When did you graduate?

VISA Officer: “Your VISA has been approved; you should get your passport within a week. Here is your stamped copy of the I129S”

I have benefited immensely from the experiences posted in this forum. I am glad to share my L1B Visa experience with all. This is my 2nd L1B Visa interview. The first one was approved and glad that the second interview also went smooth and very happy that the visa is approved.

8th June 2023 : Biometrics

Documents to carry : Appointment Confirmation, DS-160 Confirmation, Passport(please carry the current passport as well as your previously expired passport). It is not required to carry the Petition documents or any other documents for the Biometrics.

Process : My appointment was at 8:30AM. I reached the VAC venue by 7:45AM and was allowed inside directly. There was a small queue of 20 people and in 10 minutes time we were inside the actual building where the process takes place. First, they check your passport and attach a sticker at the back of the passport. Then you're redirected to counters where they ask your full name and Date of birth. Then your finger prints are taken(Left 4 fingers, right 4 fingers, both thumbs). A photo will be captured. This is the photo that appears if your visa is approved. The DS-160 is stamped. It took me around 40-45 mins for the entire process.

Things to check before leaving the VAC : Sticker at the back of the passport and DS-160 sheet is stamped.
 
9th June 2023 : VISA Interview

Documents to be carried : Appointment Confirmation, DS-160 Confirmation which got stamped during VAC, Current and old passports, DD for antifraud fee, Petition Documents - I129S(8 pages) and I797. You can carry supporting documents like Payslips, Education Certificates.

Remember to take a mask with you as mask is mandatory to enter into the consulate. The embassy staff is providing disposable masks at the interview venue. However, better to carry our own mask.

My appointment was at 8:30AM. I reached the venue by 8:00AM. There was a queue of 30 people. I went to the security and showed the appointment time. He told me to wait in the queue. Soon the queue moved and we were inside a building where security check is performed. After security check, we were redirected to a hall where a staff person asks us to rearrange the documents. He helped me in arranging the documents in the following order and put a rubber band on the bundle.
I129S(First 8 pages) + I797(First page) - 2 sets
DD(Anti fraud fee)
DS-160 Confirmation Page(the one which is stamped at VAC)
Passport(Carry your expired passport also if you've one)

Then I was asked to move to a different building. There were around 20 people who were sitting. They were all L1B Visa applicants and were all waiting for paying the DD(Anti fraud fee).

After an hour of waiting, I got my turn to pay the DD. After paying the DD, I was redirected to a counter where the Visa officer was conducting the interview for an applicant. I got my turn. Here were the questions asked:

Me : Good morning Sir.
        I passed the bundle(Passport, Petition docs, DS-160)

VO : How long have you been working with your company?
Me : I have been working with my company for xx years.

VO : Can you tell me about your project?
Me : Explained about my project in 3-4 lines.

VO : How long will you be staying in US?
Me : I plan to stay in US for xx months.

VO : Are your married?
Me : Yes sir

VO : Will you be taking your family with you?
Me : Answered

VO : What will be your salary in US?
Me : Answered

VO : Your Visa is approved.
Me : Thank you Sir.

Tips :
-------
Reach the venue before 30 mins.
Be patient as there may be significant wait time. Be mentally prepared to not get impatient. Use that time to relax and rehearse the Questions and Answers.
Remember to carry a Credit card though you may have a DD just in case.
Take easy breaths to calm the tension or nervousness down which may come up(for me it did) when you're standing next in the queue for the interview.

i am planning to schedule L1 visa interview in Singapore, Could you please add if you have any experiences