L1, L2 Visa

Hi Friends,
I first of all Thank immihelp.com and their forum for providing/sharing the rare details about the visa interview.
Am attening the US Visa Interview for the first time in L1-B Blanket Category....
I was bit nervous and also well prepared before getting the Interview schedule...mine was scheduled on Apr 1st 2010 11:00 AM IST..i went to US Consulate at around 10:30AM..(my kind adivce to all of you is that dont go 30-60 mins before your schedule time...i guess you know about the Chennai heta and humidity...so my suggestion is that have a tea or cooldring in the shop near Consulate and take rest over there if you go early...just goto the counter 5-10 min before the schedule time...you can bypass the long Q which is standing under the hot sun...they will very well allow you to enter the consulate if your time is between 5-10 min...
After you enter the Consulate..there will be a formality and also strict check of your body and also your belongings...(please dont carry any bags/mobile phone/electronic items/even keys..)just go with your folder and needed docs...

First, in the first counter which is facing gimini bridge.. they will just ask your interview call letter and you passport..they will check whether they match...

Second, a through check of your body and belongings..

Thirds, there will be a lot of counters..please dont be scared those are not the real interview counters..be cool...they will ask for your docs and passport...they will scan ur passport under UV light and ask you to put your all 10 fingers for scaning..first put left hand 4 fingers , then right hand 4 fingers and finally both left and right thumb...after that they will arrabge you the docs...dont rearrange the order..they will ask you to goto cash counter to pay the Visa fee..

Fourth, the associates working there will guide you to goto next building where you have to pay the Visa Fee..after paying your fee.. they will give the recipt for the the payment..

Fifth, you reach the real battle feild!!!!...there will be alot of ppl sitting in front of the VIsa Interview Counters...and some staning for thier interview turn in the Q.
the onyl distrubance is the language Q, there will be alot of noise around and you will be distructed and dejected by the ppl who gets rejected...so be confidant and learn from thier mistakes if you can hear them....

My advice is that before standing in the Q for your turn...relax for some few mins by sitting in the chairs kept in front of the counters...after relaxing free your mind dont memorize anything keep your mind blank...any how those Vo's are going to ask only from 5~6 standard interview questions...

after you think that you are confidant enough to face the VO, go and stand in the Q...

be confidanr, keep smiling with 100% concentaration on your surroundings and particu;arly in the counters...

My Interview in particular took less than a min for about 40~50 seconds...
i was unluck that day that the indian associates working there intrupted while my interview was going on...that made VO irritated and i too got irritated...

Me: Good Morning Sir with a Great Smile:-))
Vo: No reaction, he was little bit tensed and tired on the early morning...

Vo: He know about my company and asked whether you are from YYYY Company??
Me: Yes Sir
Vo: said Okayy.... and saw the papers and BEP letter some 10 secs and typed something in the system..

VO: What are you going to do in US?
Me: i said am going to do software coding, analysis, design, testing and implementation of the YYYY project into Prod by using my comapny's specialized framework and tools..
Vo: okayy...

Vo: Whats your specialized knowledge?
Me: I said my company's specialzed framework and specialized tool

Vo: He saw my face for few seconds and typed something again by seeing the monitor..and started to write something in the I129 papers.. i was happy and i thought that its approved...
but finally he said

Vo: Right now am not able to approve your application...thanks

Thats it...he gave me 221g Blue form in that he marked your blanket L1 is not clearly approvable...
and also in the I129 he marked Approved as : Specialized Knowledge
but wrote in the Denied(Give Reason:) column as NCA

Till date am not sure and clear why he rejected my application...only god knows i guess....
if am not elidgible for Specialized Knowledge categogy why he needs to mark the Approved as: Specialized Knowledge...

If anyone know the reason..Please post your answers....

Thanks everyone..please reply if anyone know the reason...

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and it really has helped me to prepare and understand the process very well before the PA @ consulate. here are my questions...

Me: Hello Mam, Good morning...
VO: Good morning...
VO: Who is your client?
Me: xxx
VO: What do you do for this client?
Me: blah blah.. technical design, development...blah blah...
VO: So How do you prepare an Technical Desegin?
(i did not expect this questions since i have not seen this anywhere in this forum)...
Me: blah blah..
VO: you have not answered my questions(staring @ me)
Me: (do not get scared and stay cool and confident).. i gave some diff answer...
VO: what is your specialized skills?
Me: blah blah...
VO: how long you are working in ZZZ?
Me: x years
VO: How long with this client?
Me: x years

then for 2 mins she was checking and typing something on the system...i was ready to accept anything then came the golden words that i will get my passort with visa in another 5 working days...

I would suggest be confident through out the process with smilling face rest is with your luck :)

Forgot to mention an important point.
Please don't mention your technologies or tool at any point of time. I have seen many rejections i just because they said they are good in Informatica, JAVA, IMS etc they are not unique features.. anyone can be trained in these things.. so never mention this by mistake also.

Also lets say you have certain application like credit card processing system.. dont say the system name in generic just say application. Be as generic as possible. For impact use the works like end-end, holistic, cost effective ,key role , optimization, performance tunning , reverse engineering like that

First of all I would like to thank the Forum Owners and for all for their posts. Here is my VISA Experience (I may end up with writing so much so for those who is not
Having much time, please go through the questions and points directly)

There was no tension or worries in how to reach consulate and on the moving aspects inside consulate as this is the second time I am appearing in Chennai Consulate.
I had a L1B Blanket rejection in Dec 2008. With seeing the rejection ration in recent times here, I was very much tensed on my chances of clearing this. Whomever I approached
And asked about the chances of getting approved, they said "you have a good chance for rejection". And for me getting this VISA is a do or die kind of situation as I already waited
For 1 year to reappear and all my career plans got delayed by a year.

Ok with all these I have entered the Chennai consulate at 11:15 PM on 1st April. 12:15 PM was my appointment. So all the hard work that my saloon guy put on my face gone in sweat in waiting queue

After entering the consulate, I went to the fee paying counter. Here is the first hurdle came in. Though it’s not a big issue. But for a min I was very much tensed. We need to write our detail on back
Of the DD and I forgot to do that. Some people will say you should not get tense be confident. But when there are good reasons to get tense I don’t know how to switch over our mind to be confident
But I tried it by not thinking either positive or negative.

Once that’s done, she made some entries and took finger print. She asked me to go to the next building counter 12 for paying fee. When I asked the volunteer over there to guide me the way, he showed me the counter 12 which is in the same building. I didn’t realize it first
And was waiting for my turn, I observed that this counter is not for fee but it’s actually the interview counter. I immediately went to the Volunteer again and clearly asked him once again on the way.
Then he realized and said “Sorry I was wrong and showed way to next building". Who needs his sorry damage is almost done (which means already my heart beat is increased because of tense)

Ok then I entered the next building. Counter no 12 cashier. She was out for a break. So we were asked to wait until she comes in. This is where interviews also going on. When I sat opposite to the counter, I looked at the next counter where interview was going on.
Sudden Shock and I felt like some earth quake happened. I recognized the guy who actually rejected me in Dec 2008 taking interviews. I prayed to god for not getting to his counter. Meanwhile Cashier came and I paid the fees.
We need to enter to main lobby and already the lobby is fully packed. So again we were asked to wait in front of lobby which is straight opposite to his counter. I observed him, he is still the same. He rejected two persons in front of me and screwing up the third one as well
So I was fully nervous as I thought we may be asked to go to his counter because of long queues in lobby. 15 mins I had this torcher. Then a bit relief came in when we were called into main lobby (I escaped from this guy)


I observed all the interviewers. Two counters are good rest all are coming out with blue slip. Ok I was asked to stand in the queue which is opened to either of 3 counters. I felt happy because 2 of those counters are here and chances that I may go to these. But then still if my luck is bad
I may go to the one which is harder. I observed that counter and noted few points in my mind. He is rejecting almost every one. OK now it’s my turn to go to any of these counters based on vacancy. And as usual, my luck played on me and I went to the tougher guy.

I observed that he is looking at our body language while going to him. So I maintained a confident walk and went to him


Me: Good Morning Sir (No answer ... by the way I forgot to mention one more point... he is looks are also not pleasant... he look like WWF star Stone Gold Steve Austin)
 
I have given my documents.

VO: how long have you been with YYYY
Me: 3 Years 8 Months
VO: (with in himself.. ok ok let me see this record )
VO: So wot were you doing for YYYY
Me: I have been working as YYYY X Engineer. I have been working with the project for YYYY XX Client. I will take care of day-day maintain activities, production support and other minor enhancements for the application.
I m working as OFFSHORE LEAD for this project from last one year 4 months.
Big Pause... He is verifying my I129 form to see if everything is correct wot ever I said. Also he saw my DS160 and I think he has seen my previous rejection record
The pause he has given is good enough to make you feel nervous.

VO: Wots your project
Me: I explained about my project.
Again pause ... This time I tried to stop feeling nervous and tried to read his mind.

VO: Sorry who is your client
Me: YYYY X
VO: As you know, you have applied in specialized knowledge category. So tell me what is the specialized skill you have
ME: I have been working with this project from last 3 Years 6 Months and posses END-END application knowledge. I am also well experienced with YYYY's processes and methodologies which are customized to YYYY .
This is very important to the project, for providing the optimum, cost effective and holistic solutions for the xZZZ.

Again big pause... Meanwhile I read his mind... I m sure he gonna ask to give some supportive statements for my answer. So I pulled in few good points where in I got appreciation from YYYY managers

VO: Ok... where did you work before joining YYY
( this question surprised me and I got a clue that i m able to convince him in a different manner compare to guys attended with him with my experience )
ME: Actually , This is my first company

VO: Oh ok .. you joined YYYY in 2006
( I thought i impressed him.. but then he started to screw me in different angle )
VO: How many people are there in your team
( Ok with this question i understood wot he wants.. now he will be trying to see whether is it possible to have specialized skill set in 3 years without any prev experience )

Me : 6 members in offshore and 1 in onsite

VO: Why not others can go onsite. Why only you
( OK now I need to give logical answers which he can relate them to my previous answers )
Me: I have been working in this project last 3 years 6 months and got END-END knowledge. I have taken up key role in developing certain modules which helped YYYY to grow his business globally (specifically ASIA )
I am also an offshore lead for this project. Showed my best in mentoring new people , co-coordinating the project activities and providing solutions in cost effective manner
And it’s my Employer's choice to choose me.

VO: Ok why you have been chosen for offshore lead.
(Cool.. this is the next question I expected .. n he asked ..now ball is in my court.. from this question onwards i have got matched to his wavelength )
Me: Again I said about experience. I said i m good in interacting with people, mentoring new joinees etc etc. And also as mentioned before I have taken up a key role in leveraging my application for Asia for which
I received appreciations from YYYY Senior Management

VO: Did you design any components? How many
( when you are on song .. you will never look back. that’s the magic of confidence )
Me: I have developed around 12 important modules. out of which 4 have been developed for Asia and 8 have been developed for Europe. I didn’t get chance to involve in design activities for NY as the time zones are
different and also data sensitivity is more. That’s why i have been now called to US for working on the design activities for new requirements /enhancements

VO: how many years this project is there with YYYY
Me: 5 years 6 months

VO: who is having highest years of experience
Me: My onsite lead.. 5 years 2 months. Almost he is there from the beginning of this project

VO: Who is next highest
Me : Its Me with 3 years 6 months

big pause... I was confident before this pause .. but now he is verifying documents.. he saw me twice in between i gave a smile.. Seriously referring the screen
and finally the GOLDEN WORDS came... Your VISA have been approved.. its nice one..

Oh My God... is this true... almost 10-15 mins.. finally did i hear it right.. I am very very very happy and at the same time still in that tense filled condition

Here are the few points which you can concentrate.

At time of preparation:-

1. Take it very serious. Be focused. Its not just you need to read your PRD or the support documents. You need to keep your achievements which got appreciations form your Client Managers
2. Try to use some words like END-END, Cost effective, Key Role, and Holistic view. Never use any specific mention about tools guys are already bored. And definitely these tools are not developed by you, you just y
3. Follow the immihelp forum ..Experiences are really helpful..
4. You need to be very active at the time of interview. Presence of mind is key.
5. Prepare yourself for different puzzled questions and try to impress yourself.
6. If possible you can have mock with your friends i did it and it was really helpful.. feedback is important

Do's and Dont's in Consulate

1. Dont try to talk with anyone until unless its very needed ( even if you see an angel or your close friend ). Guys will be monitoring you. So didnt give him a chance to decide on your result before interviewing you
2. Be positive. Walk should be positive. There is a thin line difference between positive and aggressive. So be conscious that you wont send wrong signs
3. Have a blank mind. dont try to memorize or remember wot u prepared. Its not needed at all at this point of time
4. If possible keep an eye on the counters. Also you should maintain such a way that VO will not watch you observing.
5. Always have confident smile n confident outlook though you are nervous inside. Hold your nerve for some time "all is well” :)

At the time of interview:-

1. Wish him with pleasant smile
2. When you answer certain things bring your passion in your expressions. He should feel it. Again don’t be over.
3. Always try to be logical. Don’t think that you job is done on one question and answer in different way to other one. They need a logical connection between all
4. Answer short and sweet. You don’t have much time there. So don’t try to build a platform and then highlight your points.
5. Especially for one word questions just give answer. Like lets years of experience.. don’t try to tell i have been with is project for 3 yrs 4months.. just say 3 years 4 months
6. What ever answer you frame try to fit in the words you have given in I129s Form.
7. Maintain good eye to eye communication

I agree that luck matters a lot.. but be prepare for badluck as well.. If project your USP and make yourself sellable then you’re done.


All the best... There are quite good threads in this forum which will help you a lot.


Anytime for help

[email protected] ( do post your queries )

My L1B visa got rejected today.. This is how it went...

Me : very Good morning!
VO : No reply
VO asked me to put my left index finger on finger tip detector. He stared at my BEP letter for more than 1 min.. He started typing something. He took some letter and give some tick.. Then he asked me the following question
VO : Whats your client?
Me : My client is XYZ and they are into banking domain.
VO : what are you going to do in Us?
Me : In order to sustain there buisness client is converting existing old IMS DB to.. ( he interupted me and asked "what are you going to do? )

Me: i will be converting existing ims db/dc modules to db2.In addition to this i will be co-ordinating onsite-offshore activities ( He again interupted me and said "ENOUGH")

VO: why you??
Me : I am an SME(Subject matter expert) in.... (he said "ENOUGH")..

By now i knw that i am in trouble.. so i tried to explain more

Me: Let me add on more valuable information why i prefered over others.. I have proficient knowledge in rare age old technologies like VAX VMS, UNISYS MAINFRAME & MVS ASSEMBLER. I know niche languages like WFL,DCL,XGEN,ASSEMBLER,IMS DB/DC ..( He started smiling (for the first time) and said " You dont av to pull out anythin additional"..

He collected the documents and gave to me and told "Your project or client might be needing you badly but at this point of time your not eligible for visa".. He gave me a sweet smile

I was thinking over what went wrong.. He and another girl was rejecting almost all the people before me.. But i think the real reason for my rejection are :

1. i said "onsite-offshore co-ordination" .. they dont really believe in that stuff with guys who have experiance of just 3 yrs like me..

2. They are fed up hearing SME.. dont use that word..

3. They dont knw anythin regarding rare technologies or anythin.. So it does it matter irf you say XGEN ( I doubt anyone in mainframe even know this) or COBOL.

My advice : Make sure that you convey your very best point in the first sentence itself. Being confident really doesnt matter i believe.. i hate to say but its true " luck plays a big part"
Best of luck!!

Hi,

My L1-B was rejected on March 30th.

VO: Who is your client?

A: Client Name

VO: What are you going to do in US?

A: I will be working on a ___ Development project. As part of this project I will be designing database and will be involved in development activities using Oracle PL/SQL, Unix Shell Scripting and Informatica.

VO: Informatica!!! Tools doesn’t come under specialized skills!

A: I was trying to tell him that PL/SQL and unix shell scripting are programming languages and not tools and informatica is one of the specialized skills I have, but he was no more interested to listen to me after hearing Informatica on the skills list. He was just interrupting me and went on to the next question

Q4: Why did they choose you for this?

A: I have been working with this application for 1 year and with this client for the last 1 and half years, so I have a strong knowledge on the application and on the clients business processes.


Then the VO said that he cannot approve the visa in the L1-B category and asked me to apply in L1-Individual or H1 category.
It looked like he had made up his mind to reject after hearing to Informatica. F **** as* h***, these bloody americans know very little about these technologies and they have a pre-determined mind set.

I would suggest, not to mention any generic tools in the skill set. But again it also depends on the interviewer you go to, because I have seen an approval from a different interviewer for a guy before me with only Informatica on his skills list.

Thanks to all who posted their experience and the moderators of this superb site. My interview scheduled at 8:45AM. I reached there by 8:00AM. After the security check and finger print check I went to the cash counter where I submitted the DD. After that I went to the interview hall and waited for my turn for half an hour.

Me: Hi Good Morning, How are you?
VO: Hi Good Morning.
Then she checked all my forms including I129S and something she typed in her computer. Then she asked me to keep the right finger for finger print scanning.
VO: Who is your client?
Me: My client is ZZZ.
VO: What you are going to do for your client?
Me: I started telling about my role at onsite.....
In between she interrupted and told 'that is enough, I know you could memories well' and smiled.
VO: Only YYYY company proprietary tools are required for this work?
Me: Yes. We have developed the company proprietary tools for the project to meet the client requirements.
VO: Everyone in your company can learn these tools and do this work and why you have selected for this job?
Me: I am the one having the specialized knowledge in ZZZ.... and told about my project and the modules I am expertise...
VO: Who developed these modules?
Me: I have developed these modules.
VO: How long you are working for this project?
Me: I am working in this project for the last three years.
She written something in the I129S form and given back the two copies to me and told 'Your visa is approved and you will receive with in a week time'
Me: Have a nice day. Thank you.

Tips:
1. Wear formals, I suggest to use tie also.
2. Smile and wish when you first enter into the interview counter.
3. Answer confidently and slowly, don’t get tensed.

Thanks to thiswonderful to site,I cleared my L1B interview yesterday..Got some unexpected questions.Process till the final interview was very smooth.

Me:Good morning sir(big smile)
VO:GM,how are you?
Me:Iam doing good,How are you?
VO:Fine,So how long have you worked with xxx?
Me:answered
VO:Who is your client?
Me:answered
VO:How long with your client?
Me:Answered
VO:Wht do u do for the client?
Me:design dev,and imp in specialised skills,blah blah
VO:So are you producing the software?
Me:Infact am developing the software
VO:You alone?
Me:I have a 4 member team
VO:Whats the difference between you and others?
Me:explained based on my experience.
VO:Are other clients using the specialised skill that you use?
Me:yes
Vo:If others are already using then what are you doing now?
Me:Its already implemented using .Net we are doing it in Java for our client...

He seemed happy with this answer and started signing the petition..and then the golden words came..

Dont panic if you get different questions..Answer spontaneously and confidently..

hi all,

My company initiated L1b blanket visa for me. They are planning to send me for a production management project. Will it be any chance for rejection if it is a production support project?

Please help me. Can i inform my VO about my production management project?

Regards,
Rahul

Thanks to moderator's of the site, I was well prepared with the questions
VO: Which project?
me:project name
VO:what are you going to do for this client?
me:Blah Blah
VO: what is your specialised knowledge?
me:Blah Blah
VO: You dont have specialised knowledge.
me:But..
VO:Thats My decision.
me:What have you done for this tool?
VO:coding.Blah Blah(details)
me:how many team members?
VO:told the number

he finally signed and mentioned the golden words