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L1A Blanket Visa + L2 for Wife and 2 Kids Approved at Chennai
This forum helped me a lot in getting an idea about the overall interview process and made things easier. Adding my experience so that others can get benefitted.

Biometric: 8th Feb, 2023
Visa interview: 9th Feb, 2023

Reached Chennai a day before Biometric. Stayed at Hotel Raj Park Chennai. it is close to VAC and US consulate. Easy to get auto from outside hotel and reach these centers within 10-15 mins.

For Biometric, reached 30 mins prior to appointment. Remember to carry mask for kids as well, else they will not allow you inside. Stood in the queue for 10 mins before they let us in for document verification. Following docs needed:

1. Passport for self + dependents
2. DS-160 confirmation for all applicants
3. Appointment confirmation for all applicants

Kids under 14 years of age need not accompany as mentioned under instructions in appointment letter but my kids accompanied me. Also, it’s better to carry 2in x 2in white background photographs for all applicants though they did not ask the same for all of us. They captured photographs for myself, wife and 1 kid (12 years old). They asked to show photograph for my kid (3 years old) and told to submit the same during interview scheduled for next day. They verified name and DOB and stamped all DS160 forms for myself and dependents. Please ensure to verify stamping on DS160 forms for all the members before you leave consulate. The entire process hardly took 30 minutes.

Note: They have a facility on the ground floor to take photos and printouts if you need any. If you face any issue with a photo, like the VAC center not approving it for some reason, you can submit it at the time of the interview.

On the day of the interview, reached the center 45 mins prior to the appointment time. Waited for 10 mins and then joined security check queue. First, they do a security check for all your belongings, and then they let you in. Ensure not to carry any bag, mobile etc. At the first counter, they asked to arrange the documents in following order.

• Appointment Confirmation
• Demand Draft (asked me to write full name and passport number on back of Demand draft)
• DS160 for myself only
• I-129S (two copies)
• I-797 First Page only (two copies)
• Passports for all dependents (They did not ask for Old passports)

Note: They did not ask for any other documents during entire interview process.

As I was having kids with me, they asked me to skip the queue and make to next building. I was asked to stand in queue and they allowed my dependents to go inside the building. After 10 mins, I entered into building and they asked me to go to the payment counter, where you need to pay 500$ fees. The person at the counter asked names of dependents along with my organization name. They attach the payment receipt to the document set.

Then I moved to next room where my dependents were waiting. I joined another queue and after waiting for almost 15 mins, was asked to join another queue in adjoining hall where interviews were getting conducting. They were two queues having lot of people. As I was having kids, they asked me to skip the queue and asked me to move to next available counter. Here my documents were verified. I also handed over one of my kid's photo. They scanned it and returned back me the original one. Then I was asked to go to next available counter for final interview. I got my turn within 5 mins. I proceeded to interview window along with my dependents. The interview went as follows.

Me: Good morning Sir. How are you doing?
VO: Good morning. Can I have your documents?
Me: Handed over documents

VO: What is your current company name?
Me: Answered.

VO: What is your Job Title?
Me: Answered.

VO: Since how long you are working with current company?
Me: Answered.

VO: How much experience do you have in Managerial role?
Me: Answered.

VO: Are you going to USA first time?
Me: Answered.

VO: Where are you going to USA?
Me: Answered (I mentioned Client name and Client address)

VO: Would you be working at client office or company office?
Me: Answered.

VO: How many direct reportees will be in USA?
Me: Answered.

VO: What are job titles of direct reportees?
Me: Answered.

VO: Do you have hire and fire authority?
Me: Answered.

VO: Asked me to scan fingers
Me: Done.

VO: Did not ask any question from my wife except spouse name. Asked my wife to scan her fingers.

VO: I am approving your visa. Please secure this green slip and all the best.

VO: He kept Original Passports, one copy of I-129S and I-797 and returned back one stamped copy of I-129S form and I-797

The entire process took around 1 hour. I received all the visa stamped passports on 12th Feb.

Thanks
All Replies (0)
L1 A Blanket + 3 L2 Experience in Chennai Consulate
Hi All,
I am sharing below my L1 A Blanket + 3 L2 Experience in Chennai Consulate

Feb 1st 2023: Interview Experience
Questions:
• Visa type - Is it specialized or Managerial Category?
• What will be your US salary?
• Which Location in the US?
• About previous L1A rejection
• About speeding ticket which I have mentioned in DS-160
• How many reportee's you will have in the US?

Feb 1st 2023:
- https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx - "Approved"
- https://atlas.my.salesforce-sites.com/ - "Passport is still with the US Embassy or Consulate"

Feb 10th 2023:
- https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx - "Approved"
- https://atlas.my.salesforce-sites.com/ - "Document Delivery Information:"

Feb 17th 2023 11:00 AM:
- https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx - "Issued"
- https://atlas.my.salesforce-sites.com/ - "Passport has been received from the consular section and is currently being processed for delivery"

Feb 17th 2023 4:00 PM:
- https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx - "Issued"
- https://atlas.my.salesforce-sites.com/ - "your passport is ready for pickup"

Feb 19th 2023 3:00 PM:
- I collected the passport

• I had ticket for excessive speeding and I was also finger printed for the same during 2012, I have highlighted about this during my visa interview and also I emphasized the visa officer to take a look at the papers. He collected the papers and mentioned that he will scan and add that to my file so that it will be there for reference.
• Because of the above case, I am sure mine should have gone to security check. But only thing was the status in ceac was Approved and it did not get changed to Administrative Processing.
• In between I dropped an email to check the status but I got a below standard reply. Post that I stopped checking the status frequently
o "Your visa application is under processing at the Embassy/Consulate. Also, when additional administrative processing is required, the length of processing time will vary based on the circumstances of each case hence it cannot be expedited"
• If you are in similar situation, My only advice is don’t think too much or keep checking the status. Try diverting your thoughts, Because you could not do much except reading some experiences from such forums
• But, what I have seen in these forums are, There are so many who have reported the problem. But it is un fortunate to see not many have come back to update their final status
• Hope my experience helps you
All Replies (0)
L1B Blanket visa (+ L2 for wife and 2 kids) approved at Chennai
This forum helped a lot in getting an idea about the process and made things easier. Adding my experience so that others can get benefitted.

Biometric: 15th Feb, 2023
Visa interview: 16th Feb, 2023

Reached Chennai a day before Biometric. Stayed at The Park Chennai. It's close to VAC and US consulate. It's easy to get cab/auto from any online booking app and reach these centers within 5-10 mins. Remember to carry a mask, else they will not allow you inside.

For Biometric, reached 30 mins prior to appointment. Stood in the queue for 20 mins before they let us in for document verification.

Documents needed:

1. Passport for self + dependants
2. DS-160 confirmation for all applicants
3. Appointment confirmation for all applicants

Kids under 14 years of age need not accompany you, but you can carry all the documents. Also, it's better to carry 2in x 2in white background photographs (read photo requirements carefully) for all applicants. They have a facility on the ground floor to take photos and printouts if you need any. You can get a photo done in 5 mins (Rs 300 for 6 copies). If you face any issue with a photo, like the VAC center not approving it for some reason, you can submit it at the time of the interview. It's better to take kids along with you in case something goes wrong with VAC.

At the day of the interview, reached the center 30 mins prior to the appointment time. They were already letting in people for our slot, so maybe reaching 45 mins earlier as well is not a bad idea. First, they do a security check for all your belongings, and then they let you in. At the first counter, they ask you to arrange the documents.

1. First 8 pages for I-129S
2. First page of I-797 (this shows L1 blanket approval)
3. Passports of all applicants
4. Any other supporting documents (this is optional and would be needed in case VO asks for it)

Carry at least 2 copies for I-129S and I-797. Next, they will let you to the payment counter, where you need to pay 500$ fees. Though they mention on their website that cash is accepted, the person at the counter said he would only accept cash if a credit card does not work. So Card/DD is the preferred mode of payment. The person mentioned that they are trying to reduce cash transactions. Also, note that ONLY credit is accepted and not debit cards. The credit card must have international transactions enabled. Post the payment, they will give you the payment receipt and attach it to the document set.

After waiting for almost 45 mins, we got the chance to meet the VO. The interview went as follows.

Me: Good morning officer. How you doing?
VO: Good morning. Can I have your documents?

(Handed over document set).

VO (to my wife): Whats your highest qualification? (it was a surprise since the first question was asked to my wife. VO did not ask any other questions to her after that.)

VO: Who is your petitioner?
Me: Answered.
VO: can you tell me more about the project you are working on?
Me: Answered.
VO: What is your job profile?
Me: Answered.

VO: I am approving your visa. Have safe travels.

--------------------------------

Takeaways:

Just be dressed formally and prepare well for frequently asked questions. If the documents are well in-order, this should suffice.
All Replies (0)
L1A + 3 Dependent
Biometrics : 13 - Feb -2023 - 11 AM
Visa Interview : 14-Feb-2023 - 11.30 AM
Location : Chennai

Thanks to the forum who has provided more info to prepare the interview

Questions Asked :
VO : How long you are working in current company?
Me : Answered
VO : What is your special Skill? ( Since I was travelled 10 year back in L1-B , the office has seen previous travel history, which made him ask this questions though i went in L1A)
Me : Answered
VO : Explain your Special Skill?
Me : Answered
VO : Asked my Son : How old are you ? Have you been in US before ?
Me : My Son answered.
VO : VISA is approved. Status as of now Issued from Approved.

I could able hear other candidate who was giving interview in L1A & L1B , both are approved.

L1 A Candidate 1

VO : Where are you going ?
VO : What is your salary?
VO : Do you have hire and fire authority?
VO : How many reportees are there?
VO : Visa Approved

L1B Candidate 1:

VO : What is your location?
VO : Explain your special Skill?
VO : Could bit elaborate ?
VO : Visa Approved
All Replies (0)
L1A individual visa with 2 dependent L2 at Calgary consulate (DS160 status shows Approved since 24th Jan 2023 and no progress since then)
Hello Everyone,

I had my visa interview on 24th Jan 2023 and the DS160 status changed to “APPROVED” the same day with the status message as “Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received it in more than 10 working days, please see the webpage for contact information of the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General Calgary.”

Its been more that 15 days (10 working days) and the status is still the same. Called the helpline number as well as emailed them but got a very canned answer to keep checking CEAC website for updates.

Anyone else in same or similar situation? Please advise
All Replies (1)
Feb 3rd 2023 - MY L1A Blanket VISA Experience: Toronto Canada with in Person Interview and Biometrics' appointment same day
A typical L1A visa experience includes the following steps:

Preparation of documents: This includes a detailed company and individual background, proof of the company's qualification as a multinational company, and evidence of the applicant's executive or managerial role in the company.

Submission of application: The application is usually submitted at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's home country. The visa fee, supporting documents, and the visa application form are submitted along with the application.

Interview: The applicant may be required to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information in the application and to assess the applicant's eligibility for the visa.

Processing time: The processing time for an L1A visa varies and can take several weeks to several months.

Approval or denial: The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will notify the applicant of their decision to approve or deny the visa application.

If the visa is approved, the applicant can then travel to the United States and start working for the company. The L1A visa is valid for a maximum of 7 years for executives and managers, with the possibility of renewals.

(1.) Demand Draft (Fraudulent fee for only L1 Blanket) If paying with DD.
1. DS160 Primary applicant only (dependants not required)
2. Passport (All dependants)
3. I-129S (two copies)
4. I-797 (First page only, two copies)

Me: Hello Officer, how are you today?
VO: I am good! yes, yup very Busy (with a smile)

VO: Can I see your petition and passport please.
Me: Absolutely, handed over the documents.

VO: What is the VISA you are applying for?
Me: L1A Blanket for me and L2 for my wife and Kids.

VO: Can you tell me about your Company?
Me: We are a XXXX Company, We provide XXX Services such as XXX, XXXX and XXX. I work in XXX department as a Manager, working since last 2.3 years as a Manager.

VO: What will be you Roles and Responsibilities in US?
    1. Manage business stakeholders by overseeing product delivery timelines are met, road map is aligned according to their business goal and manage multiple team by reviewing status reports and govern hiring process
    2. Scaling up technology delivery in strategic areas across multiple accounts. Overseeing the quality, efficiency and optimization of products implemented
    3. Most importantly, Engage with customer leadership and existing clients to mine for new avenues to generate revenue and additional business opportunities

VO : Do you manage one project ? (Trick Question)
Me : No ; I manage multiple accounts

VO : How many reportees you manage
Me: 16

VO : Salary in USA
Me: Answered (While answering I could already see the Stamp Pad duding down on my I129S)

VO : Congratulations your Visa is approved
Me: Thank you officer ! Have a great day ahead!
All Replies (0)
MY L1A Blanket VISA Experience: L1A+L2 (2D Kids under 14years) with in Person Interview and Biometrics' appointment at Chennai (Both on same Day)
Stayed at Hotel The Park (Very close to US Consulate), 900 Meters from ofc (Biometrics)

Appointment Details: 23rd Jan 2023. 08:30 AM Biometrics, 11:30 AM US Consulate interview

23rd Jan 2023 08:30 ofc (Biometrics)

Reached Biometrics 30 mins prior (do not go early, as you must wait outside). Security will call out the timings and will ask you to queue, Once lined up, they check your appointment confirmation page along with your passport.

Remember, No electronic devices (Mobile, Smart Watch, Laptop etc.. ) are allowed, However if you carry your mobile they will ask you to switch off the mobile. You will then be asked to floor 1 where you queue up again in a lobby.

The security will then ask you to prepare the documents as below.

Appointment Confirmation
DS160
Passport (Old Passports not needed)

Once you sequence the documents in order, Security will then ask you to join the queue in second floor. Here the attendant will help you place DS160 (First page) in individual passports (As per the name in the passport). Then they will let you in to the security area, where a security guard will check your bags for any electronics.... Once done, they will ask to go to a counter where your individual passport and DS160 will be checked in detail (Remember, the name DOB should match exactly what is in passport if not they will not allow you further. Once they verify the name and DOB you will be asked to join another counter. Her is where they enter the details into Computer and a barcode is sticked behind your passport. Then you will have to join the main line where your Picture and Finger prints will be taken. The biometrics officer (Behind the glass) will ask you to read the Terms and will ask if you are ok with the terms. The terms are that you agree to take your Biometric and photo for Visa process.

They ask you two questions ‘What is your full name ?’ , ‘What is your birthdate ?’. Once confirmed with you Passport and DS-160 confirmation page. If you are carrying your kid’s passport in their absence you must confirm their name and DOB as well.

You will be asked to pose for photograph.
Then fingerprints Left hand side 4 fingers, right hand side 4 fingers and then both thumbs at a time.

They did not accept my kids photographs because of the photo background (It had to complete white background), asked me to submit kids photo's during my interview at the US Consulate. They also said I need to submit passport photos of all the applicants (including Myself, Wife and Kids) passport photos at the interview. I was not aware that I need to carry my/Wife photographs (No one mentioned this in the forum before, maybe it was a new process they started). Everyone who attended the biometrics were also confused, So everyone was rushing to the photobooth and getting their photographs because of this there was some rush.

Note: If they do not accept the Kids photographs (Which in many cases happen) DO NOT PANIC. In the ground floor there is Xerox and Photo studio who will help you with the photo needs, Just keep digital copy (Soft copy readily available in your email, if kids do not travel with you). They will also help you with your DS160 changes if any required.

Below is what they charged me.

300rs per Photograph (6 passport photocopies)
250rs for DS160 Corrections

Note: If you reach the city a day before your interview, I suggest visit the ofc (Biometrics) and get the photographs ready a day early, it takes 15 mins (Max).

23rd Jan 2023 - 11:30 Consulate Interview

Went to the Consulate 30 mins prior to appointment (11:00 AM)
At the Consulate entrance, you must show Passport and appointment letter to enter the premises. A security guard will ask you if you are carrying any electronics, Sanitizer, Power bank, Nail cutter or any sort of sharp objects, If yes, they will ask you to dump it in the bin as there is not locker facility available. (They did not let anyone take SIM cards as well). Once you confirm there is nothing, they will let you enter the premises. Once you enter the premises you must go through the security process (Similar to Airport) you have to place the Bag/Folder in a basket provided for scanning. Once you clear this you enter a lobby, where an attendant will ask you what type of Visa you are applying for (If L1) he will give you a laminated card which has the document sequence instructions.

sequence:
(1.) Demand Draft (Fraudulent fee for only L1 Blanket) If paying with DD.
1. DS160 Primary applicant only (dependants not required)
2. Passport (All dependants)
3. I-129S (two copies)
4. I-797 (First page only, two copies)

Once sequenced you are asked to take a seat in the lobby. They keep checking the queue and will let you in to next building once the line clears. You must stand in the queue in the next building (If you have kids, The Security will let them in and will ask to take a seat along with all dependants except the primary applicant.), In time the security will ask you to enter the building and will direct you to the Fee counter. The Attendant will ask you for the document set, here you must pay the L1 fraudulent fee (500$). The mode of payment can be in Cash, Demand Draft or Credit Card. Once the payment is done two copies of receipts are stapled to the I-129S, you are then asked to enter the interview lobby. In here you find a long queue and around 10 to 13 Counters where the live interview happens. You are asked to join the queue, you are initially directed to one of the first three counters where your kids and all your family (Who all are applying for the visa) photographs are scanned. Once done you are asked to join the queue again (Main interview queue). You will be directed to the VO window at your chance.

Me and my wife appeared for interview and asked below Questions.
Visa Officer: African American

Me: Hello Officer, how are you today? Busy day?
VO: I am good! yes, yup very Busy (with a smile)

VO: Can I see your petition and passport please.
Me: Absolutely, handed over the documents.

VO: What is the VISA you are applying for?
Me: L1A Blanket for me and L2 for my wife and Kids.

VO: How many Kids?
Me: 2 Kids.

VO: What is your current organization.
Me: XXX Company.

VO: Can you tell me about your Company?
Me: We are a XXXX Company, We provide XXX Services such as XXX, XXXX and XXX. I work in XXX department as a Manager, working since last 2.3 years as a Manager.

VO: Are you recruited as a Manager?
Me: Yes Officer.

VO: Great!
Me: Thank you!

VO: What will be you Roles and Responsibilities in US?
Me: Explained my US Roles and responsibilities.

VO: How long have you been working for the current Org?
Me: since last 2.3 years as a Manager

VO: What will be you designation in US?
Me: Sr Manager

VO: How many Reportees do you have.
Me: I have 7 Reportees 4 of them are in US 2 from IN and 1 from Near shore (Latin America- Argentina)

VO: Do you have control over Budget? If Yes, what is the Process?
Me: Yes, Explained the Project budget process.

VO: Which Location you will be working from
Me: Answered
 
He opens I-129S and glanced at employment from date and to Date. stamped my I-129s wrote visa exp date. (Visa Exp date is my Employment to date given on I-129S).

VO: Asked me to place my right-hand fingers on the Fingerprint Scanner and then scanned my left hand finger prints followed with two thumbs. Asked my wife to do same (No questions asked to my Wife)
Gave me one copy of I-129s along with the Fee Receipt (Receipt crossed with a pen by CO) and a Green Slip. Told me, We are approving your VISA for now and you will receive your passports in next 10 Days.

Me: Thank you Officer, I hope you have a good day (with a bright smile)
VO: Thank you! You too. (With a Smile)
All Replies (3)
Blanket L1B and 2 L2 approved: Chennai
We attended our Biometrics on 19th January 2023 at 8:30 am and interview at 10:30 on same day. Biometrics is smooth but it took almost 1 hour. My husband is main applicant.

After reaching consulate a person will be there who will help L Blanket applicants to arrange documents. After this fees to be paid (500 dollar), we paid through credit card. Next step to reach in front of visa officer.

Interview

VO: Please give fee receipt, DS160 and passports
Husband: Given
VO to Husband: Where are you going?
Husband: Answered
VO to Husband: what will be your salary at USA?
Husband: Answered
Vo to Husband: What is your specialization?
Husband: Answered
Vo to Husband: Will you join any other office?
Husband: Answered
Vo to My Daughter: How old are you?
Daughter: Answered
VO to Me: What is your higher qualification?
Me: Answered
VO to Me: Are you an Environmentalist?
Me: Answered
VO to Me: Had you applied for tourist Visa in 2015?
Me: Answered
Thank you I am approving your Visa, Safe travels.

She gave us one green receipt. We received 2 passports with VISA stamp on 21st January 2023, waiting for my passport.

Thanks to this forum, it gives us the idea of whole process.

All the best for All!!
All Replies (0)
One of the L2 dependent is not yet approved through DropBox when L1 and other L2 dependents are issued with Visa
Hi,

I am currently in India and had drop box appoint for my L1 Stamping along with my wife and 2 kids on 29th December. I submitted all required documents and I got visa “Issued” status for myself, my wife and my younger daughter. However, for my elder daughter (13 years old) I am still seeing “Application Received” status on CEAC status tracker.

It’s been 3 weeks now and her application is still under processing. I raised a query to US Consulate and they said its still under processing.

All 3 of us are getting status updated at the same time but not my elder daughter. Is this normal? I am really stuck here in India.

Have anyone seen such behavior? Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks
All Replies (0)
L1B Individual - Approved in Mumbai
Hi All,

This forum will be helpful to understand the Visa interview question and process with the experiences shared by individuals. Thank you all..

However, it may create some fear by reading the experiences, but read it to gain knowledge and prepare your answers.

Do not prepare essay's, its only 3-5min of interview, have your answers prepared in short and clear in 10-15 words, and talk more only if asked to explain in details.

I have prepared my questions and answers after reading many experiences on L1 and it was helpful, and i would like to share my experience on the same.

My L1B Individual petition got approved after the RFE and i got the slot booked for Biometric in Dec 2023 at Hyderabad and VAC in Mumbai for Jan 2023.

I am a HR Manager, and my petition was approved with Marketing Manager and i could clear the interview easily.

I would like to share with you all about my experience during my VAC Interview in Mumbai.

1. Be on-time reach 30-40min before your scheduled time.
2. Mobile can be deposited at Consulate with Rs.50 Charge.
3. Only Passport will be verified during the entry.
4. Security Check will be done just like Airport.
5. Then you will be sent in line to Verify you Passport and Original Approval Notice (This is for L1).
6. You will be moved to VAC Interview line, and they will guide you to keep the documents in Order.
7. Many interviews will happen for F1 Students, and they throw the passports based on their behaviors, but be cool don't get nervous by that.
8. Most important thing, do not listen to the questions asked to others, you may forget your answers.

Mostly for L1 you need to keep you Passport and Original Approval Notice ready.

Interview Process:

Officer asked to submit my passport and Approval Notice I-797. I was not asked to submit i-120 or any other documents.

Do not give any other documents until asked and followed with Interview questions.

Below are the Questions Asked and he was typing something and just saying ok, ok...

1. Are you applying for Specialized knowledge visa?

2. What does the company do?

3. What is your specialization?

4. What type of products does the company develop?

5. Where do you stay in US?

6. Where is your office location?

7. What is your salary in US and India?

8. What is your highest qualification?

9. How long you are working with your current company?

10. What is your title?

Finally, with a smile he said your visa is approved and have a good day.

Tip for Men: Go only in Business Formals with white shirt and be confident.

Note: It's just a casual discussion with an Officer, if your petition is approved, 90% is done, and 10% is on your confidence and body language. Talk to them like you talk to a new friend. you will crack the interview for sure.

Reply if you need more help, not for my answers please, be prepared with your own answers based on your petition and try take any friend help on mock interviews it will help to build the confidence for sure. Any help to guide on interview process you can reply here..

Thanks to all...
All Replies (4)

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Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.