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L1A Individual & L2 Visa Experience – Biometrics at Mumbai & Consular Interview in Chennai (April 2025)
Hi Everyone,
I hope this post helps anyone preparing for their L1A visa journey, especially those applying along with L2 dependents. Here's a detailed account of our recent experience, including key tips and practical pointers.
Appointment Details:
Appointment Booked On: 11th April 2025 (via Traveldocs)
Biometric Appointment: 21st April 2025 at Mumbai VAC
Consular Interview: 25th April 2025 at Chennai
Visa Type: L1A Individual (with L2 for spouse and child aged 5)
🔸 Biometric Appointment – Mumbai VAC
We reached the Mumbai VAC around 2:30 PM for our 3:00 PM slot. Since there's no waiting area, we waited across the road until our time was called. Entry is strictly based on the appointment time.
Only Below Documents Asked at VAC:
Passports
DS-160 Confirmation
Appointment Confirmation
Passport Photo (only for the child)
Process:
Once inside, you’ll go to the 1st floor.
Counter 1: They verify your DS-160, affix a sticker to the back of your passport, and stamp your DS-160 confirmation.
Counter 2: They collect biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
🔸 Children below 14 do not need to be present for biometrics. Just carry their passport-size photograph.
Important Notes:
Do NOT carry phones, bags, or electronic devices. Locker facilities are available inside for ₹500.
If you need urgent document corrections or printing, there’s a xerox shop at the exit—but be cautious: DS-160 corrections are charged at ₹3000 and printouts at ₹500.
Alternatively, head to a nearby cyber café (e.g., near Kurla Station – 2 km or Vidyanagri – 3.6 km).
🔸 Consular Interview – Chennai VAC
Our interview was scheduled for 8:00 AM, and we reached by 7:30 AM. A staff member with a tablet verified our appointment and passports outside before allowing entry.
Steps Inside:
Security Check
Move to an adjacent building for document verification and wait for your turn.
🔸 Again, children under 14 are not required to attend the consular interview.
Only Below Documents Asked at VAC:
Passports
DS-160 Confirmation
Appointment Confirmation
I-797 (for L1A applicant) - 1 Copy
Passport Photo (for the child) - 1 Photo
✅ No other documents were asked.
Visa Interview Questions:
Is this your first time applying for an L1A Visa? ➝ Yes
Which company do you work for? ➝ I mentioned the company name and gave a brief about the business.
No questions asked to spouse
We were then asked for fingerprints (left hand for me and spouse). And then came the Golden words: ✨ “Congratulations, your visa is approved.” ✨
Stay Recommendation – Chennai
We stayed at The Park Hotel, which is diagonally opposite the VAC, just a 2/3 minute walk. The room rent was around ₹8000 (bed & breakfast). While the in-house food is pretty pricey, there are several restaurants and even a McDonald's right across the street.
Biometric Appointment: 03-Apr-2025, 12:00 PM
Visa Interview: 04-Apr-2025, 9:30 AM
I had to travel from Bangalore to Chennai for the visa process. I booked an early morning flight at 7:30 AM on the 3rd. Unfortunately, due to heavy traffic, I reached the boarding area by 7:10 AM, just as the boarding bus was leaving. Despite requesting the staff, they denied boarding.
I immediately booked the next available flight and reached Chennai airport around 12:00 PM. From there, I rushed to the metro and caught the 12:06 PM train. I got down at AG-DMS metro station, took an auto, and reached the biometric center by 12:55 PM—just in time for my appointment.
On the interview day, no electronic devices were allowed inside. After entering, I was directed to the security deposit counter, where they asked for a credit card to pay the deposit.
I had two cards, but both had international transactions disabled. I even tried using my wife’s card, but it was not accepted. I was asked to write down my name on paper and was given one hour to come back with payment.
I rushed back to the hotel, enabled international transactions, and returned.
I completed the deposit process successfully.
The staff mentioned to inform the HR team to ensure this does not happen in future cases.
Honestly, the interview itself was quite smooth. The real review seems to happen at counters 7, 8, and 9, where the technical officers assess your profile. After reviewing my documents, the Visa Officer noticed my company name and background and seemed impressed. I sensed a positive response.
Here’s how the conversation went:
Which company do you work for?
How long have you been working there?
What is your role?
While explaining, I mentioned that I hold a patent. The Visa Officer paused, asked for more clarity, and I shared that it was filed as part of a team of four.
My company submitted a petition for an L1B visa under the specialized skills category. Since the petition was blanket, we needed to travel to Chennai from Hyderabad.
Biometrics Appointment: 4:00 PM on 23rd March '25
Visa Appointment: 8:00 AM on 24th March '25
We arrived in Chennai on 22nd March, and my company had booked us a stay at the IBIS Hotel, which is conveniently located near the consulate. We rested that day.
23rd March: We arrived at the biometrics center at 3:00 PM and waited for our appointment time. Arriving 15 minutes early is sufficient, as they only call people at their specific appointment times—there’s no need to queue up in advance.
You’ll need your appointment confirmation letter, your current passport, and the DS-160 confirmation page. They verify your documents first, then place a sticker on the back of your passport and send you to the next counter. During biometrics, they verify your name and date of birth, take all your fingerprints, and capture your photo.
Before leaving, ensure your DS-160 confirmation page is stamped, and you’re done with biometrics.
24th March: The hotel offered a free drop-off service to the consulate, which starts at 7:00 AM, so we used that. When we arrived, there was already a line outside. We joined the queue, and they checked the 8:00 AM appointment times before allowing us inside. Next, we placed all our documents in a tub for scanning and went through a security check. Note that no electronic devices (including smartwatches and AirPod cases) or cosmetics (such as lip balm or inhalers) are allowed.
Inside the consulate, there are multiple windows for different purposes. We waited for about 15 minutes before being sent to the cashier, where I submitted the demand draft provided by my employer and received a receipt. We then proceeded to the document verification window.
After verification, we waited in line for the interview. There were several windows, and personnel moved applicants to whichever window was free. We waited about 10 minutes in the queue. It was not completely silent, and we could hear other applicants' questions, although not clearly. We saw several approvals and rejections before it was our turn.
The Visa Officer (VO) was a woman in her 30s-40s, and she greeted us with a big smile. We handed over two copies of the I-129S, I-797, our passports, and the DS-160 form.
VO: Good morning!
Me: Good morning, Officer!
VO: Are you applying for L1A or L1B?
Me: L1B blanket
VO: How long have you been with your company?
Me: I’ve been with my current company for 2 years and 10 months.
VO: What is your special skill?
Me: I explained about our proprietary application, the features I developed, and their uses.
VO: What is your salary in the U.S.?
Me: I told her the monthly salary, and she asked for the annual amount.
To my spouse:
VO: Are you working?
Spouse: Yes, I’m a Senior Software Engineer at xxx company.
The officer then took our fingerprints, stamped our I-129S copies, and returned a stamped copy to us.
VO: Your visa is approved! Please carry these documents and present them at the port of entry.
Me: Thank you! Have a great day!
VO: You too!
The entire process took just about 2 minutes, and we left with smiles on our faces.
Since we didn’t bring our phones, several auto drivers asked if we had good news. If so, they’d ask for 1500 rupees, joking that it would make them happy since we’re going to earn dollars. I simply told them we’d walk, as the hotel was nearby, and we walked for about 10 minutes to get back. We had the complimentary breakfast at the hotel before heading out for some shopping at a nearby mall, as our return flight was scheduled for 8:00 PM.
Personal Tips:
Be confident. I noticed that the officers mainly observe how you present yourself and communicate. Don’t be anxious—speak clearly, slowly, and loud enough for them to hear.
Help Needed - Not seeing option to submit additional documents
Went for L1 interview and the officer approved I-129 and asked if I was traveling and I said yes, he then handed me the below instructions, but when I login I don't see the option - what could I do? How long does it usually take for this option to become available.
The officer told you that you are otherwise approvable, but you need your passport immediately for travel? No problem. We are returning your passport to you today and administratively refusing your application.
When ready to return your passport, please log on to your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv and select the "consular section instructed me to send more documents" option. Follow the instructions and return your passport to us to continue processing your application.
Firstly, Thank you for this greatest forum where we can see the visa experience for each category. This gives confidence about the current visa process.
I would like to share my experience as well.
I travelled to Chennai on 29th Jan 2025 and landed in the evening around 4pm. My biometrics(Chennai VAC) were on 30th Jan 2025 @11:00AM and visa appointment was on 31st Jan 2025 @11:00AM.
Biometrics:
1. For biometrics, Hardly it is a 15 mins process to complete. I reached biometrics entrance by 10:30am and security person verified my appointment time and allowed me inside. I see lot of people waiting outside and may be the *** for others or their appointment time not turned up. Once I visited the entrance, security person diverted me to first floor and they asked me to stand in a line for 5 mins and later they sent us to one more floor up where the actual process commences i.e, document verification for this we need visa appointment confirmation page, DS 160 form new + old(If you have), current passport. The team will do the verification and validation and they put the docs in the order and club them using a band. After this, they will add two stickers at the back of passport one is latest DS 160 form application id with barcode and second one about your name and passport number. After that, Need to join an another queue - where there are multiple counters ahead, they may send you to one of the counters where they will capture the finger prints, left four fingers and right four fingers and followed with left and right thumb and also they will capture your photo. Finally they will do the stamp as VAC Chennai with the current date on the DS 160 form and the same paper need to carry for visa appointment.
2. Next Day, i.e. 31st Jan 2025, one of the biggest days in my life(Visa Appointment). Literally, no sleep the before night. I wore a blazer, I carried all the supported documents in the transparent case folder. No mobiles were allowed. I reached venue by 10:30 AM and shown visa confirmation page to the security and they allowed me. After that, one person will proceed the system check for your details and then they will allow you inside the main door and there the metal detector and baggage scanning will go on. After that, we need to go into the next place where the documents need to be arranged in two sets i.e, 1. I129S and Blanket Petition Document first page, Current passport and back side of the DD (need to write passport number and the name). They will arrange this into an order and rubber band them. After this, they will move to another building inside, where the DD submission counter will do the verification and the generate the receipt. This may take some time because some people in the queue may be having issues with their DD and they will do the credit card payment or debit card payment (make sure international transactions are enabled). While standing in this queue, I can see the people coming with happy faces and luckily haven't seen any sad faces at all and absolutely no crowd. Once I received the receipt and moved to the next counter where they proceed the system check for my DS160 and others. They have done the validation, and then finally asked me to join in the visa interview queue. I have see only two counters were open, I was asked to wait in one queue where the lady is interviewing one person and their visa got approved and while other counter done with their visa and they got approved and I moved to that counter. Here is my experience with visa officer
1. Me : Good Morning officer, How are you?
VO : He said "I am fine"
2. Me : I have passed my documents (He scanned my DS160 bar code and I think my data reflects on his system)
VO:He asked are you for applying for L1A
Me: Officer, I am applying for L1A blanket"
3. VO: "Which company are you working for"
Me: XYZ
4. VO:what is your designation in US"
Me:XYZ
5. VO: what is your salary in US?
Me: Answered
5. VO:How many reportees will report to you in US"
Me: XYZ
6. VO:Do you do "Hire and fire authority"
Me:Yes/NO
7. VO: He asked how many reportees for you in US ?
Me: As said, again repeated the answer
8. VO: are you married -
Me: Yes,
9: VO: Kids?
Me: Answered.
10. VO:Why they have not joined with you now ?
Me: I have explained the reason and said they will join with me in the couple of months in US.
11. VO: Finally, they asked me to scan the four fingers and while doing this he stamped on my DS160 form and the golden words from him as "Congratulations, I am approving your visa" Please show this to immigration authorities while travelling. Happy Journey.
What a moment this that was! where people can see the happiness which cannot be bought.
I went for my L1b (Blanket) Visa interview. Travel to US is planned in July 15, 2025 (mentioned in my I-129s as well). VO gave 221g White Slip (with a note to come back within 90 days of planned travel to USA) and returned passport. Anybody else know about this restriction? I previously thought you can apply for Visa for travel in next 6 months.
One more thing, she did take my fingerprints of left hand at the end of the interview. Passport returned.
Folks - Can you please tell me if i can take photo copies of my work permit documents to prove my legal status in Canada. I actually lost my permit documents.
L1-B and L2 VISA (Dependents Spouse and Kid) - VISA Approved - Jan 2025 - Chennai
Thanks to this community for sharing their experiences. This has definitely helped me a lot. I went through most of the post here till 2022. I ll try to cover some information which is not covered by other posts here.
This is the 2nd time i'm applying for L1B VISA, last time was in 2013 and it was approved as well.
I had scheduled my bio metrics on Jan 5th(monday) and VISA interview on 6th (Tuesday). I had submitted my DS-160 on Dec 13th itself. I had arranged all the required documents, original certificates, paystubs, etc. We need to carry all the documents in a transparent folders.
One week before the interview I was checking all the documents and I found out that I had entered my salary info in the DS-160 wrongly. MY DS-160 was already submitted, I was taken aback. During my last visa interview time(2013) my wife’s DS-160 there was one correction. VAC staffs had asked to get it corrected. I remembered that, I checked the FAQ’s in the US consulate site where they have mentioned that DS-160 can be corrected after submitting. There is no need to change the appointment date for the same.
*So in case of any changes to DS-160, you always have a chance to edit it. Just you need to carry both the DS-160s*
I stayed in Hotel Savera which is quite near to the consulate. I started from blr a day before and reached Chennai by 2pm.
Next day my biometrics was scheduled at 12pm. I started from hotel in a ola taxi and reached the venue at 11.10am. I though since I had a kid with me they ll allow immediately but that was not the case. That day there were lot of applicants. There were two lines, one for the drop-offs and other for the normal one standing on the road. If you are early security ll say go and stand on the other side of the road, come when time is up. I waited till 11.45am and went to the security but still they denied saying 11.30 appointment people are still waiting u come at 12pm. Then some how I convinced them at 12pm saying we have kid we need to go. He allowed.
*Please don’t come to the venue very early, try to come on time that is more than enough. *
Once we enter, it hardly takes 20mins and you will be out of the building. In VACs they ll ask you for some basic details like name and DOB to cross check the application.
Docus required for VAC – Biometrics
- Appointment confirmation page
- Original Passport
- DS-160
The staffs will bundle these documents and put one sticker on your passport. This you need to carry for the interview. They ll not ask for any other documents, but you can carry if you want just in case of any corrections.
Jan 7th – VISA interview. – 10.30am appointment
I got up early had a light breakfast. Got ready by 9.30am and was trying to be relaxed. Got an Auto and reached the US consulate at 10.20am. to my surprise I didn’t see any queue, not even a single applicant outside. There will be one staff out side the consulate, he will check the appointment document, he checked and asked me to go in.
1st stop : security check. One lady had brought on lipstick along with her, they asked her to throw it out. I didn’t carry any electronics items not even my car keys. Just the documents. So hassle free security check.
2nd stop: Documents collection. Here one staff will ask you to give 2 copies of i-129s, 2 copies of i-797, DS-160 confirmation , DD for anti fraud fee and your original passport. They ll bundle and hand it over to you.
Now you will be directed to the next building where the VISA interview ll happen.
3rd stop: Anti fraud fee DD will be checked here. I had addressed the DD to “American consulate general’ place Chennai. It worked. Dont forget to write your full name and passport number behind the DD. The staff checked and asked me to remove the extra tags in the DD, both the sides of the DD there will be tag holes for printer. I removed it carefully better to take care of these at home than the last minute. Here I was handling all the documents of myself and dependents in the counters. Dependents were asked to be seated.
4th stop: I-129, documents check. It’s a different counter next to the DD counter. I could see the staff was checked my Petition number against her screen. All ok here and was directed to the next one.
5th stop: Interview. I could see around 15-20 people standing in the queue here. Completely pin drop silence here. That is where all the nervousness builds up. Since we had a kid the staff asked me to bypass the queue and go to the front. Here I could see the counters for interview may be around 5-8 counters. 3 applicant in each counter and they ll be called for the interview one by one. I was asked to stand in one queue where the VO was a lady. She was asking questions to the applicant. I could easily hear those as they will be communicating via a mic and speakers. We can here all the interview questions. I got to know from those question that the applicant is working for one of the TOP company is the US (one of the FAAMG). Don’t know here I can take company names. The VO’s question was “The work which you are supposed to do in the US, why cant an American experienced IT professional do it” I had prepared for this question and lady was trying to explain slowly. I thought better to concentrate on my own interview than this and started seeing somewhere else. By now I was asked to move to the next counter where there were 2 applicants before me. 1st one the interview was on and the question was “what is your salary in the US”. Applicant answered it and from the other side “your VISA is APPROVED”. Next one was a visitors VISA and same basic questions and here again “your VISA is approved”. I was thinking hopefully I hear the same words. Meanwhile in the next counter the interview which I talked earlier ended by saying “your VISA is denied and please contact your HR ”. Menawhile the officer called me.
Me: Good morning Officer
VO : Good morning . Please pass the documents
VO: Are you applying for L1A or L1B VISA
Me: I took a sec and said L1B. I was fully nervous and I cld feel that.
VO: What is your role in the US
Me. I said something else than my current role and immediately corrected it. Nervous again.
VO: So ***** is your role (re confirmed)
Me: YES
VO: What is your salary in the US ?
Me. I said in Indian number system instead of US where I used one lakh instead of one hundred thousand. VO was ok with that.
VO: Which place you are going to in US ?
Me: specified city and state name
VO: You were there earlier ?
Me: Yes
VO: What do you do in your role in US ?
Me. I had prepared 4 points for this questions and ended for saying 3. VO was ok
He asked My wife to come forward. I took over my kid from her.
VO to my Wife: are you working ?
Wife: No
VO to my wife, please place your 4 fingers in the scanner and by this time I understood that my VISA is approved. VO asked me to place my fingers on the scanner and said “your VISA is approved don’t forget to get your I-129s stamped at the immigration”. Said Thank you and we left the place. I saw the time it was 10.50am. we reached hotel by 11am.
Things to follow. In your appointment documents Do’s and Don’t’s are mentioned. Just follow that. In case of any doubts try to clarify it in the US consulate website FAQ’s. I think most of us are nervous, prepare a list of questions, practice it repeatedly because the questions might sound new even though its known basic info, you might blabber during the interview because of the environment there. Be confident .
VISA interview on 7th and i received the Passport on Jan 15th. I had opted for Premium delivery but still got it late. i had contacted the US consulate customer care they mentioned that it takes 7-10 business days excluding weekends and holidays. This might be the reason.
Standard Auto charge: 200rs to any nearby hotel to VAC or consulate. Don’t book taxi, if the distance is small they ll not come and not cancel the trip also. This might delay.
Everyone were wearing a formal attire, I suggest ladies to be dressed professionally as the girl who got rejected was wearing a salwar. Better to be dressed professionally. What is destined to happen will happen do your best.
L1-B Blanket Application - VISA Approved- Chennai - 06 Dec 2024
Firstly, Thanks to this portal and the people for sharing their experience. I felt like, i also need to contribute to this portal by sharing my experience.
I have scheduled my Biometrics and Consular appointment on 05 Dec 2024 and 06 Dec 2024 respectively in Chennai. I have reached Chennai a day before (04 Dec 2024) and checked into Accord Metropolitan Hotel, which is 2kms from both Chennai VAC (Biometrics) and US Consulate.
My Bio-metrics appointment was on 12PM at Chennai VAC. I have reached the location by 11:30AM. Mobile phones, Bags, smart watches and any kind of electronic goods are not allowed inside. So, i have kept everything in hotel and just took the documents.
Required docs in Biometrics,
1. Original Passport,
2. Appointment Confirmation printout,
3. DS-160 Confirmation Page.
That's All. Nothing more. Don't carry all the i129S, i797 and etc. Nothing required. I see many people carrying whole bunch of documents, don't know why.
They allowed me inside at 11:30AM, Process just takes 10-15 mins max. I am out and reached back hotel by 11:50AM (My appointment was 12PM, lol)
Next comes the big day, My Appointment was at 10AM. I have got ready by 8AM and started arranging my Docs in order.
I have started from hotel by 9:30AM and reached consulate by 9:40AM. Again, no electronic items allowed inside. Just a digital watch and your hotel key can be taken.
There was not much queue at the entrance, they have checked my appointment Confirmation letter and allowed me inside.
First there will be a security check, just like At the airport, you have to keep everything in a tray and they will scan you.
Next you will enter another room where one person will be sitting and he will ask the type of Visa, if it is L1B VISA, he will give a checklist in which order you need to keep your documents.
Documents order:
1. 2 copies of i129S ( All pages)
2. 2 copies of i797 ( only First page)
3. DS-160 Confirmation Page
4. DD for Anti-fraud Fee and write your name and Passport number on the back of the DD (Or) Ignore if you are carrying Credit which has International transaction enabled for
42000
5. Original Passport
He will verify all the order and asks to proceed to Consulate Building. After entering Security will ask you to sit and wait for Anti-fraud fee payment. Here it took good 15-20 mins waiting for me, as many people were in line for the payment, and some are having issues with their DD and credit cards. So, please wait patiently here and wait for your turn. As I wait for my turn, i see many applicants (L1B) were happy while leaving as their Visa got approved and few were (F1) sad as their VISA didn't get approved. Try to keep your cool here, as humans it is quite natural to get nervous, but keep it together and maintain your cool.
The person who takes the payment is chill and talked everyone out to cheer them while they pay. after the payment, he will ask to go to the next counter.
At this counter, your documents will be checked and verified for correct petition number, DS-160 details, i129S details and passport.
After the verification, they will ask to proceed for the interview.
Here it comes.
As I reached near the Counter, The VISA officer in that counter was talking to her colleague and she took 3-5 mins as I was standing and waiting for her. But that's Ok,
finally, she near the counter and apologized for the delay.
Me: Good morning, Officer (Passed the documents through counter window)
VO: Good morning.
VO: How long have you been working with your organization?
Me: gave exact experience with years and months.
VO: What is your US Salary?
Me: Gave the exact number
VO: Can you tell me about your Specialization?
Me: Explained about my specialized skills in 2-3 sentences and explained how I have used it in my project.
(In half-way through my explanation, VO stamped on my i-129S and wrote the VISA expiration date. I have understood that my visa is approved.)
VO: Keep your left hand 4 fingers on the scanner.
VO: Your VISA is approved. Do not forget to show this form (Stamped i-129S) in immigration when you travel. You will receive your passport through courier in 7 days.
Me: Thank you, Officer. (With all smiles on my face)
That's all it took for me. I was very nervous and Anxious before the day and while waiting for my turn because my Student Visa got rejected twice back in 2012 at the very same consulate. But Now I'm professional with vast experience, I did manage to maintain my cool while answering VO's Questions. That helped me.
Things to remember, it’s safe to carry extra set of documents, but apart from the above mentioned you don't need to carry anything else. But please carry, your educational certificates, Experience letters and paystubs. because you never when VO will ask for which document. it's better have all originals with you.
I see 95% of the L1B Visas are getting approved, because we professionals and possess specialized skills.
So, take a chill pill and attend your interview with confidence.
All the best for your interviews.
First of all, i am really thankful to all the people who shared their experiences on Immihelp. I would like to share my experience for L1B blanket Visa interview @ Chennai on 12th Nov 2024.
I already have a valid L1B visa, which was approved in March 2024 and was valid till March 2027. However, since the blanket petition was expiring on 31st Dec 2024, had to reapply with new petition.
I had my biometrics done at Mumbai on 3rd November. Although it was Sunday, the center was operational. The biometric process is quite simple. Just carry the passport and DS160 confirmation. It took merely 15 mins to get through.
Now coming to the big day.
My L1B consular interview was scheduled on 12th November at Chennai. Thanks to God that i checked the weather beforehand and carried an umbrella. it was pouring on that day in Chennai. My appointment was at 8:30. I stayed in Kings Park hotel which is just 5-10 mins walk from consulate.
I started from the hotel at 7:45.
At the entry there was a long queue and all the applicants in the queue were of 8-8:30 slots.
After verification of Visa appointment letter, the security staff let me in.
Inside, there is a counter where a person asked the Visa type. On telling L1B, he gave me a pamphlet in which the documents to be presented were mentioned.
1) Two sets of I-129S and I-797
2) DS160 confirmation (carry the one which is stamped at OFC)
3)DD for fraud prevention fee.
He put rubber bands on the document sets and asked me to proceed to next building.
At the entrance of the next building there was provision to keep the umbrellas.
On entering the building, i was asked to join a queue for DD submission.
Unfortunately, my DD was not legible and the officer at the counter respectfully rejected it. I was carrying credit cards as a backup and paid the fees (inr 42000) using the CC.
The officer provided a receipt stapled to my Documents and then i was sent to another counter, where after some verification i joined the queue for the actual interview.
The interview went as below:
Me: Good Morning Officer, How are you doing today?
Off: I am well thanks, how about you?
Me: I am fine too thanks.
Off: So , how long have you been working for XXX (My company)?
Me: 17 Years.
Off: Well, that is a pretty long time.
Me: Yes, it is.
(She stamped my I129S after first question itself, so i knew that the Visa was approved, the following questions were just formality)
Off: What will be your salary in the US?
Me: XXXXXX USD. ( Be sure that the salary in DS160, I129S is matching and tell the same to the officer)
Off: Tell me something about your expetise?
Me: I explained it in two lines (no technical jargon)
Off: Your Visa is approved. You will receive your passport after stamping. "Safe travels"
Me: Thanks you vey much, you have a nice day ahead.
Thats all.... it lasted for less than 2 minutes.
Key points:
1) Try to book a hotel close to consulate to avoid travelling hassles.
2) As far as possible, reach Chennai a day in advance and get an appointment for next day early morning. (This is my feeling that officer is generally in good mood early in the morning)
3) Carry pay stubs, ITR, Degree certificates, letter from your company corroborating length of your employment. Although i have never been asked for any of these documents (in my last three visa interviews), it is better to carry them anyways.
4) Do not carry mobile, smart watch etc. I did not even carry keys or wallet, just carried some loose notes and CC in my shirt pocket.
5) No need to wear a blazer, but dress formally.
6) Keep our answers short and to the point. If in doubt, ask the officer to repeat he question.
When i was waiting for my turn, i was observing the other interviews and almost all the Visas were getting approved.
So be prepared and all the best for your Visas friends.
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.
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