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L1, L2 Visa
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Navigating L1 and L2 Visas
**Navigating L1 and L2 Visas**
The L1 and L2 visas are essential for companies transferring employees to the U.S. and for their families. The L1 visa allows intracompany transferees in managerial or specialized knowledge roles, while the L2 visa is for their dependents. Understanding the application process and requirements is crucial. Has anyone gone through the process recently and can share their experiences or tips?
Cheers
<a href="https://chatgptjapan.org/";>チャット GPT 日本</a>
The L1 and L2 visas are essential for companies transferring employees to the U.S. and for their families. The L1 visa allows intracompany transferees in managerial or specialized knowledge roles, while the L2 visa is for their dependents. Understanding the application process and requirements is crucial. Has anyone gone through the process recently and can share their experiences or tips?
Cheers
<a href="https://chatgptjapan.org/";>チャット GPT 日本</a>
All Replies (0)
L1A Blanket & L2 Visa approved Chennai.
This forum really helps a lot and makes you visa process easy. I just want to give back something to this forum and sharing my experience.
L1A Blanket - myself
L2 - spouse & kid (10 months)
OFC Biometrics - 6th May 2024 - 2pm
I live in Hyderabad, and we boarded an early morning flight at 6:45 a.m. to Chennai, arriving by 8:00 am. We took a taxi and arrived at Hotel Kings Grand Park, which is only 500 meters from the Visa biometrics center.
Our biometrics appointment is in the afternoon at 2 p.m. After checking in, I went for a walk to see the location and entry point of the Biometrics office. It's summer time and extremely hot outside. I booked a cab at 1pm and reached there about 1.20pm. The security guard checked the OFC appointment confirmation and asked to wait outside for 10 minutes and allowed inside.
The ground floor contains all internet, printing, Xerox, and photo stores. Visa Biometrics are on the first floor. As soon as you approached the first floor, they requested for your passport and DS160 confirmation document to verify your full name on both. Once verification is finished, they will apply a sticker to your passport and stamp the DS160.
Next, you will proceed to the photo counter, where they will take a live photo of both of us as well as our fingerprints. They requested our child's passport photo. We gave a 2x2 US visa passport photo, which helped. They will not accept photos in other sizes. No finger prints for children
In general, there will be a large line at the photo counter. We bypassed because we had a child with us. After taking your fingerprints, the biometrics officer will give instructions on how to attend the Visa interview.
Be on time for interview
Get your stamped DS160 confirmation page for interview.
All these people in biometrics are Indians. You will see similar environment during visa interview. Same cabin with a mirror in front of you and an American officer speaking into a mic.
If you have changes or modifications in your DS160 confirmation page. You can do that in ground floor.
We came out by 2pm. It took 30min.
Came back to hotel and took rest. Evening I went for walk to see the US consulate where the interview happens. Its 1km from my hotel. I see a hotel Park very next to Us consulate which is walkable to consulate. I enquired in hotel and found in goibibo there is US consulate deal stay which includes lunch/dinner with stay. I blocked the stay in The Park hotel for 23rd & 24th May in goibibo. My visa interview is on 24th May.
We returned Hyderabad next day afternoon flight.
US Visa Consulate interview - 24th May - 10am
Finally, the big day in my life arrived. All these days, I've been reading blogs and learning about other people's experiences in preparation for interview questions. I'm just eating, sleeping, and working on those questions. Prepared a two-page questionnaire.
Mandatory Docs required:
Passports of all primary and dependent
DS160 confirmation page of primary applicant only - stamped at biometrics
2 sets of i129s (all 8 pages)
2 sets of i797 (only first page)
$500 anti fraud fee (I took a DD of 42000 in favor of U.S. consulate general, Chennai)
On safer side I have credit card with international transactions enabled.
In last option I also took cash.
I carried all these in File 1
We flew to Chennai on May 23rd and arrived in the evening, where we checked into the Park Hotel near to the US consulate. In the evening, I went to the US Consulate and inquired about the kid food bag with security outside. If your child is under two years old, they will let a baby bag inside. We ate dinner at the same hotel because I had purchased the US consulate hotel deal that included lunch/dinner. My personal recommendation is that this is the best way to save money and time. That night, I double-checked all of my docs again and prepared for the interview. I carried the following extra documents.
1.Birth certificates - Original
2. Marriage certificate - Original
3. US offer letter
4. All Educational docs - Original
5. Last one year Pay slips
6. Last 2 years Form16/Returns
7. Last 1 year bank statement
8. Updated Resume
9. Org Chart
10. Certifications
11. Remaining pages of i797
All these above documents I carried in a separate file. File 2
That night, I barely slept for three hours. The next big day morning, we were ready at 8 a.m. and had complementary breakfast. I wore a blazer, which gave me some confidence and made it clear that I was there for L1A. We arrived at the consulate about 9.20 a.m. There are no electronic gadgets allowed. They permitted wallet, analog watches and kids' food bags with water. Initial check to confirm your appointment time and slot. Next, verify your passport and the DS 160 confirmation page.
Both checkpoints are located outside the consulate building. Once you've completed them, you'll be able to enter the consulate building through the main door. There will be a security check, similar to that seen at an airport. Take your blazer out for a security screening. After security, they will ask for which visa. If L1, they will offer you a card with information about documents you need to arrange.
2 sets of i129s (all 8 pages)
2 sets of i797 (only first page)
$500 anti fraud fee (I took a DD of 42000 in favor of U.S. consulate general, Chennai)
All passports
All of these arranged documents are stapled in two separate sets and kept with a rubber band around them to keep them together. You will be directed to another building for the visa interview. After entering the building, they took me to the anti-fraud fee without asking for my visa. Maybe it's because of the blazer.
A bit of a long line to pay these fees. They asked my wife to take seats nearby because my child is in a playful mood. They take both Demand Drafts and Credit Cards. I gave DD, and the officer said thank you for it. Make sure the date on the DD is no older than two months. They do not accept DDs that are older than two months. After receiving the DD, the officer gave me a payment slip and requested me to join the counter next to him.
Here, your DS160 information will be verified. In my case, my blanket petition number, i797, is new. I gave the old blanket petition in DS160. Officer inquired about your blanket petition number in i129 and DS160 not matching. I said that my organization received a new blanket petition last year. They spent some time checking the data. It appears that they updated my information to reflect the new petition number. Then they asked me to join the interview queue.
There are internal visa team members who can assist and guide you on counters and queue. I'm with a child; they skipped the interview line and immediately joined me at counter 16, where a mid-30s American was conducting interviews. I can hear a lot of questions, approvals, and denials. This is where you become nervous. Be confident; everything depends on the circumstances and the strength of your case.
Lot of other factors decide your approval, and the interview is only one of them. Coming to my case, there are two persons ahead of me at the counter. The first is for H1 and has been rejected with a blue slip. The second one is for F1 - refused since your case does not qualify for this visa. This scared me a lot.
Comes my turn. I greeted Good morning Officer, he replied good morning and asked for documents looking at my kid as my kid is hyper active and in a playful mood. Officer asked kids age and said he is in different environment and having fun. This conversation gave bit of relief from my nervousness. He requested my wife to take care of the baby on the way back, and we would finish the interview quickly.
For a minute he verified the data looking into screen and started below questions.
Visa Officer: Which company you are from?
Me: XXXXXX
VO: How long you are working in this company?
Me: I am in this organization for XX Years XX months
VO: How many reprortings you have?
Me: XX direct reportings
VO: Any managers in your reportings?
Me: No Officer. All are individual contributors
VO: Your salary in US?
Me: XXK dollars + Bonus
VO: Purpose of your visit?
Me: XXXX I explained about our project
VO: You handle budget?
Me: Yes
VO: You have authority to hire and fire?
Me: Yes officer I have both hiring and firing authority of my direct reports
VO: Are you functional manager?
Me: No officer. I am mix of both People and project manager
VO: How long you gonna stay?
Me: XX years
VO: Where are you going?
Me: XX city in XX state
VO: What's your wife qualification?
Me: She is having Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science.
VO: Please call your wife for finger prints
Me: sure officer (By this time i knew it got approved)
VO: Please place your finger prints there?
Me: sure officer
VO: Madam can you place your fingers there?
My wife: Placed fingers
VO: Your visa is approved and you will get your passports in a week
Me: Thank you officer
He stamped on one set of i129s saying your visa is approved and wrote visa expiry date and rounded L1 in that stamp and gave that to me. He kept our passports and other set of docs with him. He didnt asked me which visa category I applied for. My blazer might have answered that question.
He said a smiling bye to my kid while leaving.
We came out of the consulate with happy faces as if we achieved something big. Literally no words for me till I step out of consulate.
Same day evening after 5pm Visa status - approved
Next day afternoon 2pm visa status - Issued
Got the passport with visa stamped delivered in next 2 days.
Below are questions I gathered & prepared. These might help others.
Which visa category are you applying for?
Where do you work?
What does the company do ?
How many direct and indirect reportees?
All reportees from India?
Why are you moving while your reportees are in India?
What are the responsibilities of your repartees?
How many years of managerial experience do you have?
How many years you have been working with this Organization?
Why are you staying in this organization for so long?
Who is your reporting manager?
Do you handle budget?
Do you handle profit and loss ? If yes, explain how
Are you involved in hiring and firing?
What is your annual income/salary ?
What will be your role in USA/ Why is your company sending you on L1A
What is the team size you will handle there / Will you be hiring resources in USA?
Why cant this role be done from India?
Why you/Why not someone else/Why not someone from USA office?
What will happen if you don't go?
Which location will you be working from?
How many years do you plan to stay there?
What is the plan after that?
What is your role going to be?
L1A Blanket - myself
L2 - spouse & kid (10 months)
OFC Biometrics - 6th May 2024 - 2pm
I live in Hyderabad, and we boarded an early morning flight at 6:45 a.m. to Chennai, arriving by 8:00 am. We took a taxi and arrived at Hotel Kings Grand Park, which is only 500 meters from the Visa biometrics center.
Our biometrics appointment is in the afternoon at 2 p.m. After checking in, I went for a walk to see the location and entry point of the Biometrics office. It's summer time and extremely hot outside. I booked a cab at 1pm and reached there about 1.20pm. The security guard checked the OFC appointment confirmation and asked to wait outside for 10 minutes and allowed inside.
The ground floor contains all internet, printing, Xerox, and photo stores. Visa Biometrics are on the first floor. As soon as you approached the first floor, they requested for your passport and DS160 confirmation document to verify your full name on both. Once verification is finished, they will apply a sticker to your passport and stamp the DS160.
Next, you will proceed to the photo counter, where they will take a live photo of both of us as well as our fingerprints. They requested our child's passport photo. We gave a 2x2 US visa passport photo, which helped. They will not accept photos in other sizes. No finger prints for children
In general, there will be a large line at the photo counter. We bypassed because we had a child with us. After taking your fingerprints, the biometrics officer will give instructions on how to attend the Visa interview.
Be on time for interview
Get your stamped DS160 confirmation page for interview.
All these people in biometrics are Indians. You will see similar environment during visa interview. Same cabin with a mirror in front of you and an American officer speaking into a mic.
If you have changes or modifications in your DS160 confirmation page. You can do that in ground floor.
We came out by 2pm. It took 30min.
Came back to hotel and took rest. Evening I went for walk to see the US consulate where the interview happens. Its 1km from my hotel. I see a hotel Park very next to Us consulate which is walkable to consulate. I enquired in hotel and found in goibibo there is US consulate deal stay which includes lunch/dinner with stay. I blocked the stay in The Park hotel for 23rd & 24th May in goibibo. My visa interview is on 24th May.
We returned Hyderabad next day afternoon flight.
US Visa Consulate interview - 24th May - 10am
Finally, the big day in my life arrived. All these days, I've been reading blogs and learning about other people's experiences in preparation for interview questions. I'm just eating, sleeping, and working on those questions. Prepared a two-page questionnaire.
Mandatory Docs required:
Passports of all primary and dependent
DS160 confirmation page of primary applicant only - stamped at biometrics
2 sets of i129s (all 8 pages)
2 sets of i797 (only first page)
$500 anti fraud fee (I took a DD of 42000 in favor of U.S. consulate general, Chennai)
On safer side I have credit card with international transactions enabled.
In last option I also took cash.
I carried all these in File 1
We flew to Chennai on May 23rd and arrived in the evening, where we checked into the Park Hotel near to the US consulate. In the evening, I went to the US Consulate and inquired about the kid food bag with security outside. If your child is under two years old, they will let a baby bag inside. We ate dinner at the same hotel because I had purchased the US consulate hotel deal that included lunch/dinner. My personal recommendation is that this is the best way to save money and time. That night, I double-checked all of my docs again and prepared for the interview. I carried the following extra documents.
1.Birth certificates - Original
2. Marriage certificate - Original
3. US offer letter
4. All Educational docs - Original
5. Last one year Pay slips
6. Last 2 years Form16/Returns
7. Last 1 year bank statement
8. Updated Resume
9. Org Chart
10. Certifications
11. Remaining pages of i797
All these above documents I carried in a separate file. File 2
That night, I barely slept for three hours. The next big day morning, we were ready at 8 a.m. and had complementary breakfast. I wore a blazer, which gave me some confidence and made it clear that I was there for L1A. We arrived at the consulate about 9.20 a.m. There are no electronic gadgets allowed. They permitted wallet, analog watches and kids' food bags with water. Initial check to confirm your appointment time and slot. Next, verify your passport and the DS 160 confirmation page.
Both checkpoints are located outside the consulate building. Once you've completed them, you'll be able to enter the consulate building through the main door. There will be a security check, similar to that seen at an airport. Take your blazer out for a security screening. After security, they will ask for which visa. If L1, they will offer you a card with information about documents you need to arrange.
2 sets of i129s (all 8 pages)
2 sets of i797 (only first page)
$500 anti fraud fee (I took a DD of 42000 in favor of U.S. consulate general, Chennai)
All passports
All of these arranged documents are stapled in two separate sets and kept with a rubber band around them to keep them together. You will be directed to another building for the visa interview. After entering the building, they took me to the anti-fraud fee without asking for my visa. Maybe it's because of the blazer.
A bit of a long line to pay these fees. They asked my wife to take seats nearby because my child is in a playful mood. They take both Demand Drafts and Credit Cards. I gave DD, and the officer said thank you for it. Make sure the date on the DD is no older than two months. They do not accept DDs that are older than two months. After receiving the DD, the officer gave me a payment slip and requested me to join the counter next to him.
Here, your DS160 information will be verified. In my case, my blanket petition number, i797, is new. I gave the old blanket petition in DS160. Officer inquired about your blanket petition number in i129 and DS160 not matching. I said that my organization received a new blanket petition last year. They spent some time checking the data. It appears that they updated my information to reflect the new petition number. Then they asked me to join the interview queue.
There are internal visa team members who can assist and guide you on counters and queue. I'm with a child; they skipped the interview line and immediately joined me at counter 16, where a mid-30s American was conducting interviews. I can hear a lot of questions, approvals, and denials. This is where you become nervous. Be confident; everything depends on the circumstances and the strength of your case.
Lot of other factors decide your approval, and the interview is only one of them. Coming to my case, there are two persons ahead of me at the counter. The first is for H1 and has been rejected with a blue slip. The second one is for F1 - refused since your case does not qualify for this visa. This scared me a lot.
Comes my turn. I greeted Good morning Officer, he replied good morning and asked for documents looking at my kid as my kid is hyper active and in a playful mood. Officer asked kids age and said he is in different environment and having fun. This conversation gave bit of relief from my nervousness. He requested my wife to take care of the baby on the way back, and we would finish the interview quickly.
For a minute he verified the data looking into screen and started below questions.
Visa Officer: Which company you are from?
Me: XXXXXX
VO: How long you are working in this company?
Me: I am in this organization for XX Years XX months
VO: How many reprortings you have?
Me: XX direct reportings
VO: Any managers in your reportings?
Me: No Officer. All are individual contributors
VO: Your salary in US?
Me: XXK dollars + Bonus
VO: Purpose of your visit?
Me: XXXX I explained about our project
VO: You handle budget?
Me: Yes
VO: You have authority to hire and fire?
Me: Yes officer I have both hiring and firing authority of my direct reports
VO: Are you functional manager?
Me: No officer. I am mix of both People and project manager
VO: How long you gonna stay?
Me: XX years
VO: Where are you going?
Me: XX city in XX state
VO: What's your wife qualification?
Me: She is having Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science.
VO: Please call your wife for finger prints
Me: sure officer (By this time i knew it got approved)
VO: Please place your finger prints there?
Me: sure officer
VO: Madam can you place your fingers there?
My wife: Placed fingers
VO: Your visa is approved and you will get your passports in a week
Me: Thank you officer
He stamped on one set of i129s saying your visa is approved and wrote visa expiry date and rounded L1 in that stamp and gave that to me. He kept our passports and other set of docs with him. He didnt asked me which visa category I applied for. My blazer might have answered that question.
He said a smiling bye to my kid while leaving.
We came out of the consulate with happy faces as if we achieved something big. Literally no words for me till I step out of consulate.
Same day evening after 5pm Visa status - approved
Next day afternoon 2pm visa status - Issued
Got the passport with visa stamped delivered in next 2 days.
Below are questions I gathered & prepared. These might help others.
Which visa category are you applying for?
Where do you work?
What does the company do ?
How many direct and indirect reportees?
All reportees from India?
Why are you moving while your reportees are in India?
What are the responsibilities of your repartees?
How many years of managerial experience do you have?
How many years you have been working with this Organization?
Why are you staying in this organization for so long?
Who is your reporting manager?
Do you handle budget?
Do you handle profit and loss ? If yes, explain how
Are you involved in hiring and firing?
What is your annual income/salary ?
What will be your role in USA/ Why is your company sending you on L1A
What is the team size you will handle there / Will you be hiring resources in USA?
Why cant this role be done from India?
Why you/Why not someone else/Why not someone from USA office?
What will happen if you don't go?
Which location will you be working from?
How many years do you plan to stay there?
What is the plan after that?
What is your role going to be?
All Replies (1)
L1B Blanket London
Background:
2.5 years total and company exp - first job after graduating
BSc Comp Sci
UK Born/Citizen
Interview Qs:
Name of Company?
What do they do?
Visa applied for required specialized knowledge - state your specialty?
Visa Approved
Questions were pretty much a formality, VO approved before answering.
2.5 years total and company exp - first job after graduating
BSc Comp Sci
UK Born/Citizen
Interview Qs:
Name of Company?
What do they do?
Visa applied for required specialized knowledge - state your specialty?
Visa Approved
Questions were pretty much a formality, VO approved before answering.
All Replies (2)
L1B individual Hyderabad
Visa Interview
Hello Good morning
VO: Good morning, Please provide me the passports of all three of you.
VO to my spouse: Place four fingers of your right hand on the scanner.
VO to me: Place your left hand four fingers on the scanner please.
VO: Who is your Visa petitioner?
Answered
VO: How long have you worked for them?
Answered
VO: Was it continuous?
Answered
VO: What state will you be going to?
Answered
VO: Oh nice, I have lived there too it can get pretty cold.
VO: What will your salary be in the US?
Answered
VO: What is your specialisation?
Answered
VO: Give me a moment I'm processing.
VO To my kid:
How old are you?
Are you excited?
What are you excited about the most? My kid, ice skating in the snow.
VO: well you can also sledge :) I get a lot of that most kids are excited about snow.
VO: Congratulations your visas have been approved. Safe travels. I am keeping your passports and you shall get them back once stamped!
Note: No questions asked to Spouse :)
Thank you office, Have a great daiy!
Hello Good morning
VO: Good morning, Please provide me the passports of all three of you.
VO to my spouse: Place four fingers of your right hand on the scanner.
VO to me: Place your left hand four fingers on the scanner please.
VO: Who is your Visa petitioner?
Answered
VO: How long have you worked for them?
Answered
VO: Was it continuous?
Answered
VO: What state will you be going to?
Answered
VO: Oh nice, I have lived there too it can get pretty cold.
VO: What will your salary be in the US?
Answered
VO: What is your specialisation?
Answered
VO: Give me a moment I'm processing.
VO To my kid:
How old are you?
Are you excited?
What are you excited about the most? My kid, ice skating in the snow.
VO: well you can also sledge :) I get a lot of that most kids are excited about snow.
VO: Congratulations your visas have been approved. Safe travels. I am keeping your passports and you shall get them back once stamped!
Note: No questions asked to Spouse :)
Thank you office, Have a great daiy!
All Replies (0)
Time for getting passport back after approval
For those who attended L1 interview in Chennai in the month of Mar'24, how much it takes to get your passport back after interview & approval?
Is CEAC site is showing correct status for your application?
Is CEAC site is showing correct status for your application?
All Replies (5)
Expereince and Learning in L1 & L2 Visa
The process for Dropbox visa applications changed on December 29, 2023. Despite the US Visa schedule website still offering the Dropbox option, be aware that it may not be available anymore. Always confirm current procedures before scheduling your appointment.
Under the new process, I underwent both biometric and face-to-face interviews. I included my wife and son under my profile for scheduling convenience. Navigating the US Visa scheduling site presented challenges, so patience was crucial for a successful outcome.
Our biometric appointment was on Feb 29th, 2023, in Chennai. Despite some hectic moments at the centre, the process was straightforward and took about 3 hours. Ensuring a perfect match of name details between the passport and DS-160 is crucial for smooth processing. Once that's sorted, the biometric process is smooth sailing.
Our face-to-face interview with the counsellor was on March 18th in Hyderabad. It was a busy day at the consulate, and the verification, queueing, and interview took about 3 hours. Remember, the consulate is strict about electronic and metal items, so only bring papers and files.
You don't need a huge stack of files for the face-to-face interview. The counsellor will verify information from your petition file and ask relevant questions. Ensure your answers match the petition details. Key documents like passport, DS-160 confirmation, and any specific additional documents requested should suffice.
Questions Asked by the Counsellor to the main applicant (Me) :
Who is your Visa sponsor
Role name that I am going to take up
Highest Degree details
Which State I am going in for
What is the CTC in US
Explain the Role
Questions Asked by Counsellor to the dependent (My Wife) :
Which City you are going to Live in ?
Show me the Wedding Certificate and Birth Certificate of my Child.
Finally, the ***al words came out that your Visa is approved for all 3 of us and you will receive your passport in a Week’s time, however we received the passport in the Chennai on the 4th day itself.
The timeline for the whole process is Jan 18th I got my petition approved -> Feb 14th appeared for drop box which was denied - > Re-appeared for biometric on Feb 29th - > Visa got approved on March 18th -> Received passport on March 22nd
Under the new process, I underwent both biometric and face-to-face interviews. I included my wife and son under my profile for scheduling convenience. Navigating the US Visa scheduling site presented challenges, so patience was crucial for a successful outcome.
Our biometric appointment was on Feb 29th, 2023, in Chennai. Despite some hectic moments at the centre, the process was straightforward and took about 3 hours. Ensuring a perfect match of name details between the passport and DS-160 is crucial for smooth processing. Once that's sorted, the biometric process is smooth sailing.
Our face-to-face interview with the counsellor was on March 18th in Hyderabad. It was a busy day at the consulate, and the verification, queueing, and interview took about 3 hours. Remember, the consulate is strict about electronic and metal items, so only bring papers and files.
You don't need a huge stack of files for the face-to-face interview. The counsellor will verify information from your petition file and ask relevant questions. Ensure your answers match the petition details. Key documents like passport, DS-160 confirmation, and any specific additional documents requested should suffice.
Questions Asked by the Counsellor to the main applicant (Me) :
Who is your Visa sponsor
Role name that I am going to take up
Highest Degree details
Which State I am going in for
What is the CTC in US
Explain the Role
Questions Asked by Counsellor to the dependent (My Wife) :
Which City you are going to Live in ?
Show me the Wedding Certificate and Birth Certificate of my Child.
Finally, the ***al words came out that your Visa is approved for all 3 of us and you will receive your passport in a Week’s time, however we received the passport in the Chennai on the 4th day itself.
The timeline for the whole process is Jan 18th I got my petition approved -> Feb 14th appeared for drop box which was denied - > Re-appeared for biometric on Feb 29th - > Visa got approved on March 18th -> Received passport on March 22nd
All Replies (0)
L1 Blanket and L2 Visa Approved, 14 March OFC and 15 March Consulate Interview.
Big thanks for this forum; it gave me confidence to answer any kind of question. Sharing my experience as below.
We (me and my spouse) reached Chennai on the 13th late night and took Ola from the airport to the hotel. Note: Chennai drivers ask for an extra 100 rupees; keep cash handy in case.
OFC Appointment:
The next day, March 14th, we had an OFC appointment at 12.30pm. Around 11.30 am, I was trying to book Ola or Uber, but none of them were available. So we tried to look for an auto outside of the hotel. One auto driver approached us. We got into the auto and asked for a charge, and he said, "400 to/from and 100 to wait." We said you didn't need to wait, but he didn't listen. We had to pay 500 for a 5-minute distance. It was huge scam.
OFC was quite smooth; they asked for two sets of I-129S, I-797 (first page), DS-160 confirmation page, and passport.
Please do not carry bags, smart watches, etc.; they will ask them to keep them in the locker.
After OFC, we went down to take photos; they're not needed, but we took them for safer side.
Consulate Interview:
We had a consulate interview at 8.30 am; we booked an auto from the hotel and reached around 7.45 am. There were huge lines in front of us. A security person checked our appointment letter and let us in. After security checking, the person sitting at the table will ask you to sort two sets of I-129S, I-797 (first page), DS-160 confirmation page, and passport and will put a rubber band around them. Then you need to enter another building. They will ask you to submit fraud and detection fees. Please create a demand draft in favor of "US Consulate General, Chennai." ($500) This worked for me. After DD submission, you need to visit another window, where a person will verify everything After this final leg, the consulate interview, there was a huge line in front of us. After almost 1/2 hour of waiting, our turn came.
Me: Good morning
Officer: Good morning.
Officer: How many years have you been working for this organization?
Me: 5 years, but I have a decade of experience in specialized knowledge. (important to highlight)
Officer: Your salary in the US?
Me: Answered
Officer: What would be your position in the US?
Me: Answered
Officer: Could you please explain your specialized knowledge?
Me: Answered
Officer: Tell me about your project. what you will be doing? Why can't it be done from here?
Me: Answered.
Then he asked questions to my husband.
Officer: Sir, are you currently working?
He answered
Officer: Would you continue the same in the US?
Husband: Yes
Officer: Your Visa Approved!!
We were out of the consulate building by 9.30 a.m.
Some useful notes:
1. Be honest.
2. Be calm and listen to questions carefully.
3. Do not carry any electronic devices, keys, etc.. Keep your phones at hotel only.
We (me and my spouse) reached Chennai on the 13th late night and took Ola from the airport to the hotel. Note: Chennai drivers ask for an extra 100 rupees; keep cash handy in case.
OFC Appointment:
The next day, March 14th, we had an OFC appointment at 12.30pm. Around 11.30 am, I was trying to book Ola or Uber, but none of them were available. So we tried to look for an auto outside of the hotel. One auto driver approached us. We got into the auto and asked for a charge, and he said, "400 to/from and 100 to wait." We said you didn't need to wait, but he didn't listen. We had to pay 500 for a 5-minute distance. It was huge scam.
OFC was quite smooth; they asked for two sets of I-129S, I-797 (first page), DS-160 confirmation page, and passport.
Please do not carry bags, smart watches, etc.; they will ask them to keep them in the locker.
After OFC, we went down to take photos; they're not needed, but we took them for safer side.
Consulate Interview:
We had a consulate interview at 8.30 am; we booked an auto from the hotel and reached around 7.45 am. There were huge lines in front of us. A security person checked our appointment letter and let us in. After security checking, the person sitting at the table will ask you to sort two sets of I-129S, I-797 (first page), DS-160 confirmation page, and passport and will put a rubber band around them. Then you need to enter another building. They will ask you to submit fraud and detection fees. Please create a demand draft in favor of "US Consulate General, Chennai." ($500) This worked for me. After DD submission, you need to visit another window, where a person will verify everything After this final leg, the consulate interview, there was a huge line in front of us. After almost 1/2 hour of waiting, our turn came.
Me: Good morning
Officer: Good morning.
Officer: How many years have you been working for this organization?
Me: 5 years, but I have a decade of experience in specialized knowledge. (important to highlight)
Officer: Your salary in the US?
Me: Answered
Officer: What would be your position in the US?
Me: Answered
Officer: Could you please explain your specialized knowledge?
Me: Answered
Officer: Tell me about your project. what you will be doing? Why can't it be done from here?
Me: Answered.
Then he asked questions to my husband.
Officer: Sir, are you currently working?
He answered
Officer: Would you continue the same in the US?
Husband: Yes
Officer: Your Visa Approved!!
We were out of the consulate building by 9.30 a.m.
Some useful notes:
1. Be honest.
2. Be calm and listen to questions carefully.
3. Do not carry any electronic devices, keys, etc.. Keep your phones at hotel only.
All Replies (0)
L1B Blanket Visa approved
Biometric at VAC : 13 March 2024. I would not add much to what is already described by other members. I was in and out of biometrics in 20 mins.
Visa interview: 14 March 2024.
Stayed 300 mtrs near to consulate. Walked to the interview at 8.30 AM(Despite interview time being 10.00 AM). Was let inside by the security standing on the road.
Next was physical security like airports. No electronics allowed.
Next step was a person helping arrange and verify the documents as per the list. (We have to arrange the documents as per laminated fliers provided).
Next in line was submission of fees in form of DD provided by my organization. Note that DD and CC are preferred mode of payments. The cashier was not happy with one person providing cash.
There was a huge queue for the interview as elderly and people with children were allowed on priority. Was in queue for 1 hour. It helped me positively to calm down my nerves.
A new window opened up and I was fortunately called earlier. Below were the questions.
You work for which Org?
Answered.
What will be you US salary?
Xxxxxx dollars per annum
How long you have been with this organization?
Xx years
What department you work for?
Answered.
What does your project do? What is your Specialization?Will it be a maintainance project? (All in one breath)
Answered accordingly.
Again Will it be a maintainance project? Will you implement?
Answered. Highlighted that I was responsible for development as well.
VO: Pause for some 20 secs. Your VISA is approved.
Place your hands on scanner.
Handed me the set of stamped i129s and I797.
I was out in next 5 minutes.
SPECIAL THANKS TO IMMIHELP TO FAMILIARIZE THE SET OF STEPS WHICH HELPS A LOT TO OVERCOME THE HURDLES.
Visa interview: 14 March 2024.
Stayed 300 mtrs near to consulate. Walked to the interview at 8.30 AM(Despite interview time being 10.00 AM). Was let inside by the security standing on the road.
Next was physical security like airports. No electronics allowed.
Next step was a person helping arrange and verify the documents as per the list. (We have to arrange the documents as per laminated fliers provided).
Next in line was submission of fees in form of DD provided by my organization. Note that DD and CC are preferred mode of payments. The cashier was not happy with one person providing cash.
There was a huge queue for the interview as elderly and people with children were allowed on priority. Was in queue for 1 hour. It helped me positively to calm down my nerves.
A new window opened up and I was fortunately called earlier. Below were the questions.
You work for which Org?
Answered.
What will be you US salary?
Xxxxxx dollars per annum
How long you have been with this organization?
Xx years
What department you work for?
Answered.
What does your project do? What is your Specialization?Will it be a maintainance project? (All in one breath)
Answered accordingly.
Again Will it be a maintainance project? Will you implement?
Answered. Highlighted that I was responsible for development as well.
VO: Pause for some 20 secs. Your VISA is approved.
Place your hands on scanner.
Handed me the set of stamped i129s and I797.
I was out in next 5 minutes.
SPECIAL THANKS TO IMMIHELP TO FAMILIARIZE THE SET OF STEPS WHICH HELPS A LOT TO OVERCOME THE HURDLES.
All Replies (2)
L1A Blanket and L2 Visa Approved - OFC on 29th Feb and interview on 01 March
Hi - this forum is extremely helpful and must recommended to calm down your nervousness in preparation. It’s my give back time on my experience.
Earlier I had travelled to US on L1A individual in 2017 and returned to India due to extension denial in US in 2020. This time applied for L1A Blanket.
OFC: It’s pretty straight forward as many others already mentioned. I had correction and carried both old and new confirmation pages.
Here comes main day… I went with spouse and kids and below questions from VO madam. It’s just like conversation.
What is visa type ?
Who are others accompanying you ?
Which company?
How many years of managerial experience?
Do you have reportees ? How many direct and indirect ?
Do you handle budget ?
How much budget ?
To my wife: what’s highest qualification ?
Then she stamped petition and returned a copy and said Your visas approved. Within a week I got stamped passports home delivered.
Preparation about yourself and be truthful and natural in answering. This brings confidence to you. (Don’t memorise them) key to choose right words and it’s awesome experience. Thank you !
Earlier I had travelled to US on L1A individual in 2017 and returned to India due to extension denial in US in 2020. This time applied for L1A Blanket.
OFC: It’s pretty straight forward as many others already mentioned. I had correction and carried both old and new confirmation pages.
Here comes main day… I went with spouse and kids and below questions from VO madam. It’s just like conversation.
What is visa type ?
Who are others accompanying you ?
Which company?
How many years of managerial experience?
Do you have reportees ? How many direct and indirect ?
Do you handle budget ?
How much budget ?
To my wife: what’s highest qualification ?
Then she stamped petition and returned a copy and said Your visas approved. Within a week I got stamped passports home delivered.
Preparation about yourself and be truthful and natural in answering. This brings confidence to you. (Don’t memorise them) key to choose right words and it’s awesome experience. Thank you !
All Replies (0)
L1A Blanket Approved
Hello all today we would like to share our experience regarding our L1A Blanket visa interview that was scheduled on 4th March 2024 at Chennai US consulate. Well our biometrics was scheduled on the 21st of February and there was a gap of almost 12 days for our Visa interview. We are from Hyderabad and we reached Chennai a day before for both our OFC and VAC interviews. We stayed at The Belstead hotel and it was around a kilometre for both the OFC appointment centre as well as the VAC. Would like to share our experiences on this forum since these experiences really helped as a lot in our visa journey as well.
Our biometrics was on the 21st of February at 1:00 p.m. Indian standard time and we reach there around 12:30 p.m. as soon as we reached, there was a huge line ahead of US and security was sending people based on the time slots. Biometric appointment is really hassle free and would just take around 10 to 15 minutes overall, provided you carry the below relevant documents on that day.
1. DS 160 confirmation page of primary as well as any dependents. People get confused weather to carry the entire ds160 or just the confirmation page, you just need to carry the confirmation page.
2. One Appointment confirmation page would be required for all the primary and dependent applicants. You don't need to carry 3 sets of documents just one copy of appointment confirmation page for all the applicants (3 people in our case) would suffice.
3. Original passport of primary and dependent applicants. The name mentioned in your DS 160 and other details would be cross check with your passport details and only then would be allowed further. So make sure there are no mistakes in your Ds 160 and those match with your passport.
4. You do not need to carry any photographs as the biometrics officer would take one at the time of the OFC appointment. If your kid is also accompanying his picture would also be taken and no need to bring any copies of his photos. My kid was 10 years old and 4 and half feet in height so even though we carried his photographs the biometrics officer took his photo as they'd take for any adults.
Note: If you are kid is not accompanying you then you should bring his photographs. No fingerprint will be taken for kids below 16 years of age. Even if the accompany you for the OFC interview their fingerprints would not be taken and would be waived off.
You may want to wear a professional attire as this photo would be printed on your visa application, if your visa is approved. This entire process took around 15 minutes.
Please note that you would be requested to turn off any electronic devices including your mobile phones and smart watches.
The entire biometric team is not from the US government but is outsourced to a third party company in India, so don't expect any Americans at the OFC appointment.
So we took our return flight to Hyderabad on the same day and reached Chennai back on the 03 March for our Visa interview.
4th march was the D-day and we could not sleep the prior night, no matter how much ever tired I was travelling all the way from Hyderabad to Chennai. We straight at the same hotel and our visa appointment was scheduled at 10:00 a.m. we reached the consulate by 9:45 a.m. and there was a huge line in front of us. People who are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. slot were also being sent inside. I was expecting the security to only allow people based on there slots but to my surprise they were allowing 11:00 am slot candidates as well.
There is a person outside the consulate who would check your appointment date and time and allow you inside. Once we are in front of the gate, we will be allowed to go inside in batches and there would be a security where you will be checked thoroughly. This would be similar to an airport security where you will have to put all your belongings in a tray, including the blazer that you are wearing. Once your through the security, you will be allowed to go inside where there is person who who will check documents specially for L1 Visa types. The person will help you put the require documents in order and put a rubber band around it. The required forms would be two copies of I 129 s, two copies of i797 first page, DD for the anti fraud fee, and passports of all primary and dependents. Then you are allowed to join the q and enter into a separate building where the actual visa interviews would happen. All other visa types wood join the q but L1 applicants need to go to a counter where your DD would be collected and give us a receipt in lieu of the same. The anti fraud fee would be around 500 USD and an additional 4500 USD if your company falls under public law 113 and 114 (this is needed if your US employer employs more than 50 people in the United States and if 50% of them are in non-immigrant category).
He would then ask me to join another counter where another person would collect the documents, check some details in his computer and give us back those documents and then would ask us to join in the interview queue.
The line was very huge and be ended up waiting for almost 30 minutes before hour turn came in front of the visa officer. Since many people were there the air conditioning was not sufficient enough and everyone started sweating. I was in my blazers and it was more suffocating for me. Nevertheless I was more concentrated on my interview that was yet to take place. There were two people standing in front of me one was applying for a H1 and another was a l1b applicant. The visa officer asked questions to the H1 holder and he answered them swiftly and in about 3 minutes he was as to give us fingerprints and then a visa was approved. The person in front of me who was l1b applicant was also asked few questions on where he was working how long he was working what is his technical specialisation etc and he was also approved a visa in about 3 minutes. Finally came our turn where I was as the below questions:
As soon as we reach the counter :
We: good morning officer
VO: morning
We handed over the documents and passports to the visa officer. Remember these were put in this rubber band and we handed over as is.
VO: how long have you been working for your company?
Me: I am working for xxxxx company for 5 years and 3 months now.
VO: what would be your designation in the US?
Me: my designation would be manager.
VO: how many direct and indirect reports do you have?
Me: officer I have 5 direct reports, 2 of them are already in the US, 2 in Mexico and 1 in India. I have 25 indirect reports.
VO: out of these direct reports do you have any managers who report you?
Me: yes officer, out of these 5 people, I have 2 people who are managers and another 2 who are deputy managers.
VO: what is the designation of the person home you report into in the US?
Me: I report in to an AVP ( Associate Vice President).
VO : Is this your wife and child? (Looking at them)
Me: Yes, Ma'am.
VO: please put your left hand four fingers on the scanner. (This is when you know that your visa is approved :) )
Me: I placed them
VO: (to my wife): please put your right hand four fingers for me please.
My wife : She placed and had to retry the second time for a successful recognition.
VO: (The Golden Words) Your visa is approved.
She then stamped the I129S forms(one will be retained and the other stamped one will be given to you).
She also keep the stamped I129Ssafe as this would be required at the time of port of entry in the US.
Me, my wife and kid : Thank you Ma'am. You have a great day ahead. Returned her a smile and came outside.
Note: I have observed many applicants asking the VO for the passport pick up time frame and place of pick up etc as soon as they are approved. Remember guys it is you who are filling the DS 160 or if you are taking anyone's help to fill the DS 160 make sure you understand that it is clearly mentioned at The end of the DS 160 application, at the time of payment page, you will explicitly mention your passport pick up address or courier. It would be dump on yourself to ask the visa officer this question about your passport pick up and the timeline.
I also understand many would comment to not call the visa officer sir/ma'am. That is okay has long as you give respect they don't mind. Have seen visa officers calling the applicants respectfully "Sir" at the end of the questions. As long as there is mutual respect given and taken the student be a problem.
If you are going to any Visa interview especially for managerial visa like L1A, remember to maintain a proper attire. It is advisable to wear a blazer for your interview. H1b and L1B applicants are not required to wear a blazer but it would always look professional, if worn. First impression is the best impression guys. We saw a person wearing a hoodie and coming for a interview, he still got approved though. Point here is that he may have multiple other supporting factors which override his attire. So if you are applying for the first time, dress professionally.
No electronic device would be allowed inside so book your cabs/autos whatever from your hotel room and note down the OTP etc and put your phones inside your hotel room. You can carry your wallet and water bottle. The security would also ask you to put your what about your outside but if you have a kid a accompanying, they would allow it. There is water facility available inside the visa application centre if you are thirsty, you can go have some water there.
One major tip would be to maintain your calm and listen to the questions properly and respond. Do not panic, give answers fully and not in one word answers wherever possible. Be truthful. Read these forums, experiences, learn from these and you only have ONE SHOT at this, so give your 100%. I understand you can always reapply but that will raise a concern in VO's mind as to why you were rejected earlier.
No supporting documents will be checked guys. Always better to carry, but 99% of the time, those will never be checked. Hope this interview experience helps someone somewhere in someway ;)
ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR INTERVIEWS.
Our biometrics was on the 21st of February at 1:00 p.m. Indian standard time and we reach there around 12:30 p.m. as soon as we reached, there was a huge line ahead of US and security was sending people based on the time slots. Biometric appointment is really hassle free and would just take around 10 to 15 minutes overall, provided you carry the below relevant documents on that day.
1. DS 160 confirmation page of primary as well as any dependents. People get confused weather to carry the entire ds160 or just the confirmation page, you just need to carry the confirmation page.
2. One Appointment confirmation page would be required for all the primary and dependent applicants. You don't need to carry 3 sets of documents just one copy of appointment confirmation page for all the applicants (3 people in our case) would suffice.
3. Original passport of primary and dependent applicants. The name mentioned in your DS 160 and other details would be cross check with your passport details and only then would be allowed further. So make sure there are no mistakes in your Ds 160 and those match with your passport.
4. You do not need to carry any photographs as the biometrics officer would take one at the time of the OFC appointment. If your kid is also accompanying his picture would also be taken and no need to bring any copies of his photos. My kid was 10 years old and 4 and half feet in height so even though we carried his photographs the biometrics officer took his photo as they'd take for any adults.
Note: If you are kid is not accompanying you then you should bring his photographs. No fingerprint will be taken for kids below 16 years of age. Even if the accompany you for the OFC interview their fingerprints would not be taken and would be waived off.
You may want to wear a professional attire as this photo would be printed on your visa application, if your visa is approved. This entire process took around 15 minutes.
Please note that you would be requested to turn off any electronic devices including your mobile phones and smart watches.
The entire biometric team is not from the US government but is outsourced to a third party company in India, so don't expect any Americans at the OFC appointment.
So we took our return flight to Hyderabad on the same day and reached Chennai back on the 03 March for our Visa interview.
4th march was the D-day and we could not sleep the prior night, no matter how much ever tired I was travelling all the way from Hyderabad to Chennai. We straight at the same hotel and our visa appointment was scheduled at 10:00 a.m. we reached the consulate by 9:45 a.m. and there was a huge line in front of us. People who are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. slot were also being sent inside. I was expecting the security to only allow people based on there slots but to my surprise they were allowing 11:00 am slot candidates as well.
There is a person outside the consulate who would check your appointment date and time and allow you inside. Once we are in front of the gate, we will be allowed to go inside in batches and there would be a security where you will be checked thoroughly. This would be similar to an airport security where you will have to put all your belongings in a tray, including the blazer that you are wearing. Once your through the security, you will be allowed to go inside where there is person who who will check documents specially for L1 Visa types. The person will help you put the require documents in order and put a rubber band around it. The required forms would be two copies of I 129 s, two copies of i797 first page, DD for the anti fraud fee, and passports of all primary and dependents. Then you are allowed to join the q and enter into a separate building where the actual visa interviews would happen. All other visa types wood join the q but L1 applicants need to go to a counter where your DD would be collected and give us a receipt in lieu of the same. The anti fraud fee would be around 500 USD and an additional 4500 USD if your company falls under public law 113 and 114 (this is needed if your US employer employs more than 50 people in the United States and if 50% of them are in non-immigrant category).
He would then ask me to join another counter where another person would collect the documents, check some details in his computer and give us back those documents and then would ask us to join in the interview queue.
The line was very huge and be ended up waiting for almost 30 minutes before hour turn came in front of the visa officer. Since many people were there the air conditioning was not sufficient enough and everyone started sweating. I was in my blazers and it was more suffocating for me. Nevertheless I was more concentrated on my interview that was yet to take place. There were two people standing in front of me one was applying for a H1 and another was a l1b applicant. The visa officer asked questions to the H1 holder and he answered them swiftly and in about 3 minutes he was as to give us fingerprints and then a visa was approved. The person in front of me who was l1b applicant was also asked few questions on where he was working how long he was working what is his technical specialisation etc and he was also approved a visa in about 3 minutes. Finally came our turn where I was as the below questions:
As soon as we reach the counter :
We: good morning officer
VO: morning
We handed over the documents and passports to the visa officer. Remember these were put in this rubber band and we handed over as is.
VO: how long have you been working for your company?
Me: I am working for xxxxx company for 5 years and 3 months now.
VO: what would be your designation in the US?
Me: my designation would be manager.
VO: how many direct and indirect reports do you have?
Me: officer I have 5 direct reports, 2 of them are already in the US, 2 in Mexico and 1 in India. I have 25 indirect reports.
VO: out of these direct reports do you have any managers who report you?
Me: yes officer, out of these 5 people, I have 2 people who are managers and another 2 who are deputy managers.
VO: what is the designation of the person home you report into in the US?
Me: I report in to an AVP ( Associate Vice President).
VO : Is this your wife and child? (Looking at them)
Me: Yes, Ma'am.
VO: please put your left hand four fingers on the scanner. (This is when you know that your visa is approved :) )
Me: I placed them
VO: (to my wife): please put your right hand four fingers for me please.
My wife : She placed and had to retry the second time for a successful recognition.
VO: (The Golden Words) Your visa is approved.
She then stamped the I129S forms(one will be retained and the other stamped one will be given to you).
She also keep the stamped I129Ssafe as this would be required at the time of port of entry in the US.
Me, my wife and kid : Thank you Ma'am. You have a great day ahead. Returned her a smile and came outside.
Note: I have observed many applicants asking the VO for the passport pick up time frame and place of pick up etc as soon as they are approved. Remember guys it is you who are filling the DS 160 or if you are taking anyone's help to fill the DS 160 make sure you understand that it is clearly mentioned at The end of the DS 160 application, at the time of payment page, you will explicitly mention your passport pick up address or courier. It would be dump on yourself to ask the visa officer this question about your passport pick up and the timeline.
I also understand many would comment to not call the visa officer sir/ma'am. That is okay has long as you give respect they don't mind. Have seen visa officers calling the applicants respectfully "Sir" at the end of the questions. As long as there is mutual respect given and taken the student be a problem.
If you are going to any Visa interview especially for managerial visa like L1A, remember to maintain a proper attire. It is advisable to wear a blazer for your interview. H1b and L1B applicants are not required to wear a blazer but it would always look professional, if worn. First impression is the best impression guys. We saw a person wearing a hoodie and coming for a interview, he still got approved though. Point here is that he may have multiple other supporting factors which override his attire. So if you are applying for the first time, dress professionally.
No electronic device would be allowed inside so book your cabs/autos whatever from your hotel room and note down the OTP etc and put your phones inside your hotel room. You can carry your wallet and water bottle. The security would also ask you to put your what about your outside but if you have a kid a accompanying, they would allow it. There is water facility available inside the visa application centre if you are thirsty, you can go have some water there.
One major tip would be to maintain your calm and listen to the questions properly and respond. Do not panic, give answers fully and not in one word answers wherever possible. Be truthful. Read these forums, experiences, learn from these and you only have ONE SHOT at this, so give your 100%. I understand you can always reapply but that will raise a concern in VO's mind as to why you were rejected earlier.
No supporting documents will be checked guys. Always better to carry, but 99% of the time, those will never be checked. Hope this interview experience helps someone somewhere in someway ;)
ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR INTERVIEWS.
All Replies (0)
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.
