Successful H4 Stamping at Chennai -- Thanx to Subramanya and Senior Members

[adi22]

Had been for my H4 visa stamping on the 23rd and as mentioned , it has been successful, the experiences posted by members and the various queries answered by seniors has been a great help.

I would like to profusely thank Mr.Subramanya for his valuable suggestions to all my doubts.

Key for a successful stamping as far as my experience goes is :

-- Proper Documentation.
--Understanding the information V.O is looking for and answering it right without any confusion. The V.O's are generally quite patient and keen on listening to your case , contrary to what people say about their blunt attitudes.
--Being yourself , without any **** accents.
--Confidence and staying positive.

Good Luck
Kavita

[harry675]

conratuations Kavita..

can you brief ur case fully and write questions asked by VO

[adi22]

Thanxk so much Harry , here's how my interview went...

V.O : when were you married ?
Me : xxxx

V.O: How long has your husband been in the US ?
Me: answered

V.O : Can you show me his latest pay stubs ?
Me: Showed him the paystubs, until this question everythng was going on quite smooth , V.O was expecting to see paystubs generated biweekly n he said he sees some problem here . It was four months that my husband was in the US and had taken an initial amount as advance towards furnishing and setting up the apt from his Co , which was reflected in the paystub n i explained this to him and again told him that this is a paystub that gets generated monthly and not biweekly. He was convinced.

V.O : Were you in the US before ?
Me: (I was in the US in 2000 on a B1 visa n later got my status changed to an H1 but returned to India as i was getting married , i expected him for sure to ask this question , he kept looking into my passport for an H1 stamping but then i told him i have an approved I 797 n that i din get it stamped in my passport.) So explained the entire situation to him , asked him if he wanted to see my I 797 , he said no. (and this was all on my maiden name , coz i had a name change post marriage , hence i needed him to listen and understand , which he patiently did )

V.O: Did you ever apply for an H4 before ?
Me : No

V.O :When did you enter Kuwait ?
Me : xxxxxx (I had been in kuwait after my marriage n returned to India a year after ).

V.O :By now i guess he was convinced about my case ), so shall i write your tentative travel date as xxxxxx ,
Me : Yes ( i cudnt help but smile here)

V.O : Your application has been approved and you will shortly receive your passport.
Me : Thank You.

This is how it went on , while i had certian important issues like my change of status, change of name n my husband's paystubs to explain , he was patient enough to listen and understand , so the key is anticipating , preparing yourself for the same and saying it right.

Before my interview , there was another girl applying for her student visa , he rejected her saying improper documentation , but she kept pleading and insisting that she be granted the visa , this went on for a good 15 - 20 minutes and finally security had to whisk her away , so i was worried about the V.O being in a bad mood and how my interview would turn out to be , but God's Grace , everything went on smooth.

Another interesting thing that you all would love to hear , A.R Rahman was also at the consulate ,(for his visa stamping to perform in the US am sure ), looked really cool and very much down to earth inspite of being such a big celebrity. Unfortunately cudnt take his autograph as i was stuck in the finger print que .

Good Luck
kavita