Below are User experiences starting from December 6th to December 31st, 2022 for H1B Visa and H4 Visa for both regular visa stamping and Dropbox. You can check US Visa Stamping Experiences for the entire collection
Experience 1: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Mumbai
VAC : 4/12/2022
Appointment time: 3 PM
Reached earlier 1:40 PM considering traffic, as it was Sunday no rush at VAC so allowed to enter earlier.
1. Once you enter you can put your mobile, other items in locker room at ₹500 each person
2. Electronic devices are not allowed but you can carry water bottles, if kids are with you they allow eatables for kids as well
3. After standing in a queue, they checked appointment confirmation and DS-160 confirmation page
4. Counter 1: Verified name and DS-160 confirmation page, they put a sticker on backside of passport
5. Take token and stand in queue
6. Counter 2 : Asked for passports, DS-160 confirmation after verifying the details asked me to tell my and my kids name, date of birth
7. They have cameras installed to take photographs of adults
8. For minors, they asked for standard visa size photographs, passport size photographs works as well, I was carrying passport size photographs
9. Total time 15 mins
CA : 6/12/2022
1. For 8.20 AM interview reached at 7:30 AM
They called us at 8 AM to stand in queue, don’t go too early they only allow 20 mins before your appointment time meanwhile need to stand outside on footpath
2. At main entrance passports checked for stickers those were put during VAC
3. Next door there is facility to keep your mobile phone at ₹50/mobile, water bottles/ kids eatables are allowed, baggage is not allowed
4. Counter 1 : Verified passports, LCA and I797
5. Counter 2 : Fingerprint scan again, in my case, as I had small kid my fingerprints taken at the time of CA only
6. Counter 3 : Actual CA interview
Me : Greeted officer
CA : Greeted back and asked for documents
Me : Handed over passports, LCA, I797
CA : How long you are working with xxx?
Me: Answered
CA: What do you do here in xxx?
Me: Me started explaining
CA : stopped me in between, okay, wht is your highest qualification
Me: Answered
CA to my wife: what is your date of marriage?
Wife: Answered
CA: Your visa is approved, handed over white slip with instructions
Total in and out time was 35 mins. I was with wife and 2.5 year old kid so all queues were skipped, in case of only adults it may take 60-90 mins to complete process
Experience 2: H1B with In Person Interview at Kolkata
VAC on 22-Nov :
- Arrived ~50 mins before the schedule
- Waited for 10-15 mins outside then they allowed to enter
- They asked for DS-160, Appointment confirmation and passport
- They captured photograph and scanned fingerprints
- Took 20-25 mins to complete the entire process
- No questions asked, no additional documents they checked
- Mobile phone allowed in switched off state
- No bag, smartwatch allowed
CA on 6-Dec :
- Arrived 1hr before the interview
- There was a long queue outside, so try to arrive 30-45 mins early
- Only transparent files allowed inside embassy
- There is a small shop where Mobile and bag can be kept
Questions asked –
- How many years you’re working in current organization
- What kind of work you do
- In which city you’re going to stay
- Only petition copy asked for validation
- No questions asked to wife and kid
- After that consular said your application is approved
- Status changed to approved immediately and at evening it changed to Issued
- On next day (7-Dec) collected the stamped passport from VAC
- VAC need original and xerox copy of govt id proof to handover the passport
Thanks and all the best 👍
Experience 3: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometric:
Date: 04 Dec 2022
My Appointment time was 13:00 but I was allowed to enter at 12:00. Security in the building was checking the appointment confirmation page alone. Once entered the building, we were instructed to keep the bags and mobile phones in a locker (private locker) costs Rs.500/
Auto people outside the building can also keep the bags for a fee (A little expensive) is what I heard. Inside the building first, there will be a security check (No gadgets or mobiles allowed). Then they will check your DS-160 with your passport (Name, DOB, everything letter by letter) and stick a white color sticker on the backside of your passport (The sticker contains a bar code). Then one person gave out the tokens to the counter. Then at the counter, they will ask for your passport and ds-160. They will take fingerprints and photos and will ask to confirm your full name and DOB. It just took 15 mins for the whole process and I completed it all by 12.30.
Interview:
Date 16 Dec 2022
My Interview appointment time was at 8.50 AM. Thinking that we would be allowed early like in Biometric I went at 7 AM. I was awestruck to see the crowd in front of the consulate. Mostly F1 & B1 visa people with their whole families. Each batch was called to stand in line. Batch-by-batch security people were checking the appointment confirmation with passports and allowed people inside. Around 8.15 AM, I and my wife started in the line. Once entered, you can keep your mobile in a locker. After the security check, we were allowed inside some counter to verify the documents. She asked for the passport, i797B, and marriage certificate and instructed me to keep all other documents inside.
After 30 mins of waiting, we were assigned to a counter. There were mixed emotions while I was watching people cheer and cry over their visa status in different counters. Some of the VOs were approving most of the candidates whereas some were drilling people and rejecting their visas.
Now coming to my Interview
VO: Greeted us and we greeted back.
Submitted the initial documents (i-797B, LCA, Passport, i-129).
Then I myself submitted the supporting documents (Client Letter, EVL, Offer Letter, Resume, Job Description, Project Description et.,)
He thanked me and took those documents.
(Just looked at the document headings and nothing more)
VO: Who is your employer
Me: Answered in 2 lines
VO: What is your job responsibility?
Me: Answered (He cut me short after 2 points)
VO: Are you going to work for the employer or for the client?
Me: I mentioned client’s place
VO: What does your client do?
Me: I explained in 2 lines
VO: What is your job title?
Me: I explained Lead Software Engineer
VO: How many employees does your client have?
Me: I explained that I don’t know the count and he said ok
VO: Have you ever been to the USA before?
Me: No I answered
VO: Where will you be working in US?
Me: I said client location.
(In the meantime he took our passports and kept them separately)
VO: What is your marriage date?
(He Stopped me smiling and looked at my spouse)
My Spouse: Answered
VO: I want the fingerprints of both of you. Let’s start with the lady and he took both our fingerprints.
He handed over the white slip and all the documents that I shared.
He said ‘Congratulations!!! Your visa is approved with a smile’
I took everything back from him and wished him Christmas and a happy new year. It was all smiles after that.
Experience 4: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai
VAC : 13/12/2022
Appointment time: 9:00 AM
Reached earlier 7:30 AM
Allow Entry 8:20 AM
After standing in a queue, they checked appointment confirmation and DS-160 confirmation page
Counter 1: Verified DS-160 confirmation page, they put a sticker on backside of passport. Take token and stand in queue
Counter 2 : Asked for passports, DS-160 confirmation after verifying the details asked me the name and date of birth.
Took the finger prints and photographs
Total time 30 mins
CA : 15/12/2022
Appointment time: 8:30 AM
Reached earlier 7:20 AM
Allow Entry 7:50 AM
Locker Fee: ₹50
Counter 1 : Verified passports, LCA and I797
Counter 2 : Fingerprint scan
Counter 3 : Interview
Me : Greeted officer
CA : Greeted back and asked for documents
Me : Handed over passport, LCA, I797, offer letter and employer letter.
CA : Who is your employer
Me : Answered
CA : And how long with xxx?
Me : Answered
CA : Its In house project ?
Me : Answered
CA : Please elaborate about your project ?
Me : Answered
CA : How big is the your end client company ?
Me : Answered, they really expecting some number from us, I told project value
CA : Which location you are traveling ?
Me : Answered
CA: Your visa is approved, handed over white slip with instructions
Total in and out time was 2 hrs. Long queue and few counters are operating due to holiday season.
Officers are very friendly, guy stood in front of me nervous and literally his legs are shivering. He unable to answer properly due to tension & fear. CA observed his condition and told, sir please drink some water and sit few minutes in waiting area and will talk later. This was really surprised element for me.
Best of luck.
Experience 5: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Mumbai
Nov 8th : Dropped documents
Nov 9th : Case received
Nov 18th : Refused
Nov 22nd : Passport received with 221g white slip (Appear for interview on any working day between 10:30-11:00 AM)
Nov 23rd : Went for the interview. Took fingerprints first and then sent to a window for interview.
VO asked following questions.
Where did I do my masters?
What was my major?
Who is my employer and end-client?
Show end-client letter and LCA.
Returned all the docs back to me except keeping my passport. He said, he will need more time to do research in my case and I will be notified via email if there is an update and gave me another 221g with Additional Administrative Processing marked.
Nov 28th : Passport sent back to me again with the same 221g I received at the interview.
Dec 8th : Administrative processing completed (Not aware what was done in the processing). Asked to submit passport to dropbox location.
Dec 9th : Dropped documents
Dec 12th : Approved
Dec 13th : Issued
Dec 14th: Likely to receive the passport back
Thanks all who shared their experiences and messages.
Experience 6: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
13 Dec 2022 – Biometric
Documents needed – DS-160, passport and appointment letter. For kids below 10yrs, 2*2 inch photo
Reached at 9:30, immediately sent inside without any queue. Except the file and wallet we can’t take anything inside. Kept the bag n mobiles in locker. Charges 500rs. Went into the queue, verified the documents and given a tocken for biometric counter. At counter asked name and date of birth then taken a photo.
Total time 15min
19 Dec 2022 – Visa interview
8:30 appointment
Reached the consulate at 7:40, waited on the road for the slots calling. Called at 8:00 am to stand on queue for 8:30 slot.
First counter – waited for 15min, asked to take the passport,I797,LCA, marriage certificate n kids DOB certificates in hand. At the counter they taken all the above mentioned documents and verified the biometric by placing one hand.
Next sent to counter 31, since I am standing with kids without any queue sent to the interviewer immediately.
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
VO: Asked to give the passport
Me: I have submitted those an kept LCA, I797, LCA, marriage certificate n kids birth certificates in hands for giving.
VO: Took the documents and kept with him while typing something in the system.
VO: Asked for the state I am going.
Me : Answered
VO: Questioned as in-house or client project
Me: Mentioned as client project and talent the client letter in Hand
VO: Signed as not required to share the client letter. Asked the client name and the project I am going to work on
Me: Mentioned the client name and the project name.
VO: What is your highest education
Me: Mentioned as masters
To husband H4
VO: When you were married
VO: Your visa is approved, you will get in one week and given two white paper slips.
We came out at 9:10. Visa interview hardly took 3min.
Thank you everyone in this group for guiding and sharing their experience.
All the best!!
Experience 7: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometric:
Appointment time: 9 AM
8:20 Am -They allowed to stand in Queue
Step1: Passport, Appointment confirmation and DS-160 verified.
Step2: They kept sticker on Passport
Step3: They took biometric and clicked photo.
Came out at 8:40 AM
Note: Inside locker facility is available for mobile.(Charge: 500 Rs/-)
Visa Interview:
Date:20th December 2022
Appointment time:8:40 AM
Time allowed inside 8:20 AM
Step 1:
At Entrance Appointment conformation and passports verified
Note: Locker facility available at Entrance for mobile ( Charge- 50 Rs/-)
Step 2:
Security check up
Step 3:Inside Interview room they verified documents and returned documents.
Step 4: I stand in Queue for Biometric verification.
Step 5: After They allowed me to stand in Interview Queue.
Vo: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning officer
Vo: Give documents in you hand
Me: provided (passport, I-797 B,I-129, Employment verification letter, Offer Letter)
Vo: Asked me about higher qualification.
Me: Answered -“Master of Computer Applications”
VO: Are you working with Petitioner now?
Me: No, this is my future employment.
VO: Asked me about Location
Me: Answered
VO: How much your salary they offered?
Me: 90 K USD per annum
VO: Asked me about Job Title
Me: Software Developer
VO: Asked me about job responsibilities
Me: Explained in two lines.
VO: Asked me about Project Details
Me: I explained in two lines with technical terms.
VO didn’t not understand technical terms.
VO Asked me to explain project details in general terms.
Me: I explained in two lines
VO: Asked me about project is in house or end client.
Me: In house project
VO: Asked me about project Team size
Me: Answered
VO: Finally he said your visa is approved given passport collection slip and happy journey.
Me: Thank you So much.
Came out at 9: 30 AM
All the best who are going for Visa Stamping.
Experience 8: H1B with In Person Interview at Hyderabad
Nov 10th – dropped documents at 2:45 PM
Nov 17th – Application Received case created
Nov 23rd – Application Received date updated
Dec 2nd – Status changed to Refused; called for interview at Hyderabad consulate
Dec 7th – Appeared for interview at 9:30 AM; Visa approved
Dec 7th afternoon – Status changed to Approved
Dec 11th – Status changed to Issued
Dec 13th – Passport ready for pickup
Documents carried to interview:
I-797 original
Employment verification letter
End client letter
Previous employment W2s
Last 6 months Paystubs
LCA
Questions asked in interview:
Who is your employer?
Where is your employer located?
Do you have an end client?
Where is end client located?
How many employees work with your employer?
How long has your employer worked with end client?
What is your job role?
Give a brief description about job role.
What is your highest level of education?
What is your annual wage?
Where are you located in US?
Have you been employed with current employer prior to H1-B?
Experience 9: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
In-house project and consultancy!
Biometric: Hyderabad
Date: 15th November 2022
Appointment time: 9 AM
8:30 Am -They allowed to stand in Queue
Step1: Passport, Appointment confirmation and DS-160 verified.
Step2: They kept sticker on Passport
Step3: They took biometric and clicked photo.
Visa Interview: Delhi
Date: 19th December 2022
Appointment time:8:40 AM
Interview Counter: 19
Time allowed inside 7:30 AM
Step 1:
At Entrance Appointment conformation and passports verified
Note: Locker facility available at Entrance for mobile (Charge- 50 and bag 100 Rs/-)
Step 2:
Security check up
Step 3:Inside Interview room they verified passport, I797 and returned back passport n I797
Step 4: I stand in Queue for Biometric verification.
Step 5: After They allowed me to stand in Interview Queue.
Vo: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning
Vo: Could you pass me the passport and approval copy(I-797)
Me: provided (passport, I-797)
Vo: looked headline of I-797 and scanned barcode of passport and asked me – which company your going to work
Me: Answered
VO: what your salary in usa
Me: Answered
VO: which Location in USA
Me: Answered
VO: what your highest degree
Me: Answered
VO: perfect n Asked me about Job role
Me: Answered
VO: Good- typed 10secs and kept passport on right side of rack, said with smile 
your visa is approved – Have nice day!
Me: Thank you so much
Observed: what ever questions n answers, she is typing fast in system and be confident while answering
!
All the best who are going for Visa Stamping.
Experience 10: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Appointment time: 8:50 am
Reached empassy: 8:00 am,
went through 2 rounds of security and paperwork checks in the next 10-15 minutes.
The later part was tedious with 100+ or so ppl in queue with just one counter operating.
3 ppl were allowed to go closer to the counter in one go, with 1 person at the counter and 2 standing in line behind that person, similar to what one can see at a railway station ticket counter.
The 2 people in front of me didn’t have great results. Needless to say, my heart was pumping hard. I was lost in my own thoughts and prayer vs eavesdropping on what they were being asked.
And finally my turn came:
It was a young caucasian lady behind the counter. She was coughing as I approached the counter. Exchanged greetings and asked if she was OK.
She smiled and said yes and then asked for my Passport, which I promptly gave.
She asked 5 questions altogether: my job title, my salary, my company name and what it does and my client/project. Explained everything in 1-2 lines. In between she also asked for I797 and LCA.
Then she handed me a pamphlet about workers rights, which hinted towards great news coming soon. I started looking at that pamphlet while still eagerly waiting for her next comment.
And then FINALLY it came; Your visa is approved. You can collect your passport in 5-10 days. I thanked her and was about to hand her back the ‘workers right pamphlet’, but she asked me to hang on to that.
I wished her Merry Christmas and turned back with a BIG sigh of relief and an even BIGGER smile.
The status online was showing ‘Approved’ and now its is showing ‘Issued’. Hopefully I will get my passport before Christmas.
BIG thanks to this group, where I have been an avid reader in the last few months.
Experience 11: H1B with In Person Interview, 221g at New Delhi
I just received my passport today. Below is my 221G timeline.
F1 to H1b, Full Time Employee with same Company from 5 years.
22nd April 2022, Mumbai Consulate (in-person interview): I got a white slip from the visa officer with an admin processing ticket on it, no docs were requested from me. They returned the passport.
The I797 which I had used for the interview in April was only valid till July 2022. I did not hear back from the Mumbai consulate till August, so my I797 expired. My employer renewed my I797 when I was in India.
I had put in a request to the Mumbai consulate to withdraw my H1b visa application since my I797 was expired, but due to some reason, they did not withdraw it.
20th October 2022, New Delhi Consulate: I appeared for interview again with renewed I797 and this time the Visa officer seem to be satisfied, but she mentioned that as there is a pending 221G on my case, she cannot approve my visa. I showed her the email printouts of my request to Mumbai consulate about the previous case withdrawal. After that, VO kept my passport & printouts and issued me another 221g Yellow Slip, admin processing no docs requested.
Meanwhile, My Mumbai case got updated a bunch of times on CEAC with the status still being refused. No updates on the New Delhi visa application on CEAC. I tried senator follow up etc. but no help.
One fine day, I tried emailing New Delhi consulate using my office email id rather than my registered email id. Not sure if it worked, but my status changed to “issued” the next day.
15th Dec 2022: Approved
16th Dec 2022: Issued
20th Dec 2022: I received my passport with stamp
I would recommend everyone to try emailing the consulate from your office email id.
All the best Everyone who is stuck in the same boat, hopefully, you get your approvals soon and This group has been a great resource. Cheers!
Experience 12: H1B with In Person Interview at Chennai
Biometrics Interview
Consulate: Mumbai VAC
Date: Dec 14, 2022
I booked a hotel nearby (IndieStays) and did an uber to VAC. I used the locker facility and they charged 500 bucks for the same.
Documents asked: I797, DS160 confirmation and Appointment confirmation. Was in and out in maximum 15 minutes
Consular interview
Consulate: Chennai
Date: December 21, 2022
I reached the consulate at 9 am for 10.30 slot and they let me in. So show up well in advance if you have a slot at Chennai consulate.
VO: Good morning. How are you?
Me: Doing good, how about you?
VO: Is this for H1B reissue?
Me: Answered
VO: It says your passport was lost in an accident, is that correct?
Me: Yes
VO: And the visa stamp in it would be as well?
Me: Yes
VO: What does your firm do?
Me: Answered
VO: What will be your role and salary?
Me: Answered
VO: It says that your passport was lost in a fire accident. I hope everyone was ok and not hurt
Me: Yes
(types in for few minutes)
VO: Your visa is approved and you will get it within a week, Safe travels.
The interview lasted for maximum 5 minutes.
Experience 13: H1B with In Person Interview, 221g at Chennai
VAC on 31st Oct 2022/OFC on 3rd Nov 2022
Interview was straight forward and the question asked where usual like Location/Salary/Company etc. I was additionally asked to show payslip which I didn’t bring so the consular officer asked me to mail payslips, returned my passport and gave 221g form (white) marked to send it over e-mail
–> Sent mail on 3rd Nov immediately with payslips
–> Sent mail on 16th Nov again with the payslips and sort of a justification letter from attorney (who initially applied for my H1B) stating why the payslips was not part of the initial document.
(Ideally it is not mandatory, it is good to have any and all supporting documents in case if they asked).
–> Status Changes to Approved on 7th Dec
–> Status Changes to Application Received and I also received e-mail on 16th Dec from consulate with 221g form (white) attached to submit passport
–> Submitted passport with 221g on 16th
–> Status changes to Approved again
–> Status changes to Issued on 21st
–> Collected passport on 22nd (I choose to personally collect instead of getting it delivered)
Timeline:
Case Created: 02-Nov-2022
Case Last Updated: 03-Nov-2022 (Status: Refused)
Case Last Updated: 07-Dec-2022 (Status: Approved)
Case Last Updated: 15-Dec-2022 (Status: Application Received)
Case Last Updated: 19-Dec-2022 (Status: Approved)
Case Last Updated: 21-Dec-2022 (Status: Issued)
Hope this helps! and all the best for your applications. Try following up/drop a mail every 2 weeks, you would usually get a standard response, but sometimes it might get picked (not asking you to do that, just sharing what I experienced)
Experience 14: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Biometrics : December 18th
My appointment is at 2 PM I reached the consulate by 1 PM there are many people outside carrying the document folders.
I have went inside and following the directions Delhi biometric is at Shivaji metro station so people are using it as metro and and 2 floors down they are using it as consulate.
I have been asked to carry my passport , appt confirmation and DS160. Then went inside completed security check then guided to counter for docs verification the person was showing different expressions when verifying it ,I felt bit nervous finally he gave back and security asked me to stay in the lane to give my finger prints ,due to holiday season all the counters aren’t working .
Finally i went and gave my finger prints .Verified by DOB asked my full name and then informed on 20th I have my interview.
Interview :
My interview is at 8:30 AM , I reached my 7:30 AM and it was very cool complete foggy with temperature of 8 degrees .
I have carried my jacket,wallet and mobile phone. They have announced 7-9 am people have to go in while going in I need to submit my mobile phone any electronic goods won’t be allowed inside including smart watch , the guy who will collect all electronic items is very warm and kind and wishing everyone that they would clear the interview that’s a positive start .
Then I got to know mask is mandatory I forgot to bring out one , I was informed that opposite to the road there would be a mask seller I went there but the guy went to bring new masks , i was but worried it’s already 7:45 within 5 minutes he came and purchased mask and I was let in .For ladies we have special security check and there was no line.Before entering they asked for passport and then let us in .Security check they asked to remove jacket ,wallet, and even normal watch after it we were guided to go inside. And we have been sitting in different rows after 5 minutes the first row is called inside .One of the consular is guiding us to carry our passport and i797B . I took passport ,i797B ,LCA , offer letter, client letter and MSA.
Later for finger prints 2 counters were open.
Then guided us inside ,later the other people were guided to seat .
When we went inside only one counter was open and then interviews began.
I was observing as the counter was exactly opposite of me .There were H1 ,F1,H 4 candidates in the queue and questions have been asked . For some people time was tough for some it was easy .Then another counter was opened ,both are lady officers . For each counter 3 people were made to stand one at the counter and 2 at the back of them .
Just before me in one of the counter a guy has been asked questioned a lot and his visa is approved.
Could see relief in his face .
Then I am standing before the counter the girl before me was an F1 applicant.
Then it’s my turn .
VO – Good morning
Me – Good morning officer
VO – asked for documents
Me – I handed passport and I 797B
VO – is this the employer you will work with
Me – couldn’t hear asked her to repeat
VO – she asked again
Me – replied with employer name and client details
VO – what does your client do
Me- replied
VO -How much does you make
Me – replied per Annum
VO -asked me to handover LCA
VO- Great ,some one don’t carry it
ME -smiled
VO – Did you went to USA before
Me – replied
VO – Is this your only passport
Me – replied
Finally – Your VISA is approved ,am taking your passport you will receive it soon . Took passport and returned docs
Me – Thanks officer have a nice day !
Then came out , entire process took 2 hours interview is 2 mins.
I came back and checked status in CEAC it was already approved on the same day at 12:45 PM .
From 21st it’s in issued status , as it was holiday season I wished I have to receive it before holidays. Finally I have received it today. I.e. 24th December I was just waiting to post my experience once I receive my passport and after seeing my VISA stamped in it .
Many thanks to this group regarding my questions and sharing Visa experiences and also with many questions even regarding stay everything is shared in group .highly appreciate and beloved thanks to everyone.
Tips :
- Reach before an hour no harm so that u can skip queues . Better to keep all things banned inside with your acquaintances to skip queue .
- Present yourself confidently stand tall .
- Prepare as much as you can questions can come in any way .
- Carry all necessary documents.
- Don’t be disappointed seeing any other people’s rejection.Don’t be nervous .
Docs carried :
- Appointment confirmation ,ds160
- Passport Color xerox
- I797B,i797c,client letter,LCA,
- G28,i129,H classification
- Offer letter ,2 passport photos,passport,MSA,Employer supporting letter , Appointment payment slip ,Copy of RFE ,Cred evaluation,H1b data collection And filing fee exemption,
- All my experience letters , payslip ,form 16 educational docs too.
Experience 15: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
18th Dec – Biometrics
Documents needed – DS160, old and new passports, appointment confirmation, fee receipt.
Appointment time – 16:00 , line started at 15:00, they took photograph, fingerprints and asked to confirm name and DOB. Attached a sticker on the back of passport By 15:40, it was done.
19th Dec – Interview , time 8:30am
Documents asked – I797 original, LCA, yesterday’s stamped DS160, passport, marriage certificate.
Line started at 8 am.. first counter verified the above listed documents
Interview : The list of questions asked by VO after the greetings and taking the documents
VO :- which state are you travelling ?
My husband :- Answered
VO:- in house or client?
Answered
VO:- which client?
Answered and showed the client letter
VO:- What is your job responsibility?
Answered
VO to me (H4) :- how long have you been married?
Me – 4 months .
VO:- oh! Newly married,
Congratulations
Your visa is approved and handed over the slip to know the rights in United States.
The process was done in about 1 hour.
Same day status changed to Approved
20th Dec :- My status changed to issued
21st Dec:- Husband’s status changed to issued and my passport was ready for pickup at Hyderabad ( as we opted )
22nd Dec :- my husband’s passport was ready for pickup
23rd Dec :- Went to Hyderabad US consulate to pick up the stamped passports.
Experience 16: H1B with In Person Interview, 221g at New Delhi
I picked up my passport today with visa stamping. Below is my 221g-yellow slip timeline.
Last 9 years I am on H1B and working for present company since last 5 years. This is my 3rd stamping experience.
June 12th 2022 (In-person interview):
Visa officer : Took fingerprints and asked about my dependents whether they are in india or in USA.
Myself : They are in India officer.
Visa officer : where is your son?
Myself: He is in Hyderabad.
Visa officer : so no dependents in USA?
myself : yes officer.
Visa officer: returned back my passports along with 221g yellow slip(mentioned Admin).
Myself : what does this yellow slip means officer ? Do you require any documents?
Visa officer : No sir, you are good with your documents, yellow slip is we need additional time to review your documents.
Myself: how much time will it takes to clear ?
Visa officer : it takes 45 days to 180 days and in worst case more than that.
After that I checked the case status in ceac portal shows “Refused “. And the status/updated dates didn’t change till Dec 15th.
On Dec 13: All of a sudden I got an email from HL processing to drop my passports at the nearest VAC.
On Dec 14: I dropped all the passports at Hyderabad VAC
On Dec 16: The status on ceac portal changed to approved.
On Dec 17: Issued.
Dec 21:passports ready to pickup
Dec 22: picked up passports with stamping.
So finally after 176 days my visa got approved, in between every 2 weeks I fallowed up with ustraveldocs.com , but the response is very generic. I even contacted Senator multiple times, but no help.
I wish all the best who are in same boat, hopefully one fine day everyone’s will be approved, and thanks for everyone who shared their experience here, it’s really very helpful.
Experience 17: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai
Got my passport returned with 221(g) on my Dropbox appointment at Mumbai on November 16th.
Had an in-person interview today on December 23rd Chennai Counslate
Appointment time was 9-11am. I reached there by 8am
VO experience
VO officer asked lot of questions to person in front of me and was strict but I kept calm and confident
Me: Good Morning Sir
VO: Good Morning, pass me your passport (passed passport and 221(g)… he returned my 221(g) form said you can keep this)
VO: can you show me your I797 (gave him original copy)
VO: How did you come to know about your company
Me: Answered, I applied for job postings on LinkedIn and that’s where my company saw my profile and reached out to me
VO: what is your salary
Me: Answered
VO: Who is your client
Me: Answered
VO: What location do you work
Me: Answered, Till date I worked remotely as I am allowed to as per my LCA but I will be moving to client location once I go back and mentioned client location
VO: what is your client location
Me: Mentioned client location once again
VO: so will you be moving to client location
Me: Yes Sir
He went somewhere for a minute and then came back with a info page and said congratulations your visa is approved
I hope this would help all those who need it just like me. Just be confident, loud and clear. Good luck everyone. Hope you all get Approved quickly.
Experience 18: H1B with Dropbox at Hyderabad
Processing in Hyderabad VAC, Dropbox and collection in Mumbai
Ceac Status:
Nov 17 – Submitted Passport
Nov 25 – AR
Dec 1 – AR (Case Last Updated)
Dec 5 – AR (Case Last Updated)
Dec 6 – AR (Case Last Updated)
Dec 7 – AR (Case Last Updated)
Dec 13 – Refused
Dec 16 – Approved (changed by itself, no email received)
Dec 20 – Issued
Dec 21 (evening) – Passport is being processed for delivery
Dec 23 – Passport is ready for collection (no email received, saw it in the CGI website)
Dec 24 – Picked up passport
This whole process took 5 weeks. Personally observed that Hyd VAC is overwhelmed with applications (source: Visa grader tracking website) and super slow to finish processing during this holiday season.
Tip:
- Try dropping off your passport in the location of processing VAC if you are on a time crunch. It took me 1 week to update from “No status” to “Application Received”.
- I think it better to choose the premium delivery option (Rs. 650) just because of the same reason. It takes time to send back your passport from one location VAC to the other. Hence, passport got delivered 3-4 days it said Issued
Cheers & Happy New Year!
Experience 19: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Ofc(Biometrics) – 13th Dec
Slot was at 10 but reached the center by 930 and was immediately allowed into the building. Biometrics and Photo got completed in 15 min( They will not allow any electronic gadgets but you can deposit your belongings for 500 in nearby counter)
Interview – 23rd Dec @950 slot
Reached by 910 and was allowed inside the consulate after 10 min. We can deposit electronics before entering the buidling.
Post security check everyone was made to wait for 15 min before entering the queue.
A lady sorted out the required docs( 797b, lca and offer letter) before the interview
Queue wait time : around 20 min post which reached the Vo
Me: Good Morning Officer
VO: Good Morning Sir
VO : Pass the docs please
Me: Shared the Lca, 797, offer letter and passport
VO: tenure with your current employer
Me: Answered
VO: Job details
Me: Answered
Vo: highest education qualification:
Me: Answered
Vo: Your visa is approved and returned back the docs but kept the passport and also shared a slip which shows the employee rights and one that tells that the visa is approved.
Stood in the queue outside embassy at 910 and got out by 1050.
Few details about me:
First time h1b. Working with mnc analytics consulting company for past 41 months. Highest qualification being mba.
All the best for everyone!
Experience 20: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometrics Slot: 16 Dec’2022(11:30AM)
Allowed us inside at 11:15AM
1. Had to store our bag,mobiles in the locker (Rs500/locker)
2. Verified the documents(Passport,Appointment Conformation and DS-160) and a sticker stuck for each passport
3. We were Called to individual counters to click the photo and take fingerprints(We already took a 2*2 standard photo of my kid,which the counter took a photo of and returned back to us)
Came outside at 11:30AM
CA Slot: 22 Dec’2022(9:20AM)
Allowed us inside around 9AM. Handed over the mobile and pendrive at the locker(Rs50/locker).
I guess the 9:20 slot was for all the family bookings,so around 6-7 families are there inside waiting.
As per the earlier experiences i was under the impression that carrying kid would bypass the line,
but we had to wait till 10:30AM to b allowed inside the counter(The earlier families were allowed inside 1 by 1 with 10-15minutes gap)
We were sent to Counter#41 to verify the documents. When the officer asked the documents,i have provided the bunch of
supporting documents i have with me,but he asked me to provide only I-797, LCA, Marriage Certificate and my kid’s Birthday Certificate(along with the passports).
Once they are verified,he returned the documents to us and we were directed to Counter#34.
Me: Morning Officer
VO: Good Morning(Waving to my kid)
VO: Give me the documents and the passports
Questions to my wife: When are you married and when is your kid’s birthday?
VO: How much is your salary?
Me: Answered
VO: Where will you be staying?
Me: Answered
VO: Do you work for a client?
Me: Answered
VO: What is your client?
Me: Answered
VO asked both of us to scan the four fingers and took few seconds to type something.
VO: Your visa is approved and you will receive your documents within 7 days(Handing over the slip to know our rights in US)
Me: Thank you Officer,Wish you a Happy Christmas and a Great New Year
Came out of the Office at 10:45AM
Experience 21: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Peron Interview at Chennai
I am eligible for Dropbox ,so I opted for Dropbox Chennai location and dropped the documents in Bengaluru on 3 November 2022,The status changed to refused on 10 December 2022 , received passport with 221g asking for in-person interview .
In-Person Interview on 19 December 2022:
VO: What is your educational qualification
VO: What is your Annual Salary
VO: Where are you going in USA
VO: What is your company name
VO: what is core business of your Client
VO: Hand over me all documents including additional documents (confidential documents) and LCA.
VO: wait for some time
I waited nearly 3 hours ,after some background processing ,he approved my visa .
Note: For small startup companies like consultancies your paper work should be perfect ,be confident .
For those who have end client ,please ensure to get all confidential documents along with Client letter ,MSA and PO .
Best of luck to all H1B aspirants.
Experience 22: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Mumbai
I am on H1B and my wife and my 1.6 years old daughter are on H4.
OFC on 26th December 2022,
Appointment timing : 9 AM
Reached there by 8.40 and immediately they asked us to go inside.
We went inside and kept locker for 500 rs and then they took it to the main room for bio matric and around 9 AM we came outside with all the procedures for that day.
Documents asked:
DS 160 confirmation page
Appointment confirmation page
Passport.
VAC is on 27th December.
Appointment time : 8:50 AM
Reached there by 8:10 AM, frankly speaking I was shocked to see people outside standing there, huge crowd. Was not expecting these much crowd.
They we’re announcing slots in public Mike and ours was a called 8:50 AM appointment.
We went there by 8:40 AM.
We were with our daughter in Staller so they asked us to come first , checked the passport.
Then went to security check where they asked us to put anything which is not allowed to keep in locker. I took locker for 250 rs as I have total 5 items to keep.
I must say, they were so supportive.
Then went inside with staller and baby bag and documents file.
Inside also, they asked us to go and no need to stand in any queue.
Then went for documents verification and they asked me to keep
Passport
I797 approval
Marriage certificate
Birth certificate
Employment verification letter
Documents got verified and after that again they asked to go to counter#36 for interview. Didn’t wait for single second.
Went there and from far only lady officer greeted us and we did same and went closer to the counter.
Questions asked:
How long you have been with current employer?
What is your role and responsibilities?
Highest education to me and my wife?
That’s it ! Boom 
she handed over my docs with white slip and kept our passport.
At last, My daughter did say bye to her and give her flying kisses, officer was so happy and said you my day to my daughter 
I must say, they are so so supportive. I was so happy and emotional at the same moment.
Experience 23: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Hyderabad
H1B visa (transitioning from F1). Documents was dropped off in Bangalore and were shipped to Hyderabad consulate.
The process:
Dec 2 – No Status (After Dropping Off)
Dec 15 – Application Received (Case Updated)
Dec 21 – Application Received (Case Updated)
Dec 21 – Refused
Dec 22 – Received email from the embassy to attend in person interview and biometrics on 27th Dec. They gave a quick appointment. Was asked to carry LCA, paystubs, I-129, employment verification and client letter etc. I carried additional documents just in case.
My passport was already in the embassy and asked me to pickup the passport before the interview. They take your appointment confirmation in the line and before they make you stand in the queue, they will handover the passport to you by calling out your name.
Questions Asked in the interview :
1. Who is your employer?
2. Who is your client?
3. Where do you work from? – I answered the state where I live and work from.
4. What is your compensation?
5. Have you already started working for the client? – I answered ‘Yes’.
6. How long have you been working for the client?
Then she asked the following documents together:
LCA, Client Letter and Pay Stubs.
She went through them and started typing in her computer. She read the client letter and saw the vendor’s name and confirmed if I had a vendor and I said Yes.
There was no biometrics taken.
30 more seconds of typing and she said that my visa was approved. I said thank you and wished her a happy new year and was out of there. She thanked me back.
Be confident in your answers.
Dec 27 – Status changed to Approved. Checked the application status as soon as I came out of the embassy.
Good luck guys.
Experience 24: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai
OFC: 23rd December 2022: Delhi
-> 15 mins max required. Carry ds160, appointment confirmation and passport.
-> everything is verified and a sticker as pasted at the back of your passport.
VAC: 30th December 2022
-> we were allowed inside 15 mins before the slot.
-> security check
-> proceed to waiting area
-> allowed inside after waiting for 15 minutes
-> stand in queue for document verification (i797, lca, and offer letter from us company)
-> once documents are verified, you are asked to stand in another queue where everyone is waiting for the interview. I waited there for almost 35-40 mins because there were atleast 100 people ahead of me. But multiple counters are operating so its all good. Just gotta wait.
Finally my turn came.
Me: greeted, good morning officer.
Vo: good morning, how are you?
Me: I’m good, waiting for the new year.
Vo: tell me about your company
Me: explained
Vo: client project?
Me: answered (didn’t ask for client letter, because I’ll be working from my employer location)
Vo: where will you be going?
Me: answered
Vo: salary?
Me: told
Golden words: Your Visa is approved.
Tips:
Practice hard, you don’t have to say everything as you learned, but need to know what you want to speak.
Stay confident, stand tall, dress sharply.
Be prepared for any type of questions.
Stay strong and I wish everyone good luck for their interviews.
This group and redbus2us helped me a lot. Happy new year everyone.
Experience 25: H1B with 221g, In Person Interview at Mumbai
Finally my Visa got approved at consulate, after 221g and inperson interview.
Waiting for the stamped passport now.
Here is my experience in Mumbai consulate appointment time mentioned in 221g is 10:30 to 11:00 but after interview i got to know that I can enter any time not required to follow the time that mentioned in 221g.
Here is my interview expereience
VO.: Good morning
Me: Good Morning office
VO: asked to submit I-797, Client letter, Offer letter, LCA and I-129
Me : Handed over all documents
VO: who is your employer
Me: Answered
VO: who is you client
Me: Answered
VO: is client location and employer om same location
Me: Answered
VO: Asked abou the Job Desciption
Me: Explained
VO is not understood and asked me to sit there after 30 mins he called me again back and asked same question then I have explained with an example then he satisifed with my answer.
VO: smiled and saoid your Visa got approved and handed over all my documents and handed over the rights in US paper. In a couple of seconds online my state showed in CEAC web site approved now waiting for my passport stamped back.
Thanks to everyone for the support and questions posted it helped me a lot
