Below are User experiences starting from January 1st to January 29th, 2023 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 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Dec 30th: 9am slot, security called at 8.45 and stand outside queue
First step: outside of gate they verified my passport and allowed me into consulate.
Second step: security check for electronic items. (We can wear watch and only electronics like mobile, laptop, smart watch we shouldn’t take)
Third step : sat outside for very long time approximately:1/2 hour and sent inside
Fourth step: verified i797B and LCA by Indian employees and sent me into que for interview waiting time 20-30mins
Later almost in que for an hour and finally my turn came and one Indian guy told the counter number(32) to stand(max 3 ppl in the queue)
US Guy with clean shave sitting at counter number 32
VO: Asked to come infront as before me one guy completed his interview
Me: GM officer.
VO: GM and pass your passport and documents
Me: passed
VO: which company you are working for?
Me: I told my future US XXX company
VO: Now also you are working in same
Me: I didn’t get the question so asked him to repeat
VO: what is your current company
Me: I told my Indian company name
VO: what’s your highest qualifications
Me: Bachelor of Engineering ECE
VO: Do you have client?
Me: I don’t have client and I am going to work on in-house ongoing project
VO: what is your future employer doing
Me: IT Solution and consulting
VO: what is about your project. Can you explain.(he was typing and checking my documents)
Me: I started explaining
VO: I didn’t hear anything can you say it loud and repeat again
Me: I started explain about the project just a 2 lines
VO: place your finger on scanner and your visa is approved. Returned my documents, white slip and kept my passport inside.
Me: thanked him and wish him happy new year in advance.
All the best guys..👍🏼😊
Experience 2: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
VAC Biometrics on 30th December, New Delhi
Interview: 3rd of January , New Delhi
Biometrics was smooth took 10 to 15 minutes only.
Documents asked: Appointment letter,DS160 and passport
Interview on 3rd January (Time 10.10 am).
Reached around 9.45 am
A long queue to deposit mobile (30mins)
A long queue for 1st security check(20 to 30 mins)
A long long queue for entering the first w8ing hall(more than an hour of w8ing)
Once you enter, one more round of security check (5mins)
After security clearance, waited for 45 mins to enter the main embassy office.
After entering the office building, two more queues.
First one took 45 mins and second one which was for interview took more than an hour.
Total waiting time was more than 4 hours and came out around 14.30PM
Document asked: Passport and I797B
Questions:
Since when are you working for the current company?
What is your role?
Visa is approved.
Please eat before entering the queue.
Experience 3: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Mumbai
02 JAN 2023 – Biometric
Documents needed – DS-160, passport and appointment letter. For kids below 10yrs, 2*2 inch photo (mandatory)
Reached at 11:15, after 20 minutes sent in 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
03 JAN 2023 – Visa interview
8:20 appointment
Reached the consulate at 7:15, waited on the road for the slots calling. Called at 7:40 am to stand on queue for 8:20 slot.
First counter – waited for 10 min, 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 the queue and standing in a line for a long time after that my turn came and sent to the interviewer counter
VO: Good Morning
Me: Good Morning Officer
VO: Asked to give the passport
Me: I have submitted those an kept LCA, I797, LCA, marriage certificate & 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: He’s Reading my employer Name
Me: I said Yes
VO: Questioned as in-house or client project
Me: In house Project
VO: what is your Role
Me: Answered
VO: How long you will be with this employer
Me: Answered
VO: what is your Responsibilities
Me: I have explained but he’s not understand my technical language after some time He’s asked again what exact your duties i explained in general language with the examples then he said i got it.
VO: He typed some thing in the system and he shared No your rights and he said Befor you going to USA please read this sir
Me: With a big smile sure Thank you officer
To wife and kid H4
VO: hey what’s your name to kid
Kid : he given smile and vo reply with big smile
VO: When you were married to wife
Wife: Answered
VO: Mam please put the left hand fingers on the scaner
VO: Your visa is approved, you will get in one week and given two white paper slips.
VO: Returned all the documents and keep the passports with him
We came out at 9:30. Visa interview hardly took 2 to 3min.
Immediately 03 Jan 2023 the visa sataus is Approved
And 04 Jan 2023 the status seems Issued
Waiting for the passports
All the very best…..
Experience 4: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Biometric: Jan 4th
I had my Biometric Appointment in New Delhi VAC. ( Shivaji Stadium metro)
My appointment was at 4:45 PM, Reached location by 4:15.
They asked DS160, Appointment Confirmation, Latest Passport.
They verified all the details and allowed me into biometric room.
After that guided to respective counter, for Photo and Finger Prints. Whole process got completed in 15-20mins.
Visa interview: 5th Jan, 8:40AM
Reached embassy location by 7AM and there is a crowd already in good numbers. They called appointments between 8-10Am. Once get into queue they verified appointment confirmation and asked deposit if carrying any electronics and other stuff.
( there is a baggage collection counter but id advised to not carry anything if you are travelling alone just to avoid long queues).
After all verification entered into Visa interview room and initial checks ( passport and I-797 docs) then proceeded to interview counter. I was the 3 rd person in the queue and they asked to first 3 persons to one one another counter and next 3 to other random counter depending on the availability of the interviewer.
I went to counter 14, there are 2 more persons went to same counter before me. 1 is F1 got approved and 2nd one is H1b got Yellow slip. Finally my turn
She took passport, LCA , and I-797 doc and asked.
1. Are you currently working for this company?
2. Is this your end client?
3. Whats your roles and responsibilities? Finally she asked do i have any questions for her, i said no. Then she congratulated and said golden words Your visa got approved.
I was observing interviewer from queue and she is not that hard in asking questions as well. Just be confident whatever you saying. Don’t stop answering until she stops you for next question.
Thanks to the group for all the inputs. It helped a-lot. Wishing all the best.
Experience 5: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai
October 6 : Dropbox appointment dropped at Chennai VAC
October 11th : Case was refused got the 221g white slip without any documents ticked and called for interview on November 7th
3 weeks later….
November 7th : Attended interview. Visa officer was not even interested in hearing my answers to the questions she has asked. Asked me for a client letter which I did not have. I got a 2nd white slip 221g requesting for some docs.
(After a very long wait, Thankfully I was able to gather all the requested documents by 18th November)
November 22nd: My attorney has submitted the documents to chennaihl email id (Did not get an automated response)
November 23rd : Attorney submitted documents again, we did not get an automated response
A week passed away.
December 1st : I emailed the documents from the my email id which was registered on CGI during booking a visa slot.
December 2nd: Got a generic response from ChennaiHL email saying “your case is under administrative processing”
Mid of December (don’t know exact date) : Chennai consulate reached out to end client for verification. Verification was completed.
December 29th : Received an email to submit passport to the VAC
December 30th : Dropped passport at Chennai VAC
January 4th : Case changed to Approved (PS: Case last updated date/status never changed since November 7th and it got updated January 4th)
January 6th : Issued
My Suggestion : Don’t come to india for stamping. I hope nobody goes through this painful process.
Thanks and good luck!
Experience 6: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Interview date:06 jan 2022
Appointment Time: 8:40
There is provision to store bags and mobiles, but I suggest dont carry anything apart from your docs.. as it will take time to stand in line to deposit mobile
We were allowed inside around 7:50 and came out by 9:20
Counter 14, White lady with glasses
Me: Good morning officer
Vo:Good morning , pass your passport and i797
Vo: are you currently working for this employer
Me: its a new emplyement which i got through employee refferal
Vo: pass your LCA, typed something and asked …will you be working inhouse or end client locations
Me: working at my employer location. And explained project details in 2 lines
Vo: have you previously applied for h1b
( referring to my old 2018 petition which was rejected afrer RFE)
Me: yes my current organisation filed and not sure why petition was rejected
Vo: thats ok, so you know your US visa rights
Me: No officer
Vo: to my wife: how long you have been married
My wife Answered
Vo: your visa is approved, i will keep your passports and you will get in a week
Me: thanked and walked out
Experience 7: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Jan 5th 2023
Counter 15 US Lady
Here is my experience:
I approached the counter and greeted Good Morning.
1)She asked for passport and I-797B
2)She verified a few details in the system by typing the company name.
3)Asked for LCA – Checked Location and Wage details page.
4)What you are going to do for this company?
I started explaining responsibilities she stopped and took rights and rules slip.
5)By showing rights and rules slip she asked have you gone through Rights and rules while submitting DS-160.
Yes ,I have gone through and I will go through again.
6)Asked to scan the right hand and said Your VISA is approved.
7)Thank you officer wish you a great year ahead.
My important observations.
By the time I have reached the consular interview line there were 20-30 people infront of me waiting for interview. So I got sufficient time to analyze each officer and type of questions .
A total of 6 counters were operating that time and US officers in 5 counters and Indian lady in one counter.
Counter 12 – US male officer grilling more questions
Counter 15 – Indian lady she is literally taking 5-10 minutes on an average for each candidate .
Rest of the counters approval rate was good . Few people got yellow slips with respect to inhouse or end client related questions .
So please plz answer based on your LCA.
If in LCA if you have both employer and client location details have client related docs ready to be safer side.
If only employer location is mentioned in LCA say it as you will be working for internal project .Don’t say I will be working for one of the clients from my employer location because of the chance of getting 221g is more and it happened it infront of my eyes
Hope my experience helps fellow group members.
All the best.
Experience 8: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometrics completed on Nov 13th
Visa interview on 17th November @9:50 AM
VO : Good Morning, Can you give your passport and I-797B letter
Me : Provided
VO : What is your role?
Me : Answered
VO : how long you are working for XXX company?
Me : Its my future employment
Vo : what is a software?
Me : Answered
Vo : what type of project you will be working ?
Me : explained what kind of services I’m going to build for the client
Vo : can you pls remove the mask?
Me : can you pls repeat it
Vo : pls remove your mask shown with hands
Me : removed and answered again
Vo : how did you get this job?
Me : answered
Vo : what is your highest qualification?
Me : b.tech bachelor of technology in Information Technology
Vo : something he is typing for each and every query in the system
Vo : place your right hand four fingers
Me : placed I heard a beep sound, asked him is it done
Vo : Yes, you can remove
For my spouse
Vo : when did you get married?
Answered
Vo: place your left hand four fingers
Given
Vo : Im keeing all of the three passports with me.congratulations your visa is approved and you can fly soon.
Me and my dependent: thanks thanks a lot…
Experience 9: H1B with In Person Interview at Kolkata
VAC Date – 4th Jan 8:30 am in Chennai
Went there at 8 am and was asked to stand in a queue. They checked and the appointment confirmation letter and let us in. Then we went inside and there was another queue. Waited for 10 mins and we were told to go to another floor in a queue and was asked to carry passport,DS-160 confirmation and Appointment Confirmation letter. The lady there asked me to mention my full name and pasted a sticker on the back of the passport and finally was allowed to stand in queue for Biometrics and then it was done in next 15 mins.
Total time taken for Biometrics was around 30/40 mins
CA experience in Kolkata consulate (9th Jan 8:30 am slot H1B 1st time)
The guards outside checked our passport and Appointment confirmation and told us not to carry any electronic gadgets or bags. Only folder can be taken.
After that I went inside and was checked thoroughly and they told me to go the waiting room. There the guard checked my passport, Appointment Confirmation , DS-160 and told us to wait until the earlier queue gets their interview done. Once that was done, I was asked to go a room where the interview was going on.
Me : Good Morning Officer.
VO : Good morning and he asked me to pass the documents.
Me : I shared my passport, I797B, EVL and LCA.
VO : Who is your employer?
Me : Answered
VO : What is your work?
Me : Answered and mentioned the client also.
VO : Is this your first time H1B?
Me : Mentioned
VO : What is your salary?
Me : Mentioned acc to LCA
VO : Are you married?
Me : Answered.
VO : Scan the left hand fingers on the scanner.
Me : Did that
VO : Congratulations! Your visa is approved and you will get your passport in a week and shared few QR codes to check the rights of USA.
Total time taken – close to 1 hour as only 1 interviewer was there at that point of time.
Experience 10: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometric completed on 6th Jan 2023 – It took 15 mins to complete the process.
Visa Interview scheduled on 9th Jan 2023 @8:50AM
Status: Visa Approved
Applied through: Consultancy
Counter:31(African American)
Received our passports on 11th Jan 2023
They allowed us inside at 8:20am(completed the interview process by 10am). By the time I reached the consular interview line there were 100+ people in front of us.
Me: Good Morning Officer, how are you ?
VO: Good Morning,
Me: I have given: i797B, LCA, Marriage Certificate, Date of Birth certificates for my SON.
VO: Which state are you travelling in ?
Me: Answered
VO: What is your Role?
Me: Answered
VO: Working for in-house or client ?
Me: Answered like : I will be working for the end client from their location and given a Client Letter to VO.
VO verified the Client company name somewhere in the portal and asked me to place my right hand four fingers on the scanner.
Questions to my Spouse:
VO: How long have you been married?
Answered
VO: What’s date of birth for your SONs
Answered.
VO: Asked my wife to place her left hand four fingers on the scanner.
VO: Your visa has been approved and it will be ready to pick in 3days.
All the best!
Experience 11: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Visa interview was at 10:10am, counter 20 , female officer
Reached embassy by 9:30am , was out by 12:30pm
Went through security check and then have to wait in waiting room for 30min…row by row people were sent..then entered counsellor building and gave fingerprint…
Then again need to Stand in queue
Questions asked:
1. Current company name
2. tell me about the project.
3. Salary of US
Questions for my wife:
Date of marriage
Where will you live is US
Docs asked by the officer:
1. i797B
2. Passport
3. Marriage Certificate
She said congratulations visa approved.
I read about Indian origin lady who was grilling everyone, I too observed she was on counter 15 and yes she was grilling but approved both the visa of those people. (I guess both were tourist visa case)
Note: For delhi location if you have for example 10am interview, reach by 8:30am you can easily go inside. Because there is lot of crowd.
Also make sure not to bring bags or electronic gadget like smart watch/phone to skip baggage counter queue. I carried water bottle, my normal watch, my documents folder and money.
Thanks 
Experience 12: H1B with In Person Interview at Hyderabad
Biometrics in Delhi:
Landed in chilly delhi.. Biometrics at vac in shivaji stadium metro station.
Counselor interview at Hyderabad.
8.15 appointment.
Reached 1 hr before interview.
Allowed 8.00 and 8.15 interview applicants together.
They will verify biometrics and ask you to stand in line. they will send you to interview when it is your turn in queue.
They will give you token and send you to interview counter. You dont see interviewer and other interviewees untill last minute.
Interview:
VO: good morning.
Me: GM officer.
VO: xxx is this your employer.
Me: yes
Vo:who is your client.
Me: xxx
Vo: which state are you going to stay.
Me:xxx.
Vo: what is your salary.
Me:xxx pa
Vo: you can pick one of the slips with qr code your visa is approved I am keeping your passport.
Me: thank you officer have a nice day.
I interview was hardly for 1minute.
only passport was asked.
Officer was softspoken guy with a smile.
Only 3-4 windows for interviews.
Played many interviee scenarios in my mind for 1 month like dr strange but it was pretty straight forward and finished before I realized.
Best of luck for those who are attending interviews.
Experience 13: H1B with In Person Interview at New Delhi
Consular Interview on Jan 10th 2023
Tried to put in all details so that, information might help some one.
As I came from Hyderabad, came to New Delhi over night, stayed in Hotel Ashok, its less than 1 KM to US Embassy. Ashok Hotel, was super in its luxury, but room cleaning was not up to mark, but still this best option which very near to US Embassy, comfortable stay, morning breakfast was very good.
Got ready by 8.30 AM, finished breakfast. Reached Embassy by 10 AM IST.
Appointment Time 10.20 AM Jan 10th 2023.
It was very COLD, less than 5 degrees. From Hotel Ashok, any cab/auto will make you drive in 5 minutes.
Once I reached, security asked me to deposit Mobile/Bag/laptop/flash drives, etc., Also you should be wearing a mask, its mandatory.
Very small, mobile/bag deposit counter, 50 rupees per item. so plan accordingly.
Visitors, not allowed inside, they will be sitting under a shed, near security, limited place, also in COLD conditions, elders and kids it will be difficult. Plan accordingly.
Once my mobile deposited, 1st round security outside, will check only passport, appointment letter, scan body and allow inside gate.
Now security room, all your items will be scanned, you will be allowed inside. Once you reach inside, many will be waiting under a shed, here their will be some waiting, until line cleared inside. We will have access to water and rest rooms in this place.
After 30 min wait under the shed, they allowed me to walk into the main embassy building. Here, was surprised to see already 200+ people in line.
first, was routed to a counter mostly Indians, checking passport, DS160, Appointment letter.
second, was routed to another counter, for finger print check. It was a American person.
above two completed under 10 min.
Now entrie line was moved to corner, all have wait for Consular Interview, in Queue. All VISA types will be mixed, no seperate lines as per Visa.
I waited for another 20 min, then was asked to reach counter number 17, an American lady was sitting, before me she rejected for 3 people, not sure which Visa.
When my turn came, she called me with guesture and greeted me. I removed my mask, and greeted her.
1st question, asked me for passport, passed it over. barcode sticker was scanned. (which will done during VAC interview)
2nd question, asked for i797, passed it over.
3rd question, asked for LCA, passed it over.
4th question, which place I will be travelling?? answered.
5th question, what is your salary, answered as per LCA.
6th question, asked if I will be working for client/employer, answered.
7th question, asked if I have read, rights template (she was showing the template), I told “yes madam, and will still keep a copy.”
After this she, returned documents, rights template. Kept passport, told “Your Visa is approved”, I said thank you, and left the counter.
Was a Happy Day for me, hope this information will help. This group posts, helped me with good information, thank you all and wish you all the best.
Experience 14: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometric on 8-Jan.
It turn around in 5 mins and total time 30 / 40 mins.
Consular interview
8.50 appointment.
Reached 45 min before interview.
Allowed 8.50 interview applicants.
They will verify biometrics and ask you to stand in line. they will send you to interview when it is your turn in queue.
You need to stay in 3 different lines
- For security check, no baggage , no electronic devices allowed, not even smart watch (We have carried only folder of documents)
- Wait inside for long queue for 1 hr.
- Queue for your Finger print 30 mins.
Interview: H1 + H4
VO: Good Morning.
Me: Good Morning officer and handed him documents. (Passport, DS160, LCA, I797, Employment letter, Marriage Certificate)
VO: asked for Finger print (left hand for H1 + H4)
VO: How many years in xxxx employer (he already know about my employer).
Me: 2 years
VO: In house or End Client?
Me: End Client
Vo:Who is your client.
Me: xxxx
Vo: Which state are you going.
Me:xxxx.
Vo: Your visa is approved – Golden Words.
He kept my passport & returned my documents.
Me: Thank you officer have a nice day.
No questions to H4
Interview was hardly for 1minute.
Officer was soft-spoken guy with a smile.
Only 5 windows for interviews. (Counter Number – 26 was lucky for us)
Practiced for many questions but it was pretty straight forward and finished before I realised.
Best of luck for those who are attending interviews. This group really helped, suggested to go with all questions posted in this group.
Note: Carry all the other required documents as necessary, they may ask anything – one of the couple was producing many documents (Observation from queue)
Experience 15: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview at Chennai
I have attended H1 with my family (2 H4) on 5th and 6th Jan’23. It got Approved and Received my passports stamped with H1B and H4.
Applied from MNC, getting selected in Lottery for 2nd time. 1st time my application is abandoned due some misunderstanding on the RFE submission dates and not re-appealed. This year again selected in Lottery and got my application approved.
05-Jan-23 – Appeared for Biometrics at VAC, with my family. Took max 30mins to complete. Documents asked: Appointment confirmation, DS160 Confirmation and Visa specific Photo (2×2inch) for my Kid.
06-Jan-23 – Appeared for CA at Consulate, my Appointment is at 12pm, but I reached consulate by 10.50am and they let me in, since I was with my family (especially with my 3yr old Kid). Regular security check (don’t carry any electronic items). Waited for some 15 to 20mins in queue. Staff over there have taken us to a verification officer (indian lady) skipping long queues to verify all my documents. Documents asked: Passports, Approved petition and my Kids Visa Photo for scanning.
Next is the queue waiting for CA,
VO: Good Morning
ME: Good Morning Sir
VO: Can I have all your Passports and I797
Me: Handover the requested documents
VO: Who is your employer
Me: Answered
VO: who is end client
Me: answered
VO: who is your client what they are doing and what you are doing for your client
Me: Answered about my Clients Business and the engagement between my employer and client, and what I do for my client
VO: what’s your role
Me: Answered
VO: Which location i will be working
ME: Answered
VO: Whats your salary
Me: Answered
VO: How many years you are working with this Employer
Me: 10.5 years
VO: How many years you are working for this client
Me: 7+ years
Then questions to my wife,
VO: Good Morning Madam
My Wife: Good morning sir
VO: what’s your highest educational qualification
My wife: Answered
VO: please place your left hand to verify your fingerprints
My Wife: Placed Left hand on the Scanner
Then again to me,
VO: Sir please put your left hand for fingerprints verification
Me: Placed my Left hand on the Scanner
VO: handovered all my documents keeping only our Passports and given me a cyan/green color slip and told me “Your Visa is Approved” and you will receive your stamped passport with in 7days.
Returned back with big happy smile…
. All this process completed with in 1hr, came out from consulate by 11.50am (actual appointment slot: 12.00pm).
In sometime my Visa status changed to Approved in CEAC site.
On Monday (09th Jan) status changed to Issued.
Same day evening received an SMS and email confirmation that my passport is ready for collection at Chennai VAC (I haven’t opted for Premium delivery).
Finally on 11th Jan, collected all my Passports with stamping completed. (Please carry an authorization letter from your dependent if you are collecting the passport on behalf of them, along with photo copy of their identity proof).
In my case I have taken an authorization letter from my wife with 1 Photo copy of her ID proof, 1 Photo copy ID proof of my Kid, and at collection center they asked 3 Photo copy of ID proof for me to collect all 3 Passports.
Eventhough I have Valid Business Visa initiated by same employer and have frequent travel history for the same client (proposed for this H1 application), I opted for in-person interview considering my educational background (diploma), 221G, RFE and my family is not eligible for dropbox.
I saw someone on earlier post who have asked a question regarding the educational background (mechanical). Yes, my educational qualification in Diploma Mechanical Engineering with 15+ years of experience in Mechanical design domain. My proposed role for this H1B application is same Mechanical design role. So don’t want to worry about the role proposed when it matches your educational qualification with appropriate experience.
Thanks again for this Group and some Experts in the group who’s helping others with their experience and valuable inputs, helps everyone with their clarifications.
And finally a huge thanks to this Group Admin…
Best Wishes to everyone…
Experience 16: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview at Kolkata
Biometric 11 January 2023, 8:30 AM
It was straight forward they just asked us about DS 160 confirmation and appointment confirmation
Total time taken for the procedure 20 mins
Interview 12 January 2023, 8:30 AM
Me: Good Morning
VO: Good morning
VO: pass me you me passport and I797
Me: passed it along with employment verification letter
VO: which company you will be working for
Me: told it
VO: how long you been working for this company
Me: I worked for them from Oct 2020 to Dec 2021 then came back to india as my visa got expired.
VO: what is your job title
Me: told it
VO: what you do for them
Me: told briefly
VO: what they make
Me: told
VO: he asked me about my bachelor degree
Me: told him
VO: he asked me about masters degree & PhD
Me: told him about masters degree and said I dropped out from PhD
VO: when did you applied for visa last time
Me: told him date
VO: your visa got rejected last time do you know the reason.
Me: just told him that I got 214B.
VO: Ok.
VO: what will be your salary?
Me: told him according to LCA.
To my wife:
VO: when did you get married
She: told him the date.
VO: Have you traveled before
She: answered
VO asked for just marriage certificate.
She passed it through window.
VO: your visa is approved and you will get it in week. Keep this slip to know your rights.
Experience 17: H1B with In Person Interview at Chennai
Biometrics
Landed in Humid Chennai
Counselor interview on 10 Jan
8.15 appointment.
Reached 1 hr before interview.
Allowed 8.00 and 8.15 interview applicants together.
They will verify biometrics and ask you to stand in line. they will send you to interview when it is your turn in queue.
They will give you token and send you to interview counter.
Interview:
VO: good morning.
Me: GM officer.
VO: xxx is this your employer.
Me: yes
Vo:it is in-house project or Client Project.
Me: xxx
Vo: which state are you going to stay.
Me:xxx.
Vo: what is your salary.
Me:xxx pa
Vo: you can pick one of the slips with qr code your visa is approved I am keeping your passport.
Me: thank you officer have a nice day.
I interview was hardly for 3 minute.
only passport and I797 was asked.
Officer was softspoken guy with a smile.
Played many interviee scenarios in my mind for 1 month like dr strange but it was pretty straight forward and finished before I realized.
Best of luck for those who are attending interviews.Be Confident and Be Clam.
Thanks to all member’s of this Group, to understand the environment in Interview Hall.
Experience 18: H1B with In Person Interview at Hyderabad
Biometrics : January 10th
My appointment is at 11.30 AM I reached the consulate by 11.20 AM.
I have went inside and following the directions Hyderabad biometric is at Hitech City Metro station so people are using it as metro and 2 floors down they are using it as consulate.
I have been asked to carry my passport, appointment confirmation and DS160. Then went inside completed security check then guided to counter for docs verification. Finally i went and gave my finger prints. Verified by DOB asked my full name and then informed me on 12th I have my interview.
Interview : January 12
My interview is at 9:30 AM, I reached by 8:30 AM and they allowed me inside by 9.25 AM.
Before entering they asked for passport and then let us in. Security check they asked to remove jacket, wallet, everything in your pockets and even normal watch after it we were guided to go inside. And we have been sitting in different rows after 45 minutes the first row is called inside. One of the consular is guiding us to carry our passport.
I took passport, i797B, LCA, offer letter, client letter and MSA.
Later for finger prints one counter is opened and completed verification of bio metric.
Then guided us go and sit in the waiting lobby upto 30 minutes.
When we went inside Queue line for interview. I takes 10 more minutes to get my turn.
Counter NO – 16, Lady Consulate Officer.
Before me two H4 Visas are approved at same counter. Mine is H1B.
Me – Good morning officer
VO – Good morning,
Me – I’m trying to pass all documents (passport, i797B, LCA, I-129, DS-160 Confirmation)
VO – asked me give your passport only
Me – I handed over my passport
VO – who is your petitioner?
Me – Answered
VO – searched something on her computer for 2 mins.
VO – Are you going to work for your employer or any client is there?
Me – replied I’m going to work for end client
VO – who is your client?
Me- Answered
VO – Do you have any letter related to client? And asked me to handover Client Letter?
Me – Provided Client Letter
VO – which Location in USA?
Me – Answered
VO – What is your Client Location?
ME – Answered
My Client Location and my location are different
VO – Asked me about that, how you are going to work for client?
Me – I replied, I will work remotely for my client from the above said location.
VO – What is your salary in USA?
Me – Answered
VO – What is your Highest Qualification?
Me – Answered
VO – What are your roles and responsibilities?
Me – Answered
VO – Have you ever used any other names before? Did you changed your name before?
Me – No
Finally – Golden words, Your VISA is approved, am taking your passport you will receive it soon . and asked to take a slip contains QR code and mail id, toll free no. regarding rules at USA.
Me – Thanks officer have a nice day !
Then came out, entire process took 2 hours interview is 3 mins.
I came back and checked status in CEAC it was already approved on the next day.
Waiting for change of status to Issued.
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.
Experience 19: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometric on 8-Jan.
It turn around in 5 mins and total time 30 / 40 mins.
Consular interview on 13-Jan
Reached 1 hour before interview.
Allowed 8.10 interview applicants.
First check at Entry , Appointment copy and Passport.
Deposit of electronic devices for 50rs
Security check – 5mins in queue
No baggage , no electronic devices allowed, not even smart watch. Place all belonging even handkerchief in basket for scan.
Document check- 10 mins in queue, They will verify Appointment copy, I797B, LCA,Employer offer letter, biometrics .
They will send you to interview when it is your turn in queue.
Interview:
Counter :24 Lady officer (Only 2 counters taking H1B interview 24 and 26 remaining taking for B1/B2)
VO: Good Morning.
Me: Good Morning officer and handed her documents. (Passport, DS160, LCA, I797, Employment letter)
VO: Where are going in US
Me: Answered
VO: Qualification
Me: Answered
VO: Is this your role xxx
Me: Yes, xxx
VO:How long have been working
Me: Answered
VO: Your visa is approved – Golden Words.
She kept my passport & returned my documents along with Paper (Thanks for applying…)
Interview was hardly for 1minute.
Both counters 24 and 26 seems lucky.
Practiced for many questions but not much asked.
Passport status
13 Jan -Approved
17 Jan- Issued (14,15,16 Holiday for consulate)
18 Jan- Received mail to collect passport.
19 Jan- Collected passport from Hyderabad collection center.
Hitech City metro station.
No security check (take mobile or anything with you) , take photo copy of any ID proof.
Show original ID proof(I took Aadhar card) and give photo copy.
They will ask to sign and write mobile number on ID proof photo copy and give your passport.
Best of luck for those who are attending interviews. This group really helped, suggested to go with all questions posted in this group.
Note: Carry all the other required documents as necessary, they may ask anything.
Experience 20: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai
I received this 221g after dropping my documents as I was eligible for Dropbox. I received an email to collect passport from the centre which had this letter, It just asks me to report for an interview with my passport.
I finished my H1B visa interview today at Chennai.
After the regular security checks , I finally reached the counters in half hr.
VO. Good morning
He asked me just my passport, nothing else.
VO where r u going
Me answered
VO your sal
Me answered
VO Did u travel to us before?
Me yes, few times on B1 visa
VO is ur wife traveling
Me answered
VO how many kids?
Me answered
Vo r the kids traveling?
Me answered
VO which company r u working with now in India and why u want to leave such a good company?( I work with fortune 500 company headquartered in USA)
Me answered
In between I talked about the employer and their current projects in hand and how excited Iam to be part of their group.
While asking questions he checked few things on the screen for couple of mins,
Finally he said Approved.
Everything within 5-8 mins.
My observations if it helps:
Having the right company/ consultancy sponsoring you helps a lot. I think they get all details of the company while interviewing you. I observed that few candidates at the counters did not have the background of the company sponsoring them, and most 221gs are based on the company/employer verification.
All the best
Experience 21: H1B with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai
Dec 2nd 2022: dropped documents at Hyderabad(original appointment at Chennai)
Dec 12th 2022: passport ready for pickup(221G)
Asked to come for in person interview on Jan 17th 2023
Jan 17th-reached chennai embassy by 8:00
Me: Good morning officer, how are you
Vo: Good morning, I’m fine and how are you
Me: I’m good, thanks
Vo: Are there in family members with you applying for visa
Me: not at this time
Vo: How many years have been with your employer
Me: x no. of years
Vo: in house or end client?
me: told
Vo: who you work for?
me: told
Vo: What do you do there?
me: told
Vo: What’s the final product?
Me: told
Vo: How long have been with end client
me: told
Vo: What’s the previous client
Me: told
Vo: What’s your responsibilities in previous client
me: told
Vo: do you know your rights
me: yeah
VO: take your rights pamphlet and there the golden words your visa is approved
Jan 17th: Approved
Jan 19th: Issued
Jan 23rd: Ready for pickup
Jan 25th: picked up passport
This group really helped a lot, thanks all and best of luck all
Experience 22: H1B with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Appointment was at 9 AM,reached the venue by 8:30. After waiting for almost 1-1.5 hours,my turn came:
VO: Very good morning
Me: Good morning officer
VO: Please hand over your passport, petition and LCA
Me:Handed the passport and petition but didn’t have LCA.Told him the same that I was only given offer letter and confidentiality agreement from employer and not LCA.
VO: You mean your employer didn’t give you LCA
Me : No ( in head thinking that I am not going to get this through)
VO : Asking about XYZ company,what do they do
Me: Answered in 2-3 lines
VO : Where do they have offices?
Me : Answered
VO: What would be your base location in US?
Me: Answered
VO: Where is the office in base location?
Me: Answered ( thankfully I researched about it)
VO: How many employees?
Me: Gave some rough no.( Wild guess)
VO: How many total no of employees are there?
Me: Answered (Luckily I had gone through the company website thoroughly).I added one more line as to where all they have offices.
VO : Are you going to work for the client?
Me : Answered
VO : Asked about position offered and salary.
Me: Answered
VO : What is your highest qualification?
Me : Answered
VO looks in the computer screen for almost 40 – 50 seconds and says. ” I could have easily put you on hold due to missing LCA but I am approving your visa as of now. Please go through the employment rights in US before you start working.” 
Thank you to this group which gave real insights as to what should one expect from such interviews.
Quick tip that helped me: Be confident and prompt even when you might not be giving the most honest answers or are caught up in a situation of incomplete/ missed documents.
Wishing all the best to everyone!
Experience 23: H1B with In Person Interview at Chennai
First of all thank you so much everyone for posting your experiences in this group it helped me a lot to understand the interviews processes.
Time: 10.30AM
Vo: good morning,
Me: good morning mam.
Vo: give me your passport
Me: I gave my passport
Vo: are you going to work xyz company
Me: yes mam
Vo: from how long have you been working for this company ?
Me: for past 6 years I’m working in this company mam.
Vo: what is your designation?
Me : Software Developer
Vo: How much you are going to earn?
Me: I’ll earn xxxxx doller per year mam.
Vo: Are you working for same company?
Me: yes mam. In the offshore company.
Vo: Where are you going to work?
Me: In the employer location which is NJ
Vo: what is your client name?
Me: tolled my client name.
Vo : What is your client doing?
Me: Explained about my client in 2 line.
Vo: Are you married?
Me: yes mam
Vo: Is there any plan to bring your family to USA?
Me: No mam.
Vo: which place your going to stay in US?
Me: told my place
Vo: place your right finger on the scanner.
Finaly VO shared the approved slip and tolled that your visa is approved.
Me : thank you so much officer.
Note: There is no authorized loker for holding your things. You have to keep everything in outside. On the security check they asked me to even normal watch and wallet also to keep inside my file.
I went at 9.30 AM. There is no standing queue. So they allowed me to enter into counsalate. I finished my interview before my scheduled time that is 10.30AM.
Experience 24: H1B with In Person Interview at Chennai
First of all thank you so much everyone for posting your experiences in this group it helped me alot to understand the interviews processes.
Date: 25/01/2023
Time: 10.30AM
Vo: good morning,
Me: good morning mam.
Vo: give me your passport
Me: I gave my passport
Vo: are you going to work xyz company
Me: yes mam
Vo: from how long have you been working for this company ?
Me: for past 6 years I’m working in this company mam.
Vo: what is your designation?
Me : Software Developer
Vo: How much you are going to earn?
Me: I’ll earn xxxxx doller per year mam.
Vo: Are you working for same company?
Me: yes mam. In the offshore company.
Vo: Where are you going to work?
Me: In the employer location which is NJ
Vo: what is your client name?
Me: tolled my client name.
Vo : What is your client doing?
Me: Explained about my client in 2 line.
Vo: Are you married?
Me: yes mam
Vo: Is there any plan to bring your family to USA?
Me: No mam.
Vo: which place your going to stay in US?
Me: told my place
Vo: place your right finger on the scanner.
Finaly VO shared the approved slip and tolled that your visa is approved.
Me : thank you so much officer.
Note: There is no authorized loker for holding your things. You have to keep everything in outside. On the security check they asked me to even normal watch and wallet also to keep inside my file.
I went at 9.30 AM. There is no standing queue. So they allowed me to enter into counsalate. I finished my interview before my scheduled time that is 10.30AM.
Experience 25: H4 with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Chennai
9th Nov: Dropbox
12th Nov: Application received
7th Dec: Refused
9th Dec: Passport returned by Bluedart with 221g. No document asked but directed to appear in-person interview
6th Jan at consulate:
VO: PA I797
Me: gave
VO: where is PA?
Me: at USA (city and state)
VO: Did you have H1B in the past?
Me: yes and gave the details
She looked for something on the computer for 15-20 minutes then asked me to wait.
Another consular officer came after 30 minutes, took me to a room. He had a list of questions. He gave me a piece of paper. He was asking questions and I was writing answers.
Questions were: How did you find H1B employer? Project details. Client details. Compensation. Any complaints with Labor department etc etc. I was very nervous.
He sent me back to 1st VO. VO returned my passport and gave another 221g. I was heart broken as I was already 2 months away from my family. VO told it could take up to 180 days to get additional administrative processing.
Thought of following up but decided not to follow up by email or phone.
17th Jan: Got an email to drop my passport any VAC or consulate.
18th Jan: I dropped my passports (new and old) at New Delhi VAC plus copy of the email.
24th Jan: Approved
27th Jan: Issued
29th Jan: passport received and stamped.
I wish everyone all the best.
