Below are experiences from June 2022 onwards for L1 Visa, L2, F1 Visa and others.
Experience 1 : L1A Individual with In Person Interview at Hyderabad
Dropbox 20 May
Application Received 25 May
Admin Processing 9 June
Refused 9 June – Got a mail to come for Interview on 13th June. Only my name was mentioned in the mail. So checked if I need to take my spouse and minor kid. Got response to bring spouse only.
Interview 13 Jun – Went with spouse. The parking lot near the consulate is closed. So park nearbuy or at the paid parking near passport office.
I did not take the mail in which they asked to bring spouse. So her name was not there in the list at the entry. Even my name was not there. So there was a delay to check and after 30-45 mins, they allowed us. So make sure whoever you are taking inside, their names are on the document with passport number.
Waited and waited. 9:45 AM was the interview time. They allowed all regular interviews 1st. Got all passports for the interview at 11:45 AM. Interview happened at 12 PM.
Questions :
To me – Location, Salary, Company Name, Current designation,Highest qualification
To spouse- Location, how long married, do you have kids.
He asked for kid’s Birth Certificate which did not have. He checked the passport and did not asked again. Then he said “Your visa is approved”. Asked to pick “Know your rights” booklet.
Out of consulate 12:15 PM.
Admin Processing- 13th June
Issued – 14th June
Waiting to pickup the passport.
Experience 2: L2 with Dropbox at Mumbai
29th July’22: Docs dropped at Mumbai VAC
2nd Aug’22: On CEAC Tracker, status changed to ‘Application Received’ (30th and 31st July’22 was Sat and Sunday). Before that, Tracker mentioned ‘No Status’
4th Aug’22: Status changed to ‘Administrative Processing’
5th Aug’22: Status changed to ‘Issued’
6th Aug’22: Visa received at Mumbai Home. Had opted for Premium Delivery, paid Rs.650/- to the BlueDart Gentleman.
Some inputs based on my experience:
- Principal Applicant’s (PA) Visa had expired in Nov’21. PA had I-797A and supporting I-129S. But the PA is staying now in the USA, not in India.
- Regarding Employment Confirmation Letter (ECL)
a. I did not have ECL of PA with me while submitting docs at Mumbai VAC on 29th July’22 at 11.45 am. That’s because after trying since Feb’22 for getting the Dropbox appointment, I got lucky suddenly on 27th July’22 to prepone appointment to 29th July’22 from earlier date of Sep’22 (My first appointment before this was in Nov’22). I could not get latest ECL since I had only a day with me and the time delay between India and USA also did not help. The kind lady at Mumbai VAC counter gave me a blank paper and told me to write that I did not have the ECL. I did that, addressing it to Chennai US Consulate and signed it off. She attached that letter with my Passport and other docs.
b. I had to spend some anxious moments as I did not submit the ECL. I suggest please get the ECL as well as other documents before the Dropbox appointment. ECL Template can be found on the Telegram Channel, just search for it. - All documents that are required are mentioned in the appointment confirmation page. Please do not leave anything to chance.
- I could update the DS-160 two days before the interview. Then I updated the DS-160 confirmation number on the Profile Page along with my latest address and contact number and saved the information. I carried the hardcopy of the latest DS-160 confirmation page along with the other documents to Mumbai VAC.
- Carry a set of your latest Photograph, which are as per the mentioned specification on the website. I had 4 with me, the VAC lady took 2 of them.
- Regarding Mumbai VAC experience: it is located around 800m and at a 10 minute walking distance from US Mumbai Consulate. I had parked my car in the Parking Lot (paid) next to the Consulate. For Dropbox applicants, VAC was allowing to carry mobile phones. They are pretty well organized. My appointment was at 11.45 am and I was out at around 12.30 pm. Carry an umbrella in the monsoon. Closest Hotels are Trident and Sofitel, else you can look for other options on Make My Trip, etc.
- I had initially told an agent to book my appointment. Later, I realized it was useless and took over myself bypassing that agent. Followed the telegram channels ‘H1B/H4 Visa Dropbox Slots(..) and ‘L1/2 Individual Slot’. Adhere to the laid down rules on the Pinned Messages and keep trying.
- Do not keep trying if you get a message like “You are reaching the maximum attempts…”. If you continue after this message, there is a high chance that your account will get locked for 72 hours (happened with me once, got automatically unlocked at around the 72nd hour)
Experience 3: L1B Blanket with In Person Interview at Chennai
OFC: 14th Aug Chennai
Tips:
- Reach only 30-40 mins ahead on scheduled time to avoid waiting in humid weather
- Phones switched off
CA: 16th Aug Chennai 11 AM
- Reach only 30-40 mins ahead of scheduled time to avoid waiting in humid weather
- No electronic device (Mobile, electronic kar keys, smart watch etc)
Reached Consulate by 10.30. 50 Rs Auto from Taj Coromandel after crossing road at hotel. Too much traffic, could have reached walking in the same time 🙂
After ~ 10 mins waiting in multiple queues, was inside Consulate. Was asked to arrange docs in order. If I remember correctly:
- I-129s two sets
- I-797B two sets
- DS 160 X 1
- DD (if applicable)
- Passport
They again arrange the docs and put a rubber band on docs along with PP.
Proceeded to another building. Waited ~5 minutes for a counter where there was camera, she scanned docs.
Went to a counter in an alley for FP Fee payment by card. Was asked to wait after it. Had to wait for ~30 seconds (applicant was reapplying and it was the same VO, so VO asked him to go to some other counter)
Interview:
Usual greetings.
VO: Which company do you for?
Me: XXXX
VO: Ohh XXX great!! (Smiling, he moves his hand to pickup stamp)
VO: How long you have been working for XXXX?
Me: Close to 8 years. (He puts the stamp)
VO: What do you for XXXX?
Me: Started talking about my position etc for 30 seconds he wasn’t listening anyway.
At one of my pauses he said your visa has been approved followed by usual instructions.
After handing out documents, Asked me if I was married. I said yes and they have appointments on xxxx date. He suggested that dependents should carry a copy of my visa or the stamped I129s copy with them, but also said anyway everything is there in the system. Made some note about my dependents while I was talking. Confirmed with me how many kids I have.
Reached hotel room by 11.20 AM. This time auto route was longer and they knew from my face that my visa was approved. Asked for 150, gave him 50 tip at drop.
Experience 4: L1+L2(Son) with Dropbox at New Delhi
Original Appointment: Mumbai Vac on 2nd Aug
Appointment Attended: Delhi VAC.
My appointment includes 1L1 Individual and 3 Dependents. However my wife and my younger son didn’t travelled to India, canceled at last moment. So myself (L1 Primary) and my elder son attended the Appointment
Document Submitted: Appointment Confirmation, DS 160, I-797, Employer verification letter. For my son, since my wife didn’t present they asked for My wife I-797 as well for my dependent. Photos. Recommend to get photos from shop next Delhi VAC, they are rejecting photos for every applicant and some of them got it from US as well 😛.
Status: app submitted on 2nd at Dehi, 3rd Aug Case Received, case updated on 7th, 11th and 17th Aug on CEAC portal. 17th Aug evening around 4PM status changed to Issued. Aug 18th Passport sent to origination location. Aug 19 passport
Ready for pickup at Delhi VAC.
During appointment they didn’t ask my wife document for my son. Same day when I left delhi around evening I got a call to send my wife document to support my dependent application. I have email them at the same day. They rejected our photos as well, so clicked from a shop near to Delhi VAC only.
Experience 5: L1B + L2 (3 Dependents) with Dropbox, 221g, In Person Interview at Kolkata
Managed to book appointment when bulk slots opened on 22/May.
Appointment location: Kolkata VAC
Appointment date: 02/Sep
02/Sep – Documents submitted at Chennai VAC
1.DS160 of all 4 applicants
2.Passports and previous visas
3.One copy of i797
4.Employment verification letter
5.One photograph of all 4 applicants
6.Appointment confirmation page(this was stamped and returned to me as acknowledgment)
07/Sep – Application Received
07/Sep – Refused
08/Sep – Got an email from Kolkata consulate to appear for In-person interview on 12/Sep 10am. Only the primary applicant was requested to appear for interview not dependents.
Consular interview:
12/Sep – Reached Kolkata consulate @10am. Took 30 minutes to get through the security procedures and interview lasted 10 minutes.
Questions: Company name, Years of exp, Job duties, Salary in US, Basic question about Specialised tools, How many other employees has knowledge on the tools, for which customers have you used this tool, marriage date, arranged/love, basic questions on past b1 visa and UK travel history. Visa was approved. No additional docs were asked although I carried all necessary documents.
13/Sep – Status changed to Approved
14/Sep – Status changed to Issued
15/Sep – CGI portal showed passport being processed for delivery
16/Sep – Passports delivered at home
Interview tip: Keep answers short and clear. Keep calm and imagine as if you’re having conversation with the officer and not interview.
Thanks to this group for all slot notifications and sharing their experiences. Good luck to everyone who is waiting for slots/visa.
Passport Status:
https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/
Visa Status:
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=NIV
Blue dart tracking: After cea portal status shows ‘Issued’ you can use your UID in blue dart under REF NO while searching.
Experience 6: L1B + L2 with Dropbox at New Delhi
Dropbox Date: 16th Sep’22 (Friday)
Dropped Docs at: Bangalore VFS
DS160 Filled Location: Chennai
Got Appointment for: Delhi USA Consulate
USA VISA Photos taken at: GK Vale, HSR Layout, Bangalore (Accepted at VFS Bangalore)
Paid 1300/- Cash as Processing Fees for 2 Applicants
Acknowledgement Received from VFS Bangalore: 1300/- Paid Original Receipt + B/W Xerox of Appointment Confirmation Stamped/Signed & returned back after scanning
CGI Appointment Booking Portal Status from 16th Sep’22 evening till now:
“Passport is being delivered to Post” and not further update after that, Might be updated during week-days.
Documents Dropped:
- Primary + Dependent Applicant’s Passports (Original) (they pastes DS160 Confirmation Numbers’ stickers on each)
- 1 Blank/White Xerox Copy of I-1797B (Petition Approval Notice)
- 1 Blank/White Xerox Copy of Primary + Dependent Applicant’s DS160 Confirmation
- 1 Blank/White Xerox Copy Marriage Certificate
- 1 Glossy Coloured USA VISA Photograph of each applicant (They validates and writes at back of each of them with Pen)
Experience 7: L1B with In Person Interview at Chennai
I got my L1B approved yesterday at Chennai US consulate. Some pointers:
Be very clear about your Visa Type L1A/L1B
L1B would require Specialized Knowledge explanation and make sure you give the answer confidently and maintain eye contact
The interviewers are very friendly and clear in communication they talk slow and clear.
My interviewer was an American lady, I found her cute and complimented her saying that I love her dress. She was impressed by that comment
Talk with smile and prepare well to explain your technical or domain knowledge
Don’t talk too much, if they say “OK” meaning you need to stop talking and complete your sentence
Questions asked:
- Is it L1A or L1B, do you have the power to Hire and Fire anyone? – This is where I saw couple of rejects because the candidate applied for L1B but when asked if they manage people and you say Yes, you will be Rejected because the document says otherwise.
- What Specialized Knowledge do you possess? – Explain your knowledge
- How long you are planning to stay there. Say 3 Years.
They confirm on your face if the documents are not sufficient to get the appropriate documentation and come back or follow up with HR to get letter from Client (If you are going to a Client location)
They confirm to you that your Visa is Approved and the documents will be sent to me in a week.
I had 2 dependants with me Spouse and Child who were not asked anything. I’m a Muslim and My wife was in her Burqa no questions were asked.
$500 Fraud prevention fees can be paid via Credit or Debit card preferred with International transaction enabled.
Cash is secondary. I gave cash 41K INR.
Indian personnel at the Cashier counter was throwing my credit card on the table because it didn’t work. Indian personnel tend to be a bit rude.
US personnel are very friendly and you need to be friendly as well.
Wishing everyone the best of luck! 😎
Experience 8: L1A+3Dependents with In Person Interview
My interview slot at 8:30 AM. My daughter accopmained us (3 year old) so we skipped the queue almost everywhere
If you take DD they are thanking us because it makes process simple and easy. I carried DD with me. Conversion rate 84inr
Questions self
Which visa? L1A
After 30 sec again asked which Visa? L1A
Years of experience in current company? 6.10
Years of experience as manager? 4.4
Which place?
Designatio? Leader Vendor Relations
Salary?
How many direct reportee? – 23
How many indirect reportee? I said no
All 23 report directly to you? Yes
Question to Wife
Highest Qualification?
Are you working? Yes
Designation? Software Engineer
Explain your roles and responsibilities? (I never thought they ask these questions to my dependent)
You manage individual person or company ( I was shocked am I the primary applicant or my wife)
Finally approved
We went inside by 7:30AM came out at 9:30 AM
DONT carry mobile, wallet or electronic items they don’t have locker facility.
You need to hand over those items to auto Wala and they charge from 500-3000
If you say Visa is approved they will ask 3 times more.. better keep everything in hotel or if you are locality take someone with you to take care of your belongings
Experience 9: L1+L2 with In Person Interview at Chennai
Oct 31 : biometrics at Hyderabad
Documents asked
- Appointment confirmation
- DS 160
- Passport
10.30 appointment, got in at 10 and got out by 10.15
Nov 2: interview at Chennai, 10.30 slot
Got in at 9.45, got out by 10.30
Outside had to show appointment confirmation, inside they asked for only I-797 original
Interview questions for L1:
Which visa?
Where will you stay in the US?
For L2:
Highest qualification?
Is your spouse name added to your passport?
Approved.
Nov 3: status issued
Nov 5: passport recieved (premium processing)
Experience 10: L1B+L2 with In Person Interview at Mumbai
Biometric appointment at Mumbai BKC
- Since there are many applicants, reaching too early does not help. They check appointment time and call out half n hour slots E.g. 8 am, 8.30am, 9am.
- Once you enter, only recent PASSPORT with DS-160 Confirmation Page is checked and you are allowed to enter for Biometric process.
- None of the electronic devices ( Mobile , Smart Watch, Laptop etc.. ) allowed. My Car key was allowed.
- Once you appear at window, interviewer may ask you to read ( have a look at ) the instructions written near window. These are just you are agree to take your Biometric and photo for Visa process.
- Fixed two questions for everyone was asked ‘What is your full name ?’ , ‘What is your birthdate ?’ . Once confirmed with you Passport and DS-160 confirmation page
- You will be asked to pose for photograph
- Then Left hand side 4 fingers, right hand side 4 fingers and then both thumbs at a time.
- Once this is completed , its done for the day.
Day of Counselor Interview at Mumbai BKC
- On this day as well, you have to wait outside until your slot timing is called. The slots are called out of every 10 minutes. E.g. 8.00 am, 8.10 am, 8.20 am
- You have to show Passport and appointment letter and enter the embassy.
- At counselor office there is a provision of counters with minimal charges of 50/100 to keep your mobiles and other things.
- Security check : Just like airport , put all your belongings in tray and proceed through metal detector
After security check que is divided as per Visa type and Preferred language for interview. For Non-English there is different que and counters.
Mine was L1B visa with dependence L2 visa for my wife. - On first counter my i-797 and marriage certificate was asked. Indian person at counter checks the document and ask you to join another que for Interview
This singe que is divided on different counters one by one as per availability at counter. So in que even if you see all counters you can’t guess which counter you will be interviewed.
At counter , its que of 2-3 members mostly including one at counter and 1-2 in que behind.
Me and my wife appeared for interview and asked below Questions
Q : Can I see your petition and passport please.
Me : I handed over the documents.
Q : How long you have been to your current organization
Me : I am working with < My Org Name> for past Eight and Half year Sir.
Q : What is your Role
Me : I am working as Sr. Technical Leader sir.
Q : Which state in USA ?
Me : I will work from < My Org USA state and city>.
Q : What are your expertise ?
Me : < Name of tool and technology>.
Q : Is this your inhouse company ? Any third party company ?
Me : Yes , I will be working for < My Org Name> only. Not for any third party or client.
He typed for some time and questioned my Wife
Q : How long you have been married ?
Wife : Its been three and half years sir.
He typed for some time. He looked at our documents in from of me where marriage certificate was on top. He turned to me and asked surprise question with a little smile pointing his fingers towards my wife and looking at me same time
Q : What is her birth date ?
Me : I mentioned the correct birth date (with little fumble) and he was smiling..
He looked at screen again, typed for some time, return the rest of the document except Passport and told you ‘Your Visa’s has been approved and you will get it in 5-7 working days’ !
Experience 11: L1+3 Dependents with In Person Interview
Oct 28 – got appointment for September 2023
Oct 31- applied for emergency appointment at 3:30 pm
Oct 31- got emergency approval at 4:40 pm
Able to book appointment for 4 November
Nov 3 biometrics
Nov 4 interview but got pink slip Status changed to refused
Dec 9 status changed to approved
Dec 13 got call from consulate to mail form I 729
Sent immediately and received autogenerated mail back
After 15 min again got call and consulate said that one digit in petition in I 129s is wrong.. and asked for the corrected one…
December 13 in evening status changed to application received
December 14 sent corrected I 129s but no autogenerated mail received
December 15 Asked help desk they said document has not been received
Again sent the document from my other mail I’d
Received autogenerated reply
Dec 15- date changed but status was same as application received
Dec 18 got approved
Dec 19 got issued
Dec 20 ready for pick up
Dec 21 picked up passports
It was stressful experience but finally got visa
Thanx to group people who kept me motivated and kept guiding on every step…