Calgary - April 9th - Approved

[sree.online]

Hi Guys, 

 

This morning I had Interview. It went pretty smooth. Thanks for guys who posted their experiences. That made me prepared in advance and what to expect. I went through in detail in below post to just let you know what to expect. Here you go...

 

1. Landed in Calgary airport, YYC, day yesterday at 2PM MDT. At airport, I went through small interview process with CBSA after I get off from the flight. I have submitted my passport and they asked why I'm here. My answer was to visit a cousin who lives in Edmonton and also to get VISA stamped. It sounded like officer understood real reason for me to land here was VISA stamping ;-). 

 

2. Inside airport, you will see people in red uniform. They will help you if you have any questions / concerns. I told them, I need to go downtown, what's the best way to reach, through CAB, Bus, OR..? They took me to Allied Cab Services location. These guys charge $15 flat to downtown (but I guess they deserve more than that). They run a Van to Downtown every 30 mins. I was the only person in the Van for that time. They dropped me at my hotel, Best Western Plus Downtown (I booked through Hotwire). Also took $50CAD from exchange located next to this Allied Cab Service place. 

 

3. Relaxed till 6PM. Did make sure, I have all the documents. Also, I went through VISA experiences (about 30+) that I have gathered from this forum. Before I go to bed, I called front desk and they booked Cab service to Consulate.

 

4. Wokeup around 5:30AM. Got ready by 7AM. Again, gone through all document check process. Cab was their by 7AM Sharp (Looks like this city is dominated by Desi's, from Hotel I stayed to, Shops and Cabs are run by our guys....). 

 

5. I reached Consulate by 7:15AM. They charged $9, I gave him $15 incl tip. I was carrying backpack, inside that I have papers and other related docs. Security guard at downstairs told me they dont allow any back packs, liquids, food, electronics. So, they told one place where I need to put my backpack and come. That place is around 0.5 miles and they charge $5 flat. There are few other folks including me who was carrying backpacks. So, I put my stuff their and I'm back at the consulate. 

 

6. First Check: They made me stand in line behind some folks who had interview at 8AM. Mine at 8:15AM. When my turn came, they asked I797, Passport, 1 Passport Photo, & DS 160 Confirmation page, take out. I expected this and immediately provided to them. After that, I went through security scanning, then another officer checked above docs and put the sticker on the back side of my passport and banded all these docs. She asked me to sit on the chairs and told, security guys will escort me up. I sat for 4-5 mins. Then comes security guy who escorted to 10th floor (I guess). 

 

7. Second Check: After I reach 10th floor, I entered into a hall where have all these counters ( ~ 10) next to each other. In this hall, first VISA officer who checked same above 4 docs. His questions are

1. How did you made appointment? (Ans: through "Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service" portal)
2. When did you made appointment (Ans: 3 Weeks back)
3. Looks like you live in US. Where were you at the time of appointment? (Ans: US, then comes warning..)
4. You might face trouble with Admin Processing which might take few days. It is advisable to go home country for stamping (Ans: Sorry officer I didn't know that. But my actual plan was to visit my cousin who lives in Edmonton. So, I thought to complete my VISA stuff as well. (but actually I was thinking "really dude...don't say it..please don't put me in to trouble..hoping all goes well"))
5. Ok. Go to the next counter and give your finger prints. 

8. Third Check: I gave my finger prints. I had to press little hard on that screen. It was not taking initially. after that I was directed to big thing, Interview with VISA officer. I went  and stand in a line for a VISA Interview process (where next 3 counters are reserved for).

 

9. Fourth Check: VISA Interview. There are three people interviewing. Two counter are like in a room setup and one is open with no chairs (where I went). I went to Counter 8 where mid 50 lady was taking it. 

     

Me: Good morning officer. How are you doing this morning?

VO: Good morning. Quickly looked at the screen and said "let me give you the paper first of all. It is mandatory to give to whoever comes for H1B Visa stamping. (It was employee rights pamphlet)

 

VO: Can I have your passport please.

Me: Gave it

 

VO: May I know which company you works for?

Me: My employer is xxx and my client is xxxx ( EVC )

 

VO: Do you have I797? Sorry, I know I asked only your passport at the beginning.

Me: Not a problem. Here you go. 

 

VO: Whats your highest level of education?

Me: Masters

 

VO: What's the major?

Me: Computers and Information System

 

VO: Is it thesis or course work?

Me: Course work with a project

 

VO: Who is your client again?

Me: Told (Big 4 bank)

 

VO: Whats your responsibilities?

Me: Explained briefly

 

VO: By looking at screen,..."Looks good, no issue with PIMS. I'm approving your visa. You should be able to collect your passport in 3 to 5 business days at your selected Loomis locations". He Kept my Passport and I797 with him. 

 

10. Came downstairs. Security guard, David, called cab for me (very helpful guy). I came back to hotel. Now it saying "Administrative Processing". Should be changing to Issued may be tomorrow I guess. 

 

Final Notes:

--------------

1. Don't get backpack. Only just the docs
2. Looks like, I was the only guy for h1B VISA today. 
3. Have faith. You will return back to US happily. 
4. Feel free to email me if you need any prep doc. You can find my email in my profile. I'm having a text file which has about 30+ VISA interview experiences in the recent past. One stop doc. Includes only all approved cases, no 221s. I deliberately avoided looking at 221 posts (this could deviate my focus in a negative way. In case if I get 221G, my plan was to take a look at those posts if I get 221.)
5. I will update this posts with any new updates after I get my passport back. 
6. When you feel nervous, remember - In worst case, you will return back to your home country and live their with your parents happily. So be confident, everything will be alright.

All the best. Take care..!!!

 

Thanks

Sreenath

 

 

 

[itzsree]

hi sreenath,

Can you share me those visa interview experiences to my email. it is available in my profile. i don't see your email in your profile.

Thanks

Sree

[sree.online]

Status changed from Admin Processing" to "ISSUED" around 12PM MDT. 

[sree.online]

Hi Sree, 

 

Sorry, I forgot to update in my profile. I just updated my contact info in my profile. I will send you email shortly. 

 

Looks like you live in Detroit. Me too.

 

Thanks

Sree

[sree.online]

Hey Sree, 

 

Can you please email me for those question. I checked your profile, but not clear if its gmail or yahoo.

 

Thanks

Sreenath

[Saikishan7]

Hi sree,

This is sai ..I made an appointment in Calgary on 23 of this month ..can you please email me the prep document u have ..it will be a great help for me ..

Thanks

Sai

[sree.online]

Update:

 

1. Got email from Loomis on Monday around 9PM about Passport reached to Loomis Center and available to pickup.

2. I went Tuesday morning around 11AM and got it back.

3. On Wednesday by 6PM I'm back in US.

 

Exactly 7 days from start to finish.

 

All the best. Feel free to email me if you need any prep doc for VISA Interview. That's my 2 cents to you. Thanks

 

Sreenath