H1-B Visa Stamping experience in Chennai with DUI

[gooseman]

I see fair bit of people with DUI convictions anxious about H1-B visa stamping. I have been this road and will share my experience.

Friendly advise, Please DO NOT get into this situation and always follow law of the land.

I had DUI in 2009 (on Halloween night), hired a lawyer. Pleaded guilty and completed court mandated alcohol abuse program, suspension and fines.

Went to India in 2010 for H1-B stamping, visa consular (in Chennai) referred me to Panel Physician at Apollo hospital. Physician report was sent to the consulate and visa was granted. Entire process took around 2 weeks from the day of visa interview. Visa interview was mainly focused on my DUI incident. I also got a copy of the physician report to consular office and have kept it till date.

In 2011, I got H1-B renewal and went for another visa stamping in Seoul, visa consular asked about my employer, reason for my presence in Korea and about my DUI. I shared the copy of physician report along with all other related documents (citation, DMV notices, court records etc)  and visa was granted. Visa consular for very warn and helpful. 

In 2013, I had to go for another stamping in India and experience was same. DUI incident was asked and I produced all the documentation. I was asked to wait for few minutes and officer consulted with couple of consular staff and granted me the visa. No delays in processing.

I went for another extension on September 6th this year, this time was also  same. DUI incident and review of all related documentation and visa was granted with no hiccups. Person before me was grilled for more than 20 minutes and was refused H1-B visa (he was answering a lot about his client and project details). 

All this time at Port of Entry (I travel a lot internationally for my work), I was subjected for secondary screening but no hiccups (again be ready with all the paperwork regarding your case). I was asked how I deal with my drinking and I answered about being responsible drinker and using DD or uber/lyft rather than giving false statements (like i quit drinking etc). Being patient and truthful worked for me.   

Most of questions during my visa interviews till date were related to my DUI when compared to my employer or job description. This I assume might be because I have been working as a full-time employee with same employer for almost 10 years now. My HR knows my situation and is very helpful. My paper work is very through and always maintain to document everything when it comes to matter of immigration. Since my DUI incident, I have stayed on good side of the law even if it is bothersome at times.  

Please remember immigration and driving in US is a PRIVILEGE and not a RIGHT. Conduct yourself accordingly. 

[ccs]

Thank you for sharing this. 

I'm in the same boat stamping for my H1b visa with DUI. It's been 6th week since the physician submitted my reports. So far no update - still showing admin processing. I'm nervous because this is my 10th week of India trip.

[haku]

hk28 any updates on your case ?