Circumspect Posted June 14, 2015 Report Posted June 14, 2015 I just wanted to share my experience about my visa stamping experience since I learned a lot from the experiences of folks who were kind enough to post in these forums. Before the interview I arrived at the consulate an hour early because I was coming in from Richmond. But outside the consulate they told me to come back 30-15 mins before the interview. Went back at the opportune time. You have to stand in a line outside and they check your appointment details. Please keep your DS160 form, passport and appointment letter ready. After the initial review, they will let you in to the second floor where you will go through security check. Make sure you dont have anything except your documents, maybe some cash and a driver's license. You wont be able to bring in any electronics etc. Once all of this is done, you will be directed to finger prints and then eventually (after a long wait) you will be allowed in for the interview. The Interview My interview was very bizarre! My case is pretty straight forward - I went to school in the US, then got a job as full time employee for a reputed company. Exchanged greetings with the officer and the following ensued - VO: Can I see your passport and I797 Me: provided VO: Let's see whats going on here...you are here for your H1B stamping? Is this a new one or renewal? Me: Renewal VO: What do you do? How long have you worked for them? Me: I described my responsibilities. At this time he called another VO and asked him what he needs to verify! The other VO gave him some instructions. I couldn't hear it properly but he basically said something about an end client, making sure the address of the company in LCA is where I work etc. VO: Where do you work? Me: Chicago VO: How many employees does your company have? Me: 2000+ He still looked very confused! Me: Would you like to see my I 129? VO: sure VO: How many offices? Me: I started listing all our offices...he smiled and said thanks. VO: He looks at his screen. Looks like you went to school in New York. What did you go for? Me: Bachelors of.... VO: Oh you don't have a Master's? Me: Nope VO: You will get your passport within 5 business days. Takeaways Be confident. My VO was courteous and nice but probably new. I made sure I confidently and concisely answered his questions. When he seemed confused, I offered more information and paperwork. I think they look to verify your employment address, your place of actual work and if they are different, then you should have your end client information (not applicable in my situation). Also, the Consular Database crashed worldwide the day of my interview! So basically, I am stuck in Canada until the system is back up and they have worked through the backlog - which can take an indefinite amount of time. Make sure you have a plan for the long haul - hotel reservations, a place to crash at the relatives place etc. etc. I know it is easy to say this - but try to take a deep breath, relax and loosen up! The VOs are just people who want to help you if you have all the documents and are legitimate. They are just doing their job and making sure they screen all applicants. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry! All the best gents!
10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 100
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.