20 H1B/H4 VISA

Interview Experiences

These are some visa interview experiences collected from different sources (redbus2us.com,
whatsapp and telegram groups, direct interviews with people who have gone through the process).
 Interview 1

Visa Type: H1B with In Person Interview

Location: New Delhi

Submitted Ds-160 3 days before. Make sure all the details are correct and accurate.

Feb: 20th VAC at 4 PM.

Reached Delhi from Hyderabad around 10:30 and booked ola (we will get metro directly to VAC
centre if flight takes off in terminal3 ) from the airport to my hotel.

Reached early around 2:30 and stood in the line that allowed me in the 3:30 slot.

Mobile phones are allowed to VAC in flight mode or switch off mode.

They verified the passport and ds-160 and took the fingerprint and photo.

Feb 22 8:40 interview:

Went to consulate early by 7 due to some anxiety

Around 8 security started forming the queue for 8:30 bach and after that they allowed 8:40 bach.

No mobiles allowed inside. There is box to collect mobiles (50/-) and bags(100/-)

After the security check they will send some people into counters.

VO: Good morning!

Me: Good morning, how are you?

VO: I am good, Can i have your passport AND I797?

Me: Handover the passport AND I797

VO: Is it my first time in the US?

Me:Yes

Vo: Where are you working in the US.

Me: Answered.

Vo: Who is your client?

Me: Answered.

Vo: Which company currently you are working in india as i applied from new company in US

Me: Answered.

Vo: Since how many years have you been working in the current company?

Me: Answered

Vo: How did you get the opportunity to get the job in the US?

Me: Through LinkedIn

Vo: What is your salary in the US?

Me: Answered

Vo: What's your client doing?

Me: Answered

Vo: Do you know about the rules for working in the US?

Me: Yes, I have gone through them when i am submitting the ds-160. I observed, if anyone says
no, she is giving the pamphlet.

Vo: Congrats your visa got approved and handed over my I797 and client letter.

Me: Thank you.

Waiting for the passport. I have been selected for the premium delivery.
 Interview 2

Visa Type: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person

Location: New Delhi

VAC Feb 20 – 1:00 PM

CA Feb 22 – 10.30 AM

Reached VAC 1 and half hours early so waited till 12.45 then went inside. The process was simple
and was done within 15 minutes. They will ask our name and date of birth and then finger prints.

The CA interview reached 1 and half hours early so I waited half an hour. After the first security
check I need to cross the road and again need to wait inside the embassy line. But in our case we
went three ( myself + wife + 2 year son ) so no waiting after the security check directly went to the
VO officer.

Counter 21: very cool lady officer

Questions:

Me: Good morning

VO: Good morning and to my son “Hai Hello Namaste” 😊

VO: Ur passport and i797 please

Me: Given

VO: okiee u r working for abc company

Me: yes

VO : how many years u r working for abc company

Me: Answered
VO: inhouse or client project

Me: Answered

VO: she explained the same what I answered and asked correct

Me: yeah correct

VO: Salary?

Me: Answered

VO: Location?

Me: Answered

VO: Job title?

Me: Answered

VO: Highest Degree?

Me: Answered

VO : (to my wife) Do you have any plans to work over there?

She: Answered

VO: (to me) How long have you been married?

Me: Answered

Okiee now u have place your left hand four fingers and to my wife right hand fingers

Then finally she said ” Your visa approved ” you will get your passport within 5 to 7 working days…

Replied ” Thank you “

Place stayed: The Metropolitan hotel and spa… VAC within 5 min…CA around 20 to 25 min through
cab…
 Interview 3

Visa Type: H1B+H4 with In Person Interview

Location: Mumbai

24 Feb 2022, Appointment Time – 9:30 am

We reached the Consulate at 8:30 am.

Bags and other electronic devices are strictly not allowed and if required Mumbai Autowala will
help us with lockers (@Rs. 500)

For Mobiles, there is a locker facility available within the premises of the consulate @Rs. 50 per
mobile.

The security guard allowed us to enter exactly at appointment time (9:30 am)

At the entrance, there is a security check, followed by verification of passport and then we’ll be
asked to wait in the lobby.

They’ll be sending people by batches into the office.

There the security will separate people by the type of visa and allot us a counter where we have to
wait for our turn.

Interview:

Me: Good morning ma’am, how’re you doing?

VO: Good morning. Please pass your passports and I797

Me: Here they are.

VO: So what is the current role and where are you working?

Me: Answered
VO: What is your highest qualification?

Me: Answered.

VO: What is your project?

Me: I do have an end client in the US and I’ll be working on behalf of my sponsor.

VO: Oh, you have an end client.! Please share a few details of the client, project and could you
pass the client letter if you have.

Me: Shared a few details about the project, contract, responsibilities and passed the client letter.

VO: She studied my client letter and asked a few more details of the products I will be working on.

Me: Answered.

VO: In which location you’ll be working?

Me: Answered.

VO: Your Visa is approved. You’ll get your passports delivered in 3 days

Me: Thank you very much ma’am. Have a great day.

VO: please place your right hand 4 fingers on the scanner.

Then she turned towards my wife and asked her to place fingers on the scanner.

VO: everything is good. You may leave. Please know your rights form and go through the same.

Me: thank you once again. Have a great day.

Interview 4

Visa Type: H4 with In Person Interview

Location: Chennai
Feb23- VAC Chennai 10:30

Reached by 9 am but was allowed only by 10:15. Checked DS-160 and appointment confirmation.
Verified details by asking for a full name and DOB.

Took fingerprints and wished good luck for the interview.

Feb 25- 9:00am Chennai

Reached by 8am and was allowed immediately. Went inside after the scanning was done. Was
probably sitting for 5-10minutes. Was directed to the next building where the interview was
happening.

VO- Good morning

Me- Good morning

VO- So you’re here for H4? Were you previously in any other visa?

Me- Answered.

VO- Where is your husband now?

Me- Answered.

VO- Where is he working and location?

Me- Answered

VO- Where will you be staying?

Me- Answered.

VO- When did you get married and asked for the marriage certificate?

Me- Answered and provided the document.

VO- Thanks! Your visa is approved!

Took my right hand fingerprints and gave me the booklet to read about the rights.
Was out of the building by 8:25am!

Thanks for all the previous experiences shared here. It helped me prepare for the interview
better!!

Interview 5

VIsa Type: H4 with In Person Interview

Location: New Delhi

Chennai VAC 11th Feb 8:30 am, reached by 7:30 am and was out by 9:00am.

Delhi CA 24th Feb at 09:00am, reached by 8:00am. Appointments between 8-9 were allowed
together inside.

Security check

Waiting hall then again waiting in queue for interview

Called for an interview around 9.30am.

Interviewer: Good Morning

Me: Good morning

Interviewer: Please pass me your passport, spouse visa, marriage certificate.

Me: Given

Interviewer: Marriage date?

Me: Answered.

Interviewer: Arranged or love marriage?

Me: Answered.

Interviewer: How was your relationship with your spouse before marriage?
Me: Answered.

Interviewer: From when you know your spouse?

Me: Answered.

Interviewer: Any relatives in the U.S.?

Me: Answered.

Interviewer: Your visa is approved.

Was out of the consular office by 09:40am.

Issued: 24th Feb

Interview 6

Visa Type: H1B with In Person Interview

Location: New Delhi

Experience of Refused to Issued Visa in 4 days:

Feb 27 DEL VAC inside Shivaji Metro(2:30PM)

Reached 1:30,allowed entry 2PM

Cloth bag with docs, mobile(Silent), wallet

Long line for biometrics.

At counter checked DS-160, Passport and Appointment letter verified.

Entered office. Reverified docs and sticker at back of passport.

Biometric counter: he asked me to read a paragraph which is pasted on the slab Infront of
us(Biometric Signature).
Asked Name, Date of Birth verified. Asked to place left hand four fingers, right hand four fingers ,
thumbs and took photograph.

He said it is done for today. Please proceed for CA.

Took 15 mins

Feb 28 DEL US Embassy Consulate:

Slot time 8:40 AM

Reached 7:30AM there was heavy rush. Carried a mobile and cloth bag with docs.

Deposited mobile(Rs 50) security check 1.

Security people announced a line from 8AM to 9AM.

Moved towards the second security check by 8:30AM.

At 8:40AM I reached a counter for verification of I797(Xerox) and Passport.

At 9:00 I reached Counter 21.

There were 2 people before me when I joined the queue.

VO: Good Morning.

Me: Good morning ma’am.

VO: Please pass me I797 and Passport.

Me: Provided I797(Xerox) and Passport.

VO: Please place your right hand four fingers.

VO: Do you work for Client or employer?

Me: Client

VO: What is your highest qualification?

Me: Answered

VO: What is your annual salary?

Me: Answered.

VO: Who is the client and where do they operate from?

Me: Answered.

VO: Where will you stay in the US?

Me: Nearby Client address.

VO: Do you have a client letter?

Me: No, my company doesn’t provide it, but I have an MSA.

VO: Checked the MSA throughout and seemed confused.

VO: I have to background verify the client and then approve.

VO: You will get a passport in 5-7 days.

Me: Thanks and left at 9:20 AM.

Feb 28: Visa Status Refused.

Mar 01: Visa Status Administrative Processing.

Mar 02: Visa Status Issued. Collect passport in 10 days.

Hopefully waiting to see the Visa stamp…

Interview 7

Visa Type: H1B with In Person Interview at

Location: Hyderabad
OFC on 20th February at New Delhi

Many locker are available outside, 100 rupees per hour

For CA carry the DS 160 with an office seal which they put on OFC.

Belt, purse, non-smart watches are allowed inside OFC and CA.

CA February 25th at 8.15 AM.

CA QUESTIONS:

- What is your company name ?

Me: Answered
- What is your client name ?
Me: No client for me directly working with my employer on an inhouse project.
- Salary?
- Job location?
- Highest education qualifications
- How do you know about employers?
- How many years you’re working with an employer (current H1B petitioner?
Me: Once my visa is approved I will join with my petitioner.
- VO: Your visa is approved and collect employee’s rights form in front of you.

Interview 8

Visa Type: H1B with 221g Follow Up Interview

Location: Chennai

221g appointment at Chennai for H1B 3rd renewal at 9am. Reached the consulate at 8:30. They
don’t allow phones, smart watches, sanitizers etc. just your file. They don’t have a locker facility.
They directly let you inside after seeing 221g. Waited in the lobby for about 45 mins. Then in line
for another 45 mins. Made us sit in the interview lobby for 30 mins. The interview lasted about 10
mins. Total in and out in about 2 hours.

VO questions:
 - Hey there
- Please pass your passport and 221g.
- Can I see your i797?
- What is your highest degree?
- What university did you study at?
- Where do you live?
- Where is your work?
- How long have you worked here?
- What is your position?
- What is your salary?
- Were you on F-1 OPT before?
- When did you transfer to H1B?
- Did you get a STEM extension?
- Did you have a job after you graduated?
- Do you work for an end client or are you a direct employee?

Your application has been approved. He gave me a green approval slip.

Interview 9

Visa Type: H1B + H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview

Location: Kolkata

VAC

1. Reached the venue 1 hour early, they allowed only 15 min before the scheduled
time. No place to sit or wait. So better to reach on time or just a little earlier for
biometrics.
2. Since I had a kid they gave a chair to my wife to sit but didn’t allow to skip the queue
3. Biometrics takes hardly 10-15 mins and should be a quick one with just a passport
and ds 160 verification, photo & fingerprint.

CA interview next day

 1. Reached venue 1 hr early and they let me in.
2. No sealed products allowed like food or water bottles. Since I had a baby they
allowed a opened biscuit packet
3. After security check they send for passport and ds 160 verification.
4. Then they allowed inside interview room

VO officer : Good morning and namaste

Me : good morning officer

VO officer : please pass over the ds 160 and passport

Me : gave

VO officer : Give me the employment letter

VO Office : brief abt ur project and Roles & responsibilities in USA

Me : explained

VO officer : what’s your salary and place of working

Me : explained.

VO officer : Pass me the Client letter if you have one

Me : Since i didn’t have a client letter i passed all the supporting documents (MSA and position
description letter.

VO officer : Do you work in employer or client location

Me : Employer location

VO officer : asked my wife abt marriage date

VO Officer : Was jovial and spoke to my 2.8 yrs old daughter abt her bf, her name and DOB

VISA was approved

Documents asked : I797, passports, ds 160, Employment verification letter, Client supporting docs,
Original marriage certificate, child birth certificate

The whole process took hardly 50 min. I was at the exit before my scheduled time.

Interview 10

Visa Type: H1B + H4(Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview

Location: Mumbai

I was with my wife and 10 months old kid.

Feb 28th Biometric

Docs required – Appointment confirmation letter, DS 160, Passport

There is a cyber cafe on the same floor and they provide locker facility and print outs, ds
160/correction.

Charges for lockerRs. 500

Charges for print out Rs. 500 per page (too much)

Ds 160/Correction Rs. 500 each

March 2nd CA

Docs asked : i797 and Passport

VO : Good morning. Your son is very cute and silent.

ME: Good morning, smiling and saying yes very silently.

VO : Smiling and saying I am also a mother of 4 kids.

ME: That's good, this is our first

VO: Can I see your passport ?

ME: Sure.

VO: Can I see your i797 ?

ME: Sure.

VO: Since how long have you been working with this company?

VO: Ok. Your Visa is approved.

ME: Thank You very much 🙂

I got my visa delivered at home on 4th March

Interview 11

Visa Type: H1B with 221g In Person Interview

Location: Chennai

Mar 2nd dropbox at Bangalore

Mar 10th status changed to Refused
Mar 11th received passport with 221G letter for interview via Bluedart. Scheduled interview for
Mar 15th at Chennai
Mar 15th attended an interview at Chennai Consulate. VO approved visa.

Interview
VO – Can I have your passport and i797?
VO – Who do you work for?
Me – Answered
VO – Why didn’t you apply using dropbox?
Me – I did and I was asked to come for follow up interview
VO – How long have you been with your employer?
Me – Answered
VO – Are you married?
Me – Yes
VO – How many kids?
Me – Answered
VO – Where are they now?
Me – In US
VO – Wife and kids are on which visa?
Me – Wife H4, kid US citizen
VO – Do you have a Canadian visa?
Me – Expired Canadian visa more than 10 years ago
VO – Do you have a copy of it?
Me – Gave old passport with Canadian visa
VO – Why is the Canadian visa scratched?
Me – Single entry visa. Don’t remember why it was scratched.
VO – Have you been refused a Canadian visa?
Me – No
VO – Visa approved.

Mar 16th status changed to issued.

Interview 12

Visa Type: H1B with In Person Interview at

Location: New Delhi

13th March 2022 fingerprint appointment was at 12. Reached centre by 10:45. Security personnel
will call you batch wise to go inside.

After almost standing in line for 1 hour, I went to the first checkpoint. Where they took DS 160 &
passport. They stick barcode on your passport. Verified the details and sent inside for fingerprints
and photos. Here 2 questions were asked. Like what is your name and DOB. Just to cross check.
And done for the day.

March 14th. 2022: Interview time was at 10 am. Reached visa centre by 8:15 and handed over my
mobile phone, bag. Please try not to bring a smart watch until and unless it’s Essential for you.
(Since this is not allowed inside).
Security persons were calling people in batches like the interview slot who’s scheduled for 10 am
please stand in line.

They verify you are not carrying any electronic items and you’ll be moved to the next counter.
Where one person will sit and scan your passport with the barcode and then you’ll send it inside
the main gate of the visa centre. Here they ask you to keep all the things in a tray and go for
checking again. It’s almost equal to airport check in.

Later you'll be asked to sit row wise. Then you’ll be sent inside the actual visa interview place.

Here the first check is your passport and i797 and then you’ll be sent to VO for the final task.

I was pretty tense but it was a good conversation.

Interview went like this

VO : Good Morning.
Me : Good Morning Madam.
VO : Pass on passport and i797. Also can you please verify the finger prints.
Me : Kept my fingers printed and verified. Same thing for my wife too..

VO : So where are you going?

Me : Answered
VO : What’s your salary?
Me : Answered
VO : How long you’ve been working?
Me : Answered
VO : Were you working for the same client since then?
Me : Answered
VO : I am not able to see your latest i797 here. Issue with my system and took the Xerox of the
same.

VO : (to my wife) How long have you been married?

And my wife answered accordingly.
She took our passports and said you’ll be informed through mails in case any things are required
from me.

March 14 Status was refused

March 15 Status was administrative processing.
March 16 Issued.

Interview 13

Visa Type: H1B with Dropbox

Location: Mumbai

I had an L1A stamp in 2017 (travelled India in 2018), then H1B with the same company (not
travelled India), then H1B with a different company last year. I travelled to India this March.

United flight from US to Mumbai cancelled, flew with Emirates. They asked Air Suvidha. Just full
vaccination (2 doses) is good for Air Suvidha. They asked for the original CDC vaccination card at
the ticketing counter, so keep it with you.

Dropped documents:

1. Photocopy of I-797 of only current employer (they didn’t take for previous two I-797
though I had it),
2. Dropbox confirmation letter
3. DS-160 confirmation letter
4. Old and new passport (I had B1 visa on old PP and L 1 visa on new PP),
5. Three line Employment Confirmation Letter on company letterhead (very simple
format with details only date of joining, position, and annual salary). I work directly
with a US company, so no end client letter is required in my case.
6. Two passport size photos (I had Walgreen photos, but they didn’t accept it). There is
a photo studio on the same floor of dropbox, so if you don’t have a photo or the
wrong photo, don’t worry. They charge Rs.500 for 4 pics and give in 10 mins (two
2inX2in and other two smaller size). After the pic collection, when you go again to
the dropbox hall, they will prefer you first to go to the window, so don’t worry about
your queue place as well.
Timeline:

Dropped documents: 7 March

Application Received: 8 March

Administrative Processing: 15 March (8 calendar days since dropped documents)

Issued on 16 March (9 calendar days since dropped documents)

Passport picked up at the same Mumbai dropbox location. Photocopy of govt ID required.

Interview 14

Visa Type: H1B+H4(Spouse+Kids) with In Person Interview

Location: New Delhi

First time H1b … in 2019 my B1 got rejected.. Never travelled to the US..

H1b + 3 H4 (spouse + 5 yr kid + 1 yr kid(just carried his passport as he was sick))

VAC and CA experience in Delhi.

13th March 2022 fingerprint appointment was 12. Reached centre by 11. Security personnel will
call you batch wise to go inside. (20 min before is fine no need to come in advance). After almost
standing in line for 1 hour, I went to the first check point. Where they took DS 160 & passport.
They stick barcode on your passport.

Verified the details and sent inside for fingerprints and photos. Here 2 questions were asked. Like
what is your name and DOB and asked to read some paragraphs which are stuck in front of
you..just to test if you are able to read English or not..

March 14th. 2022

Interview time was at 10.10. Reached visa centre by 9 and made sure that I was carrying only my
documents file(u can carry analog watch and ladies handbag(no electronic items plz). Security
persons were calling people in batches like the interview slot who’s scheduled for 10 please stand
in line.

They verify you are not carrying any electronic items and you’ll be moved to the next counter.
Where one person will sit and scan your passport with the barcode and then you’ll send it inside
the main gate of the visa centre. Here they ask you to keep all the things in a tray and go for
checking again. It’s almost equal to airport check in.

Later you'll be asked to sit row wise. Then you’ll be sent inside the actual visa interview place.

Here first check is your passport and i797 and check whether if your kids photograph was taken at
VAC or not, if not taken we need to give kids photograph so that they will scan it (plz check this
link for photo size https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-
resources/photos/frequently-asked-questions.html ) then you’ll be sent to VO for the final task.

I was pretty tense but it was a good conversation.

Counter 20

Interview went like this

VO : Good Morning.

Me : Good Morning officer

VO : Pass on passport and i797. Also can you please verify the finger prints.

Me : kept my fingers print and verified. Same thing for my wife too..

VO : so where are you going

Me : Answered

VO : what’s your salary

Me : Answered

VO : How long you’ve been working

Me : Answered

VO : do u have an end client

Me : No, (it’s an in house project)

VO : What’s your responsibilities

Me : Answered

VO : can you show your LCA

Me : shared the document, he has gone through the doc and checked his system

VO : to my wife. How long you have been married

And my wife answered accordingly.

He was jovial with my daughter asking about her name and her brother…. Why he was not there
with us … and finally said the golden words “Your Visa is approved and u will receive your passport
in 5 to 7 days)

May 14 status was administrative processing

May 15 issued.

May 17 issued.

May 18 received passport.

Interview 15

Visa Type: H1B + H4 (Spouse+Kid) with In Person Interview

Location: Hyderabad

I paid the fees (H1 + 2 H4) and started looking for appointments in December. Finally got the
appointment for all 3 of us in January for the month of February.
Feb 13th (Sunday) 4:30PM- VAC – HYDERABAD : Not much crowd. We were done in around 30
mins. Documents asked were Appointment confirmation, DS160 and latest passports. I kept my
purse and mobile at the hotel and only carried cash. They did not allow me to carry a small water
bottle inside.

Feb 15th (TUESDAY) : 8:15 AM : US consulate HYDERABAD – Reached really early (as we were
anxious and decided to wait outside the consulate rather than sitting in the hotel).

All of us were asked to make a queue at around 7:50 am. 1 person was validating the passport and
DS160 before letting you in (Note : The sticker that was applied to the passports in the VAC had
H1B mentioned in the dependents passport as well, so I pointed the guy to the DS 160 where H4
was mentioned). We were let in. Inside the consulate, it was not much crowded and folks are
asked to sit and called 1 by 1. Finally our turn came.

ME & FAMILY : GOOD MORNING SIR

VO : GOOD MORNING. SMILED AT KID AND ASKED HIS AGE.
KID : ANSWERED.
VO : PLS PASS YOUR PASSPORTS.
ME : GAVE THE PASSPORTS.
VO : SCANNED THE PASSPORTS AND ASKED ME AND MY WIFE TO TAKE THE ‘KNOW YOUR RIGHTS’
PAMPHLETS. EVEN MY KID CAME FORWARD AND TOOK ONE (LOL).
VO : PLS SHOW ME KIDS BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND YOUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE.
ME : SHOWED THE DOCS.
VO : ASKED ME AND MY WIFE TO GIVE 4 FINGERPRINTS.
VO: SO YOU WORK FOR XXX LIMITED?
ME : YES SIR.
VO : WHAT IS YOUR POSITION?
ME : ANSWERED.
VO : WHO IS YOUR CLIENT?
ME : ANSWERED.
VO : WAS AWARE OF THE NAME.
VO: WHAT IS YOUR SALARY ?
ME : ANSWERED.
VO : WHAT IS YOUR HIGHEST QUALIFICATION ?
ME: ANSWERED.
VO : THANK YOU. YOUR VISA IS APPROVED.
WE WERE OUT OF THE CONSULATE BY 8:30.

FEB 15TH : ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING.

FEB 16TH : ISSUED
FEB 18TH : Could see the status on the Blue dart site.
FEB 19TH : PASSPORT delivered at home

Note : I had previous travel history to the US and also had previous L1B denial, but none of that
was asked.

Interview 16

Visa Type: H1B + H4 (Spouse+Daughter) with In Person Interview

Location: Hyderabad

Previous appointment VAC Hyderabad – 23 Jan. Documents asked – DS160, Passport and
Appointment confirmation.

Total time taken – 15 mins.

Appointment time – 08:30 AM

Reached consulate at 7:50 AM. Made us wait outside the consulate in line for 15 mins. Since then
it was continuous movement through initial security checks, verification of DS160 and passport
and then around 8:35 AM, made us stand behind a couple of candidates for the interview.

The first person who was being interviewed by the time we joined was asked quite a lot of
questions and for some reason there was a lot of wait time (20mins) and finally he was given 221g.
Then there was one person ahead of us, also for h1b was asked quite a few questions and took

time and approved eventually. My daughter who was 2 yr old started becoming impatient and
cranky. We were kind of almost unable to handle her and then VO asked us to come forward. With
all going on around,

Me- Good morning!

VO – Very good morning, Please pass on your passports.

VO – Who is your employer?

Me – Answered.

VO – Do you have a client or work in-house?

Me – Work directly for an employer.

VO – What does your employer do

Me – Answered accordingly.

VO – How much does your employer pay

Me – Answered accordingly.

VO – Are you currently working for this employer

Me – Will be joining a new employer once my visa is approved.

VO – Which state will you be travelling to?

Me – Answered accordingly.

VO – Have you been to the US before?

Me – Yes, I was back once I was done with my assignment. (Had my previous h1 maxed out)

VO – What would be your position in your company?

Me – Answered accordingly.

VO – What is your highest qualification

Me – Answered accordingly.

VO asked my wife to give finger impressions followed by mine. and then said Your Visa is
approved. I said thank you and was about to leave.
Funny part was my wife was kind of confused, still waiting there to answer H4 questions. VO was
like you guys need anything else, I quickly realised and said, sorry, nothing else and left.

Overall it took around 1 hr 40 mins.

Suggestion – Bringing kids for stamping is optional. Bring them with you only if you absolutely
don't have a choice.

Interview 17

Visa Type: H1B with In Person Interview at

Location: Kolkata

February 2nd at 8:45 AM, Kolkata. (Had my biometrics day before yesterday (31st Jan, Chennai))

Since electronic devices (smart phones, smart watches) and belts aren’t allowed I kept them in the
hotel itself as it's a 10 min walk from the consulate general’s office.

Went there an hour earlier. 7:45 ish. They verified my passport and DS160 biometrics completion
confirmation at the entrance and let me in after about 15 mins of standing in the queue.

A security check happened after that where they checked for any restrictive items and so on. Took
about 5 mins.

A second document verification happened inside with the same set of documents (passport and
DS160 confirmation post biometrics completion) and then they were directed to the main
interview room. This took another 10 mins as there were 4 guys ahead of me.

Went to the main interview room. It took me roughly 20 mins for my turn. Here’s how it went.

VO : Good morning, how are you doing?

Me : I’m doing good, thanks for asking. How are you?
VO : Very good. Can you please hand over your passport and the I797?
Me : Shared him the docs
VO : Do you have any other documents relating to your employer?
Me : I do. I shared with him the offer letter and the employment confirmation letter.
VO : Do you work for a client?
Me : Yes.
VO : Who’s your client?
Me : I explained to him about my client and their line of business.
VO : Where do you currently work?
Me : I told him about my current employer
VO : What’s your roles and responsibilities?
Me : I explained in simple terms for him to understand.
VO : Where is your brother in the US?
Me : Texas.
After a few seconds pause….
VO : I have got all the inputs. Your visa is approved. You’ll get the passport in a week’s time.
Me : Thank you. Wish you a great day ahead.
VO : You too.

Interview 18

Visa Type: H1B + H4 (Spouse+2 Children) with In Person Interview

Location: New Delhi

Booked the slot together for all of us that means 1 appointment for all the 4 applicants.

VAC -23rd Jan 2022 at Delhi. Travelled from HYD to Delhi and returned back to HYD on the same
day.

Biometric is simple ,they just asked for Appointment confirmation, DS160 and took our
fingerprints and photos (I didn’t take my kids to Biometric since they are under 14 and carried
their passport, DS160 and photocopy -VAC team taken picture of my kids photocopy and asked to
bring the same photo during CA)

CA-2 Feb 2022, initially at Delhi but after my Biometric completion , I was able to reschedule to
HYD as I got the slots in HYD

CA -time 8:30 am; went with my kids; Security checks for DS160,Passport verification and new
appointment confirmation
After 5-10 mins of wait time, I was asked to move to counter 12 where there are 2 more applicants
waiting before me at the same counter. For one applicant before me, VO told me that she was
unable to get his I797 status from the system and asked him to go to the next counter to scan his
1797.

My Turn for interview -VO is a lady with ~45 of age

Me : Wished Good Morning

VO: Wished me back

VO : asked to pass all the 4 passports

While checking passport and DS160 details ,she started conversation with my daughter asking her
name , age ,school /study -my daughter (6 years old ) has replied politely by adding ‘madam’ at the
end of each answer and she liked it

Questions to me

- Who is your employer ?

- How long have you been working with your employer?
- Do you have an end client?
Answer -Yes
- Who is your client?
- Client location?
- My salary?
- Role?

She was typing something in the system and said , she has to do the same for 4 passports and
hence taking time and in between she also tried to initiate conversation with my son(infant) as he
was making noise.

I have apologised and informed VO that we don’t have anyone at home to take care of the kids
and hence we had to bring them for an interview -She replied in a pleasant manner and told us
that she was actually happy to see and listen to kids noise.
Later on VO asked my spouse to scan my left hand 4 fingers and after that asked me to do so..
(there were no questions to my spouse)

Finally VO informed -our VISA has been approved and asked to take the booklet which tells us
about our rights in the US.

We offered our thanks and my daughter also conveyed thanks to VO and she smiled and replied to
my daughter as well.

Interview 19

Visa Type: H1B with In Person Interview

Location: Hyderabad

DS-160 submitted 10 days before , you can submit even a day before your appointment.

19-01-2022; VAC APPT :- SLOT 8:30AM; LOCATION:- CHENNAI

- Went around 7:30 am to the location .. they let me in at 8:15 am. Came out by 8:30am
- Verified passport, Appointment confirmation page & asked to keep DS-160 handy by the
security at the gate
- Inside they Verified the same documents in the system & given the fingerprints. No need
to carry passport size photos they are taking one
- Better to carry expired passports if you have but they are not asking for it.

24-01-2022; CONSULAR APPT:- SLOT 8:15AM; LOCATION:- HYD; COUNTER :- 11

Interview Questions by VO:-

- Who’s your client ?
- Who’s your employer?
- What’s your salary ?
- Client location ?
- Where does your husband stay ?
- Where do you stay in the US ?
- What’s your project & explain what you do ?
- What are the services your client provides?
 - Why did you change your college on an F1 visa ?
- When did you finish your masters ?

Documents asked by VO:-

- Can you pass me your LCA & he verified my I-797 A information in this system & I was told
to move to a different counter(8) to verify the same “keeping my passport with him”

**AT Counter 8:-

- Asked why I was sent to this counter ..
- Checked my I-797 A information in the system & mentioned that the information is not
updated in the system
- He took a copy of my I-797 A & asked me to track the passport using ds-160 number
haven’t mentioned any definite time frame

Status changed from refused to issued :-

- It showed status “Refused” from 24-01-2022 to 01-02-2022

- Changed status to “Administrative processing” on 02–02-2022
- Changed status to “issued” on 04-02-2022
- Yet to receive my passport on hand. I have opted for a premium delivery service which
costs 650 rs & can be paid if it's delivered. You can opt for delivery or pickup option on
ustraveldocs website

- I’m currently waiting for my passport, it might take few business days to receive it on my
hand
- I have carried each & every document except the client letter as I work for the service
based company ..I’m glad that VO don't ask for that

Please carry all the documents & be confident.

Interview 20

Visa Type: H4 (Husband) with In Person Interview

Location: New Delhi
25/01/2022 @ 8:40 AM. Reached US Embassy around 8:15 and there was a big queue for mobile
phone lockers. Took me around 10 mins and stood in the main queue and was allowed inside
around 8:35. I was kind of late so make sure you reach well within time.

- First step – security check.

- Second step – waiting inside for 15-20 mins which was very cold. You can bring your
coats/jackets. I did my interview in my jacket as did many others.
- Third step – Went inside. Documents/fingerprints verification counter – 15 mins waiting (
some had to give passport size photos)
- Last step – Interview (around 45 mins waiting)

Questions asked:
- Your passport please
- Where is your wife? – She flew back to the US two weeks back.
- Pass me the principal applicant’s I797 documents and her passport/visa copy – Gave both
new and old I797(gave colour copies for all – just make sure all the information is clear in
the copy). Looked into the documents and the latest visa stamping typed something on the
computer and waited for 2 mins.
- When did you get married? – Answered the exact date
- Show me your marriage certificate – Gave the original
- Where is your wife currently? (asked the same question again) – This time gave the full
address of hers.
- Since when do you know her? – Answered – We have known each other since long as we
are from the same school.
- Where are you going to stay in the US – At her place – mentioned the address again.
- Your visa is approved and will take 10 days.

Overheard the below from other counters regarding H4.

- Is it a love marriage or arranged?
- Who arranged the marriage?
- Are you both related?
- Are you first cousins?
From what I’ve seen today, the H4 interview was the quickest and the easiest compared to other
categories. As long as you have all the documents, there is no need to worry at all. Other
categories were asked a lot more questions.