H1B Visa stamping/interview @ Hyderabad

Date: January 6th, 2015 and January 7th, 2015

Place: Hyderabad

Visa Type: H1B
Model : EVC
Home Address: Hyderabad
Visa Status: Approved

I have written a blog previously with my H1B stamping experience at Chennai in March 2012 - Click Here

This time, I am posting my H1B stamping experience at Hyderabad. Much of the content here was taken from my previous blog.

Few things have changed this time since my last stamping. Previously, it was just a day to get your visa stamped. Now, you have visit twice for the same.

• Day 1, for finger prints and other document verification - Location
• Day 2, for actual Visa Interview - Location

Few points before my interview

• My Indian Passport was about to expire before my visit. I renewed my passport in Houston. (If  you renew your passport in USA, you address on passport will be an US address)
• My current,  I-797 was due to expire in February 2015. So, I applied for a new one in premium which was valid until Feb 2017. While filing DS160/Visa interview, I gave the latest/newest I-797 details. Even during visa interview, I gave the latest one.
• Even though, I had my previous stamping in Chennai, I was not eligible for drop-box because, my visa was expired more than 12 months. Click here for more information.

On January 6th, my slot for finger prints was scheduled at 3:00 PM. Even though, this was just for finger prints, I took lots of documents with me. This is not required. Just bring below documents.

• Appointment confirmation letter. Click Here
• Original I-797
• DS-160 Confirmation page
• Passport.
• And, any other documents mentioned for your case. 

After entering the building, they will give you a token number. You will use this token number to get to appropriate window.

Once finger prints are taken, they stamp few things on your confirmation page and let you go.

Next day, .i.e. on January 7th, my interview was scheduled at 10:00 A.M and I reached consulate around 9:30 A.M. Going early and standing in front of consulate doesn’t make much difference.  Well, it’s all about your documentation and little luck!

At the entrance (out-side consulate), they will check for your identity and ask whether you have given your finger prints the other day. After verification, they send you inside the building. you will be given a token number. You will use this token number to get to appropriate window.

Below are the items that were allowed inside consulate.

• Documents Folder
• Hotel keys
• Degree certificates.
• Make sure you take a good copy of passport sized photograph otherwise be prepared to shell out RS 500/-.

After screening, you will be asked to go to next building where actual interview process will take place. After a long wait, my token number was called out with window number. After reaching the window, I looked around and saw lot of happy faces. I mean, not many rejections on that day!  It’s my turn now. Below are the questions that were asked to me.

VO: Visa Officer

VO: Need your H1-B petition.

Me: Gave him.

VO: Who is your employer.

Me:Told him

VO: What's your salary.

Me:  Told him some $xx,xxx/annul

VO: How long you have been working with this employer

Me:  Told him.

(FYI to  viewers: From the day I got my very first H1B, I'm with the same employer. This is my 6th year with that employer)

VO:Your visa is approved.

Me: Thank you.

That’s all and above process was not more that 1 minute. No questions were asked based on employee and employer relationship. 

Passport Pick-up: I got an email from embassy on January 9th around 2:00 PM that my passport is available for pickup. Take appointment confirmation letter, copy of your passport and an original government issued ID with you.

If you need any more info, leave your questions below. Will reply them.