B1 B2 Visa Slots
Anyway I checked into the hotel, arranged all my documents to carry to consulate in a plastic file
1.Photo
2. Bar-code print out of confirmation
3.Invitation letter from US
4.Application form
5.Tax return
6.Bank statement past 6months
I rehearsed how I would answer the questions such as Where are you going to US? Why are you going to US etc. Went to bed at 1 am after watching a movie and got up at 6AM. I had my breakfast in the hotel and I left my wallet, mobile phone in the locker in the room.I carried money,ATM,Credit card,my visiting card and the plastic file. I left the room key in the lobby.
I had to give 100rs to rickshaw guy although it was only 4 kms.
I reached consulate at 8.10am and saw hotels right across the consulate and the queue was on. If you carry mobile phone you will have to leave at a shop nearby for 10RS.
I was allowed in by 8.15 am and they give you a counter number chit. Once inside they do another security check and you would enter the hall with some 11 counters.You would be asked to sit and wait for your turn and when your number flashes in the screen just go to the counter. I had heard a lot about the Indian staff being non polite etc. I did not feel so and they would check your photo and your application with bar-code and then you would be directed to another counter for finger print screening.
Please carry photograph as required on a photographic paper , few guys were asked to take new photos and they were given appointment 1 hour later. (Chennai was boiling and although there are studios nearby don't make this unnecessary mistake)
After the finger print you would be asked to sit and then you would be taken to the adjacent building.There again there would be lot of counters and you would have to wait for your turn.
The counter is like a bank or a movie ticket counter with microphone and speaker across a glass.You would be standing in the queue and just go ahead when your turn come.
Two guys ahead of me did not get the visa, simply because they failed to convince the interview officer who would always be an American (man/woman). One guy was really shaky and the officer had to ask him 3 times 'where are you going to US?'
The next guy was giving a long speech as to why his training was important and he had the income exactly as mine. He too was rejected and I was panicked a bit. The other 2 guys in front of me got the visa and it was my turn...now or never..
I went with a natural smile and greeted the officer- 'Good morning sir' and handed over the papers to him
Visa Officer- 'Good morning, where are u going to US?'(Intensely looking right into my eyes
Me-' I am going to ---medical university,----city,---state'
Officer-' Why are you going to US?'
Me- ' I had been awarded -----spine fellowship of 2012 and I am invited to spend 4 weeks with Prof---- of
-----medical university.
Officer- 'So you are a doctor?' (With a smile, for a change he was meeting a non-IT guy, I thought)
Me--' Yes, I am an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon' (He was impressed !! I thought...then the officer became very relaxed and started smiling )
Officer- How did you get this award
I explained in 2-3 sentences
Officer-- ' show me your invitation letter'
I handed him the letter
Officer- Whats your annual income in Lakhs
Me ----lakhs
Officer-'Are you married?
Me ---'yes'
Officer --' Do you have children?'
Me--' Yes, one child'
Officer- 'how old is your child?
Me-- '----years'
Officer- ' Who is funding your travel?'
Me--'myself '
Officer types and declared that my Visa is approved and the passport would reach in one week.
So I went out happily and it was only 9.45am. As my return flight was in the evening I took a rickshaw to nearby mall, and roamed around till 12 and went to my room. I decided to try the suburban train on my way to Airport from Egmore station. I took auto to station for 30 rs and paid 6RS as train ticket and at just across the Trisulam station was Chennai airport.
So overall I was very happy with my experience.
So to all the people who would be appearing for the VISA interview here are my suggestions
1.Reach early if you are away from Chennai
2.Carry all in a plastic file--any kind of file will do
3.Please carry proper photograph
4.Dress neatly( with tie /without tie )and be confident and be confident and be confident to face the interview
5.Carry cash /ATM/ Credit card/ Visiting card
6. Prepare well and answer to the question
7. If you don't get visa there is always a next chance
Few misconceptions prevailing are...
1. Towards the end of the month the chances of getting visa becomes less--not true
2. Have to wear black and white for guys-- not true, I saw a lot of guys in white shirts and black pants
3. Don't be too honest-- Just be honest
All the best folks
Dr Krishna Kumar
Spine and Scoliosis Surgeon
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
Cochin,Kerala,India
While booking a slot for F1 Visa, i am getting the below information message You are approaching the maximum number of times you may view this page. Please complete your transaction at this time Does this mean that i am not allowed to check the availability from now onwards and do i need to book. Most travelers need a visa and passport to the United States. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry will collect your visa number to verify your authorization to enter. The number is temporary if you have a nonimmigrant visa (such as a B-2 visitor or F-1 student visa).
B1 B2 Visa Slots Requirements
If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or are traveling to study, work, or participate in an exchange program, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa. Applicants for U.S. Visas are required to appear in person for an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Typically if USCIS was provided with a duplicate of the originally filed visa petition, they should forward one copy and the approval notice to be uploaded into PIMS automatically. Unfortunately, more often than we would like, there is a delay in a petition being uploaded into the PIMS system, sometimes causing a delay in the issuance of a visa. The Electronic Visa Update System EVUS is the mandatory online system that will be used by Chinese passport holders of a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa to periodically update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States, starting on November 29, 2016. Visit cbp.gov/evus to learn more.