A candidate recently shared their H-1B visa stamping experience at the US Consulate in Hyderabad on September 29th for a transition from F-1 to H-1B status. Arriving at 8:00 AM, they used the locker facility outside to store their phone, which cost ₹200. By 8:20 AM, they joined the line and noticed that candidates with 9:45 AM appointments were already being allowed inside. Applicants were reminded to keep their DS-160, appointment letter, and for H-1B applicants, the I-797 form ready.
Missing Original I-797, Nerves Ahead of Interview
The applicant shared that their original I-797 was lost in the mail from USCIS to their lawyer, and they only had the I-129 approval courtesy copy along with company verification documents. Despite this, they proceeded with the interview. Inside the consulate, around 40 counters were present, but only a third were in use, with most visa officers being female.
Smooth Interview Process
Describing the interview, the candidate said, “Are you comfortable with English?” was the first question asked by the officer. The interaction continued:
Me: Hi, good morning Officer.
Officer: Hello, pass your passport.
Me: (Passed my passport. I felt a bit relieved since she didn’t ask for my I-797.)
Officer: Do you work with X?
Me: Yes.
Officer: What’s your job title?
Me: Senior Software Engineer.
Officer: Do you work at X’s head office?
Me: I work remotely from home.
Officer: You were on F1 previously?
Me: Yes.
Officer: What’s your pay?
Me: Told the amount
Officer: Your visa is approved. (She handed me a white slip.)
Me: Thank you.
The candidate’s Reddit post highlighted the efficiency of the process and offered reassurance to future H-1B applicants facing similar circumstances.