A first-time H-1B applicant shared their experience at the Chennai US Consulate on Reddit after successfully getting their visa approved on October 28. The applicant, who works as a project manager at a video game publisher, detailed the entire process from arrival to interview.
Arrival and Security Process
The applicant arrived at the consulate at 9:15 AM for a 10:30 appointment. Despite heavy rain, they were allowed in quickly. “The line was long and the rain did not make it easier, please try to bring an umbrella because you’re allowed to take it in. In case you do forget one, you can buy one outside from vendors for Rs 200,” the applicant advised. The outside line took around five minutes, followed by a security check and wait in the internal waiting area.
Applicants were then asked to choose a language preference among local, Hindi, and English, after which they joined the appropriate interview line.
Interview Questions and Approval
During the interview, the consulate officer asked for the applicant’s passport and I-797 form. The line of questioning included:
- So you came in as a student, and moved from F-1 to H-1B correct?
- Please provide me your LCA.
- How long have you been working at this firm?
- How did you get this gig?
- Describe your duties.
Following the questions, the officer asked the applicant to place the left four fingers on the scanner and informed them, “Visa is approved and I will get the passport in a week.”
The Reddit post has provided a helpful first-hand insight for other H-1B applicants preparing for consulate interviews in Chennai, especially for first-timers navigating the procedures amidst rainy weather.
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