Saturday, 22 September 2018

My Journey to US Visa Part 4



Continued from part 3: Part 3

INTERVIEW CONTINUES....

She asked me about my employer. I gave her a good answer. Then she asked me do you know the visa you are applying for and what does it mean. I gave her some confident replies. I was in my rhythm and she asked what my specialized knowledge is. I started in full flow and then she interrupted. The network was very slow and she was unable to update my information in the server. This means more interrogation and more chances and this was what I wanted. What I have learned throughout my tiny career and going through the interview process multiple times and also when the tables are turned is that more time you get more chances you create to display your best. She asked me where I will stay and gave her the location in the order of city, county and state. She just repeated state and updated. After updating my salary and location she focused again on my specialized skill. She asked me to explain to her my specialized technical skills to a non-technical person like her. This was what I was waiting for. I explained her for 2-3 minutes with most layman terms about my skillset and even asked her some questions if she understand this then I can explain it better if she can relate to and it was affirmative from her on all. I was gaining some confidence. Then there were sounds of keystrokes for a while when she was updating all my details. Next I remember I hear those 4 magical words which I was yearning for.  They were “YOUR VISA IS APPROVED”.  I couldn’t believe for a second.

I again asked if she needs any more documents. To which she smiled and said no these documents are enough. We want to go away from paper and want things to be online as much as possible. She took my passport and one set of I129S and I797 form and gave me back 2 sets of I129 and I797 along with the fraud detection fees receipt. I packed my folder and left with excitement. The next applicant called me and said you have left the receipt. I collected the receipt and again thanked the office and left. I stepped out of the premise in aplomb and could not wait to give the good news to Mansi. I had my cellphone and laptop in the hotel.

As I stepped out the auto drivers who thronged the embassy asked me to where do I want to go. Then they asked what happened, how was the visa interview? Got visa? I thought why they are so concerned. It alarmed that they will take the advantage of the situation if it slips out of my mouth that I got my visa they will unnecessary charge me more. To avoid the hassle I turned grim and irritated. I told them I didn’t get the visa. I entered one auto and he was still not convinced and asked me if passport is with me or it’s with the embassy. I told its inside and instantly it occurred to me ohh he tricked me. I said yes it’s inside my folder and pretend a search for it in my folder.  I thought good try kiddo but I am up for these games. I said I am already disappointed please take me to the hotel quickly. The auto driver assured me of receipt so that I can claim. When I asked for one he gave a receipt book and told me enter any amount. I said that’s fine I won’t become a millionaire by fudging taxi bill. I entered what I agreed to pay and got his signature.

After I reached the hotel I gave the news to Mansi and my colleagues. I paid my dues and cleared the hotel bills and checked out. Finally it was time to bid adieu to Chennai. I had a good stay in Chennai and people were warm like the climate and I was leaving a calmness which is rare in a metropolitan city. Next day I shared my happiness with my colleagues with a box of Chennai sweets.

P.S – After 3 days I went to the BKC Trade center in Mumbai to collect my passport and it had L1 visa stamping.

No comments:

Post a Comment