Thanks to everybody on this forum for their help. There is nothing better than knowing what to expect at each step in this process.
Our (my wife and i)interview was on Sept 25, 2002
Medicals
---------
I got my medicals done at Lilavati. You can call them between 3-4pm India time (91) (22) 645-5918 for setting up you appointment.
You will need your ORIGINAL appointment letter, passport and 2 photos. (they will accept green card or regular passport style). Accept credit card for the standard medical test fees. For vaccinations, they only accept cash. Take atleast Rs 5K per person. One has to get there at 7.30am. The staff there is very helpful. You will get you sealed packet on the same day at 4.30pm.
Would highly recommend that you keep at least one working day between your medicals and interview. I had to return the next day for picking up my medical packet since one of the tests could not be completed in my case. My wife got done on same day.
Interview:
--------------
My appointment was at 9.30am. Met up with Satish Dave there. I got there at 8.00am but was not let in and so waited at Raj pavilion. Some folks on this forum managed to get in early and I think it depends on the day. On my interview day, the entire consulate was full.
After a thorough security screening (don't take anything electronic), we went to counter 10 and showed our appointment letter. Were asked to pay $335 (since AC -140) each at the cashier counter upfront. The appointment letter was retained by the cashier.
After about 2.5 hours, our name was called for document verification. The folder system with different tabs for each doc was useful. Basically, we were asked for the docs that are mentioned in packet 4. (Copies)
1. Passports (checked if H visa was valid otherwise they may ask for approval notice)
2. Birth Certificate
3. Marriage certificate (one copy from primary and one from spouse)
4. Police certificate
5. notorized employment letter
6. I-134 (notorized) for spouse
7. Green Card Style Photos (3 per person). WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GET THEM DONE IN THE CONSULATE ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY REJECT THESE QUITE EASILY. IT COSTS Rs 200 FOR 5 COPIES AND ARE AVAILABLE IN 10 MIN. ITS QUITE EXPENSIVE IN THE U.S (almost 35$ for 2-3 copies)
10-30min after document verification, I was called to the window where there was an American lady. She asked us to raise our right hand and take the oath. She told us that our immigrant visas were approved and that she would be cancelling our H visas. Were asked to return at 3.30pm to pick up the visas. At 4.30pm, showed the fee receipt and got the packets. The visa with the photo is stapled to the sealed envelope. Verified that name, passport info and U.S address was correct.
POE:
-----
Lined up at the 'New Immigrant Line' at SFO airport. Gentlemen took our finger prints right there, took our packets, entered something in the computer and then stamped our passports. In all, it took approximately 15-20 min.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few takeaways from this process: (just my opinion)
1. Be very organized for the 5 or 6 things that are required at the time of doc verification. All other stuff, you can keep in a different place.
2. Take photos in India. (Consulate is the best place, that way no chance of rejection & lots of money saved)
3. keep at least one working day between medicals and interview.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Our (my wife and i)interview was on Sept 25, 2002
Medicals
---------
I got my medicals done at Lilavati. You can call them between 3-4pm India time (91) (22) 645-5918 for setting up you appointment.
You will need your ORIGINAL appointment letter, passport and 2 photos. (they will accept green card or regular passport style). Accept credit card for the standard medical test fees. For vaccinations, they only accept cash. Take atleast Rs 5K per person. One has to get there at 7.30am. The staff there is very helpful. You will get you sealed packet on the same day at 4.30pm.
Would highly recommend that you keep at least one working day between your medicals and interview. I had to return the next day for picking up my medical packet since one of the tests could not be completed in my case. My wife got done on same day.
Interview:
--------------
My appointment was at 9.30am. Met up with Satish Dave there. I got there at 8.00am but was not let in and so waited at Raj pavilion. Some folks on this forum managed to get in early and I think it depends on the day. On my interview day, the entire consulate was full.
After a thorough security screening (don't take anything electronic), we went to counter 10 and showed our appointment letter. Were asked to pay $335 (since AC -140) each at the cashier counter upfront. The appointment letter was retained by the cashier.
After about 2.5 hours, our name was called for document verification. The folder system with different tabs for each doc was useful. Basically, we were asked for the docs that are mentioned in packet 4. (Copies)
1. Passports (checked if H visa was valid otherwise they may ask for approval notice)
2. Birth Certificate
3. Marriage certificate (one copy from primary and one from spouse)
4. Police certificate
5. notorized employment letter
6. I-134 (notorized) for spouse
7. Green Card Style Photos (3 per person). WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GET THEM DONE IN THE CONSULATE ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY REJECT THESE QUITE EASILY. IT COSTS Rs 200 FOR 5 COPIES AND ARE AVAILABLE IN 10 MIN. ITS QUITE EXPENSIVE IN THE U.S (almost 35$ for 2-3 copies)
10-30min after document verification, I was called to the window where there was an American lady. She asked us to raise our right hand and take the oath. She told us that our immigrant visas were approved and that she would be cancelling our H visas. Were asked to return at 3.30pm to pick up the visas. At 4.30pm, showed the fee receipt and got the packets. The visa with the photo is stapled to the sealed envelope. Verified that name, passport info and U.S address was correct.
POE:
-----
Lined up at the 'New Immigrant Line' at SFO airport. Gentlemen took our finger prints right there, took our packets, entered something in the computer and then stamped our passports. In all, it took approximately 15-20 min.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few takeaways from this process: (just my opinion)
1. Be very organized for the 5 or 6 things that are required at the time of doc verification. All other stuff, you can keep in a different place.
2. Take photos in India. (Consulate is the best place, that way no chance of rejection & lots of money saved)
3. keep at least one working day between medicals and interview.
Let me know if you have any questions.