My family and I had a successful CP at Delhi (interview date 3/21) and arrived today at Boston.
I left USA on 13th March (till date have not received the packet 4 at the US address). I had asked my parents to pick up the Interview Letter (This can only be picked up on any working day between 2PM and 3PM from window number 17 - there are no problems with security, if you tell them you need to go to window number 17). In the packet there was a memo requesting immigrants travelling from the USA for the interview to inform the Embassy after they have arrived in India to initiate the Name Check. This can be done either in person, by going to window number 17 or via email. I had sent them an email on 15th morning and got a reply the next day that they have initiated the name check.
Befor leaving USA, I had scheduled the medical examination at Apollo Hospital. I found it convenient as everything is under one roof. The US Embassy has a recommended list of doctor and the recommended rates for the medical examination, including cost of vaccinations (They also ask the applicants to report cases if they are charged in excess). My son did have to undergo x-ray, blood-test as he was under age. It is recommended that all applicants carry immunization records. (only my son had his complete records, even if you do not complete records, take what ever you have with you). The doctor recommended the Tetnus Shot for him. They then ask about the medical history - If one has had chicken pox, measels, mums - then they should indicate that (it helps is avoiding vaccinations). There was no stripping required during the examination.
Got the medical reports after two days. Surprisingly one does get a chance to read the entire report before it is sealed as the hospital staff asks you to photocopy the same (They charge INR 1 per page photocopied)
The interview was on Mon.21 at 9AM (I was hoping that there would not be any demonstrations outside the Embassy in Delhi as they had rejected Narendra Modi's VISA application). Reached the embassy at about 8.25 and there was line outside. It did not appear that they follow the interview schedule time. The gaurd outside check the letter and the passport and directs you to a line (there are 4 lines, one each for Non-Immigrant, Immigrant, American Citizen Services and USCIS), after frisking each applicant. Once you enter the embassy there is another gaurd who will look at the appointment letter and your passports, he will also ask if, you have a cell phone and any other electronic device (if you are carrying one you are requested to shut them and off and hand them over for safekeeping) all bags are then subjected to an x-ray and again one is frisked. On entering the lounge, there are people to direct applicants. We were asked to be seated. The person took the appointment letter and said we will be called. After about 90 minutes our names were announced and we were asked to go to counter number 17. The person (an Indian) asked us for the documents:
DS230 part II, Employment Verification Letter, Birth Certificates (for all applicants), PCC (from all adults), Marriage Certificate, Affidavit of Support. The Tax Transcripts and W2 statements were given back, though the pay-stubs were kept. She also asked for the L1A renewal approval as the stamped visa had expired in Nov 2004. She did not ask for my other child's US Passport and Birth Certificate.
We had PCC from UK, Switzerland and the Indian Embassy in Switzerland (We were staying there until Sept'04) All of them were dated around Sept 2004.
We were also asked to pay the additional visa fee of USD 45 per applicant. We paid that in cash in USD.
After another hour or so we were called - this time to counter number 14, where a Visa officer (of Indian Origin) administered the oath and asked us to sign DS-230 Part II. The only questions asked were:
1. Where are for how long have you been staying in the USA
2. Where do you work. (The name of my employers had changed)
When I gave the current name as the answer, she then said that the I-140 has been submitted by another company - I told her that it was the old name. She then wanted to see evidence of the name change, I could not immediately locate it in the pile of papers that I had carried. So she gave us a letter stating that the US Embassy is unable to proceed with processing the Immigrant Visa for want of the required document (Company Name Change) and that I could submit the same on any working day at 8.30AM within the next 1 year. She did say that there is no hurry as the Name Check response has not yet come in from USA. She also said that I could not ask the company to fax the same of the US Embassy. (they do not receive faxes for IV cases). Luckily, I have a friend who stays close to the Embassy and we went there and I looked again for required documentation. This time I found it in the L1 Renewal Petition paper. We rushed back to the embassy and had to plead with the security guard to let us in. Initially he refused stating that we had to come back tomorrow at 8.30, he then spoke to some one inside and then asked me to explain the situation to the person on the phone. After explaining the situation, they let us in and we were able to submit the requested document. We were told that we should expect to receive the p/ports by courier and were asked to pay the courier fees (INR 441 per applicant). I had mentioned to her that I had my return booked for 29th Early Morning from Mumbai. She said that it normally take about 5 working days for the name check to complete and since it was initiated on the 16th we should be able to receive the p/ports by then. On 24th when I called the courier company to check if they had received the p/ports from the Embassy, they said no and that since it is an Immigration Visa Case, I should expect to receive them after 15 working days. Unfortunately the next 3 days were holidays. On Monday called them again and was told the same story. Tried to call the Embassy to find out, but could not get through - the numbers keep on ringing. Decided to go personally to find out what is happening. Went at 2.15PM to Window number 17 (met the same lady who had collected the documents on March 21) and she said that they are still waiting for the Name Check response. I told her that I need to change my return travel date and asked her what should that date be. I also asked her how long does this "name check" normally take, she told me anything between 5 to 10 working days. She then saw that it was initiated on the 16th. She asked me to wait in the waiting area and that she would check on this and call me. After waiting for 15 minutes she called me and asked me for my contact numbers and said the I should expect a call from the Embassy tomorrow and most probably they would be issuing the Immigrant Visa and that I can personally collect the p/ports the next day. I got a call from them at 11.30am next day stating that they have received the response and they are issuing the visa that day and I should come at 4.30 PM to collect it.
Reached the Embassy at 4.10 PM had to wait until 4.30 PM and was asked to go again to counter number 17, they were waiting for me. They handed the p/ports with the Immigrant VISA and the sealed envelopes for each applicant. I checked the p/ports and left for Mumbai.
Reached Boston today a/noon. There were long lines at immigration as a couple of international flights had landed around the same time. Stood in the US Citizens, Perm Residents line, was told that I need to stand in the other line, The officer opened the sealed packets stamped our p/ports and asked us to go to Passport Control near US Customs on the lower level - They did the finger printing and welcomed us to the USA.
Finally the journey that we embarked in Oct 2002, is appearing to reach its destination. (L1A - so no labor, at the time of filing I-140, stated that we will file for I-485 on approval of I-140. Could not file for I-485 as had to leave US on transfer of Job to Switzerland, Had to file I-824 which was approved in Sept 2004). Now waiting for the physical GC.
Thanks to every one who contributes to the discussion board.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions.
I left USA on 13th March (till date have not received the packet 4 at the US address). I had asked my parents to pick up the Interview Letter (This can only be picked up on any working day between 2PM and 3PM from window number 17 - there are no problems with security, if you tell them you need to go to window number 17). In the packet there was a memo requesting immigrants travelling from the USA for the interview to inform the Embassy after they have arrived in India to initiate the Name Check. This can be done either in person, by going to window number 17 or via email. I had sent them an email on 15th morning and got a reply the next day that they have initiated the name check.
Befor leaving USA, I had scheduled the medical examination at Apollo Hospital. I found it convenient as everything is under one roof. The US Embassy has a recommended list of doctor and the recommended rates for the medical examination, including cost of vaccinations (They also ask the applicants to report cases if they are charged in excess). My son did have to undergo x-ray, blood-test as he was under age. It is recommended that all applicants carry immunization records. (only my son had his complete records, even if you do not complete records, take what ever you have with you). The doctor recommended the Tetnus Shot for him. They then ask about the medical history - If one has had chicken pox, measels, mums - then they should indicate that (it helps is avoiding vaccinations). There was no stripping required during the examination.
Got the medical reports after two days. Surprisingly one does get a chance to read the entire report before it is sealed as the hospital staff asks you to photocopy the same (They charge INR 1 per page photocopied)
The interview was on Mon.21 at 9AM (I was hoping that there would not be any demonstrations outside the Embassy in Delhi as they had rejected Narendra Modi's VISA application). Reached the embassy at about 8.25 and there was line outside. It did not appear that they follow the interview schedule time. The gaurd outside check the letter and the passport and directs you to a line (there are 4 lines, one each for Non-Immigrant, Immigrant, American Citizen Services and USCIS), after frisking each applicant. Once you enter the embassy there is another gaurd who will look at the appointment letter and your passports, he will also ask if, you have a cell phone and any other electronic device (if you are carrying one you are requested to shut them and off and hand them over for safekeeping) all bags are then subjected to an x-ray and again one is frisked. On entering the lounge, there are people to direct applicants. We were asked to be seated. The person took the appointment letter and said we will be called. After about 90 minutes our names were announced and we were asked to go to counter number 17. The person (an Indian) asked us for the documents:
DS230 part II, Employment Verification Letter, Birth Certificates (for all applicants), PCC (from all adults), Marriage Certificate, Affidavit of Support. The Tax Transcripts and W2 statements were given back, though the pay-stubs were kept. She also asked for the L1A renewal approval as the stamped visa had expired in Nov 2004. She did not ask for my other child's US Passport and Birth Certificate.
We had PCC from UK, Switzerland and the Indian Embassy in Switzerland (We were staying there until Sept'04) All of them were dated around Sept 2004.
We were also asked to pay the additional visa fee of USD 45 per applicant. We paid that in cash in USD.
After another hour or so we were called - this time to counter number 14, where a Visa officer (of Indian Origin) administered the oath and asked us to sign DS-230 Part II. The only questions asked were:
1. Where are for how long have you been staying in the USA
2. Where do you work. (The name of my employers had changed)
When I gave the current name as the answer, she then said that the I-140 has been submitted by another company - I told her that it was the old name. She then wanted to see evidence of the name change, I could not immediately locate it in the pile of papers that I had carried. So she gave us a letter stating that the US Embassy is unable to proceed with processing the Immigrant Visa for want of the required document (Company Name Change) and that I could submit the same on any working day at 8.30AM within the next 1 year. She did say that there is no hurry as the Name Check response has not yet come in from USA. She also said that I could not ask the company to fax the same of the US Embassy. (they do not receive faxes for IV cases). Luckily, I have a friend who stays close to the Embassy and we went there and I looked again for required documentation. This time I found it in the L1 Renewal Petition paper. We rushed back to the embassy and had to plead with the security guard to let us in. Initially he refused stating that we had to come back tomorrow at 8.30, he then spoke to some one inside and then asked me to explain the situation to the person on the phone. After explaining the situation, they let us in and we were able to submit the requested document. We were told that we should expect to receive the p/ports by courier and were asked to pay the courier fees (INR 441 per applicant). I had mentioned to her that I had my return booked for 29th Early Morning from Mumbai. She said that it normally take about 5 working days for the name check to complete and since it was initiated on the 16th we should be able to receive the p/ports by then. On 24th when I called the courier company to check if they had received the p/ports from the Embassy, they said no and that since it is an Immigration Visa Case, I should expect to receive them after 15 working days. Unfortunately the next 3 days were holidays. On Monday called them again and was told the same story. Tried to call the Embassy to find out, but could not get through - the numbers keep on ringing. Decided to go personally to find out what is happening. Went at 2.15PM to Window number 17 (met the same lady who had collected the documents on March 21) and she said that they are still waiting for the Name Check response. I told her that I need to change my return travel date and asked her what should that date be. I also asked her how long does this "name check" normally take, she told me anything between 5 to 10 working days. She then saw that it was initiated on the 16th. She asked me to wait in the waiting area and that she would check on this and call me. After waiting for 15 minutes she called me and asked me for my contact numbers and said the I should expect a call from the Embassy tomorrow and most probably they would be issuing the Immigrant Visa and that I can personally collect the p/ports the next day. I got a call from them at 11.30am next day stating that they have received the response and they are issuing the visa that day and I should come at 4.30 PM to collect it.
Reached the Embassy at 4.10 PM had to wait until 4.30 PM and was asked to go again to counter number 17, they were waiting for me. They handed the p/ports with the Immigrant VISA and the sealed envelopes for each applicant. I checked the p/ports and left for Mumbai.
Reached Boston today a/noon. There were long lines at immigration as a couple of international flights had landed around the same time. Stood in the US Citizens, Perm Residents line, was told that I need to stand in the other line, The officer opened the sealed packets stamped our p/ports and asked us to go to Passport Control near US Customs on the lower level - They did the finger printing and welcomed us to the USA.
Finally the journey that we embarked in Oct 2002, is appearing to reach its destination. (L1A - so no labor, at the time of filing I-140, stated that we will file for I-485 on approval of I-140. Could not file for I-485 as had to leave US on transfer of Job to Switzerland, Had to file I-824 which was approved in Sept 2004). Now waiting for the physical GC.
Thanks to every one who contributes to the discussion board.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions.
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