Niraj

Thanks for sharing your experience Mr. Niraj. I enjoyed reading your story! Congratulations and all the best.. Mine is still in AP I'm always praying and Hopefully they will notify me this week for my and my baby's passport with visa stamp delivery! Godbless your US journey..

Hey ShePaner, I hope you get your visa soon in hand and wish you can meet your baby soon . Just keep tracking your passport. All the best !

Congrats Niraj...for your VISA.

And what a great writeup here...absolue explanation of each stage step by step. Thanks for sharing the info.

Welcome ! I can see you are near to completion of your process. I hope you get the IL soon. Let me know in future if you need any help.

Congratulations

Niraj

Thanks for sharing your story!

Good luck for the next life

Thank you kmohaseb and I wish all the very best to both of you.

Hello guys,

I got the visa approval and below is my story:

Biometrics and photographs:
At Mumbai Consulate, we need to have an additional appointment before interview for fingerpriting and biometrics. I went to the Visa Application Center for the same just a day before my visa interview. Appointment was on 11:30 am and I reached there by 10:45. There was a different line for every half an hour slot, so I stood in the 11:30 slot. I was admitted at 11:15 inside the center. First security check-they didn't allow mobile phones, any schoolbags or any kind of office bags. Only your document folder is allowed optionally with an plastic carry bag. When I went inside I was asked for DS-260, Passport, Interview Letter and 2 photographs. They issued a token and I stood for my turn. The local officer brought me to one of the counters; they took fingerprints of 8 fingers and 2 thumbs, took photographs, and I was told to go. That's it for fingerprinting appointment.

Interview:
I had an appointment of 7:30 am which is the first-most slot for the interview. I reached the center by 6:30. Around 7:00 we were asked to make a queue to go inside and we were informed that no CDs, mobile phones or any sort of electronic gadgets (pen-drives etc.), schoolbags or office-bags are allowed inside the consulate. So I was ready with my document folder inside a plastic carry bag. We were told to move in around 7:15.

Point 1: Security Check
We were told to place all the belongings (documents, wallets, watches, etc.) into a plastic tray. The plastic tray was passed inside a scanner similar to airport baggage checking. We were checked by security officers and then told to collect belongings and go inside next room.

Point 2: Division
The applicants were divided in two parts: Single applicants and Applicants with more than one person (Family Immigration etc). Single applicants were allowed first to enter the next room.

Point 3: Interview Counters
We entered the room where the interviews were conducted. At first we were escorted to a counter which issued token number after checking your passport, DS-260 and interview letter. After token is issued we were asked to be seated for our turn.

Point 4: Document check by Indian Officer
After 5 mins my token number blinked on the screen and I went to a counter where pre-check of documents was conducted. Indian officer opened the file sent to them via NVC. She confirmed my Name, DOB, Telephone number, Email address, my US address. Then she asked me following:

Who is calling you?
Me: My wife and her full name.

Did you travel to US before?
Me: No.

Did you travel to any other country?
Me: Yes, Germany.

For how long? (Because you need a PCC from other country of you stayed more than 6 months)
Me: 2 and half years.

Can you please give me PCC for India and Germany.

She asked for original and copy of Birth and Marriage certificate. Then she gave me back Birth and Marriage Certificate, but kept PCCs in originals with her. She also handed over to me copies of other extra documents submitted to NVC. She gave me a pamphlet which described what to do and whom to contact in case of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. She told me to be seated and wait for my turn.

Point 4: Final Interview
I again waited for my token number to be shown on the screen. People with language of interview other than English were given priority and the final interview was taken by Indian officer. But people with language of interview as English (like me) had to wait for another hour for final interview. English language interviews were conducted by American officers.
After some 1 hour my number blinked on the screen. The American officer greeted me and I reciprocated. Then he told to take oath that whatever I say will be truth and to best of my knowledge.
He asked me following questions:

Who is calling you?
Me: My wife and her full name.

Is you marriage arranged or love?
Me: Arranged

Who arranged your marriage?
Me: A common relative. (Don't tell him big stories.)

Did her parents attended the wedding?
Me: Yes and her brother and her wife too.

What does she do?
Me: Job in XYZ company.

How do you keep in touch?
Me: She calls me via phone.
How often?
Me: 5-6 times a day
Is It ?
Me: Yes and on Sunday we do Skype meetings.

OK, Sir, your VISA has been approved and will be available to collect within a week.
Me: Thank you very much Sir. Have a nice day. God bless you.

And I just came out of the consulate happy.
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Passport Collection:
After the interview, I got an email two days later to collect the passport. I just needed to produce a copy of passport at collection center. So please make your travel arrangements accordingly. There is no option to get passport at home for immigrant visas.

Comments:
1. The interview conducted at Point 4 is just for Document verification purpose.
2. American officer just validates during the talk that your marriage is not forged and you know your spouse properly.
3. Please give to the point answers and don't start long stories.
4. Overall, the decision of VISA is already decided from USCIS or NVC. Here at consulate it is just to see you in person and verify the details stated by you.


Points to remember:
1. Passport photographs: Remember to carry 2 passport sized (5cm x 5cm) photographs. Check if the 80% of photo covers your face. Or else you will be told to submit another one.
2. Documents: Carry all the original documents whose copy has been submitted to NVC. Take one photocopy of each document. Do not carry unnecessary documents like Adharcard, VoterId, Driving Licence etc. Nothing more than told will be asked to produce.
3. Dressing: Dress whatever is comfortable to you. No need to wear strict formals or do hell lot of make up. I have seen people coming in shorts and slippers and getting visa approved.
4. Interview: Be confident and carry a smile while replying. Don't get nervous and thing that you wont get a visa. If your spouse is in US and your documents are correct you are bound to get a visa.
5. Travel: Get down at Bandra Station, come out from East side. You will get lot of share rickshaws to Trade Center (Fingerprint center) or Consulate (Interview center) for Rs. 30.
6. Locker: There is a locker facility at Trade Center to keep your phones or small items. They charge you Rs. 100 for it. But there is no locker facility at Consulate.
7. Proof of Relationships: Please carry few 20 photographs which are mix of Marriage, Reception and Honeymoon. Don't bring that big fancy albums. It is pain to carry that all along. The total interview time is hardly 3-4 minutes so interviewer will not be interested to see your whole album. Just carry few important pics which shows Bride, Groom, Their Parents, Priests and Guest at the Wedding.
8. Misc.: No pen, paper, stationary (stapler, glue etc.) and money is required inside. Do not carry Medical Cover which has XRay CD (allowed to carry in but not required). Just bring the Medical Reports Cover which is without CD.



Sorry for being so long. But I thing most of your doubts will get clear reading this. If you need anymore info let me know, I will be happy to help you.

All the best to you all.

Hey guys.. !

I had my interview on 15th July and my visa got approved. On 17th I received the passport and immigration packet Thank you all for your support. I will write my experience soon.

All the best to rest of you.

Not sure if the embassy there has, but the embassy here has a locker area for persons to lock away their personals that are inadmissible.

Thats what I am confused. Their website says they dont provide any lockers etc to store the personal belongings. But some people have experience that Embassies are not as stricter as they describe.

If it says it on their site what is the question here?

I asked it again, because some of the embassies (e.g. Warsaw, Poland) allow to leave it with security personnel. And thus I posted it in the regional forum, so that only people went through Mumbai Embassy may throw some light on the issue.

Thanks for the tip though, I will try to make arrangements beforehand.

Hey guys,

Is mobile phone allowed to be carried inside the interview hall ? I mean be it switched off I dont mind. The problem is I dont have any relative in Mumbai where my interview is scheduled. So I cannot handover mobile phone to anyone and hotel is not the best place to keep your belongings.

They have mentioned in their website that they dont allow mobile phones, belt or any electronic gadgets inside.

So were you forbidden to carry any of the things ?

Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know that I got my visa approved today.

Thank You, all the best in your coming interview

Congratulations Dorder,

My wife will have the interview in couple of hours

Pray for me[/quote

I would definitely say a prayer. I know she has already been approved, think positive, having a baby makes your case stronger. I shall be waiting to congratulate you, just a few hrs from now. Relax and get ready to receive the good news. This is the easiest part of the process.

Hey guys,

Is mobile phone allowed to be carried inside the interview hall ? I mean be it switched off I dont mind. The problem is I dont have any relative in the city where my interview is scheduled. So I cannot handover mobile phone to anyone and hotel is not the best place to keep your belongings.

They have mentioned in their website that they dont allow mobile phones, belt or any electronic gadgets inside.

So were you forbidden to carry any of the things ?

Thanks , I was approved, below was my experience. Good luck in your interview.

Thank You. I hope this helps.

Here is my interview experience at the Lagos Consulate in Nigeria today. My interview appointment was scheduled for 6:30 am, I woke up around 4:00am, and set out for 5:00am, I got to the Embassy around 5:30. There is a private park just adjacent the U.S. consulate. The parking fee is 500 Naira, I parked and waited inside the car. I noticed people were already queuing by 5:55am, I quickly hurried towards the queue and joined. Subsequently 6:30am appointment, 7:00 am, 8:00 am were all separated as people for 6:30 were asked to remain in the queue. Preferential treatment was given to aged, pregnant women, and women with kids. After the Security Check, was appointment confirmation. A tally and a contact sheet was handed over to me. In a group of 5 we were asked to go inside for document collection and subsequently interview. At the entrance, I was asked to press B (IMMIGRANT VISA) and a slip came out. On this slip is written a number which will be eventually used to call applicants to different windows either for document collection or for interview. Fast forward to the interview, I waited until I heard my tally number and also saw it flash, and walked straight to the Visa Officer. She asked me to raise my right hand and affirm to say nothing but the truth, she took my finger prints afterwards. Then ensued the interview;

V:O - Who petitioned you?

I answered

V:O- How long have you been married?

I answered

V:O- How did you meet your husband?

We met through my course mate and he was my husband's friend. My husband saw my picture and asked to meet me. This led to the second question.

V:O- Where did you meet your husband for the first time

V:O- When did he travel to the U.S.?

V:O- How often does he come back

V:O- How do you communicate?

V:O- Where does he live?

V:O- Where does he work?

V:O- What does this company do and what is his job position.

V:O- What kind of wedding did you have?

V:O- Can I see pictures? She asked to know the people in the pictures. After answering all her questions, She concluded by saying everything looks fine and I am going to approve your visa, here are your original documents. She handed me three papers one for passport collection, rights and abuse pamphlet and the last was for green card payment of $165 dollars. I left the Embassy at about 10:00am. This was the easiest part of this process.

Hey Dordor,

Congratulations !!!!

Happy for you. Thanks for your interview experience; will be helpful to all of us.

I wish you a happy journey and wonderful life ahead to both of you.

Mine is at Lagos Consulate for next week, done with Medicals. I'm hoping the backlog on visa issuance gets cleared up sooner than we anticipate. Good Luck to us all

Hie Dordor,

All the best for the interview. Please share you experience with us.

Hello folks,

This post is created for the people who are having interviews scheduled in July 2015.

I have got my interview scheduled with Mumbai, IN consulate. I am already done with medicals and scheduled for fingerprints just one day prior to the interview. I have also got my tickets booked for 15 days after the interview (hoping the interview goes ok).

Hows preperations from your side and which consulate are your going to appear. Are you all packing bags already ?

My pd is September 23 2013,I am f2a catagoery,i had completed every step in nvc. Now next week I have my interview . My dear friends this month is ours.....?? hurray . Best of luck .... God bless you all??

Hey congratulations !

Did you made health checkups ? What was your experience ? I don't have any proofs of vaccinations I received during childhood. What in that case ?

See you around in NewYork

Hello

We just called nvc after getting our date current this month. They said our interview is scheduled on 15-July-2015 and they will send us the further information. Happy to receive the interview date after a looong wait.

Currently just waiting for receiving the official letter and email from them, so that I can plan for medical check ups.

So sept-2013 filers please call nvc and know about your interveiw dates if they are scheduled.

Cheers !

Hi,

Certified copies come directly from the Indian government office in charge of keeping those records.

You can not make your own certified copies. You must get them from the government.

Incorrect.

How is a Xerox copy a certified document? It's not. It's just a copy. Where is the certification?

But as USCIS website suggests,Documents the Applicant Must Submit to the NVC is just a photocopy of the original documents. Further it suggests that Principal Applicant (me ..sitting here in India) should take the original documents to interview to verify. Then why my lawyer (sitting in US) is asking for certified or original copies ?

Secondly, how can I get a certified copy of PCC, Biographic data pages ? They must be either submitted original or photocopied.

Thanks

Ok thanks for your quick reply.

I am still afraid of the word 'certfied'. Why has it been mentioned ?

Hello !

My lawyer has asked me to submit certified copies of following documents. Who should certify the copies ?

Hi

I got an letter from NVC that I can pay the fees now. :joy:

Real countdown starts now

What will it exactly mean for F2A ?

Till now haven't received any reply from NVC. it's been almost a month, my hubby already sent a follow up letter.

Tried accessing the ds261 form,still not allowed....how about you guys any updates?

Keep us informed, please.

Anyway, it's too early to get anxious. That only means that our priority dates are not about to become current (within an 8 to 12 month term).

I am in the same situation I have IIN. I had called for this before 2 weeks to NVC. They said "You will not be able to access it right now. You can only pay the fees after we send you the invoice".

So what we can do is just wait for their email and snail-mail of Invoice. Generally they mail the invoice when they think our PD is going to be current in near future (4-6 months).

Thats great.....VB is about to release now in one or two days. Keep fingers crossed.

I hope they release on Friday and don't postpone untill Monday

Hi all, My PD is Feb 2013, Can anybody tell me when will my PD be current again? Me and my husband could not arrange all the required documents within 8th Sept 2013 PD. Now we have submitted all the documents and waiting for the case complete confirmation.

Is there any chance for my PD to be current in Aug?

There is no chance (or very little- just to be optimistic) that it goes current in Sept Bulletin.

PD till fall 2012 may go to current in Sept Bulletin.

But yes, you can hope for best in October bulletin.

If you see immigration timelines of F2A, many of them with PDs close to 8-sept-2013 also had their interviews.

I hope till end of 2014, VB will progress up to Oct2013. I predict a 1-year-gap in Dec 2014 VB.

Above that I think whose case are still pending at NVC will be processed from Oct-2014, i.e. allowing them to pay Invoice Fees etc.

So excited!! Charles Oppenhiem is usually correct with his predictions.

Charles Oppenhiem is the one who publishes the bulletin. So he is the only authentic forecaster. So sites or lawyer can predict VBs.

I called NVC and asked for Invoice number. They gave me both, Invoice number and Beneficiary Number.

Later they said: "But you cannot do anything with it".

But still I tried to login with NVC Case Number and Invoice number, but I am

.receiving a message : "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted. If you believe you have received this message in error, or to resume processing of the case, please contact the NVC immediately."

I think if they invoice it, we must be able to pay it.

Are they blocking it purposely ? Is there anything we can do to activate the option ?

http://ceac.state.gov

^ log in with your case number and pay AoS fee

after paying that wait around a week and log in here http://ceac.state.gov/iv and fill out the ds 260

I try now but I resived this message This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted. If you believe you have received this message in error, or to resume processing of the case, please contact the NVC immediately.

Hi!

As far as I understand you won't be able to log into ceac until your case is invoiced. The NVC will let you know that you have to pay the AOS fee and fill out the choice of agent form by email, of course, if you gave it to them.

By the way, I'm not able to log into ceac either and my PD is Oct 28,2013.

Call NVC as soon as possible ! Tell them that you'll pay the fee and see how they will repsond

After reading MilkaMarjan's message, I too called NVC and asked for Invoice number. They gave me both, Invoice number and Beneficiary Number. Later they said: "But you cannot do anything with it".

So I tried to login with NVC Case Number and Invoice number, but I am too receiving the same termination message.

I think if they invoice it, we must be able to pay it. Are they blocking it purposely ? Is there anything we can do to activate the option ?

Family Second Preference "A" (FB2A) Likely to Advance Soon

Chief Oppenheim predicts that the long-stagnant FB2A cutoff dates will move forward in September 2014. As of the August 2014 Visa Bulletin, the FB2A cutoff date stands at March 15, 2011 for Mexico, and May 1, 2012 for all other countries of chargeability. In the upcoming September 2014 Visa Bulletin, these dates could advance, "possibly as far as late fall 2012."

http://www.murthy.com/2014/07/15/dos-predictions-fb2a-to-move-forward-eb2-india-to-retrogress/

:joy: :joy: