H1B pass

J1 changed to H1b in the US last December. Went back three times as J1, was checked the second time for 3 weeks. This time went back as H1B for the first time.

There are some changes in the process. You first hand in your passport, DS160 and visa fee receipt at Windows 1-6. Depending on your visa types, they will ask for your I-20, I-797 or DS2019. After your documents are reviewed, proceed to Windows 7-8 for fingerprint. Afterwards, proceed to Windows 9-14. This morning only 4 windows open for interview. So, no more waiting and name calling. It's like factory stream line.

You don't have to glue your receipt or photo to the DS160 form. They will glue them for you.

My interview officer is a white guy. A few exchanges with the officer:

O: Ni Hao
me: good morning, sir.

O: good morning.
check my document (I only hand in the passport,DS160, I-797 and LCA), mainly the I-797.
O: what are you going to do in the US?
me: to continue my research at NIH
O: what do you work on?
me: cancer research and xxx disease.
O: Do you have a property in the US or car?
me: No. used to have a car but no more since moved to DC.
O: yes, parking is a problem in DC. You have nice subway. you really don't need a car.
O: Have you planned to get a green card?
me: no. not yet.
O: It should be easy to get a green card with h1B. (Trap???)
me: (didn't respond)

then he gave me back I-797 and LCA, and the blue note.
me: thank you very much, sir.
O: have a great day.

He didn't ask for any other documents. Only very few got rejected today. Most people smiled. One group of 6 from same company applied for B1, 2 of them got rejected. Nobody knows why the unlucky two got rejected.

Appointment was for 8am. But let us in before 7:45. I got my visa before 9:45.