Applicant Background
The applicant attended an H-1B Visa interview at the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad after their original December 2025 appointment was rescheduled to April 2026. The applicant had been working with their current employer for approximately 20 months and had prior work experience with another U.S.-based employer before switching roles for a salary increase.
H1B Visa Interview Experience – Hyderabad Consulate
Visa Type: H-1B Visa
Location: U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad
Interview Date: 7 April 2026
Original Appointment Date: 19 December 2025
Scheduled Time: Originally 10:45 AM, later rescheduled to 8:00 AM via email notification
The applicant arrived at the consulate around 7:10 AM. Entry, security checks, and document verification were completed smoothly before the interview began promptly at 8:00 AM.
Visa Interview Conversation
Visa Officer: Share your latest passport, DS-160, and I-797.
Applicant: Presented the requested documents.
Visa Officer: Who do you work for?
Applicant: Shared the current employer name and work location.
Visa Officer: How long have you been working there?
Applicant: Around 20 months.
Visa Officer: Who did you work for before that?
Applicant: Shared the previous employer name, location, and position details.
Visa Officer: Why did you switch jobs?
Applicant: For a salary hike.
Visa Officer: By how much?
Applicant: Shared both previous and current salary figures.
Visa Officer: Give me your LCA with the current employer.
Applicant: Submitted the LCA document.
Visa Officer: Please place four fingers of your right hand on the fingerprint scanner.
Applicant: Done.
Visa Officer: Did you update your social media accounts on the DS-160?
Applicant: Yes. However, I would like to update my DS-160 since the previous one expired.
(The applicant then submitted the updated DS-160.)
Visa Officer: I can now see your social media details. Did you make them public?
Applicant: Yes.
The visa officer then handed over a 221(g) white slip and informed the applicant to keep all social media profiles public until a final decision was made.
The interaction lasted approximately 90 to 120 seconds.
Visa Status Updates
- 7 April 2026 – 10:00 AM: Visa status showed “Refused”
- 7 April 2026 – 3:00 PM: Visa status changed to “Approved”
- 8 April 2026: Status updated to “Issued”
- 9 April 2026: Application portal reflected “5480 Origination Scan”
- 11 April 2026: Passport delivered successfully
Additional Tips About the Hyderabad Consulate
The applicant shared several useful observations about the interview experience at the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad:
- The Hyderabad consulate was considered one of the most convenient consulates in India due to shaded waiting areas and seating arrangements, especially helpful during summer months.
- Lockers were available inside the premises for mobile phones, wallets, and bags.
- Drinking water and washroom facilities were accessible while waiting.
- Several affordable hotels with good service were available near the consulate.
- Wheelchairs and support staff were available for elderly applicants.
- Translators were also readily available onsite if required.
This experience highlights how quickly visa statuses can change after a temporary “Refused” update, especially in cases involving administrative processing or social media verification.
If you need expert assistance, contact LeSo.
