CP Interview @ Chennai (Checklist)

Immigration Pictures
--------------------
Picture taken @ Camera Citi opposite to Chola. 8 pic's for 100/-
Heard that the Konica Labs in Nungabakkam High Road gives you 25
of those for the same amount! So for you egomaniacs out there..
indulge . Had to wait for 10 minutes to get my pics.

Address: Camera Citi
New No. 26, Old No. 54, Cathedral Road.
Opp. Hotel Chola, Chennai 86.
Ph. 8110467/68

Make it a point to mention "Immigration Pictures". Both the places
know xactly what to do.


Medical Xam and Report
----------------------

Medical exam (Lister Labs) and the Doctors appointment can both be
completed on the same day if you choose your doctor correctly.
(Rajalakshmi and Mathai Thomas have offices open till 6:30 pm).
Saves a bunch of time. Married folks can go see Rajalakshmi.


It took me about 15 minutes for my blood test and x-ray @ Lister's.
They wanted me to return at 4:30 to collect my reports. I was there
much before that. They handed me my reports by 3:30 and I was happily
on my way to see Dr. Mathai Thomas soon afterwards .

Mathai Thomas. Not the friendliest person, but does his job pretty
quickly. Sends you off with a xtra firm handshake.

Documentaion checklist
----------------------

NOTE: Though Form 9003 was mentioned in my packet 4, it was not
asked for @ the Consulate. Here is the list of doc's required by
the Consulate on the 22nd of August (List in the order in which
they want you to submit it @ the counter)

1. Appointment Letter and Visa Pictures (3. 2 with your signature
across. ).
2. DS 230 Part I & II.
3. Marriage Certificate Original and 2 Copies (TWO! A couple had
some minor problems for not getting 2 copies).
4. Birth Certificate (Original and Copy).
5. Job Offer/Verfication letter original. Attach Affidavit for
support.
6. I-134 for spouse.
7. Earning Statement/Pay Stubs.
8. Bank Statements.
9. 2001 Year Income Tax Copy and W-2 statement(s).
10. Police Certificate.
11. Medical Report

My Experience
-------------

Overall, the whole process was pretty comfortable. No Major issues!!

• Got to the Consulate at 7:15 AM. They let me inside immediatly and
  directed me to a nice waiting area.

• They gave us the ordered checklist @ 8AM. I had my pen and paper
  ready and made a note of it (above).
  
  (Beats me why they can't make more than 1 copy of the list!! They
  take it back too. They are not saving any great amount of paper.
  At least 1 copy per row of people would be great)

• They collected the documents almost immediatly afterwards. They gave
  us a small label to fill in our local address.

• We had to wait for another hour before they started calling out
  applicants. I had to submit the DD for blue dart (300/- for me)
  and sign my DS230-II and another doc they passed me. The person
  at the counter was nice and jovial.

• Was sent back to wait for another 30 minutes. Some lady came and
  made us take our oaths.

• My name was called (first!!) from another counter where he handed me
  a sheet of paper. He then asked me go and submit the DD at the Cashiers
  (3185/- (65$ * 49) since I had already paid 260$). Please call up and
  get the current Ruppee equivalent.

• I was out @ 10:30!
  
  
  Approximate Auto Fares and Call Taxi
  ------------------------------------
  
  For all of you who are from out of Tamil Nadu and those who don't speak
  the Tamil language:
  
  Try to Stay @ some place on Nungambakkam High Road/Cathedral Road (Ganapath,
  Ranjit I think).
  
  Fare from Lister Lab to Mathai Thomas' place: 70/-
  Fare from Ganapath to US Consulate : 20-30/-
  Fare from Ganapath to Camera Citi : 20-30/-
  
  If you plan to visit a place and know in advance where and when you want
  to travel, you could try a call taxi (Fast Track: Ph 4732020).
  
  Xtras:
  ------

• I was asked for my school mark list with my birth date in it, since
  I din't have my birth certificate. (in addn to Affidavits from parents
  and the Non-Availability forms)

• Since I din't have a visa with my current company in my passport (My
  prev company had been bought by another company), I was asked for some
  proof of the merger.

• Try to just take your folder for your interview. No opaque bags!! If
  you take one by mistake, there are people outside the consulate who
  keep the bag for you for 50/-!!)

Good Luck!!