Consulate Interview Process

Here comes the daunting part.  Although one notable point is that the consulate staff, from security person to the visa officer are helpful.
The process will resemble to:

• Reach 30 minutes before appointment time
• Join the queue outside consulate
• The security personnel will instruct you on what’s allowed and what’s not. Sealed envelopes are not allowed. Electronics aren’t allowed. In a nutshell, it is wise just to carry unsealed documents. 
• Enter the facility after scanning in your passport bar code
• First stop is at the security screening. Leather items such as wallet, belt, shoes will need to be placed in the tray. 
• Next, wait for finger print verification. Average wait time is 15 minutes and soon you’ll be guided by the staff to join queue for finger print verification. 
• Post verification of finger prints, sit in the waiting area for 10 more minutes. Soon the staff will guide for another queue for interview with visa officer. You’ll be given a token number upon entering the queue. 
• Final stage is the visa interview. Max 5 minutes, average 2 minutes. As you get closer to your turn, you’ll be able to hear interviews of other. Do not be get nervous or discouraged if the applicants ahead of you faced rejection. A lot of applicants get rejected and return with passport in their hand. 
• Your passport will be withheld if you’ve been granted visa, it will be returned back otherwise. 
• Average time for the entire process is 1 hour. (At least for Hyderabad)

Again, the process is well structured and there will be staff to assist you at all stages. The efficiency is brilliant.
So what happens during those 2 minutes of the visa interview? Let’s figure out in next section.