K1 Visa Applying from country other than my citizenship/birth

[M1515 0]

Hi,

Hoping someone can put my mind at ease.

I am South African (Passport holder by Birth) / British (Passport holder by Descent) citizen. I have lived in Australia (Permanent Resident) for the past 3 years, 3 months.

My fiance and I are in the process of applying for the K1 visa. Just last week we got our NOA2. So expecting to hopefully attend an interview in the next couple of months!

My question is (I'm sure I can, but just want some re-assurance), is it okay to be applying from Australia as a Permanent Resident and be able to attend the interview here in Sydney?

I don't have to apply/ attend the interview in England / South Africa?

If anyone in a similar scenario to me could also answer and let me know that would be fantastic.

Have a great day guys.

Matthew

[A'n'L 735]

Yes, as long as you are living legally in Australia, you can interview there. I assume that's what you put on your i129f also?

[M1515 0]

Yes, as long as you are living legally in Australia, you can interview there. I assume that's what you put on your i129f also?

Hi AnL,

Yes. It was mentioned a few times in the i129F initial applicaton. My Australian address was used as my permanent address on the forms and on the ESTA (supplied this to show my previous travels to the USA).

[A'n'L 735]

Good, but I meant the specific question on the I129f where it asks at what embassy you will be seeking your visa?

[M1515 0]

Good, but I meant the specific question on the I129f where it asks at what embassy you will be seeking your visa?

Hi AnL,

Oh sorry about that.

I answered like this...

Q36(a) Melbourne

Q36(b) Australia

I realize now that Melbourne does not do the interviews (I was not aware of this when filling out the I129F) and I believe only Sydney does them. I am hoping what I put in there is sufficient for them to realize it would be at Sydney?

[Caykay1 71]

If Melbourne doesn't do interview anymore, they will send it to the next place they do interviews in Australia which will be Sydney.

[JFH 12,190]

As long as you are legally in Australia as a resident (not using tourist ETAs or something to come and go) then you're good.

The problem only arises when the person is not a lawful resident of the country (just visiting, etc) and trying to have the interview done there to avoid long waits elsewhere or because the embassy is seen as an "easier" one to get through.

Edited July 5, 2016 by JFH