Sydney Consulate- Non-Australian Citizen

[Sheeni_E 24]

Hi Everyone!

My fiance (beneficiary) has been living in Australia for a majority of his life on a student visa. I have recently filed the I-129F application. While researching the typical consulate requirements and document needs, I came across the following on the US Consulate-Sydney website:

"Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of Australia only at the U.S. Consulate in Sydney." 

 

Does this mean he will have to go back to his citizenship country for his interview? He has never lived there and has been in Australia since he turned 18. 

Does anyone have any experience with this situation and the US Consulate in Australia? 

 

He currently lives in Melbourne. We would like for him to have interview there and that's what we listed in the I-129F. But looking though the consulate website, I am a little unsure. 

 

Any help/guidance would be really appreciated. I am slowly descending into panic mode! 

 

Thank you! 

 

 

 

[EmilyW 1,377]

From memory, Melbourne doesn't do immigrant visas.  All immigrant visas go through Sydney.

 

I'm not sure about your other question, but I'm sure a helpful member of the site will be able to assist.

[Sheeni_E 24]

Thanks EmilyW. I just confirmed the same from the DOS website. 

I am wondering now if we should the change the entry on the I-129F form or will they transfer it to the nearest consulate capable of processing. 

 

The Melbourne Consulate website says the following which I read as they would process the K-1 visa also. 

"Consular services offered in Melbourne include assistance to American citizens, issuance of passports and determinations of U.S. citizenship, and visa services to Australians and other foreign nationals"

[SalishSea 17,669]

1 hour ago, Sheeni_E said:

Thanks EmilyW. I just confirmed the same from the DOS website. 

I am wondering now if we should the change the entry on the I-129F form or will they transfer it to the nearest consulate capable of processing. 

 

The Melbourne Consulate website says the following which I read as they would process the K-1 visa also. 

"Consular services offered in Melbourne include assistance to American citizens, issuance of passports and determinations of U.S. citizenship, and visa services to Australians and other foreign nationals"

Australian K-1s are processed at the Sydney consulate.

 

I don't quite get how someone can remain on a student visa for "majority of his life"?  But as long as he has legal permanent residence (documented) in Australia, he can interview in Sydney.

Edited February 21, 2020 by Jorgedig

[Sheeni_E 24]

Thanks Jorgedig. 

He took a long time to complete his Bachelors and from then went on to a Masters and Post Doctoral Research. It was all legal and awarded as student visas. 

He does not have Australian PR though. I understand that is akin to a green card in US.