Australians Waiting For Interview at US Consulate Sydney

[PriscillaQOTD 23]

18 hours ago, Jen27062019 said:

Haha! Okay, I'll do the same. Thanks! I'll keep you posted  

I just checked this morning and it’s under Admin processing! The date is still yesterday when they responded to my email so they are probably still in the file right now. 

[AussieAmy 13]

Visa Issued and I’m done.
 

To anyone reading this thread who is still going through the process I strongly advise expediting even just to hold your place! We didn’t feel our reasoning was strong BUT after seeing the amount of people pushing in front of us with similar reasoning (no offence) we decided to give it a go worst they can say is no right?

 

It was all over from expedite to Visa Issuance in 3 weeks. Congrats to those who have received a Visa Good Luck to those that are still in the process. 

I apologise to any who take offence but this I’m calling as I see it. 

[Jen27062019 22]

1 hour ago, PriscillaQOTD said:

I just checked this morning and it’s under Admin processing! The date is still yesterday when they responded to my email so they are probably still in the file right now. 

Wow! That's great news! It should be issued today or tomorrow! Mine is still refused. I will e-mail them tomorrow. Thanks for the update! 

[John0990 23]

1 hour ago, AussieAmy said:

Visa Issued and I’m done.
 

To anyone reading this thread who is still going through the process I strongly advise expediting even just to hold your place! We didn’t feel our reasoning was strong BUT after seeing the amount of people pushing in front of us with similar reasoning (no offence) we decided to give it a go worst they can say is no right?

 

It was all over from expedite to Visa Issuance in 3 weeks. Congrats to those who have received a Visa Good Luck to those that are still in the process. 

I apologise to any who take offence but this I’m calling as I see it. 

Great news, congrats hope the future goes well for y'all.

 

I took advice from this site and applied for expedite, (came through in a couple of weeks from application to granted.  Backing Aussie Amy comments recommend going for the expedite. I am off the Sydney Friday, 14 days lock down and then an Embassy visit so excited.

 

Cheers.

[sydnekins 7]

Just an FYI for those applying for the travel exemption after getting their passport, visa and letter, the turnaround time is really quick! I filled out the request to travel form and got the approval from Dep of Home Affairs in 10 minutes! 

I'm free to be with my husband now

Wishing everyone a speedy visa journey!!!! 

Edited October 21, 2020 by sydnekins

[Jean Silva 1]

Hello guys,

First of all I would like to thank everyone for the information posted on this forum. It's been very useful to me right now.
 

I am Brazilian, but I live in Brisbane and I was afraid that the American Embassy in Sydney would be closed due to COVID, but from the reports here I saw that it is working normally. I am currently applying for the EB3 (Skilled worker) visa and I am waiting for the OK from NVC regarding my documents.
 

I would like to know who already requested the expedition, what information did you send by email? Name, NVC case number, DOB and petitioner? Something else?

For those who live in Queensland and had to go to Sydney to do the interview, how is the process of leaving and returning to Queensland?

[HRQX 4,145]

14 hours ago, Jean Silva said:

I am currently applying for the EB3 (Skilled worker) visa and I am waiting for the OK from NVC regarding my documents.

Do you meet an exception to PP 10014? https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/04/27/2020-09068/suspension-of-entry-of-immigrants-who-present-a-risk-to-the-united-states-labor-market-during-the

The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall not apply to:

(i) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;

(ii) any alien seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees; and any spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of any such alien who are accompanying or following to join the alien;

(iii) any alien applying for a visa to enter the United States pursuant to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program;

(iv) any alien who is the spouse of a United States citizen;

(v) any alien who is under 21 years old and is the child of a United States citizen, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;

(vi) any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee;

(vii) any member of the United States Armed Forces and any spouse and children of a member of the United States Armed Forces;

(viii) any alien seeking to enter the United States pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa in the SI or SQ classification, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may impose, and any spouse and children of any such individual; or

(ix) any alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.

[Jean Silva 1]

19 minutes ago, HRQX said:

Do you meet an exception to PP 10014? https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/04/27/2020-09068/suspension-of-entry-of-immigrants-who-present-a-risk-to-the-united-states-labor-market-during-the

The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall not apply to:

(i) any lawful permanent resident of the United States;

(ii) any alien seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees; and any spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of any such alien who are accompanying or following to join the alien;

(iii) any alien applying for a visa to enter the United States pursuant to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program;

(iv) any alien who is the spouse of a United States citizen;

(v) any alien who is under 21 years old and is the child of a United States citizen, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;

(vi) any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee;

(vii) any member of the United States Armed Forces and any spouse and children of a member of the United States Armed Forces;

(viii) any alien seeking to enter the United States pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa in the SI or SQ classification, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may impose, and any spouse and children of any such individual; or

(ix) any alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.

Hello, thanks for letting me know, but yes, I meet the requirements.
 

 I am a Nurse and I already have a job offer to help with covid.  I just need the other information that I asked in my post.

 

thank you anyway!

[WhyUSoMadFor 62]

Oct 07 - Interview at sydney consulate (refused status pending medical)

Oct 08 - Medical complete

Oct 15 - Case last updated, still at refused

 

I am assuming they got the medical on the 15th when the case was updated, but my case still is refused and it has been quite a while now. Seems like people who had interviews/medicals around my time got admin processing/issued status much quicker

[sydnekins 7]

46 minutes ago, WhyUSoMadFor said:

Oct 07 - Interview at sydney consulate (refused status pending medical)

Oct 08 - Medical complete

Oct 15 - Case last updated, still at refused

 

I am assuming they got the medical on the 15th when the case was updated, but my case still is refused and it has been quite a while now. Seems like people who had interviews/medicals around my time got admin processing/issued status much quicker

Have you received an email from your Dr's office that your exam results were sent to the Consulate? If you haven't, it might be worth following up with them 

[WhyUSoMadFor 62]

5 minutes ago, sydnekins said:

Have you received an email from your Dr's office that your exam results were sent to the Consulate? If you haven't, it might be worth following up with them 

Yep they sent them 2 days after my exam. That's why I assumed the 15th update was the receiving.

[sydnekins 7]

9 minutes ago, WhyUSoMadFor said:

Yep they sent them 2 days after my exam. That's why I assumed the 15th update was the receiving.

Ah that's frustrating. The consulate will send you an email once they received your medical exam. Another member here with a similar timeline to mine replied to her interview email following up. Her case went into administrative processing pretty much the next day so that might be worth a shot too! 

Edited October 22, 2020 by sydnekins
Added consulate email process

[Jen27062019 22]

7 hours ago, WhyUSoMadFor said:

Oct 07 - Interview at sydney consulate (refused status pending medical)

Oct 08 - Medical complete

Oct 15 - Case last updated, still at refused

 

I am assuming they got the medical on the 15th when the case was updated, but my case still is refused and it has been quite a while now. Seems like people who had interviews/medicals around my time got admin processing/issued status much quicker

Hello! We have the same case. I had my Medical on the 8th at O'Connell Street Clinic and they said they sent the report on the 9th but when I had my interview on the 14th, the officer said they haven't received it yet. The officer also said that I should have my visa within 1-2 weeks but it's been a week now and my case status is still refused. I emailed them this afternoon awaiting for their reply tomorrow.

[John0990 23]

Howdy all, an update,I am finally in Sydney (not an easy task let me tell you.)

 

Some info - I applied for NSW border permit under the ( Attending Court / or legal obligations) it came through almost instantly, so for safe measures I rechecked everything, booked a flight from Melbourne to Sydney. Arrived at the Airport had to show my permit and documents to, no issue sent through security down to board the plane (All Good) so far.....

 

Then the fun/BS started, upon exiting the plane we were walked through the corridors (Single file) to the bag pick up area (a make shift waiting area.)

 

Then for the 35 people on the plane each one was processed one by one which took just over 3 1/2 hours (Yes 3 1/2 hrs) Mind you we ALL had to sit and wait until everyone had been processed.....Finally it came time for my turn (well OMFG) after 4 hour drive to Melbourne airport, then the flight, then the 31/2 hrs wait I was sat aside and told I may be detained and returned to Melbourne (No BS)

 

I was told those now entering from Victoria for US embassy visit does NOT come under the legal Obligation listing. So check and double check your info and permits before boarding. Luckily I was able to convince the Health Official to send me to 14 Quarantine and not send me back to Victoria after giving her the full story of how we had been separated  for over 7 months now etc etc.

 

This is NOT to scare anyone or put you off just letting you know what you may encounter under the current NSW border entry issues.

 

Hopefully the borders open soon for all.

 

Regards All.

[ErinB 17]

44 minutes ago, John0990 said:

Howdy all, an update,I am finally in Sydney (not an easy task let me tell you.)

 

Some info - I applied for NSW border permit under the ( Attending Court / or legal obligations) it came through almost instantly, so for safe measures I rechecked everything, booked a flight from Melbourne to Sydney. Arrived at the Airport had to show my permit and documents to, no issue sent through security down to board the plane (All Good) so far.....

 

Then the fun/BS started, upon exiting the plane we were walked through the corridors (Single file) to the bag pick up area (a make shift waiting area.)

 

Then for the 35 people on the plane each one was processed one by one which took just over 3 1/2 hours (Yes 3 1/2 hrs) Mind you we ALL had to sit and wait until everyone had been processed.....Finally it came time for my turn (well OMFG) after 4 hour drive to Melbourne airport, then the flight, then the 31/2 hrs wait I was sat aside and told I may be detained and returned to Melbourne (No BS)

 

I was told those now entering from Victoria for US embassy visit does NOT come under the legal Obligation listing. So check and double check your info and permits before boarding. Luckily I was able to convince the Health Official to send me to 14 Quarantine and not send me back to Victoria after giving her the full story of how we had been separated  for over 7 months now etc etc.

 

This is NOT to scare anyone or put you off just letting you know what you may encounter under the current NSW border entry issues.

 

Hopefully the borders open soon for all.

 

Regards All.

Thanks for your story. 

Honestly I find this whole situation goddamn ridiculous. This is a legal matter. We're not there as tourists. Case numbers and mystery case numbers are so low in Victoria at the moment that continuing to not allow people through the border for legitimate legal reasons is complete bullocks. There's no word on when the border will open, and this is beginning to feel quite unfair for those of us in Victoria. I'm not particularly bitter about my personal situation, we're not ready for me to attend my interview anyway, we need more time for my husband to get things settled in the US and ready for us to move. But geez. We (collective we) have been at this for years, we've done everything we were told to do, we've already paid thousands of dollars and over the past 6 months basically just left hanging to guess our way to even the possibility of an interview, and now we're prevented from entering the state for one single appointment of about 20 minutes. It just feels a bit ridiculous.

Sorry for the vent, I know it's not in any way helpful, it's just impossible for other people to truly understand. I've been renting for the past two years, constantly hopping between houses and jobs and friends, unable to establish any kind of real routine or invest in my life here because we knew it would all be for nought soon enough. And to have roadblock after roadblock thrown up, that seem to make little to no sense, is just...frustrating. More limbo. More waiting.