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| Sydney, Australia |  Review on February 12, 2007: |
Achromatic
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
So, my experiences, mid November last year:
I flew up from Melbourne the night before and wandered down from my hotel. Got there about 7.45am, and at least five people were there and waiting on Level 10 in the seats (later found out that three were K1 applicants). Went through the security check, sat there for about ten minutes, and 8am or so, we got sent up to Level 59.
Tip: bring as few bags as possible. I had checked out of my hotel, and whilst I only had an overnight bag, I had a backpack of camera gear (my flight to Melbourne wasn't til 5pm, so I wanted to do some photography). Bad idea, in terms of annoying security with all the bags.
Take a number. The machine isn't that visible, but it's right in front of you as you walk through the door, having passed the metal detector. Another inconsistency: the K-1 visa at this point is classified as an Immigrant Visa (more on this later, as it is Non Immigrant everywhere else).
I got called up after about 20 minutes, number 003. Going through my documentation, a lot of the stuff that I had prepared was returned - including all my statements re financials (on my end, whilst I know aren't strictly valid, you /are/ told to bring everything necessary to support your situation), a lot of the "evidence" (some photos, some ticket stubs, some phone bills), and, somewhat annoyingly, the second copy of all the financials my fiancee's mother had provided (she had sponsored the affidavit, as my fiancee is a student, and I was going to be the one working) - again, more on this later.
First dilemma - I had filled out some of the forms by hand - this shouldn't be an issue now, but was for me. My interview was Tuesday, as stated I flew up Monday night. They noted that a letter had been mailed to me on Friday stating that handwritten forms would no longer be accepted effective immediately (sure enough, when I got home, there was said letter). "Dragon Lady" (who was sweet) threw me for a moment though, with her wording. "We're not going to be able to go ahead with this application now" - what she meant was, as she said, seeing my face fall, "Go to a net cafe, fill out the form, print it, get back here before 11am and we can carry on". I also discovered the "Express Post" requirement, so it was a frantic dash to Australia Post on level 6, and then to Kinko's (where the shop was being renovated, but a skeleton staff were ever so kind and let me jump on a staff PC and do it and print).
Then back to the consulate.
Tip: you'll have to show your appointment letter again, but you should have had written on your letter when you got sent away "To return ASAP". If security on 10 doesn't notice this (though they did), point it out. What this means is when you go through preliminary screening, he'll point you out to the elevator guard and say "this person is to go up immediately" and you won't wait in the queue (of course, this means you'll probably be at the end of the existing queue up there, but still).
Some people mention toilets, and problems as ways you might miss your number being called. Loiter. As soon as a counter is free, grab the person there and say what happened, show your number. If it's been called in absentia, they'll "re-inject" it into the queue, rather than putting you at the back of the line.
So a few minutes later, I got called up, handed over the form, and was told to sit and wait for my interview.
Everything I'd read mentioned "a back room" for the interview. It's not. It's just the far side of the room from the chaired waiting area.
This was straightforward - hand up, take an oath, answer a few simple questions. Don't worry if you met on the net - I mentioned we met on a role playing game, and he was all up with it - "Second Life?" Asked me things like my fiancee's birthday, where she was born. A few questions, and that was it. "Your visa is approved."
Now, for my particular calamity. The consular officer (a young guy) took my passport. He stapled in the Post Office receipt and a stamp. He took the rest of my documents and my Express Post envelope and said it would all be sent to me. He gave me my passport back. I presumed my visa would be included in envelope. Thought it was odd that my passport was given back. Headed off, went downstairs, had breakfast. Talked to fiancee when she called 20 minutes later.
Wandered around Circular Quay til about 3pm. Headed to airport. Got checked in, sat in departure lounge.
Mobile phone call. "Is this [my name]?" "Yes." "This is the US Consulate. Do you have your passport?" First thought, I'd lost it. But no, I was looking at it when my fiancee called. "Yes, I do." "We need that to issue your visa. Where are you?" "Departure Lounge?" "Can you get back here?"
Fortunately I could, though only because I'd checked in early. A frantic run to a taxi - who illegally picked me up at the drop off zone (although he grabbed my number, said if it was an issue, the Taxi Directorate might call me, and I should just tell them it was the emergency that it was!). Spoke to the consulate again, they said the area would be 'closed' but that they'd given my name at L10. So, I got there. Still had to go through security, of course, on both 10 and 59, although all was abandoned of people so not too painful.
Bonus though, they said that because it was their fault, and such, and they'd prepared the documents, if I could wait ten minutes, they'd give me the visa and envelope on the spot. I had just enough time to do this, so all good. I asked if there was any issue about travelling on a one-way ticket, "No, that's fine."
Back to the airport, just in time.
Now, trip to the US. Arrived LAX - despite anything else, you are now thoroughly back in the realms of Non Immigrant. I went to the line for "new immigrants". Ten minutes later, someone came by, looked at my passport, told me to go to the Visitor queue. Of course, with my luck, two 747s had just deplaned, so I had a 90 minute wait as the very last in the queue. Gah!
Processing at the desk was done, took about fifteen minutes, mainly consisting of documents being pushed into different piles, everything being stamped and signed.
Amusing anecdotes:
1) at Level 10, the guy who showed up early for his appointment (90 minutes or so), and was told to return 15-20 minutes before. "I've got a few things to do. I'll give you my mobile number and if they could give me a call when they're about ready to see me..." "No, return at this time."
2) the guy who waited at L10 when I returned from the cafe (the winding queue by now was near out the door, so he'd have been there for an hour plus), to the security guard. "Purpose of your visit?" "Green card." "Can I see your appointment letter?" "I don't have one." "You need an appointment letter." "Oh? I figured I'd just come by and apply for a green card, I've been waiting in line for an hour." "Sorry, you need to apply first."
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #1279