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| Sydney, Australia |  Review on February 9, 2015: |
AuSomeGee
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Received the interview instructions (via email) well in advance and were easy to follow.
Arrived at US Consulate location 30mins prior to 11am appointment. Cleared security without issue as I only took paperwork, wallet and phone. My phone and the medical CD were kept downstairs with security.
After clearing security, I was informed that the computer systems were down and was asked to complete a 4 page application form. I completed the document to the best of my knowledge (most of the info most people will know from completing the application process).
Completed the document and then up in the lift (elevator) and through additional security checkpoint and on into the review area. Looks very similar to a well secure bank or RTA (DMV) with lots of number 'tellars'.
As I walked into the area, I took a numbered ticket and sat down in the waiting area. There would have been 10 people in total already there.
10min wait and I was called up to the window for tellar 6. The gentleman was friendly and I was asked for my 3kg self addressed Express Post envelope and 1 x US sized passport photo. (I had forgotten to write my name on it, but a pen was available and this was done and submitted).
I then was asked to go to tellar 4 for the scanning of my photo. I also had my fingerprints scanned at this time.
Then back to tellar 6 where the gentleman stated he would review my case and then call me back up.
10mins wait and I was called up by to tellar 6 and was handed back paperwork which was not required and my originals. The gentleman then stated that was all the paperwork required and to take a seat and wait to be called for an interview.
40min - 50min wait as the people waiting prior completed their interview, I was then called by name to the interview tellar 1. The lady was kind and asked my to raise my right hand and swear I wasnt going to lie...I had fingerprints scanned again.
Interview: some very basic questions "how did you meet?" "Who is this person...(my father-in-law co-sponsor)", 'what line of work will you do?" which I answered promptly without being overly detailed. The lady checked some documents and then said "all looks good. you should receive the visa is about 1 weeks time." (I received it in 2 days).
From entering Security to walking out was about 2hours. Considering that was with computer systems down, I was pretty happy.
Summary for Rating = 4. Overall it was very good service. The system outage was not the fault of the Sydney based consulate and I believe the document completion was only used as a measure to ensure a paper trail existed between my interview and case. Computers/technology is not fail proof and the fact I was processed on my appointed day and received my Visa package 2 days later, the outage was a minor inconvenience.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #16133