|
|
| Sydney, Australia |  Review on April 6, 2016: |
Mike91
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Hi there,
Finally, had my interview in Sydney consulate. The security process is exactly as described in previous posts, so I won't repeat it. I would like however to note several things from my observations. (see below)
1. I did not notice anyone being interviewed for more than 20 minutes, but if there is 12-15 people in front of you, then prepare to spend up to 3 hours in a consulate. Therefore, the time specified in your interview letter means nothing. I suggest you arrive 20 min prior to your official interview time, so they will let you in.
2. Forget about the word "Privacy" as the details of your interview will be heard by ALL the other people waiting to be interviewed. Everyone in the room will hear how did you meet your spouse. Yours or your spouse's criminal convictions (if any), sources of income, previous marriages, etc.
3. You will not be asked ALL the same questions as people in front of you. They ask questions on a case by case basis. I would strongly recommend attending the interview along with your spouse (if possible) as couples are being asked less questions (my conclusion from observing 15 people interviewed before me). If your Financial paperwork is OK and your case looks genuine, than you'll be asked just generic easy to answer questions (ex: how did you meet? where are you going to stay in U.S., What is your occupation and whether you are going to look for a job in U.S. upon arrival)
4. They WILL examine in detail your Affidavit of Support documents, so make sure you have it right (ex: signed by correct person, proper form completed, genuine source of income, etc.). Otherwise, they will postpone your visa up until you provide them with missing info.
5. They are EXTREMELY picky about your police certificates. I've seen 7 out of 15 people sent home without a visa just for that. Make sure you know which countries, you need police certificate from and verify that it is still valid. Australian police certificates are a bit tricky. First of all they accept AFP (Australian Federal Police) certificates only. The easiest way is to do it Fingerprint based, but it is pretty costly. (approx. $150-$199AUS). The cheaper way will cost you approx. $45AUS (this is the Name based only, without a fingerprint). In this case, you must specifically request that AFP issues certificate to include All offences and aliases ever used, since AFP provides name based certificates for visa purpose without ALL the offences, and therefore the U.S consulate rejects them. (shoot me an email via VJ and I'll help you with that). If you changed your name at least once, preferably go for Fingerprint based certificate. don't take the risk
6. Make sure you provide consulate with Original documents for ALL applicable copies when they request. (especially marriage, divorce, birth, death certificates)
7. The staff at the consulate including the interviewers are very polite, without an attitude and trying their best to make your interview experience as less stressful as possible.
My only concern was the privacy issue. I think it's a shame to allow all the other people in the room to hear the personal details of you and your spouse
Good luck Folks
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #19255