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| Sydney, Australia |  Review on May 5, 2009: |
corinne from oz
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
here's a run down of the days events.
8:45 - Arrived at Consulate attempted to enter. I was advised that I could only enter in at least 30 mins prior to my interview time.
8:45-9:30 - Went for a coffee down stairs in the MLC centre, and spoke to Hubby on the phone.
9:35 - Entered the Consulate. Went through the security on Level 10 and sat and waited to go up to Level 59 in the lift.
9:37 - Went up to Level 59. Went through security once again. Walked through the door and took a number for IV related queries.
9:37 - 10:40 - Waited, waited, waited. Watching what was happening to others. There were two little kids playing around and they were funny.
10:40 - 10:55- My number gets called to Window 1. The gentleman there was very pleasant and apologised for the wait that I had to endure. I noticed that he had a British accent! He asked for my appointment letter and then went to get my file. He then returned and gave me the originals of my documents that I had submitted to NVC (Birth Cert, Marraige Cert, Police Cert). He then said he had just about everything he needed but only need a few more things from me. He then asked for my Medical papers, he opened it and looked at it and said to me "Do you know what this tick (check) means?" I looked at him somewhat puzzled as I knew my Medical was fine, he then said "That means that you are in good health!" I looked and smiled at him and said that was a blessing. He then asked for my passport, my passport photo. He then said the last thing he required was the $400 USD or $600 AUD fee. I then advised him that I had paid a similar fee to the NVC and produced my receipt. He took my receipt and then went to check with someone and then he came back and said that it was fine (Phew! Am thrilled I didn't have to pay again!). He then gave me a sheet of paper with instructions on Entry into the US as a new immigrant. He asked me to read it and to ask any questions if I have any. He then asked for my Express Post Envelope. He then asked me how far I had travelled to come in today. I think he could tell from my face that I hadn't slept all night. I told him it was about a 1 hour bus trip. He then asked where I travelled from but he did not seem to be familiar with Sydney northern suburbs. He then said to me that everything looks good with my application. They have all they need. He told me that I shouldn't be there much longer and soon I can head off home and get some rest. He said I was lucky number 17 (which happens to be my favourite number on the Roulette Wheel!), he told me to take a seat and that it should not be a long wait at all.
10:55 - 11:05 Waiting, waiting, waiting....
11:05 - My number is called to window 6. I get up and walk over. I greet the gentleman with a smile and say hello. He was very very nice. He asked the following questions:
How long I had been married?
Was my husband currently in Australia?
Where is my husband from in the US?
Where we intended to live in the US?
Had I visited the US before?
He then told me how beautiful it was where we intended on settling.
He then said the magic words "OK, your Visa is approved here today" He gave me a piece of paper with my details on it showing that my passport will be delivered by post - kind of a receipt.
I said "Thank you". He then told me that I will receive it via the mail within a couple of days. He then asked me if I had any further questions and I did ask one. It had to do with the information sheet that I had been given about the visa stamp in passport and if this could be used to get drivers license etc. until I get Social Security card. He told me that it should take approx. 2 weeks to get my social security and then I could work etc. He said that I can sit back and relax and have a bit of a vacation until my social security arrives. I smiled. I then said thank you and he said smiled and said bye.
11:15 - INTERVIEW COMPLETE!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #4333