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| Sydney, Australia |  Review on July 20, 2010: |
AUS2USA
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I have been to the US Consulate previously in the MLC for a C1-D visa when I was working on a cruise ship. However, that was back in 2007, so my memory on where it was, or what it looked like was fading. However, once I found the building, it all came flooding back.
MLC is a massive building located on the corner of King and Castlereagh Streets in Sydney, Australia. As mentioned in previous reviews, there are signs around Sydney that gives directions on how to get there. On top of that, there are signs everywhere on the building stating its MLC-ness 
Thankfully, at the very bottom of the building, there is a semi-foodcourt. There are coffee shops that are open from about 7am (maybe earlier) and also a newsagent. This proved to be beneficial to settle the nerves - A coffee, toasted cheese, ham and tomato and a pack of chewing gum.
My interview wasn't scheduled until 9AM, but knowing how this place worked, I knew it would be helpful to get there early. I headed up to the consulate at 7:30am/
How to get to the consulate:
From the food court area close to the corner of king and Castlereagh (Near the newsagent), you will find a set of lifts tucked nicely away. Take the lift up to the buildings Lobby, which I believe is as far as those lifts will take you. Then, head around to the left of the Lobby-reception desk area. You will see a few seats and tables. To the right, there are 2 hallways filled with elevators. You want the set of elevators closest to the reception area (REMEMBER- you are going to the 10th floor) On the wall of the hallway, it will say 9-22 - or something - stating that these lifts go to those floors.
Take the lift to level 10. As you come out, you will be in another Hallway full of lifts. Turn to the right, and make your way around past the medical center and dentist. The security area is practically at the end of that walk way. There will be 2 doors (one for entry, one for exit) and they glass walls will have closed blinds. Once you get to the security area, there will be someone there to escort you to the actual consulate which is ANOTHER lift ride away.
So, I headed to the consulate (security) at 7:30am. There was only about 3 or 4 people ahead of me, which was very surprising. Last time I went, it was packed at 7:30.
We made our way through security. Make sure you have your passport and interview confirmation letter ready to show the security officers. You will then have to empty your pockets, take your belt off and place anything else your brought along on the conveyor belt for the x-ray machine. Walk through the metal detector and collect your necessities... (Remember, phones are to be turned off and you cannot take them with you.)
N.B. they say not to bring bags either, however, you are allowed to take them. They have pigeon holes they can keep them in for you.
You will be given a card with a number on it which you use to retrieve your items when you are finished. I was given 102
I was instructed to sit down in the front row with a few other early birds. The time was about 7:45am at this stage. We sat there for about 10 minutes and we (about 6 of us) were called up by the security lady looking after the one-stop elevator.
We climbed aboard the elevator for the 50-something trip skyward. The lift is pretty quick, and your ears will pop a couple of times on the way haha. Once you arrive at your floor, you will be instructed to head around to your right. Last time I went to the consulate, they had a second metal detector active on this level, however, it was not being used today.
One-by-one we were called to a man behind a glass screen. He looked at the interview letter and matched up the name on the passport to the names he had for the day. My name was not on his list, however, this didn't seem to bother him. He just wrote it down on a piece of paper and handed me my documents back. He then buzzed me in. This is the tricky part. The door he buzzes for you is one heavy MoFo. So, use a bit of oomph and pull it towards you. It'll close itself behind you.
I proceeded to the cheap wooden looking ticket machine and pressed the top button for 'Immigrant Visa'. My number shot out at me #003.
I took a seat at the far left hand side and enjoyed watching the sun rise over the opera house, bridge and the Northern Beaches. I only had time to take the view in for a second before my number was flashing up on the screen. I approached Window #4 where I was met my a plump English man. There was no real small talk, it was just straight to business, which was fine by me. Mind you, it wasn't a rude experience my and means. There was just nothing said.
He asked me for my interview letter, as well as a few other required documents (RFE's). This part of the process is basically ensuring all documents are in order for the interview person, so there's not stuffing about.
All was in order, so he told me to take a seat, and that the interview person will call me up shortly. I took a seat in the center area of the 3-section room (near the cashier) and fumbled through my evidence again. I was waiting only about 5 minutes and I was called up to window #7. Again, there was no real small talk which was completely cool with me. The lady simply checked through some very familiar paper work (I-130 etc) dated and signed some of the sheets and asked me a few, very simple questions. Where we met, if I'd ever been there before, etc. Nothing to worry about at all. It was about a 5 minute interview and after that, I was on my way.
Exit is the same as entrance, to the dot. Exit through the heavy metal door, down the same lift to floor 10, back to security to pick up your phone / bah etc. walk pasty the dentist, medical center etc, down the lifts to the lobby and....
VOILA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALL staff were extremely nice and willing to help. Maybe cause it was first thing in the morning!? haha
5 OUT OF 5
Good job!!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #6368