Consulate Review: Sydney, Australia
Review Topic: General Review
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
June 7, 2017 |
| Embassy Review : |
The Sydney Consulate seems to work like a well oiled machine. I went the day before to see where it was. Something I'd definitely recommend if you're not familiar with the MLC building.
When entering in level 10 someone asks for your documents with checklist. They go through them and put them in a plastic sleeve to take up to level 59. There was a woman in front of me who clearly was a little all over the place and was told where to go to get photocopies of what she needed.
Next, you go through security. They say not to bring anything with you as they can't store it but that's not true. I left my phone in my hotel room but they stored the bag I had put my documents in and I took my wallet up with me.
When entering level 59 you take a ticket. I was called up straight away and gave my documents to a woman behind a counter. She scrupulously went through everything. Made a few comments that made me nervous and then told me to sit back down and wait to be called.
I sat down for what seemed like forever. I could see a guy behind the counter in front of me with my documents. He was going through them and separating the originals from the copies and entering something into the computer. I waited anxiously for him to call me.
Finally I was up. I had to give an oath and verify my fingerprints. His computer froze!!! A few minutes later he was up and running again. He acted like we needed to clarify things. I had a name change certifcate and he acted confused by it. I explained how it worked and he seemed to be ok with that. Then just asked a few questions about how my wife and I met and if I'd been to the US before. It was like he was trying to think of what to ask.
Thankfully, a couple of minutes later he said all was ok and I was approved. I did a little fist pump and left. I was trying not to cry as I was virtually running back to my hotel so I could call my wife.
I found it to be quite stressful but it's a very quick process. I knew I had all the correct paperwork despite two people making it seem like there could be problems. I was in and out within about an hour.
(updated on June 7, 2017) |
| Rating : |
Good |
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