My K-1 Sydney Interview Process

[GrayL 47]

Hello fellow VJ'ers,

Over the last months you good people have been invaluable throughout my VISA process, so I wanted to hopefully put something back to the community.

I had my final K-1 VISA Interview this morning at the Sydney Consulate (MLC Centre, Level 10), and here's my play by play of what happened, leading up to my eventual approval, just 30 minutes ago!

My interview was scheduled for 8:00am, I arrived at 7:30 and sat in the lobby area, got there nice and early, got the nerves somewhat calmed!

I headed up to the elevator in the MLC centre at 7:50am, they are right the way on the right hand side, and headed up to level 10.

First you need to go through security one you get to the consulate suite, identical to airport security, so I had to take off my belt and remove my electronics. I needed to show my passport at this stage, nothing else.

Next I had to surrender everything electronic, so I wasn't able to take my phone or iPad to the consulate, I wasn't even allowed to take my bag! Fair enough really! They give you a ticket so you can get it back on your way out.

Next they shoot you up about 40 floors to the consulate, and you show your passport and letter to the entrance lady. She ticks your name from the list and buzzes you into the actual consulate.

You take a ticket, and take a seat.

The first wait was approximately 10 minutes, then they get you up and take off of you your passport, the 3kg envelope, and the payment receipt. This took about a minute or two. Then then ask you to sit down again while they get your documents prepared.

I waited for about 20 minutes, and then got called back again, the lady gave me all of my original documents and asked me to take another seat, while I waited for my actual interview. She also briefly explained the next step. That again only took a minute or two

I waited for about 25-30 minutes, then got called up for the actual interview, so nervous I walked up to the counter.

The interview starts with them going through all of your documents (that they had already), and they asked you questions like which countries you have lived in for longer than 12 months etc. He went through the official documents to ensure nothing was missing, thankfully nothing was.

Next he asked about my relationship, how did we meet, what made us decide to want to get married, I have only been with my fiance just over a year, so he asked me "This is a big step, what made you so sure you want to marry your fiance", stuff like that.. you just answer honestly, and that's about it.

Next they go through the Affidavit, and asked about both mine and my fiancee's employment, where we both work, and what I plan to do when I get to the USA for work, standard stuff like that.

They then let me know that I needed to marry within 60 days, and had to go to the USA within 6 months. And also let me know that I couldn't leave until I had my green card.

Lastly they get you to sign the DS-230 part II, they had it all ready to go.

And.. that was about it. After that he pretty much told me that he had everything he needed to approve the VISA, and gave me a little piece of paper that said, "Congratulations, your VISA has been approved" with my case number and the tracking number of the 3kg envelope. I was told I would have it in the mail at the latest by Tuesday next week (ie one week). The interview took about 20 minutes.

I was finished by 9:30, so the whole process was approximately one and half hours!

I went to the interview with a massive stack of paper, everything we've ever sent to the consulate, everything we received, relationship evidence, engagement evidence, X-Rays (which I found out you don't need unless you have something wrong with you!), the list goes on. But none of it was required. I would still recommend you bring everything, makes you look like you're prepared (the guy even commented that I looked prepared!).

I have to also say everyone at the consulate was super nice and friendly, greeted you with a smile and really just wanted to make sure they had everything so that they could approve the VISA!

So anyway, I figured this play by play would have been beneficial for me to read prior to the interview, so hopefully it will help someone else too!

Here's just a few tips I can give you:

1. Get there a little early, maybe 10-15 minutes, they are all ready to go, even at 8:00am, and I think being there early made the process quicker, about ten minutes later quite a few people arrived, and it's a first come first served basis, so it can't help getting ahead!

2. Go to the bathroom before you enter the consulate! You can't go when your inside the consulate!

3. Don't rely on anything you may want to use as evidence being on an electronic device (phone, laptop), as they don't let you take anything up with you, only paperwork and that's it!

4. Relax! Hard to say, but if you're confident you have what you need (the only thing they ask for is what was outlined in the letter, so passport, 3kg postage bag and the payment receipt from Australia post) then the process will be relatively straight forward and you'll be done before you know it!

5. Take a bottle of water with you, you'll need it!

6. They keep your passport! So don't rely on it to get you home, if you're like me and had to fly in from another state!

I'm off to do a bit of sightseeing and to celebrate!

Good luck to each and everyone of you!

GrayL

Edited August 9, 2011 by GrayL

[Rufus2012 175]

Congratulations, and thanks for the write up. One question though, you wrote: "They then let me know that I needed to marry within 60 days". I thought it was 90 days?

[GrayL 47]

Congratulations, and thanks for the write up. One question though, you wrote: "They then let me know that I needed to marry within 60 days". I thought it was 90 days?

SORRY, my apologies, yes, I meant to say 90 days! 90 days after you enter the US, not 60, my mistake!

I think I'm still in shock

GrayL

[KLS2010 30]

Congratulations!!

I'm sure your account will be really helpful to others that follow.

Didn't get to see you....you were in and out before I was even allowed in lol!

[Katie & Trev 3]

Congratulations!!

My interview (not booked yet, waiting on a redone i-134 from my fiance as he changed jobs!) will be in a month or so hopefully, I do still need to get my medical done, hopefully going to book that tomorrow. it's good to know all this stuff so I can be prepared when I fly to Sydney hehe

I'm confused about the envelope though? Do we just buy a 3kg express envelope and put our address on it then give it to them or what? Is it explained in packet 4? Lol so confused D:

Edited August 9, 2011 by Katie & Trev

[GrayL 47]

Congratulations!!

My interview (not booked yet, waiting on a redone i-134 from my fiance as he changed jobs!) will be in a month or so hopefully, I do still need to get my medical done, hopefully going to book that tomorrow. it's good to know all this stuff so I can be prepared when I fly to Sydney hehe

I'm confused about the envelope though? Do we just buy a 3kg express envelope and put our address on it then give it to them or what? Is it explained in packet 4? Lol so confused D:

Yep just go down to the Australia Post and get a 3kg platinum express post satchel, it costs about $18, then just write your details on it, and bring it along to your interview.

When you give the consulate official the satchel they will give you the tracking sticker on it, so you can trace it online.

Basically they put the final paperwork in it, so you write the address where you want them to send the final packet.

Also, my medical was fairly painless, I was able to get an appointment in just over a week, and the results were done in two days after the appointment, just make sure you bring US size passport photos, not Australian ones as they are not accepted (As I found out the hard way!)

Good luck to you!

Gray

[GrayL 47]

Congratulations!!

I'm sure your account will be really helpful to others that follow.

Didn't get to see you....you were in and out before I was even allowed in lol!

D'oh, yeah, what a shame, I really thought it was going to take all day too, what a pleasant surprise!

Happy that we both got good news, onwards and upwards, and in this case, homeward bound!

[Katie & Trev 3]

Yep just go down to the Australia Post and get a 3kg platinum express post satchel, it costs about $18, then just write your details on it, and bring it along to your interview.

When you give the consulate official the satchel they will give you the tracking sticker on it, so you can trace it online.

Basically they put the final paperwork in it, so you write the address where you want them to send the final packet.

Also, my medical was fairly painless, I was able to get an appointment in just over a week, and the results were done in two days after the appointment, just make sure you bring US size passport photos, not Australian ones as they are not accepted (As I found out the hard way!)

Good luck to you!

Gray

Oooh okay, good to know, thank you!!

US sized passport photos? Ugh. How do I get those? (Sorry for the billion questions, haha..) I had some leftover ones from when I sent my i-129F that I got taken in a postoffice, so I guess they wont be suitable? d'oh.

Good to see Aussies getting approved! Hopefully soon I'll be writing on here about my experiences with the consulate and fingers crossed, approval!

[GrayL 47]

Oooh okay, good to know, thank you!!

US sized passport photos? Ugh. How do I get those? (Sorry for the billion questions, haha..) I had some leftover ones from when I sent my i-129F that I got taken in a postoffice, so I guess they wont be suitable? d'oh.

Good to see Aussies getting approved! Hopefully soon I'll be writing on here about my experiences with the consulate and fingers crossed, approval!

I had to hunt around a bit, but I managed to find enough places to get them, just go to a photo shop and ask around, 'international visa photos' are fairly common, I got mine done at a Camera house and also a local pharmacy!

Yep I went in armed with Australian photos, and they outright denied it! Luckily there was a place near the place I went to get my x-rays done, and I got them there on the same day, so it didn't delay. Honestly, I think so many people make the mistake, when she told me off, it was like a recorded message, all that was missing was the beep.. haha

[GrayL 47]

Oooh okay, good to know, thank you!!

US sized passport photos? Ugh. How do I get those? (Sorry for the billion questions, haha..) I had some leftover ones from when I sent my i-129F that I got taken in a postoffice, so I guess they wont be suitable? d'oh.

Good to see Aussies getting approved! Hopefully soon I'll be writing on here about my experiences with the consulate and fingers crossed, approval!

I had to hunt around a bit, but I managed to find enough places to get them, just go to a photo shop and ask around, 'international visa photos' are fairly common, I got mine done at a Camera house and also a local pharmacy!

Yep I went in armed with Australian photos, and they outright denied it! Luckily there was a place near the place I went to get my x-rays done, and I got them there on the same day, so it didn't delay. Honestly, I think so many people make the mistake, when she told me off, it was like a recorded message, all that was missing was the beep.. haha

[GrayL 47]

Oooh okay, good to know, thank you!!

US sized passport photos? Ugh. How do I get those? (Sorry for the billion questions, haha..) I had some leftover ones from when I sent my i-129F that I got taken in a postoffice, so I guess they wont be suitable? d'oh.

Good to see Aussies getting approved! Hopefully soon I'll be writing on here about my experiences with the consulate and fingers crossed, approval!

I had to hunt around a bit, but I managed to find enough places to get them, just go to a photo shop and ask around, 'international visa photos' are fairly common, I got mine done at a Camera house and also a local pharmacy!

Yep I went in armed with Australian photos, and they outright denied it! Luckily there was a place near the place I went to get my x-rays done, and I got them there on the same day, so it didn't delay. Honestly, I think so many people make the mistake, when she told me off, it was like a recorded message, all that was missing was the beep.. haha

Good Luck!

[Travis and Meghan 24]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! wow, thats absolutely wonderful news When are you going back over to the US? Good luck with everything

[Barbara J 115]

Oooh okay, good to know, thank you!!

US sized passport photos? Ugh. How do I get those? (Sorry for the billion questions, haha..) I had some leftover ones from when I sent my i-129F that I got taken in a postoffice, so I guess they wont be suitable? d'oh.

Good to see Aussies getting approved! Hopefully soon I'll be writing on here about my experiences with the consulate and fingers crossed, approval!

If you can't find a place near where you live there is a photo place bottom level of MLC building that do passport on the spot for you.

[bigdog 376]

Hello fellow VJ'ers,

Over the last months you good people have been invaluable throughout my VISA process, so I wanted to hopefully put something back to the community.

I had my final K-1 VISA Interview this morning at the Sydney Consulate (MLC Centre, Level 10), and here's my play by play of what happened, leading up to my eventual approval, just 30 minutes ago!

My interview was scheduled for 8:00am, I arrived at 7:30 and sat in the lobby area, got there nice and early, got the nerves somewhat calmed!

I headed up to the elevator in the MLC centre at 7:50am, they are right the way on the right hand side, and headed up to level 10.

First you need to go through security one you get to the consulate suite, identical to airport security, so I had to take off my belt and remove my electronics. I needed to show my passport at this stage, nothing else.

Next I had to surrender everything electronic, so I wasn't able to take my phone or iPad to the consulate, I wasn't even allowed to take my bag! Fair enough really! They give you a ticket so you can get it back on your way out.

Next they shoot you up about 40 floors to the consulate, and you show your passport and letter to the entrance lady. She ticks your name from the list and buzzes you into the actual consulate.

You take a ticket, and take a seat.

The first wait was approximately 10 minutes, then they get you up and take off of you your passport, the 3kg envelope, and the payment receipt. This took about a minute or two. Then then ask you to sit down again while they get your documents prepared.

I waited for about 20 minutes, and then got called back again, the lady gave me all of my original documents and asked me to take another seat, while I waited for my actual interview. She also briefly explained the next step. That again only took a minute or two

I waited for about 25-30 minutes, then got called up for the actual interview, so nervous I walked up to the counter.

The interview starts with them going through all of your documents (that they had already), and they asked you questions like which countries you have lived in for longer than 12 months etc. He went through the official documents to ensure nothing was missing, thankfully nothing was.

Next he asked about my relationship, how did we meet, what made us decide to want to get married, I have only been with my fiance just over a year, so he asked me "This is a big step, what made you so sure you want to marry your fiance", stuff like that.. you just answer honestly, and that's about it.

Next they go through the Affidavit, and asked about both mine and my fiancee's employment, where we both work, and what I plan to do when I get to the USA for work, standard stuff like that.

They then let me know that I needed to marry within 60 days, and had to go to the USA within 6 months. And also let me know that I couldn't leave until I had my green card.

Lastly they get you to sign the DS-230 part II, they had it all ready to go.

And.. that was about it. After that he pretty much told me that he had everything he needed to approve the VISA, and gave me a little piece of paper that said, "Congratulations, your VISA has been approved" with my case number and the tracking number of the 3kg envelope. I was told I would have it in the mail at the latest by Tuesday next week (ie one week). The interview took about 20 minutes.

I was finished by 9:30, so the whole process was approximately one and half hours!

I went to the interview with a massive stack of paper, everything we've ever sent to the consulate, everything we received, relationship evidence, engagement evidence, X-Rays (which I found out you don't need unless you have something wrong with you!), the list goes on. But none of it was required. I would still recommend you bring everything, makes you look like you're prepared (the guy even commented that I looked prepared!).

I have to also say everyone at the consulate was super nice and friendly, greeted you with a smile and really just wanted to make sure they had everything so that they could approve the VISA!

So anyway, I figured this play by play would have been beneficial for me to read prior to the interview, so hopefully it will help someone else too!

Here's just a few tips I can give you:

1. Get there a little early, maybe 10-15 minutes, they are all ready to go, even at 8:00am, and I think being there early made the process quicker, about ten minutes later quite a few people arrived, and it's a first come first served basis, so it can't help getting ahead!

2. Go to the bathroom before you enter the consulate! You can't go when your inside the consulate!

3. Don't rely on anything you may want to use as evidence being on an electronic device (phone, laptop), as they don't let you take anything up with you, only paperwork and that's it!

4. Relax! Hard to say, but if you're confident you have what you need (the only thing they ask for is what was outlined in the letter, so passport, 3kg postage bag and the payment receipt from Australia post) then the process will be relatively straight forward and you'll be done before you know it!

5. Take a bottle of water with you, you'll need it!

6. They keep your passport! So don't rely on it to get you home, if you're like me and had to fly in from another state!

I'm off to do a bit of sightseeing and to celebrate!

Good luck to each and everyone of you!

GrayL

Good blow by blow, nice job. Congratulations.

[Channah&Aaron 51]

; CONGRATS!! I had my interview last tuesday and received my VISA today!!

I hope you'll receive yours in a week too!! Good luck and have fun sight seeing!!