So we sat there for nearly an hour and a half watching that dumb number caller thingabob. We were both so nervous wondering what was going on that we sat silently looking straight ahead, our eyes only jerking up when we heard the "bing!" of the number counter. After a while, I really began to hate that thing.
At about 11 am, his number came up for window 1. My heart actually dropped. He was being called back up to see the original clerk lady, and I nearly cried thinking it was a rejection. He stood there and nodded, then said thank you. I asked him, "what happened?" He just grinned wryly and said "Let's go get drunk." (romantic, I know!) I was confused and followed him right out in the security area. He said "It's done." I nearly fell over in shock and relief.
We hustled out of there and back into the lift. At the ground floor of the building, he finally took me into his arms and I cried. I couldn't believe it was over. I don't know what happened…if they called SA police who cleared it, or if they were being nice that day and gave him the greencard. Somehow I doubt that. All I know is that the SA police didn't do a check by fingerprints, and somehow he was still approved and given his visa anyway. He was the only one that morning that walked out with a packet (at least, at 11 o clock anyway).
Some other observations:
Definitely overdress. Everyone we saw for the DV lottery that day were in full suits, tie, etc. Actually, that isn't true. One young guy was in a T-shirt and jeans. He was totally disorganized and had to be sent downstairs to an ATM to get more money. He also asked "if I get this visa, how long do I have to stay in the U.S.? I want to live there for 6 months and here for 6. " I kid you not…he actually said that to the clerk. Obviously he didn't do his research!
I didn't see any flat out denials, but I did mention in a previous post about the nice (and very good looking, I may add) guy who had trouble with names matching on his passport and birth certificate. This was his 6th time entering, and 2nd time winning. The first time, his case number was too high and somone (who he called "stupid") recommended he do AOS. His case never got through the system. This time he decided to do CP and came all the way from New York where he currently lives. Again, he was told to come back with a new passport all because he dropped one of two middle names on the passport (it wasn't even anything to do with his first or last!). Moreover, they canceled his work visa, so he seemed a bit pressured to get that passport expedited and sent to the consulate before the end of the month. I hope he gets it! Likewise, he also had a problem trying to get the right police report from NSW he told us, and went to two different locations.
There was another family that was had something wrong with the husband's medical. I think they were approved pending that. Another gentleman after us (who was married to an American) was approved and probably was waiting for his packet. I'm not sure if they were for DV or spousal VISA, but I think it was DV.
There were lots of interesting cases to overhear, including the guy who had overstayed his visa and was now banned from the U.S. for 10 years. He bragged he was a multimillionaire now and the U.S. should want him in the country. His excuse for overstaying was that he was drugged out at the time and was heavily into gambling. The interviewer (same guy who interviewed us) gave him a hard time and said he would not process the case any further unless the guy sent him his passport. The guy walked off and said "prick" under his breath. What a winner.
Another guy told lady at window #1 "Yeah, my police report says I was arrested for DUI, but I was never convicted." Hm…there goes his visa.
I think overall folks on this board are prepared. The scary thing is you don't know what technicality they can get you on. But I am confident that everyone will go through fine and be processed without a hitch. I left my best vibes in that place for all of you to come collect them.
I look forward to hearing the success stories of everyone. Teq and I got to meet in Sydney and she is such a fun, lovely person. We had a great time having a celebratory drink and had a shot of her namesake as well: TEQuila. J Oz_Ant, we missed meeting you, but maybe in the future, who knows!
So I officially pass the torch to Eli, our next OC'er, and I look forward to meeting Fi and Wikas too!
Thanks to the entire OC group for your support and all who contribute to this board, especially Steven. Believe it or not, you all helped me stress a bit less (hard to imagine, I know). I actually got sick from someone on the plane and was ill the entire week. I also broke out into a rash on my face, stomach, and had canker sores in my mouth (not to be confused with cold sores!). Yes, I was a wreck, but it is DONE!
Finally, I have updated the OC form with Antmeister's and my report. If anyone would like a copy of it, email me at
journeysolo@yahoo.com. Those who have already asked for it, no need to email me...I'll send you an update later today.
Cheers, Curious OC7XX