administrator

Hi all
Here's a quick rundown of my CP experience in Sydney. Interview was today - 26 October.

Police Record Check

Following Steven's advice I went the AFP route and went to North Sydney Police Station to get my fingerprints taken cause it was convenient to work. They had never seen the AFP form so it needed a little explaining and they also tried to charge me $170 for the fingerprints. Fingerprints only should be $40 (cash only) - this was the same at Marrickville police station. AFP received my application on 26 September but still hadn't received response in time for interview. So visa is pending submission of record check.

Medical

Nothing much new to add to the existing posts. I went to Doctor Millar in Macquarie Street. All very efficient. Results were posted to me at home. I opened them and photocopied. No instructions received on the need to seal the results.

Interview

I was qualifying based on education and my own funds (no AOS). I wore a suit and tie. Got to the MLC Centre at about 7.15am and there were two others waiting in the foyer (Level 8). Many more arrived in the next 30 minutes and at about 7.45am there was an expectant scrum at the lifts. First lot got up to Level 10 at about 7.50am. I was about 15th in line once I got out at Level 10. Security check then up in the lift in batches to the 59th floor. I took the previous advice and got in the lift last, so first out on Level 59 and head of the queue for second security check.

Into the Consulate at about 8.05am and I picked up ticket 001 for Immigrant Visas. Took a seat to the left...might as well check out the view! My number was called at 8.10am to Counter 1 and I handed over all my documents. They asked about the Aust police record check and I said it was pending - no problem. Asked to take pay at Counter 6 and then take a seat at about 8.15am and waited about an hour. Take something to read! Called back to Counter 1 and the woman said everything seemed OK, except it would be up to the Consular Officer if he would approve based on funds alone. (I had records for more than US$15K).

I got called to Counter 4 at about 9.30am. Swore an oath and forefinger fingerprints. The Officer (guy in his early thirties I'd say) was very matter of fact and direct. Asked several questions in rapid succession: How much money did I have? What did i do for a job? [I'm an Environmental Scientist] What's that mean? Who do I work for now? Am I quitting that job? [yes] Where and when will I be moving to US? Where will I be living? [explained I would be living with my partner (Australian currently on a working visa in NY) somewhere in NY]. Asked who she worked for and where. Quite a grilling I thought and I felt under a little pressure from the volley of questions.

Then he said they would grant the visa subject to me supplying the Australian police record check and an address in the US for sending the green card. So he handed me a "refusal" and told me to send my passport, 3kg Express Post satchel, US address and police check when the latter was received. And that was it...all over...all of a sudden!
I came away with the impression that funds was a bit of a sticking point for them (in the absence of an AOS). Based on previous posts I was aiming for $US10K.

That may not have been enough the way they were talking.
Many thanks to all the 2005OCers and Steven. You guys really made the whole thing that much easier. Good luck to all the remaining 2006ers.
Cheers very much