Hi All,
So the Visa Application process is a confusing one,
You got your Disney pack with instructions as to how to pay your SEVIS fee (mandatory to gain entry into the US on the Visa and need proof of payment at interview) and your MRV fee (Mandatory to make appointment)
this website; www.ustraveldocs.com is super helpful and where you go to submit your online DS-160 form
**NOTE: Please have a computer with a printer attached and ready and once each payment is processed you need to print your receipts, not only needed to book appointment but at the interview you need all your receipts! **
You may upload a passport style photo on your DS online form, or take one with you to the interview
Once you have paid your MRV fee you have to wait a few days for it to process and then book your interview on the website (you need your MRV receipt number to book!)
Once you book your interview, i suggest to print the interview confirmation, I didn't but I luckily didn't get asked for it, the girl sitting next to me did! so be careful!!!
I went to the Sydney Consulate, the Building is a little confusing but get to Level 10, that is where the reception for the consulate is
Only arrive 15 minutes before your appointment, otherwise they will turn you away and you will be told to come back.
If you take a handbag etc, you will have to leave it at security with any electronics and you will be given a number to keep, and on return hand over the number to collect your belongings
It is best to have a folder with all your documents, I used the Disney folder from my pack but of course you can use anything.
You will then stnad in a line at the reception and a officer will check your documents and passport etc to make sure you have everything, and then they will tell you to wait before going up the elevator.
Once you get upstairs you will wait in a line on the left and get your fingerprints taken etc and documents checked again, and then get told to take a seat and wait for your number to be called. This is the longest wait of your life! hahah there was two interviewers with lots and lots of people waiting, so it took its time!
But once your name is called, you go to the window and this is the interview.... now my interview was not really an interview at all, the lady asked what my student status is (this is where some people have trouble) I have just graduated, she asked whether it was a Bachelors, I said yes, and I said I had proof and she said that is was fine and didn't need to see it.
Then she asked whether I had been to the states before.. I said no
And that was it, we then went and talked about what I was going to do and how EPCOT doesn't have an Australian Pavillion and it should hahah
after that you will pay your Issuance Fee (best to bring the $105 in cash as if it is credit it will be processed in US and you pay fees etc, not worth it!)
and they will then say it wil be back within the week.
That night or the next day you will get an email with a tracking number and you will be able to track your passport with Visa inside all the way to your place :)
And I think that is all there is to it, a few people on facebook have been declined as they were at Tafe but have not doen tertiary education, however were completing year 12 at Tafe instead = visa declined, another was part time at uni = visa declined. The last one seems odd, but we have not had word on whether hers has beeen fixed.
It is sad when they are declined :( I would hate that feeling!
Anyway I hoe this helps anyone applying and worrying about there Visa Interview (If you could call it an interview hahaha)
Until my next Blog,
Natalie :)
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