USA Visa essentials

[RooFlyer]

I'm in a queue to enter us consulate for a visa. Guy in front of me gets to the front and announces he hasn't brought his passport. Naturally refused entry and then starts to argue the toss.

 

[Denali]

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[kpc]

I'm in a queue to enter us consulate for a visa

I assume this is necessary because of your trip to Iran, which precludes you from obtaining an ESTA. Let me know how you go, as I would like to visit Iran too but am worried re implications for future travel to US.

 

[RooFlyer]

As far as process goes:. Apply on line, taking much care to get details correct. 5 year travel history needed ( countries not dates). Pay abt A$250 at the time, get an appointment dates and time ( earliest was 6 weeks hence for me).

Arrive Melbourne consulate 15 mins before appointment as requested. Queue to check in 5 mins; queue for security 15 mins, next queue for next stage 20 people, 45 Mins; next queue for ' interview' 15 Mins. Get to booth for interview 1 hour after appointment time. Interview takes 5 Mins, including my stating that I was travelling to Iran and him typing it in. Pay a fee for the actual visa. Visa approved. Delivered back to me in a week ( I hope).

Was told the waits were typical. An 'appointment' isn't your exclusive time - effectively the 'mid morning session'.

Most people in the queue weren't Australian citizens and had bundles of stuff with them. I had 3 bits of paper and my passport, and only needed one of the bits of paper!

Of course the real PITA will be having to go through the manual immigration queues at US airports.

 

[Denali]

....
Most people in the queue weren't Australian citizens and had bundles of stuff with them. I had 3 bits of paper and my passport, and only needed one of the bits of paper!....

Any idea what the no passport guy showed up with?

 

[RooFlyer]

Just some pieces of paper, probably the ones you need to bring with you. I guess he might have lost his passport and thought he may as well try his luck, but it was always going to be a low probability bet!

I suspect my own Visa was already approved " subject to interview", and that was pretty simple. At no stage on line or in interview was I asked about social media accounts, which I think is part of the ESTA questionnaire now?

 

[Mattyana2003]

As far as process goes:. Apply on line, taking much care to get details correct. 5 year travel history needed ( countries not dates). Pay abt A$250 at the time, get an appointment dates and time ( earliest was 6 weeks hence for me).

Arrive Melbourne consulate 15 mins before appointment as requested. Queue to check in 5 mins; queue for security 15 mins, next queue for next stage 20 people, 45 Mins; next queue for ' interview' 15 Mins. Get to booth for interview 1 hour after appointment time. Interview takes 5 Mins, including my stating that I was travelling to Iran and him typing it in. Pay a fee for the actual visa. Visa approved. Delivered back to me in a week ( I hope).

Was told the waits were typical. An 'appointment' isn't your exclusive time - effectively the 'mid morning session'.

Most people in the queue weren't Australian citizens and had bundles of stuff with them. I had 3 bits of paper and my passport, and only needed one of the bits of paper!

Of course the real PITA will be having to go through the manual immigration queues at US airports.

Hi RooFlyer
Have you visited the US on this visa yet? I am visiting Iran and was planning the same plan of attack. Was there a question on the 10 year US visa about having been or going to visit Iran or did you fess up on your own?
Thanks

 

[RooFlyer]

No, haven't visited yet. Planned work trip was cancelled.

There were no reasons asked, either on the forms or at the interview as to WHY I was applying for a B1/B2 visa when I have been travelling on an ESTA up to now. I did mention in in the interview (which was very brief, and across a counter) that I was going to visit Iran in a few months and it was duly noted but I'm pretty sure my visa was already approved, as moments later the guy said as much.

I applied for a B1/B2 visa (business/tourism) and had the option of paying for a 1 or 5 year duration.