Web Chat Transcript: 17 April 2007 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm

Below is the transcript of the web chat held on 17 April 2007. Responses from a U.S. Consul are marked in bold.

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USConsul: Hi there, good afternoon.

palrayk: Hi officer

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lanamoshel: hello?

USConsul: Hi there, good afternoon. I’m a U.S. consular officer based here in Sydney - do you have any questions?

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palrayk: i had posted a question last week regarding - whether i could apply for E3 visa while i got my I130 approved recently

lanamoshel: yes, i do..i emailed my questions, do i need to ask them again here?

lanamoshel: can i PM my question, i would prefer that.

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Yashpal: hello every one

lanamoshel: hello..is it ok if i PM my questions? i would prefer not to have them ready by everybody online/USConsul

USConsul: Palrayk: Yes, you can - the I-130 won’t help/hurt you getting the E-3, but you will still need to qualify for the E-3.

shanryan: I emailed two questions last week, should I repost them?

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Yashpal: I emailed one question last week and second question today

nat: what now?

USConsul: Lanamoshel: the web chat is for everyone to see, for everyone’s benefit. If you’d prefer to ask a question in private, feel free to e-mail AmVisa@state.gov for non-immigrant visa questions or SydneyIV@state.gov for Immigrant Visa questions.

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nat: I would like to do some voluntary work for an international development organisation based in the USA. The type of work I will be doing (environmental educator) is unique to this organisation and facility and will be relevant to future post-graduate studies I’d like to undertake.

shanryan: I have recently been granted a 12 month single entry B-1 visa. Am I able to visit Canada during my stay or does the single entry status restrict that? 2nd question, do I need a return flight or can I enter on a one-way ticket?

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nat: Is there such a thing as a voluntary work visa for periods of 6-12 months with an appropriate organisation in the United States?

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lanamoshel: ok, my question is specific but i’ll ask it anyway - i applied for a religious visa a few months ago, the consular official asked me to obtain an IRS tax exempt certificate, however the organization only has a NJ state certificate..i want to know what to do from here. will i still be able to get the visa? or do i need to withdraw and find another organization to work for?

palrayk: Thanks for your response- Is it going to effect my E3 as i am fully qualified and got a sponsor

USConsul: nat: A B1/B2 visa would be appropriate for that kind of volunteer work. You’ll have to make an appointment and come in for a visa interview.

nat: thanks so much USConsul

lanamoshel: ps the consulate in melb has my application, with the state tax exempt cert, my passport, etc. so i’ve been stuck since then as i dont have that IRS certificate and can’t get it...

knightrunner_001: If we have already pre-emailed questions - will they be answered automatically or should we ask again?

palrayk: and currently my wife resides in US as well- please advise so that i can advise my sponsor to fwd me all the necessary documentation

USConsul: shanryan: You can travel to the U.S. on a one-way ticket. You will only be able to enter the U.S. once on the single-entry visa.

nat: are there any eligibility requirements i can read up on beforehand?

belinda: I have applied for school in the US how long does it take before the interview for my student visa is arranged?

Yashpal: Visa sitution:**** I came to US on Jan 05-2006 on F-1 visa duration of visa was 29th December 2005 to 03 rd January 2009 issued by Sydney Consulate Office.**** I went to Canada to get my E-3 visa and re-enter to US using E-3 visa on 15th of November 2006.**** E-3 visa was issued for 15th of November 2006 to 31st of October 2008 I choose not to work for current employer so I re-enter to US using my old F-1 visa on 30 th of March 2007.****Because duration between my E-3 visa and F-1 visa was less then five month I do not require getting new F-1 visa and I used previously issued F-1 visa to re-enter to USA.**** I was doing my study while I was on E-3 visa. **** Now I am getting job which I was looking for and I can see my future with this employer. Employer has also office in Sydney.Question:In order to work for new employer can I use E-3 visa issue by previous employer because it is valid till 2008?

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liz: I have a question about non-immigrant (B1) visas. A friend of mine recently applied for a B1 visa for one year. In accordance with the requirements of applying for a B1 visa, she had all her papers in order and believed she demonstrated her strong social, work and familial ties to Australia, as well as more than sufficient funds to support her whilst overseas. She does not currently own property in Australia. She is also unattached and honestly advised the consulate officer of her status when questioned. Her visa application was rejected on the grounds that the duration she had applied for was too lengthy, that she did not have a planned itinerary and therefore the presumption was that she intended to immigrate.

USConsul: lanamoshel: it has to be an IRS (federal) certificate.

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shanryan: so Canada is out? i note that on a visa waiver travelling to mexico and canada does not result in a new visa, so why is the restriction in place for exiting on a B-1 visa?

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anne: HI, I sent a question about foreign born children residing outside the US - and my desire to get them naturalized. How does point 5 work in practice?

jasonk: US Consul: I forwarded an email today re E3 Visa. Do I need to type this again or are you able to answer my email on this webchat?

lanamoshel: ok thanks, so if i can’t obtain that certificate, what should i do now? do i need to withdraw my application and will that impact on any future visits to the US that i might make?

USConsul: nat: you can take a look at information regarding B1/B2 visas online at http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/consular/visabus-plsr.html

belinda: what if i cant make an interveiw appointment online, i have tried this before but the pages says it cant be found, what do i do?

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Brad: ok, how does this work?

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USConsul: belinda: I’d advise reading up on what’s required for us to issue a F-1 (student) visa and then make an appointment for a visa interview.

palrayk: can i apply for E3 at Melbourne consul?

nat: last question - how far ahead of needing the visa can i apply for it?

USConsul2: Palrayk -- Yes. You can apply for the E-3 at whichever consulate serves the area where you live

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belinda: but i can only make the appointment online right?

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USConsul2: belinda -- yes

Yashpal: Visa sitution:**** I came to US on Jan 05-2006 on F-1 visa duration of visa was 29th December 2005 to 03 rd January 2009 issued by Sydney Consulate Office.**** I went to Canada to get my E-3 visa and re-enter to US using E-3 visa on 15th of November 2006.**** E-3 visa was issued for 15th of November 2006 to 31st of October 2008 I choose not to work for current employer so I re-enter to US using my old F-1 visa on 30 th of March 2007.****Because duration between my E-3 visa and F-1 visa was less then five month I do not require getting new F-1 visa and I used previously issued F-1 visa to re-enter to USA.**** I was doing my study while I was on E-3 visa. **** Now I am getting job which I was looking for and I can see my future with this employer. Employer has also office in Sydney.Question:In order to work for new employer can I use E-3 visa issue by previous employer because it is valid till 2008?

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belinda: everytime i go to the website it says the pages cannot be found so what do i do then?

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palrayk: last but not least- is it OK to apply for E3 even if i got my wife currently residing in US?

lanamoshel: ok thanks usconsul, so if i can’t obtain that certificate, what do i do now? do i need to withdraw my application and will that impact on any future visits to the US that i might make?

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moseslo: Question: at the site http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visastudy.html

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moseslo: It saysyou can only stay an additional 60 days

millysel: I am a U.S. citizen, and have beenliving in AUSstralia for 20 ona permanent redient visa. My huband is a New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia since the 1970s. I aM 63 , HE IS 72,ATthis stage in our lives we want to spend more time of each year in the U.S., specifically New York where I own an aparmtent. I recently retunred to Australia after a four month visit, but my husband had to return within 90 days on the VWP. Is there som e more flexible visa that would allor him to stay more than 90 days on a poarticular visa> Also, can we travel to the U.S. on one-way air ticktets. Our thought is that we would like to travel more and we’d like the flexiblity, when leaving teh U.S., to return to Europe rahter than via the Pacific if an attractively priced fare comes up?

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Brad: Children born here in Aus. what is the best/easiest way to get them their citizenship? We are going to the states in May and will be back for 1 day in Sydney, before returning to Towsnville. What would you advise?

USConsul2: Yashpal -- no. An E-3 visa is issued for a specific employer. For a new employer you will require a new visa

liz: I have a question about non-immigrant (B1) visas. A friend of mine recently applied for a B1 visa for one year. In accordance with the requirements of applying for a B1 visa, she had all her papers in order and believed she demonstrated her strong social, work and familial ties to Australia, as well as more than sufficient funds to support her whilst overseas. She does not currently own property in Australia. She is also unattached and honestly advised the consulate officer of her status when questioned. Her visa application was rejected on the grounds that the duration she had applied for was too lengthy, that she did not have a planned itinerary and therefore the presumption was that she intended to immigrate.

USConsul: liz: applicants for b1/b2 visas must show that they do not intend to move to the United States. it is up to them to convince a consular officer at the time of their interview: your friend is welcome to re-apply.

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USConsul2: Palrayk -- yes. however, you will need to demonstrate that you intend to depart the U.S. at the end of your employment

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USConsul: shanryan: if you have a single-entry B1 visa, you can only enter the U.S. once. as far as going into Canada or Mexico, that part’s up to you.

belinda: does that go for the same as a student visa? as liz’s answer

Yashpal: Thank you officer so in order to get new E-3 visa I need to go to US consulate office in Canada and appear in an interview again

shanryan: if i leave the US to visit canada while on a single entry B-1 visa, will i be granted a visa waiver when I reenter?

shanryan: or is that problematic?

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knightrunner_001: Question: According to the website, someone on a student visa can only stay 60 days after the semester ends. That 60 days does not include the 30 day grace period before arrival? And if I go to Canada can I return for an extended holiday period?

USConsul: nat: the requirements are different for different types of visas. for B1/B2 visitor/business visas, you can apply as far ahead as you’d like if you have all the necessary documents and firm travel plans are in place.

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USConsul2: knightrunner -- the 60 days is after the end of studies. Return from Canada for further travel would require a tourist visa.

liz: if i enter on a b1 visa can i go to canada and convert it to E 3 upon getting a job sponsor

nat: thanks so much USConsul - this service is excellent!!

belinda: after i have the interview how long does it take for me to recieve my visa in the mail?

lanamoshel: hi there, just wondering if i should post my question again

knightrunner_001: Thanks USConsul2. So I would have to apply for 2 visas before I go to the US. Student visa for my semester of exchange. And a tourist visa after that? Is that the same application process.

palrayk: What sort of documentation i need to carry during the tme of E3 interview to prove that i’ll return back to Australia after my employment- currently i own a house in Melbourne and got some bank accounts, shares etc- any other documentation i have to carry? please advise apart from Employer sponsorship?

USConsul2: shanryan -- a single-entry visa is just that. It only permits one entry on the visa.

Yashpal: Thank you for you answer officer but in order to get new E-3 visa I need to go to US consulate office in Canada and appear in an interview again

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belinda: is a student visa also considered single entry?

USConsul2: knightrunner -- yes. You can apply for both visas at the same interview by bringing two application fee receipts from the Australia Post

Yashpal: or is there any other way to get new E-3 visa without going to Canada

gary: i emailed a question last night, when will you be able to answer? or should i post it again?

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anne: I too am wondering if I should post my question again. The full length version I sent in email, and then alluded to it here...

knightrunner_001: THANKS USConsul2

USConsul: Brad: you can come in to the U.S. consulate in Sydney any morning we’re open to register your children as U.S. citizens. check the website for details.

Brad: Yes but if I am only there for one day, how sure am I to get an appointment

nunzilla: Hi. I have a question: if I apply for an Non-Immigrant visa and am grated visa now, but don’t enter the US for say, a year, then is that Non-Immigrant Visa still valid?

USConsul2: Palrayk -- it is your responsibility to convince the consular officer that you will return. Documentation should include evidence of ties to Australia. Examples of this are listed on our website and through our appt system

USConsul2: bellinda -- most visas are multiple entry -- the number of entries is listed on the visa itself

belinda: sweet

Navleen: student visa only valid until end of april. Optional Practical Training begins in June. Student returning to Australia May for one month with intention to return for OPT. Will applicant need to apply for a new F-1 visa? Are F-1 visas granted when applicant returning to US for OPT? Many thanks, Navleen

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USConsul: Brad: we don’t take appointments for American Citizen Services, but there’s enough room each day - as long as you’re here before 11:45am and we’re open, we’ll see you.

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belinda: after the interview how long does it take to receive the visa in the mail?

palrayk: thanks officer- for providing this opportunity- it’s really great- have a good day

USConsul2: nunzilla -- the visa is valid until its expiration date. sometimes that is a year, but usually longer

Brad: great, now the forms that we have filled out and gotten notorized are from a few months ago, is that ok

Yashpal: My parents have green card from last three year but they didn’t even stay in USA for more then 1 year since they have received their green card. Only US citizen parents can file petition for their children. However, my parents has filed petition for me. As they are not Citizen Petition file will definitely get rejected. In DS-156 form question number 36 "Has anyone ever filed an immigration visa petition on you behalf?" What answer should I give? Yes or no. Yes my parent has filed it but they don’t even meet basic requirement to get it approved. I am not sure which will be correct answer. Can you tell me what will be the right answer for this question(Yes or No)?

USConsul2: belinda -- we mail them out within two working days in almost all cases

jasonk: E3 Visa Question? My brother is currently trying to obtain all the necessary information to apply for his E3 visa. The problem he is having is to do with his medical licence. He has sat the exams and passed but they will not issue the licence to him until he provides a social security number. Social security say they should not make it subject to this but can do nothing about it. As part of his E3 visa application he must supply this licence. However there is a clause saying "in certain cases where such a licence or other offical permission is not immediately required to perform the duties described in the visa application, the alien must show that he or she will obtain such licensure within a reasonable period of time following admission to the US". I wanted to check firstly if my brother is able to use this clause as part of his E3 visa application and if so what proof/documentation would you require at the interview for his E3 visa? He has an employer lined up but subject to social security number and licence being provided.

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USConsul: Brad: that should be fine.

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Yashpal: My parents have green card from last three year but they didn’t even stay in USA for more then 1 year since they have received their green card. Only US citizen parents can file petition for their children. However, my parents has filed petition for me. As they are not Citizen Petition file will definitely get rejected. In DS-156 form question number 36 "Has anyone ever filed an immigration visa petition on you behalf?" What answer should I give? Yes or no. Yes my parent has filed it but they don’t even meet basic requirement to get it approved. I am not sure which will be correct answer. Can you tell me what will be the right answer for this question(Yes or No)?

USConsul2: navleen -- yes, and yes.

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Tom: ookura37211

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belinda: fantasic, how long does the interview normally take and where is it held at?

nunzilla: USConsul2: How do I ensure it

Bob: keen to get a response from earlier question posted by Liz re: B1 visa

USConsul2: yashpal -- you do have to answer yes as they have filed the petition for you

USConsul: jasonk: your questions is a little specific - we’ll reply later after this webchat.

nunzilla: oops. USConsul2: How do I ensure its valididy will span longer than 1 year?

anne: ok, I just want to know if my kids are eligible to get naturalized even if they are not living in the states.. I can meet all of the other criteria, it is just that the last criteria (the one that says they must be lawfully present at the time) - I want to just go over for a month, do the ceremony and come back... or do I need to move there?

fiona: My husband and I are trying to get him a K3 visa to return to the States. We just discovered the Melbourne office can’t lodge his I-130 petition until the end of June. We were wondering if you could tell us how long it takes after being lodged for the interview for the I-130 to be granted (generally) and then, how long it takes after the petition is granted for the interview in Sydney (again, generally). Thank you so much!

Brad: great, thanks heaps

fiona: Sorry, I meant how long after being lodged for the I-130 to be granted

jasonk: US Consul: Thankyou. Talk soon.

USConsul2: belinda -- you must make an appointment for the interview through our website. it takes place at the consulate in sydney (or melbourne or perth depending on where you live) and the interview itself usually only takes a few minutes

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USConsul2: nunzilla -- validity is determined by the interviewing officer at the time of interview

belinda: ok... i’ve tried the website but it says it cant find the pages how do i make an appointment if i cant get onto the website?

Tom: I want to know how long should I wait before I get a J1 visa after the interview and

Tom: how it is delivered to me.

Tom: how it is delivered to me.

Bob: If a B1 visa is rejected how long before I can travel under the Visa Waiver Program

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USConsul: fiona: you can also apply in Sydney - send an e-mail to SydneyPetitions@state.gov to make an appointment here instead. Generally it takes just a few days for the petition to be approved, and then we schedule the final interview a month or so out to give you time to get your medical and police certificate.

USConsul2: tom -- you need to provide an envelope at the time of interview -- we will mail it out within two working days

gary: Aare you aware of any changes to the K1 Fiance visa? currently 90 days is to short to marry my g/f in New York. i called consulate last month and they advised me that something is changing very soon

fiona: Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help.

USConsul: belinda: follow the instructions at - http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/consular/visas.html

belinda: thankyou

USConsul2: gary -- the 90 days is fixed in law

Yashpal: Currently I am in USA and doing my master study but Company I will be going to work in USA has branch in Sydney. Would this be convincing reason that I will not stay in USA because I am only 26 and I don’t have business or property in Australia.

USConsul: Bob: unfortunately, never - you will need to have a valid visa in order to travel to the U.S.

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nunzilla: USConsul2: Thanks. Could you please tell me what documentary evidence I’d need, (if any) to support a claim that the visa be valid for longer than 1 year? I am intending on being abroad for about 1 year - 18 months prior to entering the U.S. so I would like to have the visa dealt with and ready to go before I leave Australia.

Bob: Thanks USConsul

Tom: Is it possible that I go to consul and get it myself instead of being delivered to me?

belinda: Gary, i think they want to make sure its actually going to happen thats why they only give you a limited amount of days

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USConsul: Yashpal: that’s a very specific question and something an officer will take into account at the time of interview.

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Brad: I think you are cool!/mateo

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USConsul: Tom: for emergency cases, you can pick up your visa. Otherwise, it’s our policy that all visas are mailed back.

USConsul2: anne -- if you are referring to expeditious naturalization then yes, your children and you can travel on tourist visas and complete this process in the states

belinda: am i allowed to give a suggestion on here?

USConsul: belinda: sure thing.

mateo: I have an appointment next week to submit the I130 form. I’m an american and my wife is canadian. We both are temporary residents here in Australia. Once we apply for her greencard is it ture that she cannot enter the States until it is approved?

gary: yeah true, ive spent the last 6 months with my girlfriend in Ireland when i was on a Working holiday. we have both since left and i wish to move to her in New York, but finding it very very difficult. K1 visa just means we have to marry. hopefully that happends but its a bit of pressure

USConsul2: nunzilla -- a determination will be made at the time of your interview based on the circumstances you present and your reasons for travel. There is no particular list of documents that are going to get you a longer visa

Yashpal: What document should person provide to show that his/her intentation is not to stay in USA

fiona: I’m sorry to bother you again, but I have one more question. Since my husband and I are trying to get the K3 visa, do we need to also submit a I-129F to you in Sydney, and if so, does that lengthen the process?

USConsul: mateo: no, but you’ll need to prove to the immigration officer at the border that you’ll be leaving the U.S. to get your immigrant visa.

anne: I am not sure if I am referring to expeditious naturalization.. b/c don’t know when that is allowed... but that should be enough information for me to start the process (as my children comply with all the other criteria). I would travel on my US passport, and kids on tourist visas. So how often and where do the naturalization ceremonies occur, which parts of the US?

Tom: Thank you. As a matter of fact, I am not an Australia citizen and thinking about travelling Australia just for a week.... By the way, what kind of document should I show at the interview that I have an intention to go back to my original country and continue my profession?

palrayk: In case if my E3 visa got rejected- can i still travel on visa waiver program which i do every 6-8 months?

belinda: Gary- if you go to the US for the 90 days in NY take a 4hr flight to london it takes roughly 9 working days to get your fiance visa fly back and you’ll have another 90 days to get married

USConsul: fiona: send your inquiry to SydneyIV@state.gov and we’ll get back to you about your specific case.

belinda: first 90 days on visa wavier program

nunzilla: USConsul2: thankyou very much for clearing that up for me Just one more thing to clarify. If I were to work in the USA, am I restricted to part-time work? Or can I also do fulltime or even contract work?

USConsul2: yashpal -- there is no particular document or set of documents. Bring items that show that you have ties outside the U.S.

mateo: so if my wife needs to fly home to Canada fro a family reunion, she can fly through Hawaii if it is just a layover

belinda: 6 months should be plenty of time for you

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Yashpal: Thank you officer. Your advice was very helpful.

Tom: Oh, there was a same question. Is it sufficient that I have family or job back in Japan?

USConsul: Tom: there’s no "golden document" that you can present to show that you’ll be leaving the U.S., but please bring as much evidence as possible to your home country when you apply for a U.S. visa.

USConsul2: anne -- that would be a question for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. It definitely sounds like you are referring to expeditious naturalization.

USConsul2: palrayk -- admission on the visa waiver program is up to the officer at the port of entry and is never guaranteed. an E3 refusal does not necessarily mean you will not be admitted visa waiver

palrayk: thanks officer

Tom: Thank you, officer. This chat helped so much.

belinda: you people are such a great help

USConsul: Tom: we take all the ties you present to us into account when you apply for a visa - good luck!

anne: cool. Thanks so much.

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USConsul2: nunzilla -- what type of non-immigrant visa are you applying for?

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belinda: when i go to the US the start school is it best to buy a one way or return ticket to show the US immigration department?

gary: good advice- as ive only been with my gf for only 12 months we r not engaged yet, but i have the intention soon. if i go to us on waiver program i cant work, but if i get K1 i can. is there another way?? pity there is no working holiday visa like UK

anne: while I’m here - another quick question... I have dual citizenship and have not filed any tax documentation with the US in over 12 years. is this a big deal (b/c I have of course complied with all the Australian tax requirements)?

nat: if i get a B1/2 for voluntary work for 6-12 months, must i have a return ticket?

USConsul: A lot of people have been asking questions about E-3 visas, which is a work visa for Australian professionals wishing to work in the United States. We’ve recently updated a lot of information online about this type of visa. Check it out at: http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/consular/visa-e3.html

USConsul2: anne -- U.S. citizens are supposed to file tax returns every year even if they don’t owe any taxes if they make more than a certain amount. Please see IRS Publication 54 for more info on this.

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USConsul: belinda: if you have a visa, you don’t need a round-trip ticket.

belinda: yay sweet

millysel: I sent in a question around 3.15 pm, and a number of people have signed in after me. Many of them are engaged in ongoing questions and answers, but I haven’t gotten a repsonse. I did email my questions (without today’s many typos) last week. Should I send my question again?

anne: ok... OOPS! having been born here, and only spent a total of 11 months in the states in my entire 36 years, i never worried too much... better get onto it.

USConsul2: nat -- see USConsul’s response to belinda

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nat: saw it - thanks

USConsul: nat: if you have any type of visa, you don’t need a return ticket. that’s only a requirement for the visa waiver program.

anne: would the IRS be able to find my social security number (based on my passport documentation) or should I contact social security department?

Tim: Is it possible to submit a I-130 petition here in Australia and once it is approved have it sent to the UK for a visa interview?

USConsul2: anne -- That would be a question for the Social Security Administration

belinda: when i finish school and i get a job within the 60 days... do i call the australian consulat and have it changed over or how does it work?

mateo: could you please tell me what are the best documents to supply for evidence of relationship. We have a massive folder at the moment. I’m wondering if i need to bring as much as possible or if there are a few key documents I should bring and thats all

USConsul: millysel: your question is quite specific - please forward your message on to AmVisa@state.gov and we’ll get back to you shortly.

anne: ok. thanks. I will log off and thank you for your time. cheerio.

nunzilla: USConsul2: As far as I am aware, I am needing one which will allow me to live and work in the U.S. For example, I am wanting to tour the US as a visitor/tourist, but be able to sustain myself financially should the need arise for me to do so. I have sufficient funds with which to do this anyway, but I would like to be able to legally acquire work here and there. I was under the impression that the Non-Immigrant Visa would permit this. I wasn’t aware that there were several degrees of variance in this visa.

madeline: Hi, an E-3 visa sounds like the best option in my situation, but i am wondering about the diversity lottery immigration - does it really apply to australians?

USConsul: belinda: you should contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service if you are changing your visa type and are in the United States at the time.

USConsul2: Tim -- an American citizen can submit a petition if they’ve been resident in Australia for at least six months and the foreign national is resident here

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belinda: ok thanks

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USConsul: mateo: it’s best to be over-prepared. please bring as much evidence of your relationship as possible to your interview.

millysel: thank you. will do promptly.

belinda: are there any additional fees if my application for a student visa is accepted?

USConsul2: nunzilla -- It sounds like you should do a little more research on the types of visas available. There is not a visa such as you are requesting as the U.S. does not have a working holiday program

USConsul: madeline: Australians are currently eligible to participate in the diversity visa ("Green card") lotto program, yes.

nat: the information on diversity visa lottery on your webiste only tells of the application dates for 2006. any news for when they’ll be for 2007?

madeline: thanks. .. expensive lottery ticket

nunzilla: USConsul2: Ah. Okay. I must be mistaken. I will reasearch more and return later. When is the next chat scheduled?

belinda: i entered that for the last 3years n get anything =(

USConsul2: belinda -- for students there is a SEVIS fee paid online, an application fee paid at the Australia Post, and an issuance fee (for Australian ppt holders) paid here at the Consulate

Bec: Our company may soon be contracted to do some construction work in California and I was after some information regarding visa for the staff who will be travelling to the US to set up an office, install our product and recruit and train employees and contractors. Can you please advise me about which visa would best suit our situation?

USConsul: Nat: keep checking this site: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html

belinda: is there a site for how much each fee is?

USConsul2: nunzilla -- we don’t have one scheduled at the moment, but generally every few months

mateo: Our second aniversary is in August, do we need to file form I-751 and if so when do we need to file it.

gary: is it possible to do cash work while on Waiver program in US? cheaky Q i know but i dont like being a bum

nunzilla: USConsul2: I see. When is this chat scheduled to end?

USConsul2: belinda -- the reciprocity table at travel.state.gov includes fees

USConsul: Bec: if they’re management, L-1 visas. Otherwise, we can answer your question if you write to AmVisa@state.gov - that will allow us to get more into specifics.

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USConsul2: gary -- no work of any type is permitted on the visa waiver program

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Bec: ok. thanks very much.

belinda: my boyfriend Gary wants to put me under the bridge with all the mexicans lol... that might be a good place to find work Gary

Tim: The American citizen and the foreign national (UK citizen) are both resident here in Australia and have been so for a year. We wish to leave Australia in December, travel for 8 months and then enter the US to live permanently. To expedite the process we wish to submit the I-130 here in Australia, travel for 8 months and then have the visa interview in the UK. Is this possible?

USConsul2: nunzilla -- in about 15 minutes

USConsul: mateo: contact your local USCIS office - they’re the ones that will be able to help you with that.

nunzilla: USConsul2: Oh dear! I best act fast then! Thankyou for all your help. I greatly appreciate it!

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gary123: I am australian citizen but my parents and borther are green card holder and if i apply for E-3 visa would that reduce my chagnce of getting visa as my borhter and parents in USA

lanamoshel: hi, i asked my questions about 40 mins ago, wondering if i should post again? i also emailed last week, will those emails be answered? sorry to bother u, i see ur busy, but i do need to find out some answers as soon as poss...thanks!

belinda: yes lana that would probably be a good idea

lanamoshel: thank u admin.

USConsul: Tim: we won’t accept a petition knowing that you won’t be resident here in Australia for the next 8 months.

USConsul2: gary123 -- as long as you can demonstrate that you will depart the U.S. at the end of your employment, your family members’ residency should not affect the outcome of your application

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USConsul: lana: you’re welcome to ask your question again.

hoods: help/lanamoshel

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mateo: Thanks so much for your help, One more question. We have an 8 am appointment, what time do you recomend arriving to avoid long lines.

gary123: Thanks for your quick response

belinda: just say i won a green card but i didnt want to use it could i give it to my sister to use?

belinda: or anyother family member?

USConsul2: 7:45 should be fine

mateo: Thanks heaps, see ya’ll soon

lanamoshel: ok thanks - i got an answer earlier that i need the IRS certificate, however the school that wants to sponsor me says they only have a state tax exemption - i want to know what to do from here? if i withdraw my app, does that have any bearing on future visits to the US? can i just find a new sponsor without going through the application again, and without having my visa denied?

USConsul: belinda: green card lotto winnings are non-transferable.

belinda: ok then

belinda: can you buy a green card?

belinda: rather than go in the lottery

USConsul: lanamoshel: we answered your question earlier - we need an IRS (federal) tax excemption certificate.

sc: Hi, a quick question - if I have a valid H1-B visa, can I enter the US on it even if I no longer work for the sponsoring employer?

Tim: I intend to be a resident for the next 8 months, after that I intend to leave, does this make a difference?

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lanamoshel: thanks, i got that, but i want to know what to do from here if i can’t get one - my application is already at the melbourne consulate and they’ve been waiting for the certificate til now. what are my options if i can’t get the IRS certificate?

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lanamoshel: originally i thgout the state certificate was enough, so i applied with that.

USConsul: belinda: check out the "Permanent Residency" section on the http://www.uscis.gov/ website.

belinda: ok so thats a no to buying a green card?

USConsul2: sc -- no

USConsul: Belinda: there are "investment" immigrant visas that will allow you to get a green card, but it’s not really "buying a green card."

belinda: oh ok i see

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fiona: I had one more question: if I can’t afford to get up to Sydney to lodge the I-130 petition and decide to wait until the end of June for my appointment in Melbourne, do you know if the turnaround time is the same for Melbourne as for Sydney with the I-130 petition? I heard Sydney is taking less interview appointments this winter due to a conference, so I want to make sure we get the visa by the time we plan to leave the country (late Nov/early Dec). I’m a little concerned about filing the I-129F, and have received only vague answers from SydneyIV about whether we need to do it and how long it will take. Thank you!

nat: dates for the 2007 diversity visa lottery application?

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USConsul2: Fiona -- turnaround time for I-130s is similar regardless of where you make your application

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USConsul2: Nat -- applications will open around the first week of october

nat: thank you

USConsul: Tim: if the American citizen petitioning has been resident in Australia for the last 6 months, you’re welcome to apply here. You may want to apply here, get your immigrant visa, go through the U.S. to begin the process of getting your Green card, and then make sure not to be out of the U.S. for 12 months.

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lanamoshel: if i want to discuss my issue further, how can i do so?

USConsul: lana: the law stipulates that we need the IRS (federal) tax exemption document, sorry!

belinda: how long is the wait for the interveiw at the moment?

USConsul2: lanamoshel -- feel free to e-mail MelbourneNIV@state.gov

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fiona: Thank you! One last one question, and I promise I’m done. If i wait until late June to lodge the I-130 in Melbourne, what is the likelihood that my husband would be able to get the K3 visa by late Nov?

carolstoj: Where can I get more info regarding "investment" immigrant visas that will allow me to obtain a Green Card?

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lanamoshel: i understand that, thanks USconsul, but if i can’t get that - what do i do? withdraw? cancel application? can i find a new sponsor and change over w/o having my visa be denied?

USConsul: fiona: you might want to write SydneyIV@state.gov directly so we can get into the specifics of your case. We look forward to hearing from you.

USConsul2: carolstoj -- info on all types of immigrant visas can be found at http://travel.state.gov

travel2USA: on my most recent visit to the US i obtained a reentry permit. i have lost the document. how to i get back to the US without it?

USConsul2: lanamoshel -- if you change sponsors you will need to make a new application

USConsul2: belinda -- 7 days

belinda: cool ok thanks

lanamoshel: ok, but does that mean that my original application was ’denied’?

carolstoj: great, thanks !!!

lanamoshel: or can i withdraw and start again w/o having it denied?

Amateur: i intend to be in US to take up a job offer and the employer is processing H1B, can I decide to go to US on VWP visa (Australian passport) ahead of the H1B? what are the implications?

USConsul: travel2USA: write to SydneyIV@state.gov to request an appointment to come in to the Consulate in Sydney to apply for a transportation letter.

USConsul2: lanamoshel -- no, it was placed on ’hold’ pending additional documents

belinda: thanks both you two.. you’re such a big help... have a good afternoon everyone.. bye

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USConsul2: amateur -- no, you need to wait for the petition to come through. work on the vwp will make you ineligible for future visas.

lanamoshel: ok thanks - so how do i get my passport back and withdraw my application? and will the withdrawal have any consequence on future holidays to the US?

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USConsul2: lanamoshel -- you cannot withdraw an application, but you can apply again at any time

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USConsul: Any more questions, anyone?

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Amateur: Ok, thanks, that’s it. I guess my username says it all. Thanks again.

lanamoshel: yes thanks, how do i get my passport back?

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lanamoshel: and if i don’t apply again for a visa, can i still visit the US on a waiver?

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nat: how many aussies apply for diversity visas with high demand occupations each year?

millysel: per your suggestion, I have sent my specific question to AmVisa @ State.gov,,... will I har direxctly from them or do I wait to hear an answer on this web chat.

USConsul2: lanamoshel -- you can write MelbourneNIV@state.gov and request the return of your passport

USConsul2: millysel -- you will get an e-mail back directly

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USConsul2: lanamoshel -- you can still travel visa waiver

USConsul: nat: there’s no relation between occupation and the diversity visa lottery program, as long as you have a high-school education you’re qualified, education-wise.

Aman: hi

lanamoshel: great, thanks very much for your help

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USConsul: Aman: hi

nat: that’s not what i read on website. it says you need to have an occupation score and a zone score to be eligible

Amateur: Any standard restrictions with the H1B in terms of travel time, for example, if I want to in US in July and the job starts in late August, would that work out with the H1B?

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lanamoshel: sorry - before i go - where can i find the transcript in which the emailed questions will be answered?

millysel: thanks for your help. this is the first time I’ve participated ina web chat, and it’s been great. Unfortunately my typing is not great!

USConsul: Nat: if you have a year 12 certificate, you don’t need a high-demand occupation. if you don’t have a year 12 certificate, you do.

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nat: oh. my misunderstanding.

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USConsul: Amateur: you have 10 days before the commencement of employment to enter the U.S. and you must leave 10 days after your work has finished.

Admin: The Chat is now closed.

lanamoshel: where will we find the transcript?

Amateur: Thanks.

Admin: It will be posted on the main page of the website.

lanamoshel: great..thank u!

USConsul: Thank you all, it’s been a good chat.

Last update Sunday, 15 June 2008