Interview - can my mum come with me?

[riss 12]

Hey everyone, does anyone know if they'll let my mum come into the building and wait with me while I'm waiting for my interview? She's coming to Sydney with me and I'd like to know if I should bring her along or just have her stay at the hotel and me go alone.

Riss

[apple21 953]

No. Only the person or persons named in the interview appointment will be allowed entry. Your mom can wait at a restaurant or cafe outside the embassy or just stay in the hotel.

Companions are only allowed for small children, handicapped and senior citizens.

Edited May 22, 2013 by apple21

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Usually no, nobody can get in unless they are the beneficiary or petitioner.

[austex 42]

Nobody else but the person who is being interviewed. My husband and daughter (both USC) could not even go past the first check point.

It is not that scary.... I scared myself more than anything... they are lovely people and try their hardest to keep you calm.

M.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Yes she can go into the building. It's not just a government building and security isn't until you actually get to the embassy floors of the high rise.

While it's a pretty view, she should take a book or something. There's also a cafe not too far away. You may be waiting a while (a couple of hours maybe) so if she's okay with waiting that long then that's find, but if she's not then it might be best to sleep in or wander around.

She can sit on the middle level. there's no security required to get there. There are lots of shops on the lower levels though so she could wander around down there too.

Nobody else but the person who is being interviewed. My husband and daughter (both USC) could not even go past the first check point.

It is not that scary.... I scared myself more than anything... they are lovely people and try their hardest to keep you calm.

So they waited on the middle level right? prior to the immigration floors? The OP asked "building" and yes, they CAN get into the building which is not just a government building. There are many shops as well as a middle floor she/they could sit at.

[austex 42]

They just went back downstairs and went shopping then came back when I had finished my interview which was under 1 hour.

M.

[riss 12]

Hey thanks for all the replies everyone! I guess what I should have asked also is, how long do you actually spend waiting/interviewing? Austex said the whole thing took an hour - was it similar for others?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hey thanks for all the replies everyone! I guess what I should have asked also is, how long do you actually spend waiting/interviewing? Austex said the whole thing took an hour - was it similar for others?

Honestly it depends on a lot of factors. How many people are interviewing, whether they think your case warrants a deeper interview (rare in Aus)... I would say 1-2 hours is about standard.

[Lainie B 465]

Hey thanks for all the replies everyone! I guess what I should have asked also is, how long do you actually spend waiting/interviewing? Austex said the whole thing took an hour - was it similar for others?

Mine took about 2 hours. My mum was with me too. She went shopping and met me at the restaurant on the ground floor.

Try to arrive at least half an hour before your appointment time.

[riss 12]

Cool, thanks, you guys.