tayurshu

But they said on the status that this can take up to several weeks

It says it on everyone's AP status through CEAC.

Usually it doesn't last 'several weeks'. Whenever you go into AP, it says it.

What they're doing now is final security checks before printing your visa. Could only be a few days.

Australia: still not issued. Been in AP since 20 May, Consulate said I was approved 9 June.

Still no progress.

Hey mate - i'll try and respond below to make it clearer

How did you find the E3 Process? Sounds like it didn't quite pan out for you? Were companies ok with the fact that they would have to "sponsor" you? Even though it was not in the traditional sense?

E3 is just about finding a job that requires specialised skills and that you have a degree (or equivalent - 12+ years - experience). Companies were fine with sponsoring, I was going for multinationals and smaller agency-type work. All of them were pleasantly surprised it required very little paperwork above what they already have to do and it's free for them. Not really any resistance.

I have seen many job applications that say "do you require sponsorship?" I was just expecting the majority of those that say 'yes' to go on the bin.

Rather than apply direct using the automated application systems, I preferred to stalk the HR/hiring manager on LinkedIn and write them a message explaining the situation. Make it clear the E3 is free. I suggest taking out LinkedIn Premium membership for this - it's awesome!

I already have a ticket, and am planning to apply for jobs while there. I have done some research and believe that I will struggle to really kick of the process from here. I do have a USA address though so I will start to submit applications about two weeks before i leave.

Good idea. Yes, tough to get a job from afar. Meet with whoever and however you can while you're there, even if there aren't any jobs available. Informal coffee, bring your resume. Seriously, meet with as many senior managers, VPs and Directors as you can.

So it only took like for months for your k1 to come through? I believe we'd be required to go on IR/CR1 nowadays? Looking at the progress on your sig it looks like you're still going through the process? So where are you now? Also, whats the visa shutdown? Sorry for all the questions!

The K-1 took a few months to go through. From original petition (November), it then made it to the Embassy in March 15. Interview mid-May. Now we've hit a couple of bumps because of the visa outage and i'm back to Administrative Processing. But the first parts didn't take long. If I could've done my medical before my interview, I would've had my visa at the end of May. So that would've been November to May. Right now, i've been told i'm approved. However the Consulate asked for an extension letter to the petition as it expired while they were waiting for the visa system to come online. Hopefully will have visa in hand in the next 7-10 days.

Thank you for the source, very helpful and will use that if I go down that road. Did you ever have any issues at CBP?

You're welcome! Regarding CBP, no, although they do see my travel record and they've seen how often i've been flying there. I'm always asked what I do for work... ie "How could a young guy be flying here so often and afford to do it?" must go through their heads. Other than that, CBP has always been painless. Only once on my last 3 trips have I been asked to show return ticket. On my last visit, I didn't even have to see an IO, I was sent straight through automated passport in Dallas!

On seeking an appointment for an E3 visa, I need the job offer first right? My plan is to fly there on the VWP as I am allowed to, find a job (hopefully!), fly back, apply for visa, approved visa (hopefully!), fly back to USA and start work. Thats how it has to work right? And the period of time from flying back to Australia to apply for the visa and receiving the visa is about two weeks, or so I've heard/read.

Yes. You must have a job offer first. Then, your employer needs to fill out an LCA and mark it as Australian - E3.

And yes, that's how it must work. Visit under VWP, find job, file for the E3 in Australia and then enter the USA under the E3

You're right about people reading these forums, haha. Also, as I have said to my GF it may look very suss so do not want to AOS if we can help it.

Yeah, i'd just steer away from the idea of VWP - AOS.

Do you mind if I ask what your story is? It sounds like you're going through the process and it has taken some time? Are you back in Aus and your partner in USA?

I have a half sleeve, right arm.

Absolutely no problems.

I'm a bit annoyed.

While the delays were happening, my I-129F expired as previously posted.

My fiancee wrote an extension request letter which I then sent to the Consulate here in Sydney. After telling me before this that we were approved for issuance, they've now responded and said the letter has been printed, attached to my file and is now to be assessed AGAIN by a CO for adjudication. So it's back in the STACK of backlogged visas yet again.

So frustrating.

I got this email this afternoon from Montreal. I had inquired last friday to the situation.

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your email!

The systems issues that have interfered with our visa processing the last two weeks have been resolved. Consular staff are busy printing visas and preparing them for return to their owners. Applicants who had successful interviews should expect their passports and U.S. visas soon.

Best regards,

Super vague as usual but I hope they clear through the backlog quick.

How come you guys get exclamation marks!? Hahaha! Great news for you!

Local USCIS office takes your AOS filing if you are 'onshore'.

I'd contend that the K-1 is technically non-immigrant only.

The visa only allows for entry to the US to marry your fiance(e). It does not actually allow anything else. It gives you 90 days to do so.

The act of marriage then allows for AOS.

This is wonderful mate as any good news is great! Now all we need is those systems I be working again so as your passport doesn't get sad and get offended that they have been delaying putting that visa in him.

Thank you mate! Such great relief! Now to kick the fiancee into action and get this letter done

Next step: Get the Sydney Consulate online and print, print, print!

Well, i've just received the greatest news ever. "Your application has been approved for issuance" YESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But, while the system has been down, the validity on our I-129F has EXPIRED. The Sydney Consulate has asked that my fiancee write a letter to extend the validity period which I can email to the consulate. So another little bump to get over before, finally, receiving my visa!

There is no update on when Sydney is expected online.

To be exact, it is countries lived in for longer than 12 months.

The USA you will not need a police check from.

Just Australia + any other country bar USA that you've lived in for 12 months or longer.

They definitely seem to focus on the busiest countries first. Hopefully Sydney is next!!

To be honest, I think after waiting this long, I'm not too fussed about the delay. What's a few more days? Really, nothing, especially as i'm not leaving in the very short term.

It is annoying to be stuck in this AP limbo - hopefully they're aware of my passport sitting there asking to have its Visa put in it...

Awesome, this is great info and thank you for sharing. Can I ask where you got the specific consulate details from?

EDIT: Take no notice of my stupidity. Do not even bother answering my question. I'm an idiot.

Do NOT let him guilt you or trick you into not pressing charges. This is all too familiar "I respect your decision to do what you want" - acting subservient in a final hope you will stay.

There is NO excuse for physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse. Press charges and find some help through the shelter.

MKE?

I will move to DC, not Chicago.

mm....did i not fill the information correctly on my profile? let me check.

Milwaukee

Ah! Yes, says your local office will be Chicago. All good! I love DC, such a beautiful city. It was the first city in the US I ever visited!

Makes sense to me. I'm still pretty uncertain though, since I've heard this mysterious "6 month per year, not per visit" thing floating around in various forums, so now that a lawyer mentioned it I'm worried there might be some substance behind it. Or is it just an urban legend?

I wouldn't know! I'd say to take your lawyer's advice, but in this case that's a bit difficult

Thanks tayurshu,

The lawyer simply said that if we got unlucky at the interview phase, some nosy interviewer might notice the >6 month total time in the US and possibly flag for additional review or deny the application just to be petty. Also he said "While she can legally visit, her already being in the US when the application is being processed is something that will make them delay the process and investigate more carefully."

Fair enough, and you're welcome!

I'm obviously not an immigration lawyer, nor have I been around this stuff for a long time. I just think that there'd be no reason to cause issues just because she's been validly in the USA during processing times. If she's got a valid visa, hasn't committed visa fraud, and has never over-stayed, I don't think it would have any influence.

I am not sure if Australia will be in the first batch as they said the first 22 represents about half of the global volume of the nonimmigration visa.

well well well....we will see who is the lucky one to get the passport back tomorrow

Game on! I'll even shout you a beer in Chicago if you win the race - it's not too far from MKE

Which are the 22 embassies you guys think got reconnected already? I bet china and India is one of them, but unfortunately, my case is in Singapore.

I was kinda under the false impression Australia would come online first... Low risk, very friendly relations - hell, we even have a special visa just for Aussie workers! (E-3)

No idea who's come online first. Nobody here has reported a visa delivery just yet, which I assume the first of which will come through in a day or two.

As long as she won't overstay the visa, I do not see why there would be any problems. The only questions that would be raised would be the CBP official at POE for her 5 month stay.. Visiting fiancee may be a little flag for some harrassment.

Did the cheaper lawyer explain why it would cause an issue for the K-1? If anything, it proves a pretty bona-fide relationship!

So lame =(

I really hope they get it all working by this week. The new update looks promising. If some places are online, then how much longer can it take for the rest? ... =/

Haha I don't blame anyone for crying. I know none of this ####### is gonna be done with until I get dual citizenship. Cannot wait for the day haha.

Hahaha I know, right? As soon as I have two passports, I think i'll have a brain meltdown and be completely paralytic for a very long time!

It's your medical this week right?

I think we're all thinking that, Tayurshu. Our status changed to "Ready - please check the status in 2 business days." on June 17. The case creation date changed to June 17 and it has a heading of "non-immigrant visa" now also. I know our passport is just sitting there waiting for it's visa to be printed. She interviewed in April but needed a DNA test.. Embassy finally double clicked on the results and requested her passport at the end of May, and now this.. I feel like we're on step 298 of 300 haha. But we're all so close. I'll post immediately when my status changes... Good luck everyone, try to sleep tonight..

Good luck, Seanchua! The sad thing is my Case Creation date changed on June 9, the day the system went down. I was OH SO CLOSE! Ha!

Please do post when you hear more - it looks like Australia may not be up and running yet as there's been no update. I emailed the Consulate here in Sydney on Friday to ask for a specific update as to my visa and no response yet. They always reply within 2 business days, so holding tight.

tayurshu: have you heard anything yet about yours?

I saw on the facebook post that a few people around the place have been issued their visas & passports?

Dying to know if Oz is back up and running !

Nope, no word as of yet Stillllllll waiting!

Urgh, I know my passport is sitting there with all the documents and the brown envelope, waiting for my visa to be printed.

Dead set, I think i'll cry when I receive it haha! And then pinch myself

How do we contact the embassy to check on our status, I heard email? I know I can check on the web but I wanted to ask someone to see if they received the missing document, Could someone share please?

Check your consulate's website. Most consulates only accept emails for inquiries on visa application status.

Some update, looks relatively promising...