SunflowerHoneybee

Our original interview was scheduled for March 19,2020 and 2 days prior they called us to inform that the offices were closing and postponing face to face contact until further notice. We were rescheduled about 4 and a half months later with the new date; August 26, 2020 (the day before my husbands birthday! :O).
 
We were asked to wait outside at tape marking the 6 foot distances along the building while people filed in to the security check in. We went to the right for the interview. It wasn't clearly labeled or signed or anything so I had to ask which direction was which. The waiting room had 3 or 4 of the rows of chairs pushed against the windows and taped off. They'd also taped off pretty much every other chair on the available seats with the exception of a few that were obviously together so couples could sit next to one another. We waited maybe 20-25 minutes with about 3 or four other couples before they called out my husband's name and we approached the window. The lady that helped us pulled out his file (the thing is MASSIVE!) and started going through it and signing pages or checking things off while she asked us the basic questions; when did you meet, when and where did you marry, who was there? I brought in our lease, bank statements, and a couple of other things for joint asset proof and gave them to her and she added them to the file. 
 
She asked him all the important questions about whether or not he's a terrorist, would he engage in polygamy (and made a joke after the faces we made lol), etc. Then she asked us if we liked Charlotte and talked a little about the city we live in. She asked if we were going straight home after this or going out to explore Charlotte and made a couple of suggestions for what we should go do before returning. She said we were approved and we'd get the card in the mail in a few weeks! We received the card 2 and a half weeks later in the mail!

Our original interview was scheduled for March 19,2020 and 2 days prior they called us to inform that the offices were closing and postponing face to face contact until further notice. We were rescheduled about 4 and a half months later with the new date; August 26, 2020 (the day before my husbands birthday! :O).
 
We were asked to wait outside at tape marking the 6 foot distances along the building while people filed in to the security check in. We went to the right for the interview. It wasn't clearly labeled or signed or anything so I had to ask which direction was which. The waiting room had 3 or 4 of the rows of chairs pushed against the windows and taped off. They'd also taped off pretty much every other chair on the available seats with the exception of a few that were obviously together so couples could sit next to one another. We waited maybe 20-25 minutes with about 3 or four other couples before they called out my husband's name and we approached the window. The lady that helped us pulled out his file (the thing is MASSIVE!) and started going through it and signing pages or checking things off while she asked us the basic questions; when did you meet, when and where did you marry, who was there? I brought in our lease, bank statements, and a couple of other things for joint asset proof and gave them to her and she added them to the file. 
 
She asked him all the important questions about whether or not he's a terrorist, would he engage in polygamy (and made a joke after the faces we made lol), etc. Then she asked us if we liked Charlotte and talked a little about the city we live in. She asked if we were going straight home after this or going out to explore Charlotte and made a couple of suggestions for what we should go do before returning. She said we were approved and we'd get the card in the mail in a few weeks! We received the card 2 and a half weeks later in the mail!

I would do both. The IO will determine at interview if you meet the requirements or not. By having the joint sponsor already in place you will avoid delay if you are still
determined as under the required level  

We voice chat daily and we've visited each other around every 6 months for the past 3 years, Takes a bit out of the savings, but we're strong enough to cope. Always hard to leave but it'll all be worth it.

"This isn't goodbye, it's see you soon my dear." 😢

Visa approved today! I will write my consulate review later.

Transcripts normally eliminate the need for W2s.  Transcripts are official IRS documents stating everything about what was actually filed.

I've sent an email requesting her presence with me during the interview, thanks for the info!

Definitely possible. There was a couple there when I was interviewed last Tuesday. I am not sure how they went about it. I know email is the preferred option in general to communicate with the Consulate. Maybe email? Unless someone else comes back with something more concrete  Congrats on your interview date!

You need to email the consulate. Email your request to support-australia@ustraveldocs.com
 
My partner was with me during my interview.

Poe will be in the first American soil stop or pre clearance spot. You can’t really choose

I've flown into LAX and know what you are talking about. Even though all of AA's gates are together and seem connected, all international flights arrive in a controlled area that leads you directly (a long long walk) to customs and immigration. 

I'm in the same boat, I'll probably salvage my gfx card and hard drives and rebuild in the states. Luckily i do have a powerful laptop for the interim.
I doubt i'll find a buyer for any of my stuff. I have old packaging so i may throw it in that in the bottom of one of my checked luggage.

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

If you are physically in the US then you are not authorized to work even if it is "self employment"
 
Also if you are going to maintain the Australian account you will be subject to FBAR. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/report-of-foreign-bank-and-financial-accounts-fbar
 

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

We voice chat daily and we've visited each other around every 6 months for the past 3 years, Takes a bit out of the savings, but we're strong enough to cope. Always hard to leave but it'll all be worth it.

"This isn't goodbye, it's see you soon my dear." 😢

I would say possibly contact them again, but it looks like you got your interview date! Congratulations.

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!

Interview date received! March 26th! My fiance will be flying out to attend, and hopefully we can leave for the US together a few weeks later.
 
Medical and a few more forms to gather and we should be good! You've all been a great help and we both can't thank you enough. We're so excited!