zochu

Hello all - this is a detailed version of our process from filing the i130 petition aboard in Australia to the NVC stage to prearping for the medical the consulate and getting the visa. It has been wild! I honestly didn't think we would ever get to this point. 
 
Filing i130 petition from Australia
 
My husband (USC) was in Australia for all over 2019 (with no working rights). We decided to file the i130 petition in August, and we submitted in October 2019. We sent our petition via post (online was not an option) to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility as my US husband was aboard and 'living' in Australia. 
 
We sent the following documents in (aside form the normal i130/i130a and payment/e-notifcation) -  it may be overkill, but we did not want to get a RFE that may delay the processing. 
-Marriage Certificate 
-Divorce decree 
-Child's birth certificate & Consular Report Birth Abroad
-Lease agreement in joint names
-joint Australian bank account statement (27 pages long that shows we actively use the account)
-joint US bank accounts summary (only confirmed we have the accounts, did not show balance or usage)
-victorian ambulance cover for the whole family 
-joint water bill 
-joint costa membership 
-evidence he is my emergency contact at work 
-picture of my US spouse military privilege card
-letter that he is the beneficiary of my superannuation (Australian version of 401k). 
-my passport that showed I visited my husband 
-photos that showed the progression of our relationship (from the Marine Corps Ball, to being engaged, to getting married, our wedding, husband moving to Australia, the birth of a baby,  husband meeting all my Australian family etc). 
 
We submitted 14 October 2019 and our PD was 18 October (or 24 October 2019) We had several date changes in the lead up to our i130 approval (as noted in my signature) but we were approved 15 May 2020. 
 
My husband left Australia for 3 reasons: The first, his Australian visa was about to expire. The Australian migration system is a bit more complicated and a lot more expense that the US system. Australia does not have relaxed migration laws, at all. I studied Aus Migration Law, its not easy. The second reason, he needed to get a full-time job in the US for the financial aspect of the process and lastly, to re-establish domicile as trying to prove intent seemed to be more difficult in the long run. It was the biggest sacrifice we have ever made, as he left his then 7 month old daughter behind not knowing when he will see her again. 
 
NVC stage:
 
We got our case number from NVC 12 hours or something after our petition was approved. We were very surprised. 
 
We uploaded the following civil documents for me (beneficiary) *note: we found submitting in PDF was the best, and we ensured the PDF size was under 2MB* 
-Australian birth certificate 
-Passport photos (US size)
- Australian Police Certificate - it is the ADF police certificate, not the state police one. I only did a name check. I did not provide fingerprints due to covid19. I had no issues. 
- Biographic page of Australian passport 
- Marriage certificate 
 
Documents we uploaded for the Affidavit of Support (petition):
-i1864
-x3 IRS tax transcripts for 2019, 2018, 2017
-x3 W2's for those corresponding years, 2018, 2017, 2016. 
- employment letter for current income 
- all pay stubs received from current income 
-SF50 to confirm his full-time employment with the Federal Government
-GI bill confirmation (he is studying Nursing)
- proof of GI payments
 
We uploaded at different times but we DID not SUBMIT until both of us had uploaded everything! We submitted everything at the same time on 28 May and become documentary qualified 2 June. Again, for some reason this happened really quickly. Note, there was no indication from the NVC that we may or may not need a joint sponsor. We really thought everything, except the medical, would be smooth sailing. 
 
Request to Expedite:
 
After becoming DQ'd 2 June, the covid19 cases in Australia started to rise, specifically in my home state of Victoria. We thought about it for sometime and June 27 we submitted a request to expedite. We submitted under grounds of emotional hardship on both my husband, and our daughter (both USCs) and that my husband is an essential worker in the healthcare industry. We did not submit ANY support evidence, we only provided a detailed outline of the hardships we, as a family, were facing. We were approved for expedite on 7 July and 15 July the US Consulate Sydney scheduled my interview for 28 July 2020 for 11:10am. 
 
Medical experience and preparation:
 
This gets personal. If you make any judgey comments, I will block you. I am sharing this part to help someone if they are going through the same thing and are riddled with anxiety. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 2. I have a history of self-harm including a suicide attempt in 2012/2013. I have been in hospital on 3 occasions. The first was 2016 and the 2 most recent hospitalisations was 2019 (after the birth of my child) and in April of this year (2020). The hospital admissions were not in regards to self-harming/suicide etc but low mood and anxiety. 
 
I was aware that my mental health history can be a concern, especially are there associated harmful behaviours. I knew that I was not a risk of harm to self or to others presently and in the future, but my history did concern me. I assumed I would be considered 'class b' due to the nature of bipolar disorder. I also knew that my recent hospital admissions may also present as a problem. I am still engaged with my treatment team, so upon confirmation of my interview, I organised a detailed 4-page medical report from my treating psychiatrist; a letter from my GP and a letter from my maternal child health nurse. 
 
All of them included the line: "Zoe is of no risk of harm to self or to others". But detailed my recent hospital admissions and explained why it was required in the context of high stress, traumatic delivery, covid19, solo parenting, studying 2 degrees etc etc. 
 
I also prepared the following to physically take in with me:
- Blood test confirming my serology to the required vaccines
- my baby book also confirming I was vaccinated 
-a print out from mygov./medicare of my recent immunisation record (from 2003 - present). 
-all my medical reports re: bipolar disorder diagnosis 
 
I went to SonicHealth in the city. I would go there again over the Toorak Village Medical place that also does them. I've read reports about the doctor there and how he has examined peoples genitalia. Dr. Stephanie at SonicHealth was fantastic, and helped ease my anxiety of my mental health history, although, she could not confirm how it would go at the interview but the consulate would have my medical report from my doctors. Cost was $640. 
 
I had the medical on the 20th July and 23 July everything was uploaded to e-medical and ready for the consulate.
 
Crossing the NSW/VIC Border in Covid Times:
 
WOW. This was another stressor. I recognise that I am lucky in that I crossed the border before the interpretation of "legal obligation" was narrowed down. 
 
I prepared the following to assist me crossing the border:
- NSW border permit 'legal obligation'
-personal statement, 2 pages, explaining why I am crossing, details of my flight, where I am staying, and covid19 symptom declaration.
-US consulate email confirming interview
-flight itinerary proving intent to return home 
-hotel accomodation booking at the Travelodge. 
-email to US consulate requesting expedite 
-email form US consulate approving expedite
-medical email that stated 'medical is valid for 6 months only'
-US federal code that stated all interviews are to be conducted in person (to help argue I am there under a legal obligation) 
-printout from US consulate sydney website that state they are the only facility to conduct immigrant visa interviews 
-printout from the US consulate sydney website that state they are only conducting emergency services (to help argue its an emergency legal obligation)
 
I landed, had my temperature checked and I passed through all 3 NSW Health officials with no problem. The only "issue" was that I had to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel and not public transport. I dressed professionally and had ALL my documents (from the visa interview AND the border crossing) with me. 
 
Interview:
 
I have to admit, I had a bad feeling but I could not pinpoint as to why I had a bad feeling, I was thinking it was to do with my mental health history. Alas, I was wrong. 
 
I arrived at 830am, I was told to come back 30 minutes prior. So I did. I arrived at 10:40am, and was told to come back 10mins prior. I just waited in the front until I was given the all clear to go in. They made everyone wash their hands before entering. I washed my hands, and then entered the security area of the consulate. I handed all my documents to a lady. She flicked through everything and put all my documents in a clear document protector. I went through security, nothing fancy, I was then directed to the lifts to take me to level 55. 
 
I arrived on level 55. I went through a big heavy door that reminded me of prison (I worked in a prison). I took a number and sat down. My number was called and I supplied all my documents to the Consular Assistant. I scanned my fingerprints too. I sat down and waited while he processed my paperwork. When I was called back, he stated that the Consular Officer may request to see my public charge questionnaire. I think it was this moment I realised that we may need a joint sponsor and that it had something to do with bipolar or the fact my husband didnt work in 2019 and thus, his 2020 tax return was $0. 
 
I sat down with my documents until the Consular Official called my name. I made an oath and then he asked me when we were married and how we met. He asked how many children we have and if she has her US passport, which she does. He asked what I will do for work in the US or if I will stay home. I told him ultimately my goal is to be a lawyer but until then I may work in the legal industry or prison sector. 
 
He then looked at my husbands tax return for 2020 and commented it was $0 because he was in Australia. I confirmed that was accurate and that he left Australia to get work and to re-establidh domicile. He typed away and then said to me "i either have to issue or refuse a visa. I am refusing this visa as I need a joint sponsor. A credible joint sponsor, like a family member who will step in and help if needed". He then gave me the dreaded 221g white slip told me to upload to NVC and then email the consulate. 
 
I am not going to lie, I cried. I cried because the uncertainty of not seeing my husband again became real again. I felt blindsided too that we got the 221g for a joint sponsor. 
 
221g + uploading joint sponsor:
 
This was going to be hard. Our options for a joint sponsor were limited to my husbands uncle, who is a family over earning $100k as an engineer or his step dad, family of 4 earning $50k. We asked his Uncle, who got legal advice and from that legal advice he's answer to us was a firm "no". His wife, my husband aunt, also stated "I want NO part of this". 
 
Our only option was his step dad and mum. For a household of 5 (4 plus me is 5) the income was $50k. It was not a strong joint sponsor but it was our only hope.
We uploaded our joint sponsor on 31 July and then I emailed the Consulate. We uploaded in the same section where we uploaded my husbands financial documents. We did not add a joint sponsor section.
On 5 August we received an email from the Consulate confirming that had received the required document.
On 7 August the case was put into administrative processing and on 10 August our visa was issued and by 6pm they had posted it!
 
I received the passport with visa 12 August. 
 
I recognise I am very lucky that our process was relatively quick, especially in covid times. I feel so bad and sorry for everyone who is still waiting for their interview or have had their interviews cancelled. I feel sorry for those stuck in Victoria who cannot go to NSW for their interview because they've changed the interpretation of legal obligation. I really do feel sorry for you and I am here to support you in anyway I can. 
 
I am thankful the visa part of this journey is over. Now I face the battle of packing up my tiny apartment alone with our 14month old and travel to the States in an era where flights are limited!
 
I hope this has been useful for those doing through this process and are filing abroad, have a mental health issue, trying to cross the NSW/VIC border or who received a 221g for joint sponsor at the interview!
 
Good Luck to all, and thanks to everyone on VJ who helped me along the way too! 
 
 

Please use the PC words, lest ye find yourself in a sting behind VJ bars.
 
Those are simply misunderstood, misplaced immigrants who deserve better.

that is why I did not have my appointment with him. 
 
I paid the bit extra and went to Dr Stephanie at Sonic Health near Flagstaff station. She was amazing.
 
to anyone else in Victoria - do not go to Toorak Village. 

go to Dr Stephanie in the CBD 

Lots of vague responses as to the country of origin of the love interest studying in Ukraine. 

I got my SSN within 9 days of entering USA. 
 
It goes to the address on the DS260. The communication for the SSN is with the NVC and the SSA as opposed for the green card which is printed by USCIS. 
 
 

And I believe as an immigrant you can have two “homes”. I still refer to England as “home” but I also refer to the US as “home”. Home is where the heart is. My “romantic heart” is here in the US with my husband. My “soul heart” is in England, a country for which I will always have a love and fondness until I die. 

My Aunt married an American citizen and became an LPR, lived in the US for over 50 years and raised her family until her passing, and chose to never become a US citizen in all that time.  She was very proud of her Canadian citizenship and did not want to be a dual citizen.  So it's a personal choice.

NO. FRAUDULENT VOTES by the evil LEFT have to be recounted. The democrats, with the help of all the media, US postal service, etc. are trying to steal this election! The ballot-counting can not be stopped the night of any election, which is what happens here. Our GREAT President was LEADING! Around 4am 'lost' ballots in the THOUSANDS showed up at polling stations. All 100% for Biden??? BS. Watch the news (Not the Fake news, but conservative outlets for facts) Once all the VALID REAL VOTES are counted, that will decide the real outcome.
 
Trump is against ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION! Everyone on here are working on entering the US LEGALLY! There's a difference! An example of other countries who criticize President Donald J. Trump:
 
Trinidad and Tobago. Being a US Citizen, by their IMMIGRATION LAWS, I had to leave after 90 days, then return anytime thereafter. I traveled back and forth like this for the time I spent with my new family. Almost three years. (That's very costly, but my family was worth it!) I returned from a trip and because I did not have a printed return ticket OUT of T&T, they wanted me to leave! When it was confirmed I had a return ticket from the airlines, it was only then they let me re-enter! And they still criticized MY PRESIDENT for doing the same!
(Keep in mind, Obama was the US Prez when this happened. When Trump was elected, they criticized him when he said US will be deporting criminals back to their home countries. These were illegals, committing atrocious crimes like raping and killing.)
 
That's ALL countries but like the DemoNcrats, the rules don't apply to them. Criminals running from the police in T&T were found in the US. #######? They got a Visa to enter MY COUNTRY but I get when they think I don't even have a return ticket and want to turn me away. 
 
I migrated my wife and stepdaughter who arrived in August, 2018. My wife WORKS!!! (part time) She doesn't have to. She WANTS to. Our daughter had a PT job, herself during the Christmas Season. (before the scamdemic) She WANTS to work! 
 
I've gone on a rant here, but made it as short as possible, with details I hope people will understand. I'm not against anyone entering the US legally and with nothing but good intentions. Same as our President. People coming in expecting 'free' gov assistance, welfare, live off the US tax paying citizens, and any criminal intent, KEEP THAT IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY! America is FULL! No room for you!
 
**Coming legally IS a long process. Plenty of fees, making it somewhat costly. At times, it will seem as though the process wants you to just throw in the towel and give up. It gets frustrating sometimes. We went through it too! I told my wife, I AM NOT GIVING UP! I'LL GIVE THEM THE DOCUMENTS THEY REQUEST. (They repeatedly asked for some of the same ones we had already submitted. Fine. I kept everything filed and organized and sent what they wanted.) Now that my family is here, I know it was worth all the frustration we went through!
 
TRUMP WILL BE RE-ELECTED! FOUR MORE YEARS! That's a GOOD thing. The democrats represent a Socialist mind-set. America will NEVER be a Socialist country! It will remain the GREATEST COUNTRY EVER! Trump is keeping our country safe for the US Citizens and safe for the LEGAL Immigrants, from the criminals trying to enter illegally.

1.  Protect yourself physically and financially (GET A DIVORVE ATTORNEY!!!)
2.  Avoid any contact with him.
3.  Divorce him....
4.  Move on with your life.  His immigration status is out of your control.
You should have already had him locked up in my opinion.  He seems to be a very dangerous individual
 
Just my opinion.

Then you fight like hell to keep it!

Good luck with everything!

I actually have a better support system here, a better job and a better life. I do not want to go back to Canada just because my marriage did not work. I have made a great life for myself here. 

Bank to bank transfer would be easiest 

The process is much more focused on you, the beneficiary, so it should not be an issue on a technical level.
 
I just want to say that you can be mentally ill AND smart. And kind. And many other positive things.
 
I encourage you to do more research and get to know him because it sounds like you have the idea that by talking to him remotely over 5 months, you somehow know better than the professionals who he received his diagnosis from. Just because he’s a smart guy doesn’t mean he isn’t also schizophrenic.

Your never totally ok, it's a constant battle and only external observation can determine how well someone is.
 
Take it from someone who has dealt with schizophrenia, there will come a day when they are not ok. When it comes it will be really painful but if you prepare property it will make a huge difference. Learn as much as you can about the condition and those supporting people with the condition and then learn some more.
 
I don''t say this to affect your relationship. I say this because if someone had said this to me I would have been in a better place to provide support for my partner when that time came

Melbourne to Auckland it was empty. 
 
Auckland to LAX was full, but I got a row to myself with my daughter. 

Entered the US yesterday! After 261 days my daughter and I have been finally reunited with my husband/her dad 🎉  
 
LAX was a little busier than expected. So was secondary but I was processed quickly (probably due to having a screaming child 🙃) 
 
Air NZ was great to fly with too. We flew Melbourne to Auckland and then Auckland to LAX! 
 
No problems leaving Australia for you’ve for the exemption too! 
 
I wish everyone well on this journey and to all
Those Victorians waiting, I hope the wait ends soon and reunited with your loved ones 💕🥰

Congrats and happy wishes for your family. Thank you for the good wishes for us in Victoria. 🙏

Congratulations Zochu.  I'm glad to hear that you're finally there.  Thank you also for originally starting this thread because all the messages on it have been so helpful.

I think that ended after 1776.
 
IF Biden becomes president, and IF he makes immigration reform a priority, it will still take many months or even years to get the laws changed.  And the scope of changes will be varied based on the makeup of congress.
 
The only things that he could affect right away are the presidential proclamations in January when he takes over.
 
The forms and fees are what they are.  The options are limited to filing or not filing.

Entered the US yesterday! After 261 days my daughter and I have been finally reunited with my husband/her dad 🎉  
 
LAX was a little busier than expected. So was secondary but I was processed quickly (probably due to having a screaming child 🙃) 
 
Air NZ was great to fly with too. We flew Melbourne to Auckland and then Auckland to LAX! 
 
No problems leaving Australia for you’ve for the exemption too! 
 
I wish everyone well on this journey and to all
Those Victorians waiting, I hope the wait ends soon and reunited with your loved ones 💕🥰

Entered the US yesterday! After 261 days my daughter and I have been finally reunited with my husband/her dad 🎉  
 
LAX was a little busier than expected. So was secondary but I was processed quickly (probably due to having a screaming child 🙃) 
 
Air NZ was great to fly with too. We flew Melbourne to Auckland and then Auckland to LAX! 
 
No problems leaving Australia for you’ve for the exemption too! 
 
I wish everyone well on this journey and to all
Those Victorians waiting, I hope the wait ends soon and reunited with your loved ones 💕🥰

Entered the US yesterday! After 261 days my daughter and I have been finally reunited with my husband/her dad 🎉  
 
LAX was a little busier than expected. So was secondary but I was processed quickly (probably due to having a screaming child 🙃) 
 
Air NZ was great to fly with too. We flew Melbourne to Auckland and then Auckland to LAX! 
 
No problems leaving Australia for you’ve for the exemption too! 
 
I wish everyone well on this journey and to all
Those Victorians waiting, I hope the wait ends soon and reunited with your loved ones 💕🥰

Hello all - this is a detailed version of our process from filing the i130 petition aboard in Australia to the NVC stage to prearping for the medical the consulate and getting the visa. It has been wild! I honestly didn't think we would ever get to this point. 
 
Filing i130 petition from Australia
 
My husband (USC) was in Australia for all over 2019 (with no working rights). We decided to file the i130 petition in August, and we submitted in October 2019. We sent our petition via post (online was not an option) to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility as my US husband was aboard and 'living' in Australia. 
 
We sent the following documents in (aside form the normal i130/i130a and payment/e-notifcation) -  it may be overkill, but we did not want to get a RFE that may delay the processing. 
-Marriage Certificate 
-Divorce decree 
-Child's birth certificate & Consular Report Birth Abroad
-Lease agreement in joint names
-joint Australian bank account statement (27 pages long that shows we actively use the account)
-joint US bank accounts summary (only confirmed we have the accounts, did not show balance or usage)
-victorian ambulance cover for the whole family 
-joint water bill 
-joint costa membership 
-evidence he is my emergency contact at work 
-picture of my US spouse military privilege card
-letter that he is the beneficiary of my superannuation (Australian version of 401k). 
-my passport that showed I visited my husband 
-photos that showed the progression of our relationship (from the Marine Corps Ball, to being engaged, to getting married, our wedding, husband moving to Australia, the birth of a baby,  husband meeting all my Australian family etc). 
 
We submitted 14 October 2019 and our PD was 18 October (or 24 October 2019) We had several date changes in the lead up to our i130 approval (as noted in my signature) but we were approved 15 May 2020. 
 
My husband left Australia for 3 reasons: The first, his Australian visa was about to expire. The Australian migration system is a bit more complicated and a lot more expense that the US system. Australia does not have relaxed migration laws, at all. I studied Aus Migration Law, its not easy. The second reason, he needed to get a full-time job in the US for the financial aspect of the process and lastly, to re-establish domicile as trying to prove intent seemed to be more difficult in the long run. It was the biggest sacrifice we have ever made, as he left his then 7 month old daughter behind not knowing when he will see her again. 
 
NVC stage:
 
We got our case number from NVC 12 hours or something after our petition was approved. We were very surprised. 
 
We uploaded the following civil documents for me (beneficiary) *note: we found submitting in PDF was the best, and we ensured the PDF size was under 2MB* 
-Australian birth certificate 
-Passport photos (US size)
- Australian Police Certificate - it is the ADF police certificate, not the state police one. I only did a name check. I did not provide fingerprints due to covid19. I had no issues. 
- Biographic page of Australian passport 
- Marriage certificate 
 
Documents we uploaded for the Affidavit of Support (petition):
-i1864
-x3 IRS tax transcripts for 2019, 2018, 2017
-x3 W2's for those corresponding years, 2018, 2017, 2016. 
- employment letter for current income 
- all pay stubs received from current income 
-SF50 to confirm his full-time employment with the Federal Government
-GI bill confirmation (he is studying Nursing)
- proof of GI payments
 
We uploaded at different times but we DID not SUBMIT until both of us had uploaded everything! We submitted everything at the same time on 28 May and become documentary qualified 2 June. Again, for some reason this happened really quickly. Note, there was no indication from the NVC that we may or may not need a joint sponsor. We really thought everything, except the medical, would be smooth sailing. 
 
Request to Expedite:
 
After becoming DQ'd 2 June, the covid19 cases in Australia started to rise, specifically in my home state of Victoria. We thought about it for sometime and June 27 we submitted a request to expedite. We submitted under grounds of emotional hardship on both my husband, and our daughter (both USCs) and that my husband is an essential worker in the healthcare industry. We did not submit ANY support evidence, we only provided a detailed outline of the hardships we, as a family, were facing. We were approved for expedite on 7 July and 15 July the US Consulate Sydney scheduled my interview for 28 July 2020 for 11:10am. 
 
Medical experience and preparation:
 
This gets personal. If you make any judgey comments, I will block you. I am sharing this part to help someone if they are going through the same thing and are riddled with anxiety. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Type 2. I have a history of self-harm including a suicide attempt in 2012/2013. I have been in hospital on 3 occasions. The first was 2016 and the 2 most recent hospitalisations was 2019 (after the birth of my child) and in April of this year (2020). The hospital admissions were not in regards to self-harming/suicide etc but low mood and anxiety. 
 
I was aware that my mental health history can be a concern, especially are there associated harmful behaviours. I knew that I was not a risk of harm to self or to others presently and in the future, but my history did concern me. I assumed I would be considered 'class b' due to the nature of bipolar disorder. I also knew that my recent hospital admissions may also present as a problem. I am still engaged with my treatment team, so upon confirmation of my interview, I organised a detailed 4-page medical report from my treating psychiatrist; a letter from my GP and a letter from my maternal child health nurse. 
 
All of them included the line: "Zoe is of no risk of harm to self or to others". But detailed my recent hospital admissions and explained why it was required in the context of high stress, traumatic delivery, covid19, solo parenting, studying 2 degrees etc etc. 
 
I also prepared the following to physically take in with me:
- Blood test confirming my serology to the required vaccines
- my baby book also confirming I was vaccinated 
-a print out from mygov./medicare of my recent immunisation record (from 2003 - present). 
-all my medical reports re: bipolar disorder diagnosis 
 
I went to SonicHealth in the city. I would go there again over the Toorak Village Medical place that also does them. I've read reports about the doctor there and how he has examined peoples genitalia. Dr. Stephanie at SonicHealth was fantastic, and helped ease my anxiety of my mental health history, although, she could not confirm how it would go at the interview but the consulate would have my medical report from my doctors. Cost was $640. 
 
I had the medical on the 20th July and 23 July everything was uploaded to e-medical and ready for the consulate.
 
Crossing the NSW/VIC Border in Covid Times:
 
WOW. This was another stressor. I recognise that I am lucky in that I crossed the border before the interpretation of "legal obligation" was narrowed down. 
 
I prepared the following to assist me crossing the border:
- NSW border permit 'legal obligation'
-personal statement, 2 pages, explaining why I am crossing, details of my flight, where I am staying, and covid19 symptom declaration.
-US consulate email confirming interview
-flight itinerary proving intent to return home 
-hotel accomodation booking at the Travelodge. 
-email to US consulate requesting expedite 
-email form US consulate approving expedite
-medical email that stated 'medical is valid for 6 months only'
-US federal code that stated all interviews are to be conducted in person (to help argue I am there under a legal obligation) 
-printout from US consulate sydney website that state they are the only facility to conduct immigrant visa interviews 
-printout from the US consulate sydney website that state they are only conducting emergency services (to help argue its an emergency legal obligation)
 
I landed, had my temperature checked and I passed through all 3 NSW Health officials with no problem. The only "issue" was that I had to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel and not public transport. I dressed professionally and had ALL my documents (from the visa interview AND the border crossing) with me. 
 
Interview:
 
I have to admit, I had a bad feeling but I could not pinpoint as to why I had a bad feeling, I was thinking it was to do with my mental health history. Alas, I was wrong. 
 
I arrived at 830am, I was told to come back 30 minutes prior. So I did. I arrived at 10:40am, and was told to come back 10mins prior. I just waited in the front until I was given the all clear to go in. They made everyone wash their hands before entering. I washed my hands, and then entered the security area of the consulate. I handed all my documents to a lady. She flicked through everything and put all my documents in a clear document protector. I went through security, nothing fancy, I was then directed to the lifts to take me to level 55. 
 
I arrived on level 55. I went through a big heavy door that reminded me of prison (I worked in a prison). I took a number and sat down. My number was called and I supplied all my documents to the Consular Assistant. I scanned my fingerprints too. I sat down and waited while he processed my paperwork. When I was called back, he stated that the Consular Officer may request to see my public charge questionnaire. I think it was this moment I realised that we may need a joint sponsor and that it had something to do with bipolar or the fact my husband didnt work in 2019 and thus, his 2020 tax return was $0. 
 
I sat down with my documents until the Consular Official called my name. I made an oath and then he asked me when we were married and how we met. He asked how many children we have and if she has her US passport, which she does. He asked what I will do for work in the US or if I will stay home. I told him ultimately my goal is to be a lawyer but until then I may work in the legal industry or prison sector. 
 
He then looked at my husbands tax return for 2020 and commented it was $0 because he was in Australia. I confirmed that was accurate and that he left Australia to get work and to re-establidh domicile. He typed away and then said to me "i either have to issue or refuse a visa. I am refusing this visa as I need a joint sponsor. A credible joint sponsor, like a family member who will step in and help if needed". He then gave me the dreaded 221g white slip told me to upload to NVC and then email the consulate. 
 
I am not going to lie, I cried. I cried because the uncertainty of not seeing my husband again became real again. I felt blindsided too that we got the 221g for a joint sponsor. 
 
221g + uploading joint sponsor:
 
This was going to be hard. Our options for a joint sponsor were limited to my husbands uncle, who is a family over earning $100k as an engineer or his step dad, family of 4 earning $50k. We asked his Uncle, who got legal advice and from that legal advice he's answer to us was a firm "no". His wife, my husband aunt, also stated "I want NO part of this". 
 
Our only option was his step dad and mum. For a household of 5 (4 plus me is 5) the income was $50k. It was not a strong joint sponsor but it was our only hope.
We uploaded our joint sponsor on 31 July and then I emailed the Consulate. We uploaded in the same section where we uploaded my husbands financial documents. We did not add a joint sponsor section.
On 5 August we received an email from the Consulate confirming that had received the required document.
On 7 August the case was put into administrative processing and on 10 August our visa was issued and by 6pm they had posted it!
 
I received the passport with visa 12 August. 
 
I recognise I am very lucky that our process was relatively quick, especially in covid times. I feel so bad and sorry for everyone who is still waiting for their interview or have had their interviews cancelled. I feel sorry for those stuck in Victoria who cannot go to NSW for their interview because they've changed the interpretation of legal obligation. I really do feel sorry for you and I am here to support you in anyway I can. 
 
I am thankful the visa part of this journey is over. Now I face the battle of packing up my tiny apartment alone with our 14month old and travel to the States in an era where flights are limited!
 
I hope this has been useful for those doing through this process and are filing abroad, have a mental health issue, trying to cross the NSW/VIC border or who received a 221g for joint sponsor at the interview!
 
Good Luck to all, and thanks to everyone on VJ who helped me along the way too! 
 
 

Entered the US yesterday! After 261 days my daughter and I have been finally reunited with my husband/her dad 🎉  
 
LAX was a little busier than expected. So was secondary but I was processed quickly (probably due to having a screaming child 🙃) 
 
Air NZ was great to fly with too. We flew Melbourne to Auckland and then Auckland to LAX! 
 
No problems leaving Australia for you’ve for the exemption too! 
 
I wish everyone well on this journey and to all
Those Victorians waiting, I hope the wait ends soon and reunited with your loved ones 💕🥰

Entered the US yesterday! After 261 days my daughter and I have been finally reunited with my husband/her dad 🎉  
 
LAX was a little busier than expected. So was secondary but I was processed quickly (probably due to having a screaming child 🙃) 
 
Air NZ was great to fly with too. We flew Melbourne to Auckland and then Auckland to LAX! 
 
No problems leaving Australia for you’ve for the exemption too! 
 
I wish everyone well on this journey and to all
Those Victorians waiting, I hope the wait ends soon and reunited with your loved ones 💕🥰