In my earlier post on the bureaucracy of I-20s, visas and the like , I wrote about the sagas in getting the required paperwork in a timely manner.  Well since then, I've also had to apply for my F-1 visa, which was a joy!

After getting my I-20, I went about paying the SEVIS fee, and with all the numbers, I applied for an interview at the US consulate in Sydney.  There were plenty of times available and I didn't have to wait too long - there were appointments available within 2 weeks.  Well that was the easy part!

For the interview, I had a significant number of forms to complete and extra information to provide.  Some of it was the same proof that I needed to provide the university, to procure my I-20.  However, then there were other pieces of information to prove: Prove ties to your country (What?!); Prove you have money;  Prove you're educated (The university acceptance wasn't enough!).

So I went about and prepared all this information, so for the day of the interview I had a pack of information to satisfy all their questions.  It took me a couple of weeks to bring it all together, but I was reasonably confident.  So I arrived at the consulate only to find myself waiting for 2 hours as I progressed through four separate queues - security check, check of your papers, fingerpring check and then finally the interview!

I was finally called for my interview and with my pack of information prepared for any question... 90 seconds later, without asking for any further information, the officer granted me my F1 visa.  Yes - you read that right - 90 seconds!  Apparently they already had done all the checks based on the online forms they required me to enter.

Anyway, I now have my F-1 visa and am ready to start my MBA...  So now, I'm on my holiday.  Taking an extended time off, in preparation for 2 years of no sleep, extended work hours and mild intoxication!