As an Aussie, travelling and immigrating into the US has never really been an issue (except that one time I had “fake” Cohiba Cigars in my bag, but that’s another story for another day).
Us Aussies are lucky that as we’re part of the “coalition of the willing”, we are granted a VISA Waiver whereby just by registering our details online and paying a small $12 fee, we’re able to skip the VISA process that a lot of other countries must go through that allows us(Aussies) to stay in the US for 90-days aka just under 3 months.
So given Thirty before 30 would take just OVER 3 months I thought I’d be sweet with the VISA Waiver because I technically leave the country twice to go to Canada – once to buy my vehicle I’ll ultimately complete the driving in, and the second time for the Blue Jays game (June 29 – but you knew that), so figured it’d reset….
When I did my research, it turned out this was not exactly the case.
Immediate panic set in.
Why doesn’t Canada count?
Why does this need to be more difficult than it needs to be?
Argh!
I went to my travel agents and asked what they thought. Literally, from them I received what I thought might the DUMBEST advice I’ve ever been given. Their proposal? They’d “make” me a ticket to a Caribbean country and find some cheap flight for like $250. I could then use that to show the airline when I boarded my flight (and at US immigration) that I was ACTUALLY leaving the country and not violating the VISA Waiver….
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
First question, “uhhhh what happens when I actually DO leave and then am blacklisted from returning in future? Do I just cross that bridge when I get there?!?’
So I quickly left that situation and did my own research and what did I find?
THE HOLY GRAIL B2 VISA!
I quickly (well not quickly because the bastard took an age to complete) applied, and later that week (last week), I had my interview with the US consulate ready to get approval and all stress alleviated.
The day of the interview arrived and here I was, well presented, had my old passport with my previous US Working Visa, documents including flights in/out and even a copy of where I would be and when.
I got to the embassy (half an hour early of course), went through security and patiently waited for my interview.
No sooner I had greeted the consulate employee, when he asked what I was doing in the US this time (it appears they have a record of every time I’ve visited). As soon as I opened my mouth and told him about the idea of Thirty before 30, he quickly said “oh man so you’re going to Detroit? Oh baby that’s my home town man, have fun, your VISA will be ready in two weeks”…
Now, whilst I appreciated the enthusiasm, I was slightly stunned. I hadn’t even needed to get any paperwork out, didn’t mention how long it’d take to complete, or who I was going with (looking like I’ll mainly be solo).
While this post is just a small part of the planning process of the Thirty before 30 undertaking and perhaps not the most engaging read, I do believe there is somewhat of a takeaway here.
The big takeaway(s) being, the power of sports (baseball), the passion people have for their hometown and the excitement of hearing about someone else’s grand plans, can take away from the fact that you just granted a VISA to a guy who would later notice that his fly on his pants was undone the entire time.
Until next time, where we might talk about some cars, have a good one. x
Thirty before 30 