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DV 2022 OC Selectees

Definitely interested in the Consulate process itself, e.g. are there lockers or a tag-check system to leave your phone/wallet/handbag etc.

For now, on the assumption of: take supporting paperwork; passport & wallet; and just leave phone / any sort of bag back in hotel for simplicity sake.

But am curious of the facilities they have there; and any particular things to be aware of. I figure is probably like most other consulates; what you are advised not to bring etc.
 
SYD0C4XX said:
Would I be able to enter the us and leave straight away to activate the visa.
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Yes, it activates once you enter and do the immigration stuff there at the airport upon arrival. Once its activated you're an LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) so you can do whatever any other LPR can do (including leaving the country). Just have to follow everything else to keep it (ie not be gone for more than a year etc).
 
LuckyOneTwo said:
Great, I was there this morning. Your write up covered it all. I was scheduled for 9am but not called in until 9:40 ish so definitely recommend a book. They said a timeframe of 'after lunch' for mine being ready tomorrow with notification by email, but I don't know what time Fijians have lunch. Wanted to note that several of the vaccinations listed on the consulate site weren't required. Pnemococcal, Meningococcal and flu vax were three that I don't have on the official list, and I wasn't required to get today. I had serology results for all the others, which were nothing official, simply the print outs from my Doctor from 2017 when I had to get them to work in a hospital. Just FYI for those trying to get them added to your official record. A print out of serology confirmation seems to suffice. Don't forget your passport! I did...... But they were fine with my photocopy. At least now I won't t forget it for the consulate... I had a print out of my US vaccination record which they wanted also. I'm staying in Pacific Harbour, otherwise would be down for dinner or a drink. There is a good Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant in Suva (saw on the Dirt Cheap YouTube video for Fiji travel ideas) we had our eye on for lunch tomorrow (Daikoku). Is everyone staying in Suva?
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We are staying in Suva
 
BrisOC22 said:
Yes, it activates once you enter and do the immigration stuff there at the airport upon arrival. Once its activated you're an LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident) so you can do whatever any other LPR can do (including leaving the country). Just have to follow everything else to keep it (ie not be gone for more than a year etc).
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@SYD0C4XX If you have a property to sell i recommend getting advice before activating your Greencard. I spent over two hours on the phone with the ATO, who after speaking to managers etc said I would be up for CGT (Capital Gains Tax) if I do not have an unconditionally signed sales agreement for the house. I was told we lose our rights to principal place of residence once our Green-card is activated even if we were Owner/occupiers prior to leaving the country.
 
BrisOC22 said:
Had medical at Epworth Clinic this morning, was super easy.

Checked in, handed them my documents (passport, serology tests + letters from specialist I needed for an exemption).

Had a 9am appointment, went in with the doctor (she's super friendly and good English) at 9:30. She had already reviewed my documents I gave to the receptionist, asked if smoked or had any DUI's or have been admitted to the hospital for any other reasons. Did an eye sight test (colour blind test and regular eye sight test, only have to be able to read the first 3 rows for it to not be an issue). She then took blood tests for syphilis.

Then saw the nurse who took height/weight measurements and did a blood pressure test. Then did an x-ray for tuberculosis. Paid the fee (550 FJ, 520 + 30 for expedited) and will be up results tomorrow (said they will be ready by 12) for a Wednesday interview.

Also saw some other Aussie's there so feel free to reach out if it was you :) would be great to have dinner together with the others! Was seated far away so couldn't reach out.

Also I wasn't required to get Hep A which some have been asking about.
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@BrisOC22, did the medical Centre need to be paid in cash, or could you pay by card? I know we have to pay cash for the Visa Interview. Cheers Charli
 
Syd2022 said:
@SYD0C4XX If you have a property to sell i recommend getting advice before activating your Greencard. I spent over two hours on the phone with the ATO, who after speaking to managers etc said I would be up for CGT (Capital Gains Tax) if I do not have an unconditionally signed sales agreement for the house. I was told we lose our rights to principal place of residence once our Green-card is activated even if we were Owner/occupiers prior to leaving the country.
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Wow, really?
 
AUMatt said:
Wow, really?
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I recommend calling the ATO. It is the only way we got an answer. Although, one of the managers suggested that we could be creative to avoid that taxes. We are not interested in being creative in the slightest. We will wait until we have an unconditional signed sales contract before we leave. It's just not worth it - We don't want to get slugged with capital gains tax. We live in the country and have only had our property for 2 years so capital gains won't be as much as those that live in any of the capital cities and have owned their properties for a while.

I just thought i should let people know because we originally thought (through our accountant) that we would be Okay because its our principal place of residence, but this is not the case for Greencard Visas due to you becoming a LPR of the states as soon as your green card is activated.
 
BrisOC22 said:
You don’t have to do this. Also july 6th in Suva for my interview too :) good luck!
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Great, thank you!

What is involved in passport collection after the interview? I would need to get mine the same day or the day after my interview since I'm flying back to Australia 2 days after my interview. I know people who have also had their interviews in Suva have said they've collected right away. But what's involved in ensuring mine is ready right away?
 
bCarlo said:
Great, thank you!

What is involved in passport collection after the interview? I would need to get mine the same day or the day after my interview since I'm flying back to Australia 2 days after my interview. I know people who have also had their interviews in Suva have said they've collected right away. But what's involved in ensuring mine is ready right away?
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There is nothing you can do to 'ensure it is ready right away', it will be ready whenever it is ready. But yes most have received it the next day after their interview, I am in the same situation. Interview Wednesday, flying out Friday morning, all you can do is hope :)
 
BrisOC22 said:
There is nothing you can do to 'ensure it is ready right away', it will be ready whenever it is ready. But yes most have received it the next day after their interview, I am in the same situation. Interview Wednesday, flying out Friday morning, all you can do is hope :)
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Also how do they inform you, when your passport is ready to collect- can you get them to email you if you don't have a local number.
 
bCarlo said:
Hi there,

I have my interview appointment at Suva on 6th of July.

Upon checking Suva's website, I saw this step to "register for your appointment online"

Has anyone who's interviewed at Suva done this? View attachment 3609
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You just have to email the embassy a copy of your and your derivatives (if any) confirmation page. Thats what we were asked for upon calling the suva embassy when we received our 2nl.
 
Syd2022 said:
I recommend calling the ATO. It is the only way we got an answer. Although, one of the managers suggested that we could be creative to avoid that taxes. We are not interested in being creative in the slightest. We will wait until we have an unconditional signed sales contract before we leave. It's just not worth it - We don't want to get slugged with capital gains tax. We live in the country and have only had our property for 2 years so capital gains won't be as much as those that live in any of the capital cities and have owned their properties for a while.

I just thought i should let people know because we originally thought (through our accountant) that we would be Okay because its our principal place of residence, but this is not the case for Greencard Visas due to you becoming a LPR of the states as soon as your green card is activated.
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So tldr, sell aussie property before activating greencard to avoid crazy non-resident capital gains tax?
 
Just finished my interview...got approved! I'm stoked!

They told me they'd try to have my passport ready tomorrow, but can't guarantee it. Since I don't have a Fiji phone number, they said they'd email me once it's ready. I fly out on Friday morning so hoping it's ready by tomorrow.

For those of you who have interviewed today, what did they say about when your passport will be ready for collection?
 
Syd2022 said:
I recommend calling the ATO. It is the only way we got an answer. Although, one of the managers suggested that we could be creative to avoid that taxes. We are not interested in being creative in the slightest. We will wait until we have an unconditional signed sales contract before we leave. It's just not worth it - We don't want to get slugged with capital gains tax. We live in the country and have only had our property for 2 years so capital gains won't be as much as those that live in any of the capital cities and have owned their properties for a while.

I just thought i should let people know because we originally thought (through our accountant) that we would be Okay because its our principal place of residence, but this is not the case for Greencard Visas due to you becoming a LPR of the states as soon as your green card is activated.
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I would have thought you could have a green card & be a US LPR, but still reside in Australia (for a period at least). I don't know how the ATO could dictate your residential status just because you hold a green card. Might be worth chatting to one of the US / AU tax agents to clear it up.
 
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