It's been a while since I posted in here. I haven't forgotten about this blog, I just haven't thought of anything interesting to write or post about!
I had a bit of a setback a few weeks ago when I turned up to the US consulate in Sydney and was told I couldn't go in without an appointment. It used to be that citizens didn't need one but now they do (since September 2007 apparently). So I had to be turned away. They gave me a little business card and told me to call this number to schedule an appointment.
I had to listen to 10 minutes of recordings only to be told to go to their website, or I could leave a message. Once I got to the part about leaving the message, I still had to listen to another 5 minutes of recorded messages. I was frustrated but persisted, but in the end noone called me back! Btw, the only time you can speak to a human operator is between 2-4pm Sydney time.
Anyway, I went to one of my favourite stores and a place where I knew had free internet, the Apple Store, on George St. I made an appointment for the soonest available date (20 August). However, then I later this was a bad move and it would not be wise to miss out my class that day, so I had to reschedule for another date, and now that date is in October. I looked and looked online and couldn't actually find out how to cancel my appointment(!!) so I just sent them an email and amazingly got a reply within a few minutes saying it had been cancelled for me. Since, there were obviously humans on the other side (LOL) I decided to shoot them another email asking them the correct procedure for doing all of this (just to double check) and this is what they had to say:
If you have neither applied for a Social Security Number (SSN) nor has anybody applied on your behalf in the past, you may submit your application in person at the Consulate. If you believe you may have been issued a number in the past, you may contact the Social Security Administration Regional Office (SSA) at the U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines (0011 632 525 6481, Manila Time is approx. two to three hours behind Sydney Time) and confirm your identity with them. If you are able to satisfactorily establish your identity, SSA will forward your SSN to the Consulate and you must then schedule an appointment and appear with current photo identification to receive your number. We will also assist you with applying for a replacement card.
If you are certain that you have never received an SSN, you may schedule your appointment as a Notary Service and appear at the Consulate to submit your application. You must present the following original documentation at the appointment:
· Birth certificate
· Current photo identification
· Evidence to support all name changes, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, certificates/court orders of name change (if applicable)
· Progressive evidence of physical presence outside the United States from the earliest date of departure to present. This evidence must be submitted by U.S.-born applicants who resided outside the U.S. for an extended period. Evidence may include but is not limited to school records/transcripts and dated school photographs, real estate lease agreements, vehicle registrations, utility bill/statements, etc.
Please also provide one clear photocopy of each original document. We will review the originals, retain the photocopies and return the originals to you. We will forward the application and your supporting documents to SSA, Manila for processing which can take three to six months. SSA will respond to the address you indicate on your application.
Regards,
American Citizen Services
U.S. Consulate General, Sydney
Since I already have all those documents and photocopies ready now all I have to do is wait for my date and turn up! Fingers crossed it's a speedy process towards the 3 month end and not 6 months!
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