The building was virtually empty when I arrived. I saw about 10 employees loitering out in front on a smoke break (they were still there four hours later when I left).
You cannot enter the building proper. There is a kiosk blocking the entrance, and an ignorant clerical staffer whose answer to every question is "Go on the web. Go on the web. Everything is on the web."
Well, everything is NOT on the web (that is why I was there in the first place).
But don't tell him that, because there is a big sign that tells you not to be rude to immigration employees or you will face dire consequences.
To reinforce the point, Immigration has stationed two security goons to stare malevolently at every visitor. I actually saw one confront a 2-year-old child who had wandered into his free fire zone. "Oye," he bellowed, "What do you think you are doing there."
The little child was too young to understand the threat, but his mother (a dark-skinned lady who was perhaps Indonesian or Filipino) was terrified.
But help was at hand. Right outside this circus act is the law office of Phillip Silver & Associates. There is a nice Singapore lawyer named Maureen who listened patiently to me for two hours. She is an NTU and Tasmania university graduate, and very competent.
She then passed me to senior partner Simar Hermis. He was very knowledgeable. I will be treating him to dinner this weekend ... I was THAT impressed with his work.
DON'T bother with Australian immigration. They just exist to harass you. Call Maureen at 0475307121. Or email her at visa@phillipsilver.com.au.
Tell her Steve Ryan said thanks. read more