Waiting for 10-year bar to expire

So I voluntarily left the U.S. in February 2010 when I was over 21 to study in Australia. It's been almost 2.5 years now, which means I have 7.5 years left before I can finally return home.

What do you think are some good ways to pass the time?

You're in Australia too?????????? where????????????!!!!!!! I'm in sydney right now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why would you want to come back. Australia is a good place.

It is a pretty sick continent-nation, but remember one does have family back home, and one does miss them. But otherwise it is a pretty wonderful nation, strange at first to acclimate too, but a pretty good nation nonetheless. But you cannot help missing America sometimes, it's only when abroad do you really see all a place's flaws and strengths at once with total objectivity.

I'm currently living in Melbourne with my partner who's an Australian citizen.

Family, friends, shopping. You tend to miss those things.


I was on Facebook the other day and was looking at photos of my sister on a Grand Circle tour. Now that I'm able to work legally and now having more money than I know what to do with, I feel a little bit sour sometimes looking at such photos, knowing that it won't be a while until I'm able to do those things. My partner is very, very understanding of my situation. Obviously Australian citizens can go to the U.s. anytime, but he's promised he won't go to the United States until I'm able to go back with him, haha. So until then, need some more ideas on what to do while we wait.

You know, you could try applying for a tourist visa and apply for a 212(d)(3) waiver, basically saying you don't intend to become an immigrant since you have strong ties in Australia now that you won't abandon. Of course, it could mean throwing away $100 or so, but it might be worth a shot. Worst case scenario, they say no. And you keep waiting anyway.

If you become an Australian Citizen then your problem would be solved.

Not so sure about that... I was under the impression that the VWP screens people for any inadmissibility grounds, including the 3/10-year bars.

^Yes they do. There is no way around it. The very earliest I can return to the U.S. is February 2020

But I must say 2.5 years went by pretty quick. Feels like it was just yesterday I was boarding a plane at LAX, and then seeing the California coastline for the last time, feeling blessed and cursed at the same time.

VWP does screen people and don't think the OP would qualify for VWP if they became an Australian citizen.When someone doesn't meet the VWP regulations they are required to go for a regular B2 visa and honestly it becomes even more difficult to gain if someone is excluded from VWP for some reason.

Edit:Well hopefully you're enjoying Australia and all it has to offer.Hope to visit there myself soon enough.