The One With The Ten Years Visa
Do you believe in dreams?
Ever since my mom moved to the States, and after watching endless reruns of FRIENDS, I had always wanted to go to the New York City. But the fear of the visa application process, of being rejected, of being blacklisted, had always put me off.
Until this year.
An opportunity came along at work to visit our US rep office, also located at the Big Apple. So I took a deep breath and plunge myself into the deep (but effective) bureaucracy of the United States General Consulate.
It wasn’t smooth flowing unlike the majority of people. After rounds of preparing the necessary documents for the application, I waited for some time at the embassy for the biometric printing and interview… only to be told that they needed more time to review my application. The yellow letter they gave me was ominous looking enough… it listed a multitude of (implied) reasons on why my visa might not be approved.
That, plus a warning that travel arrangement should not be confirmed at that time. By then it was too late; I had already bought my plane tickets.
So I prayed. And waited. For that faithful phone call. And that package delivery.
The whole process made me anxious beyond belief. So much so that I even dreamed of the entire process. In my dream, my visa was approved with a ten years validity. I awoke from that dream with sweat on my forehead and my heart racing.
Don’t be silly, I told myself. You will be lucky to be granted a visa for that ten-days visit, never mind a ten year period.
It came today. My passport. With the much-prized visa.
Yes, you saw that right. It was a visa valid for the next ten years. For the next 120 months, I am free to go to the States anytime I want, be it for leisure or business.
I was elated beyond measure. New York City, my mom, my fantasy… here I come.
The name is Razlan. ("Are you a Malay?") Nope, I am part Kadazan and part Chinese. You can call me Raz, or Russ if you fancy. Never call me Lan, or I’ll punch you. A Malaysian now in his thirties, I have studied and worked in Singapore for ten years and now living in Hong Kong since mid-2009. Generally addicted to good books, great holidays and awesome blogs. And I love my IXUS. I bring her everywhere I go.
