Customs/Immigration

[gj83]

I'm sure I'm not the only one coming in from outside the country.

I keep debating what I should say to immigration when I get to OZ. If I go down the path of saying I'm going to a conference I am probably better off saying it's the atheist conference so they don't think i'm going to a work conference. I think it is good for atheism to not hide it, but after I've flown 9,000 miles I'd like to stay for a bit before returning home instead of being refused entry.

I like to be honest to immigration people because lies are easy to get caught up in and that almost happened to me in Canada one time.

Should I say "atheism conference" and help represent? Will they even care?
Am I better off just saying "holiday" and leaving it at that? I'll be there for a whole week starting on the 8th (which is also my birthday) so it's really a holiday timed to coincide with the conference, but the conference is the only plan I have so far.

It's like I'm back in Catholic school...a lie to protect someone isn't really a lie.

[Loki]

Don't lie, say it like it is. If its a holiday, say its a holiday. If they want more say your going to the conference. You are not doing anything wrong or anything which is not allowed in this country.

[Chrys Stevenson]

I can't imagine anyone at Customs will bat an eyelid if you say you're going to the Global Atheist Convention at the Melbourne Convention Centre. We have our share of religious nutters, but atheism is just not that big a deal in Australia.

I was in my local shopping mall recently and saw a guy wearing a t-shirt with the slogan: "I found Jesus - He was hiding behind the couch" with a photo of Jesus leaping up from behind the sofa. No-one (except me) was paying him the slightest bit of attention.

Relax.

[Logic]

You'll be fine gj83 - as Kristy said noone will bat an eyelid, just tell them the truth. They will probably just think - why the hell would a bunch of atheists want to get together? :p

[gj83]

My atheist friends back home all believe that in public we should always call the group what it is. We do charity work registered as the atheist group. we make restaurant reservations as the atheist group.

I know immigration can't turn me away for saying i'm an atheist, but last time I went I didn't know the address where i was staying so the people in Sydney weren't going to let me in. I will have my hotel confirmation with me this time I won't have that issue. Now I just need to make sure I don't have any fruit or pencils. :D

[Praxis]

Say it loud and proud, mate :)

I love that people are coming from so far away to attend!

[Sancho]

Would immigration seriously cause trouble in the US if a visitor said they were attending and athiesm convention? I find that hard to believe, even given the religiosity of the place.

[gj83]

Would immigration seriously cause trouble in the US if a visitor said they were attending and athiesm convention? I find that hard to believe, even given the religiosity of the place.
No, but technically they can send anyone to secondary questioning. Mostly they just care that you have an address and you don't claim to visit a friend. Telling US CBP that you're visiting a significant other is grounds for serious questioning (they assume that all foreigners are trying to immigrate and if you admit to dating someone in the US they become certain that you are trying to immigrate)...but our customs doesn't care about pencils.

If anyone comes to the US for any atheist conferences and CBP gives you any issue over it just remind them that it's religion that caused 9/11, not lack of it.

I figured since religion in Australia is fairly low it wouldn't be an issue, but I know you have a couple nutjobs in power too.

[davo]

gk83 .. you have applied for your visa yes?

[davo]

You can lodge your visa application here : http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa

Please make sure you are aware of the health and character requirements for travel to Australia before you lodge your visa application. We request event participants apply for their visa well in advance of their intended date of travel to Australia. The IECN recommends that applicants apply at least 6-8 weeks prior for paper based applications, and at least 2 weeks for electronic visa's.

Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders, who will normally be issued a visa on arrival in Australia unless there are character or health concerns). For more information, see the fact sheet: http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/17nz.htm).

There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. Tourist visas are appropriate for those simply attending the convention.

Please feel free to contact me for guidance on the visa options that may be most suitable for you as a participant.

I can also provide you with :
Business Visitor Visa Information as at July 09.pdf
Tourist Visa Information as at July 09.pdf
from the Department of Immigration.

Visa applicants must demonstrate that they meet all the legislative requirements for an Australian visa.

For background information in relation to: visas for people to come to Australia for a business-related visit, please see:

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/business-visit-visa-options.htm

Health and character requirements

All visa applicants will be required to meet certain character and health requirements as part of their visa application process. These requirements exist to uphold the safety and security of the Australian community. The following documents provide further information on these requirements.

Form 1163i.pdf
Australian Immigration Fact Sheet 79_ The Character Requirement.htm

And I can provide the files mentioned if you contact me via PM giving me permission to send this information by looking up your email on the site administration.

PM me with any questions.

[gj83]

gk83 .. you have applied for your visa yes?
Yes. USA participates in the ETA and I did the ETA for my boyfriend and me back in January.