Melyssa,

Did you have a Visa when you entered Australia or how were you able to enter? I had a DWI about 11 years ago. I was not sentenced to jail but a fine and probation. Didn't realize that this could prevent me from entering Australia. I am leaving in two weeks and applied for my Visa two days ago. I was asked if I had ever been convicted of a felony and I checked the no box because I wasn't. My friend who is going with me got her Visa in 24 hours so I assumed I would too. I had an issue with my passport because I lost my expired one, had to write away fro my original birth certificate because what I had didn't have the raised seal. The day my new passport arrived, I applied for my visa. Now I am literally feeling sick. I got the three weeks off from work, everything has been booked and everyone knows that I am leaving for Australia. I never told anyone about my DWI because I was so embarrassed about it and it was unbelievable that I found myself in that situation because I am not a rule breaker.

I haven't received an email with a denial but since my friend got hers right away and *I did't I started looking for things that could prevent a Visa and found this site. This is supposed to be my trip of a lifetime because all I do is work and go home. I am literally on the verge of tears here at work .so am wondering what I should do. Should I contact the law firm in Sydney that was mentioned, apply for the Visa 600? I am in the US and went through a travel site for the Visa, the same one that my friend used. Thanks to everyone for all of your helpful posts on this topic.