What I don't get is why they introduced the change "effective immediately". It shows a great lack of customer service and empathy to do that so suddenly, especially when they would be fully aware of the huge impact this has on people's lives. I mean let's face it, it's a huge decision to migrate to be with the one you love in the first place, plus it takes a lot of planning and money to do it. Also why introduce this so suddently when with other changes they have made they usually give a bit of notice and announce that on a certain date the changes will be implemented like with IMBRA. I just don't get it.

I am so sorry for all the couples who are suffering because of this. It's hard to watch it happen when we all know the pain of waiting and the frustrations already experienced with this process. It's almost like you are punished for wanting to migrate. I understand that with terrorism and violent crimes, etc, USCIS needs to be thorough but somehow the process makes you feel like you are not worthy and they are playing god. Anyway, that is my little vent.

Hoping and praying for speedy processing for everyone affected by this.
Lyndel

I'm glad you've got your chin up David -- I bet it's hard to stay positive right now, and you must miss your wife, but you don't want to go crazy either.

Lyndel, I'm certainly not sticking up for the government here, but the reason they implemented this without notice is that they were actually supposed to implement it from July 27 last year when the Walsh Act became law... So numerous people f*cked up big time by not realizing this sooner. It turns out it's been the law since that date that I-130s can only be approved when a background check is done on the US citizen, and consulates don't have the ability to do this. (And those of us who got our I-130s approved and visas in that period -- me included -- should just thank our lucky stars that they didn't know what they were doing). But I completely agree it's not fair, as USCIS really should know when new laws are passed and their implications -- not only is that their obligation as a government department, but they're screwing with people's lives. And there should have been notice about it at that stage, before last July when the law was actually passed. This points to the greater problem here, I think -- politicians just don't always think through all the implications of their actions when they change the law, particularly when it comes to immigration (as proved by IMBRA).

Lyndel & everyone, I encourage you to read the thread in the DCF Forum---well, the posts from today on anyway. As our lawyer friend points out, this is the law of unintended consequences. This fallout was likely never even considered. It's not a case of bad customer service--there was a specific grant from USCIS to the Consulates to do I-130s. Now, the Consualtes do not have the ability to correctly process I-130s.. they would simply be illegal (which is why the ones in the pipeline need to be reviewed/reapproved--so they are legal approvals).

Fight the urge to personalize the Agency with thoughts like 'they're playing god' or 'they're trying to discourage immigration'. The number of people affected by this change is small in the Large Scheme of things, which I realize does not make it easier if you're one of the few, but try to think of the benefits of this Act and the protections it offers children worldwide.

I also wish everyone a speedy resolution, and envy your adventure!

As mentioned, we filed the I-130 back in Sept 06 and it has yet to reach NOA2 -- does anyone know how we can look into that? I've tried calling the USCIS number but for whatever reason, when I try to press a number to reach a certain section they cannot read it.

Should my hubby contact his senator?

A part of me just wants to wait and see what happens and it seems like there is no definite process yet for those in limbo with DCF.

Mo, sometimes it just feels good to vent. Even if it is blaming the USCIS or Bush or whatever.

Unfortunately, I did already try the I-130 route and that didnt work and thought DCF would be able to help my hubby and I to be together. We have been apart since '01...I'm just ready to be with him and start a family.

Hi Elle,

Well I hope your process doesn't get slowed down by the changes. Good luck!

Lunamel and Meauxna, I was just venting. I am OK most of the time with the waiting and all the approvals to go through especially since security has become more important. I don't take it personally on the whole and I must admit I feel safer in the knowledge that everyone is checked out so thoroughly. It's just Governments regardless of country miss the point sometimes that migrating to another country takes a lot of planning, money and sacrifice and I feel for those who have booked non-refundable flights to get to their interviews, or have travelled a long way, etc. The lack of notice will definitely hurt them financially.

I totally understand the reason they introduced the new law and agree with it as it protects children. Its just the way USCIS does things sometimes is frustrating and to see what it does to people like David and his wife who were supposed to be interviewed next week upsets me.

We will all get through it though because the end goal of being with our loved ones far outweighs the trials of going through all the delays and paperwork.

Hang in there everyone!
Lyndel

Yes, everyone is starting to see why I got sooo upset... after finding out that this law had been written last year, they should have given notice that this is pending approval and that you are at RISK of applying I-130s, since they don't know when the law would immediately come to effect. I orginally was going to apply for my wife's petition here in the USA but found out about the DCF process and realized that in two months time, my wife can have her visa approved and be done with it, rather than waiting 6-8 months like others. Nowhere in the process do they state... "you are at risk of applying the I-130 overseas, as pending legislation may prevent a delay in the process..." A courtesy message of that sort probably would have changed a lot of people's plans. I probably would have decided, I can easily wait an extra 4 months, rather than have to deal with the BS now. When this law was implemented, and according to many Consulates overseas, it was as early as the 22nd of January. If Consulates can easily post a notice on their website when this was implemented and about the new changes to the process, then that means it wouild have been just as easy to place on there a message of any risks for applying for the I-130 due to pending legislations. That easy.

So, if anybody else is upset about the people who have control of the process, then I understand.

Hi everyone

I was away for a while with computer problems and... what a shocking news I returned to!!!

My heart goes out to the few of you caught up in the middle of these changes. I pray the delays are shorter than expected and you are all back on track with your applications very, very soon!

Great to see positive attitude though! Don't give up! And it's great to know that there is a safe place to come in and vent our frustrations whenever we need!

xoxo
vik

Hi Ausqueen,

I have lost track...are you still waiting for packet 3 or do you have an interview date yet? Mine is next Friday...I'm starting to get nervous now!

Hi Guys n Gals,

Chris: Thank you, the day was lovely, we are madly in love and it is just so good to be together at last. I will post the pics as soon as we get them back. Joshua doesn't start school here till end of February but he already has a job on the end of our street (fingers crossed they're not messing him around) so that extra cash should help us out with this process.

Thanks Meauxna, David and everyone involved for the information given. Is so nice to know what is going on, finally.

We are just about to begin which I believes begins with filing the I-130 overseas; will send it priority mail so fingers crossed it won't take too long. We will continue with the rest of it while we're waiting; the police checks/medical. and will keep you posted on the progress.

Hugs to those who are still waiting to be reunited..

Hey Everyone,

I just want to know if you were this nervous before your interview?? It is only Monday and I have to wait until Friday but everytime I think about the interview I get butterflies in my tummy. It didn't help last night with some people partying until 3am in our street. Anyway, trying to keep busy and double checking every little thing in my pack to take with me to Sydney. I am going up Thursday morning so am just going to hang around the city and try and have a relaxing day beforehand. Can't wait until this week is over!

Poin J, I hope you have a speedy process. Good luck!

Goodluck! My wife left for Sydney this afternoon. She's still attending her final interview tomorrow. Hopefully the Consulate will have some knowledge on what will happen to my I-130. I hope it goes very quickly. If not, my wife will be coming to the US to wait out the process, or up until her 90 days is up... whichever comes first.

Goodluck again.

You should be fine.

Hi David,

Good luck to you and your wife for tomorrow too. I hope it all goes well and she is able to get some of the paperwork processed whilst she is there. Please drop in and let us know how she goes. I will keep her in my thoughts tomorrow.

Fingers crossed for you both!

To David and Wife (Stephanie)

Good Luck to the both of you, and your interview in Sydney.
I hope that Sydney will give both you and Stephanie,
some good news in regards your I-130.

Keep us in the know after your wife gets through the interview.

Again Best of luck and best wishes to you both.

Cheers

Paul and Cheryl (NorthernGirl)

I wasn't even the Aussie and I was so nervous. I went with Stewart to the interview and we were BOTH just soo nervous. Even though we'd been told 100 times how easy it was, and how fine we'd be...we were still so nervous!

Everything worked out.

David, you and your wife are in my thoughts!

hi everyone

although i havent been posting i have been reading all your posts

good luck to those going for interviews...

david i hope all works out in your favour and you at least find out more about your petition heavens knows you deserve a great outcome..and if you dont at least you will have your wife with you until you hear something more positive for you two...

girlfromoz....we were nervous at all...to us it was such a waste of time and money with us being in melbourne...wasted a week of packing and saying goodbye to everyone in oz..there is nothing to be nervous about as long as you have everything in the correct order...the only thing i did wrong was not bring my british passport along with me i only took my australian but we still got approved...enjoy the day and the new mate...you probably even meet someone less knowledgeable than you and be able to help someone...take it easy mate and think of that plane you will be getting on....good luck

on an other note we got our first bit of snow...2 inches lol...had a lovely day yesterday walking in the park here...its our first decent snowfall for 13 months...

once again good luck to all who has been caught up in this new act that has come about and speedy approvals to all..
take care
kath

Thanks Girlfrmoz and goodluck with your interview. Is natural to be so nervous; everything that means something to you rests on that outcome but as long as you've done all you can do, that's all you can do so just relax and try to enjoy the process.

Goodluck also to you David and Stephanie.

Cheers,

Priscilla

Wife had her final interview today at the Sydney Consulate. They took Packet 4 from her including my affidavit of support, which totally met the poverty level. They told her that everything is fine and that my I-130 was pending approval and that it would be sent to Bangkok for final adjudication. After she submitted everything, Rose gave all her forms to the interviewer and my wife was asked a few questions. He tried to throw her off by mixing up the answers to her forms. I guess he wanted to be sure that my wife was telling the truth. After that, he said everything was ok and made my wife sign some form. My wife then asked if he was going to have a look at all the evidence of relationship like emails, letters, photos, etc. He said that he didn't need to do that since he already saw it when I filed my I-130 back in November. My wife then asked him what would happen to my I-130 and he said that it would now be forwarded to Bangkok for final approval. He said that he couldn't tell us when it would be completed, he just kept saying to check the Australia Consulate website for updates.

So, if it weren't for this law that was passed last year but not told until last week... we would have been done and my wife would have recieved her green-card within a couple weeks.

Oh well

Lyndel,

Don't worry about your interview, you will do just fine. The guy will ask you simple questions and may not even ask for evidence of relationship. But, be sure you bring plenty of evidence anyway, you can never be too sure.

Be sure you have everything in order, from the list that they gave you. Rose will ask you for them one at a time. The organized you are, the faster you'll get through it.

BTW... my wife woke up a bit late... she forgot to reset her phone to Sydney time so she woke up 30 minutes late. She made it on time, except that she didn't make the first lift, so everyone made it up ahead of her.

We weren't in no rush anyway, where was she going to go... my I-130 isn't approved yet.

Goodluck! And if you need anything just let me know.

David: Oh I hear your pain/frustration... at least you have some comfort knowing you're almost there and this is at least just procdural B.S.

Thanks for sharing is good to know that they let you in on povety level as Joshua is studying so we definitly won't be above that. We were thinking of the parental support to support that...any other ideas?

Cheers,

Priscilla

If you don't believe he would make the poverty guidelines you do have the option of using his parents to sponsor. The directions are on the affidavit of support, I don't see why that would be a problem, as long as his parents are ok with it. Anybody else have any suggestions?

Hello all

As you all can see me and my sweetie started our K-1 in November. I have known him since around August 2004 we met via the musician Prince on his fan site. When I would first see his posts I thought he was a butthole. But then we became friends and much more. We got to physically meet eachother in Melbourne in May 2006. I have missed him terribly ever since. I am really hoping to hear good news by the end of Feburary or early March. I filed my paperwork before reviewing this site so I hope that we don't get any RFE's or any other snap poos! We are just so ready to start our lives together and we are just in limbo now. He calls me every day The sucess stories that read on here helps me get through the days of being away from him. It helps me to see that their is light at the end of the tunnel!

Hi David and Stephanie,

So glad the interview went well. It's such a shame that the legislation has changed. I hope the
I-130 gets processed quickly for you! Keep us posted. Oh and thank you for the information on the interview too. I will pop in here after my interview and do a review as well.

Thank you to everyone for your support during this nerve wracking week. We've all got to stay tough cause the end goal is so worth it!

Hey Priscilla, Do you have any assets car, household goods, etc? That would help but it sounds like parents are your best option.

Hi Moonie, I know how you feel but hang in there. I know it's tough but keep coming in here, we will talk to you when you are feeling down PLUS you have a lot of reading to do for the next part of your fiance adventure!!!

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Poi_n_J!

Well done for the interview Steph and David!

Jelaous of your snow, "Cool Kath" :-) It was a scorcher today in Sydney!

Mooney... welcome to the best thread on VJ!

Girlfrmoz... GOOD LUCK on Friday. I wish it was my day off, I would come as a moral support But I will be thinking of you and wishing you well.

Funny you should ask about my interview :-) Stupid consulate sent my packet 3 to Aaron in SF!!!! He had to Fedex it to me. Then yesterday they "attempted delivery" while I was at work, of course, and didnt' think of calling my mobile 10 minutes before arriving. I could have come home from work (I live 10 minutes away). Well, I spent my lunch hour today picking it up from Fedex office and will mail it tomorrow. Then my wait for interview starts.

Everyone else... xoxoxo from Parramatta!
I went on VJ candle page and lit a few for all of us

Hey Moonie and welcome

Everyone here is really friendly and helpfull if you need to know anything just ask or if you need a bit of support we are all here. We have all been where you are now
good luck in your process


angela

[font="Arial Black"][/font][color="#800080"][/color]hi ya all

auqueen good to see ya ...yeah the snow if lovely we got 4 inches of it on our balcony lol will see if i can post some pics for ya hopefully they turn out ok...

hope everyone else is copeing ok with all these changes my thoughts are with you all...
take care
kath

hi moonie

welcome to the aussie thread...hope you can get heaps of info out of this thread...its very informative..dont be scared to post any questions we are all here to lend a hand in any way we can..

many of us are already over here but we do have quite a few going through the process also..

im a melbourne lass also..lived in melton ... and am now living in toledo ohio ....which side are you on and where in the states you heading

hope your journey is without any hiccups as mine was and i do hope its fast enough for you too...
take care and welcome
kath

Hi All,

Well I am heading off to Sydney tomorrow morning so that I am up there and ready for the horribly early start for the interview on Friday morning. Will pop in Friday night when I get home with an update and hopefully an approval. Fingers crossed!

Welcome Moonie

Goodluck Girlfroz... !!!

Thanks Priscilla, elephants are stomping in my belly instead of butterflies!

Cheers
Lyndel

hi Lyndel
good luck ...you will be fine im just know it.....dont forget to take something to munch on and a mag mate...enjoy the view...dont forget to be last in the elevator too

will be thinking of you all day thursday and keeping my fingers crossed for ya

take care stay safe on your travels
kath

Thanks Kath for your kind thoughts!

I will remember munchies, mags and last in the elevator!

PS. sent you a PM

Cheers
Lyndel

Hey Lyndel,

Good Luck with your Interview in Sydney

Munchies list..
1) Tim Tam Balls yummo
2) Choc Fudge Brownies..
3) Basically anything Chocolate

Drink List...

1) Mineral Water... won't make you thirsty
2) Soda Water... as above...

Magazine List..

Winter wear... LL Bean
Winter wear... Eddie Bauer

Cheers
Paul








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Hi everyone,

WOWWWWWWWWW! I've finally caught up with all the news on here after being away for a month. David I can only imagine how you are feeling........what a lousy thing to happen. I was stunned. Keep your spirits up as hard as it must be and things can only get better. Goodluck with everything.

Lyndel,
All the best with your interview but you will be fine. It is the most amazing feeling when you get through the interview and out of the building and all those butterflies (or elephants will be gone)!

Hi Kath, Sorry to see the test didn't go so well and that you have been sick. I had a wonderful time with my sons while they were here but buckets of tears when they went. I have been here a year on the 3rd Feb and think it's nearly time for a visit back to Adelaide to see the rest of my family and friends. Lotsa snow here too and temps as low as -20C......mind you we are about 2 feet short of snow this year which is a good thing........shovelling the driveway in those temps is no fun.

Hope everyone else is doing well in their journeys & welcome to all the newcomers.

Bye for now, Susan

hey there susan

good to see you was thinking of how your sons visit went the other day...was cleaning out my inbox and found your email....glad ya had a fantastic visit mate...how did the boys like it here...??? i can well imagine the buckets overflowing too ...wow you been here a year..did you reflect gal...

im over the test thing robbie told me chrysler cancelled the hiring in the middle of it and it was too late to cancel the testing ..wish we could sue um lol....

robbie has next week off so were going to be doing the rounds of putting my resume in to heaps of places..applied to alot online but not heard anything back as yet...but life is good with robbie and im grateful for that...

talk to you soon mate
kath

Thank you all for your welcome Today has been a hard day. I get so tired of coming home to an empty house and getting into an empty bed. I miss him lots and lots. Right now we just play the waiting game. My goodness time goes by slowly... I am sure after we hopefully get our NOA2 I will have lots of questions then! The affidavit of support scares me because out of all my working years 2006 was the worst year financially for me lost my job got a straight comission job didn't do to good. I do own a house I hope that would help. I really do not want to ask my mom to co-sponsor!

I am the American he is the Australian And trust he reminds me all the time by slamming us. ::rolling eyes:: lol

Make sure your taxes are up to date. If you own a house, what's it worth, equity, etc? (you don't have to tell me, it's just something to keep in mind), and do you have a job right now...

If you don't want to use your parents to co-sponsor, just be sure you meet the poverty guidelines.

Here is link to the 2007 poverty guidelines http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/07fedreg

David: Hope it goes quickly. Glad she went anyway.

GirlfromOz: GOOD LUCK! Let us know how it went ASAP!

Kath: LOVE the photos!! You look right at home in the snow!

Moonie: Welcome! So glad you popped in! Where in the States are you? I was in Florida when Stewart was in Melbourne so I know the long distance thing stinks but TRUST ME it is SOOO worth it in the end!

Keep posting guys!

Caroline

Oh and Pricsella - WHERE Are the wedding pics? I realized that when we were there in December we passed the registry and saw that the foutain and garden area was under constrcution. Were you able to get your photos there?

Hi All -

A few of you have suggested I check out this forum - Thanks!! I've read through and am relieve to find so much information about the situation my fiance and I are in now. I haven't found a situation quite like ours, so I thought I would spell it out and see if anyone has any advice.

My fiance Katie and I met about 2 years ago when she was living in the States and working at the same resort as myself. We dated for about a year, then her J1 ran out and she had to leave. She got a job in Canada so we could be closer together. We got engaged about a month ago and are exploring our options.

We'd like to get married in late June so her family can come over during Uni holidays. She has a visa in Canada until August. We have explored the K1 option, though it looks like it is improbable that she would have a visa in less than 5 months. We've had one lawyer tell us there is no way, and another tell us it could happen, though they can guarantee it. As for a K3/CR1 - we don't really want to be split up after the wedding (as I'm sure no one does). She can be in the country for 90 days on the Tourist VWP - we thought that if she comes in a month or so before the wedding and we file immediatley afterwards we'll have at least the first 2 months together, by which time hopefully things will be progressing and she will have to go for an interview anyway. I've also read that coming in on the Tourist VWP is illegal if you intend to change status while in the country.

Sorry to write a novel - but this situation seems pretty complicated and we've had lawyers tell us that we can and can't do pretty much any option we can think of. I'm just starting to get discouraged and confused by all this.

Has anyone been in a similar situation, or know of one?

Thanks so much in advance for your advice!

Dan and Katie

Welcome Dan and Katie! I met my husband while he was on a J1 also Are you planning on using a lawyer? Look around this site and read all the guides before you decide to spend all that money!

I worked all last year just did not make any money. LOL I think I might be ok for meeting it just all depends waiting for all my documents to come in. And I am working now and what I get now meets the lines, But I suppose once I file I will have a better idea.

Yes it is horrible! I miss him terribly We all just think about how we should have started this process sooner! I am the lonestar state Texas. Where we have been having an unusually cold and rainy winter.

Hey All.......I'M BACK!

Visa is approved and Jake and I are really excited and happy about being together again for good! Where to start......what a day!

Thank you to all of you for all your kind thoughts and words of support. It truelly made it much easier knowing I had all you terrific aussie folk in here supporting me.

Kath, the photos helped so much. I went for a practice run on Thursday and because I had your pics it was easy to know where to go, so thanks a mil.

Hamster thank you for encouraging me to eat choccies but I didn't get a chance to....it went so fast I was out by about 9.30am. Plus the Wiggles were up there getting their Visas for their next tour so I had entertainment!! Was very cool....sleepy Geoff looks older in person! and it made me laugh so hard when the US Consulate guy called up Captain Feathersword! Was hilarious! You guys would have loved it!

I took a bottle of water with me and at security on the 59th floor they made me drink some of it in front of them before they would let me take it in. Talk about thorough.

The lady who served me said "I just want to commend you on a excellent application" which was a relief as Jake had accidently stood on his employment letter before he sent it and it had a big muddy footprint so I told her and apologised and she just laughed and said she gets much worse than that. Plus, he had used whiteout on the I-134 which is a no-no so I was worried that it would get knocked back. I was also dissappointed that they didn't want to see my beautiful evidence folder , I even asked them "Don't you want to see my evidence?" He said no there was enough evidence from the original petition. It took me hours to put that thing together!!!

Well that's enough rambling from me. Good luck to everyone who's next. It was definitely easier than I thought, and thanks again to all you wonderful people. Will put up a proper embassy review in the next couple of days.

Huggers
Lyndel

Congratulations... I'm really happy for you but more depressed because we would have been done too.

Hi David,

I thought of you and your wife when I was there. So dissappointing what has happened to you. I hope and pray that your process goes fast and you get approved quickly.

Hang in there
Lyndel