No worries Em....ooh I missed that, you had your third bubs...congratulations...!!!

Mornin Kath..

yes my 3rd bubs and FINAL bubs lol. If i have anymore i'll end up more .

We had a baby boy, so we are complete. We have 2 girls aged 5yrs 2yrs an bubs who is 1 week old.

Looks like everyones got some visa under way, hubby and i are trying too lol... I have done alot of the paperwork so thats good.

Kath/Rob- thanks for the PM will PM you back, we had our 3rd bubs a week ago so it's hectic around here, plus with no sleep and this visa stuff my brain is fried lol.

ya missed it huh pris lol


afternoon pris and vylex ...

whoo hoo...a boy what did you name him and how heavy...and ya gotta post a pic for us mate...lol
kath

Oh a boy!! You poor thing..... Nah, congrats again, sounds like you got ur hands full..in a good way, enjoy..

I did I did Kath....ah, thanks for pointing that out again....

HIYA KATH

CR1 VISA AS WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED UNDER 2 YEARS.
(WE GOT MARRIED HERE IN ADELAIDE DOWN GLENELG BY THE BEACH 13TH MAY 2006)
ONLY ONE VISA APPOINTMENT NEEDED.
THEY EITHER STAMP MY PASSPORT,
AND GIVE ME THE MYSTERIOUS BROWN ENVELOPE ON THE DAY,BEING A FRIDAY,
THEY MIGHT JUST SEND IT TO ME IN THE MAIL
OR THEY WILL POST IT OUT TO ME IN MY PREPAID ,
PRE ADDRESSED 3KG AUSTRALIA POST EXPRESS SATCHEL.

HAD NATIONAL POLICE CLEARANCE CHECK WITH FINGERPRINTS AND PALM PRINTS,
DONE IN DECEMBER 2006 (GOOD FOR 12 MONTHS).
HAD A PHYSICAL WITH MY LOCAL GP AND I ASKED HIM THURSDAY(8TH MARCH 2007)
TO TAKE BLOOD AND AS EXTRA VIAL TO TEST FOR IMMUNIZATIONS I MIGHT NEED.
AS WELL AS HIV AND SYPHILLIS.
I GET THE RESULTS BACK ON 16TH MARCH FRIDAY AND,

GOT MY XRAY'S & MEDICAL BOOKED FOR MONDAY 19TH MARCH 2007..
THEN MY VISA INTERVIEW APOINTMENT ON
FRIDAY 13TH APRIL..2007 AT 10.00AM.
ANYONE ELSE GOT A APPOINTMENT IN SYDNEY THAT DAY?


IF SO "LETS DO LUNCH" LOL

CHEERS

PAUL

whoo hooo hamster..thats way cool..

being it on a friday you can either get it mailed or go back on monday like we did to pick up the brown envelope an my passport...

dont forget to ask for copies of your medical and blood tests results...and if your doctor has any other blood tests results like cholestrol done get a copy of that too...

i went to a doc here cos ya gotta go in and register with one in toledo... and i ended up getting conned into having a complete blood tests on me...they call it preventative medicine.. ..and a mamagram anything to get money...

so if you have any test results get um off ya doc to show the new doc in the states to save some money...

I RECKON YA ALL SET MATE!!!!!!

good luck paul...keep us updated

kath

Nevermind I found it!

I am sorry I havent been around. Times have been tough. I hope that everyone is doing well and that you are all moving fairly quickly!

I hope that things get better

Heh, afternoon or shall I say good evening Kath and company.

I can't believe it the first week of March has already passed. Just another month and a half before I fly back to be with the wifey. Thank God for Skype Video but we sure suck up the Bigpond bandwidth too quickly! I had to upgrade our account so we could speed things up a bit on her end. Too bad they drop the speed to 64kb after using up 12GB of data usage. Why does Australia still do that? It's such a weird system. I wonder how long before I finally get a touch (or even better an NOA2) email.

good morning vylex

have you put your receipt number in on the uscis website....

moonie glad you found it...

rings hope things get better for you soon ..

take care
kath

Hi All, how is everyone... wow so much is happening at the moment!

Congratulations on your up and coming interview Hammy! You must be tickled pink, how exciting!

Oh and goodluck to Vik and NYCangel for interviews on Monday. I will be crossing fingers, toes, knees, etc for you! We will want updates straight after OK!

Now who was it that posted the flight booking links was that you Kath? yeah I'm sure it was you oh and Vik too. Thank you so much you two for posting links definitely saved me some money! I ended up booking my internal US flights with orbitz.com...

Serendip, you wanted flight costs...I can only do the international one in aussie dollars but easy to convert. I am flying sydney/bangkok/Newyork JFK, so that JFK is my POE and I can get the temp EAD stamp...cost was $1400 AUD approximately including tax. It was really hard to get a flight with JFK as the POE. Then I am flying JFK/Houston/Colorado Springs and that is costing about $183 USD including tax. Hope that helps.

40 sleeps to go!!! I have given up choccy (ok, ok I'm lying! ) and have now started on those little packets of french fry type chippies...grrr to comfort eating!!!

aww thanks guys, I just read through the last few pages of this thread, lots of info!!

Goodluck guys/girls who are about to go to interviews! And for the ones about to leave, enjoy the memories of australia cause you'll start a whole new chapter soon with the one you've been waiting for hehe.

Yay, to my application being in transit to Sydney!!

Hi All,

I apologize for asking so many questions...but I guess that's what this forum is for....I am kind of confused right now. I just received all the forms from the Sydney consulate..and it says we need to fill 2 copies of DS-156 (Non Immigrant Visa Application) online, but then it talks about the DS-156K form.. (Non Immigrant Fiancee Visa Application). Now, I know this sounds silly..but I am a tad confused..I began filling out the DS-156 form online, but then in the middle there are quite a few questions that threw me off...ie: spouse's name..what date do you intend to arrive in the U,S, How long do you intend to stay in the U.S, What's the purpose of your trip etc...so now I'm thinking that this form doesn't apply to us...as we're applying for a K1...Which means we just need to fill out the DS-156K? Is this correct? Sorry for asking what may seem to be a fairly obvious question...but very tired right now, and just needed some clarification! Thanks All and good luck!

Hey, Tam
looks like everyone's gone to sleep! Before I do the same, just quickly: I have my forms ready for Monday and this is what I think - you fill in DS 156 online and print 2 copies. You sign both copies. DS 156K - fill it in and do NOT sign. They want you to sign it at the interview.

Qs 17,18 & 19 are about your former spouse if you had one. Or current if you have one now but then it will tell you you are not elligible for K-1! You might want to put "none" in 18 if that's the case.
Q 22 - just put the date if known or estimated date.
Q 26 & 27 - I said "Permanent" and "To marry" but with both added "pending approval of fiance visa"

When you click to submit - it will send you back if some answers are not ok. E.g. - for some answers it doesn't take "n/a" but wants "none".

Hope this helps. Others will correct me if needed! Or Lyndel was the last one to do interview - she probably remembers details.

Anyway, gotta go now. Will check in tomorrow. I just finished 3 looong days at work. Off tomorrow and Sunday... I guess I will go over my interview packet zillion times and will be hanging around here... to calm my nerves

xoxo
vik

PS:
To those who made me laugh comparing their page numbers
I'm writing this on page... 38... yes! Who else is on the same page?

My controls, board settings, view number of posts per page and... click what you want.
I have max posts per page - 40

You are such a lovely bunch of people!
Blessings to all.

Back tomorrow.

Tamzo.

Have you read the guides for the K-1 visa yet? They are VERY helpful and might answer some of your questions. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides Try that

MELLIE. I know you don't check in here but I did pop your cherry ripes in the mail yesterday! So that's something to look forward to.

All....wow sorry I haven't been posting much. I've been so busy around here. We are getting ready to leave for the Cricket...although I must say I'm quite bummed...Symonds hurt himself and won't be playing...neither will Brett Lee Two of my favorites actually.

Congrats on the interview date Paul! That's very exciting!

and YAY for upcoming reunions!!!


Kath - sorry i haven't written you back...just nuts around here but all is well. Stewart's great and he is also really excited for the cricket!

Me Excited Caroline

YEPPERS DAMN STRAIGHT I'M EXCITED..
NOT TO SHABBY A TIMELINE EITHER.. SENT FROM NVC 20TH FEBRUARY 2007,
SYDNEY CONSULATE SIGNED FOR IT ON THE 27TH FEBRUARY 2007,
I GET THE INTERVIEW FOLDER / ENVELOPE ON THE 8TH MARCH 2007..
COINCEDENTLY THE SAME DAY I HAD BLOOD TAKEN FOR MY VACCINATION CHECK,
AS WELL AS HIV AND SYPHILLIS AND BLOOD GROUP,
DONE BY MY LOCAL GP.
I HAVE MY XRAY'S AND MEDICAL BOOKED FOR MONDAY 19TH MARCH WITH,
DR DAVID MILLER HERE IN NORTH ADELAIDE.
THEN GOT MY INTERVIEW THE FRIDAY AFTER EASTER ( FRIDAY THE 13TH APRIL )

AND HOPING TO FLY OUT TO BE WITH MY LOVELY WIFEE CHERYL IN,
MASSACHUSETTS PROLLY ON THE 24TH APRIL 2007.

SO ANYONE OUT THERE WANT TO BY A XF FORD WITH COMPLETE NEW FRONT END,
INCLUDING FULL BULLBAR WITH SPOTLIGHTS AND 3 MONTHS REGO CONTACT ME
LOL

TO ALL GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR OWN VISA'S AND AOS.

NICE DAY HEREIN ADELAIDE TODAY SUN WAS SHINING ABOUT 34 C = 94 F.
NICE BREEZE OF THE OCEAN.
NEXT WEEK OR SO GOING TO BE IN THE MID 30'S /90'S HERE.

OK WELL ENOUGH WAFFLING FROM ME ,
ANYONE IN SYDNEY WANNA CATCH UP FOR A COFFEE ON THE 13TH APRIL LOL.

CHEERS

PAUL

P.S MIGHT HAVE SOME NICE CHOCOLATE HERSHEY KISSES AND SOME
PEEPS THE WIFEE BROUGHT OVER FOR ME

AND I DON'T SHARE EITHER MINE MINE MINE MINE!!!

Sorry I've been absent a couple weeks! I just got hired for a substitute job last week and have been busy with that and my other jobs!

I recieved my packet on... the 1st, I think. I'd dated the check wrong, oops But I sent it off that same day and the check was cashed on the 6th! Things are moving forward and he'll be here for a visit 3 weeks from yesterday.

Hi Kath,

Yep, I put the receipt number on the website. I even got the new account confirmation email. Now comes the waiting game. I guess I can start assembling the Affidavit of Support material now.

Hampster,

Congratst again! Whereabouts in Mass will you be moving to? I spent 6+ years in Mass and I usually frequent the New England area since my family lives up there.

afternoon all

lyndal glad they could help..with visiting 4 times i got used to searchin and orbitz was always a good one for us for u.s. domestic flights... not long now for your reunion mate...

hi ya tamzo22
if you also go to the example forms they might help too

Example Forms

(scrolls down to see who is next in line)
hi ya ausqueen
well thats what were here for a giggle as well as learning lol cant help the aussie humour slipping out ...and ya right i changed my maximum post on a page an im at page 38 lol i had forgotten that was there...and good onya for helping tamzo22

Caroline you in oz again? or is the cricket over here....shame about the ones that got injured especially if they are ya fav's...glad to hear Stewart is doing well was wondering if all was well..

watches Hampster do the and singing I'm so EXCITED and i just can't hide i!!!!!

Valky whoo hooo on the man visiting...my hubby use to countdown from the day we organised a date lol every night he use to remind me lol...good to hear the cheque was cashed ya well on ya way now mate..good luck to ya .. enjoy the visit..take plenty of pics together.....

hi ya vylex... yep well on ya way to play the waiting game that so many of us have done...be warned it does get addictive lol

i was helping an aussie yesterday in msn that is in Philly he didnt know he could check his status online so we set up his account.. he was so rapt that now he can check it his AOS .and he too is going back to oz for holidays....so many people i know getting on a plane to either visit here or go home for hols...arrrh well another year an i will be too...lol

Just remembered something that might be interesting to ya all...

I suffer from sinuses here occassionally...so i wenet to get something cos everything i brought over i had used up...
I dont know what they put in them here but they sent me ..took one before bed my arms were jittery flying out straight for no reason..robbie was soring one night an i just usually nudge him...my arms flew out and shook him ..scared the (well u know) out of him....if i take anything during the day it puts me to sleep...it also happens if i take a sleeping tablet called sleep easy... and advil pm (which is a pain killer that helps you sleep well not for me it dont) does it to me too ..
any suggestions from the americans in here to what could be safe for me lol the drugs are too strong for me here..lol..

so for the aussies if there is anything that you take for colds ... sinses...allergies...headaches...guys and gals bring as much over in ya luggage as possible..put it in ya sox put it in ya carry on...put it in ya toilet bag in ya luggage...i might be a rare case...ohh and the frosting (icing) on the cakes here send me hyper..the things ya learn huh..robbie was so surprised that after a piece of cake i was talkative giggling and just restless when i went to bed...

so there ya go something to think on when coming here....
ok enough from me ...seeya's

take care you lot
kath

how's this i find this post somewhere else..every funny ...straight after i posted above about the drugs

Drugs

good clip
kath

Hey everyone--glad to read all your good news!

Kath--I have the same problem with most decongestants here. I can only take a half dose of Sudafed (psuedophedrine) or my heart races 100mph. However, that is usually enough to dry up my drips.
In the spring, I take the generic form of Claritin (get it at Costco for very cheap when you know you like it) to get me through pollen season. Prescription allergy drugs are usually quite expensive (with no insurance, my Flonase would cost me $85 per month if I chose to take it).
You might try googling the drug from whatever you like from home and see what it is called here.

For the sleeping, I generally like a good, but cheap red wine--couple of glasses ought to settle you down at night!

Hehe, my favorite is Yellow Tail. I even loved it before meeting the wifey LOL.

Okay, you seriously got your interview date like a week after it arrived at the Sydney Consulate?!
I thought they send out packet 3 first, you complete that and send packet 3 to the consulate and then they send you packet 4 with the interview stuff with a date?
Or is it different for the Aussies?

Do you really get your interview date as soon as they process the application?

Okay, I know my fiance has to fill out a DS-156 and a DS-156K form. I've looked online and i see the DS-156 form, but where does he get the DS-156K form? Does that come in the package? And he is not suppose to sign that until he's at the interview correct?

Thanks everyone for the well wishes! Ausqueen, gonna send you a PM It's not me, but my fiance who will be interviewing on Monday morning. He flys out for Sydney Sunday to make sure he's there bright and early for his 8am appointment. We are as ready as we'll ever be for the interview. I'm so going to be waiting by the phone for his call my Sunday night.
I'm so excited and nervous at the same time I cannot wait to be in his arms again

Are you going to the interview with him?

I don't know if i can make it to my fiance's interview in sydney either =/

Well I finally got the hardcopy of our NOA2 today It says wait 4 weeks to see if it has been sent to the consulate. I wonder if I should just wait till he gets his packet and see what documentation is required by Sydney before sending him stuff. I miss him terribly I hope we will have enough proof of a continuation of a relationship mainly we just have cell phone bills. Which for sure hurts my bank account.

serendipitous..

We got Married here in Oztralia 13th May 2006.
we startd the CR1 VISA process in june last year after Cheryl - wifee,
went back to he states.

It's different yes becaue you are going through the K1 process.
But let me tell ya it had been 9 months till my lovely wifee Cheryl,
Came back for a Holiday and get ta know me visit lol.
here is some information on our CR1

Immigration Status: CR-1/IR-1Place benefits filed at: Vermont Service CenterLocal Office: Boston, MACountry of non-US Fiance / Spouse / Family Member: Australia

05-13-2006 Marriage

I-130 Process
06-14-2006 mailed to VSC
06-16-2006 Received by Service Center
06-20-2006 NOA1
06-24-2006 Touched (on a Saturday?)

07-18-2006 Notice of transfer of petition from Vermont to California.
07-20-2006 Touched - Prolly a kiss goodbye from Vermont.
07-25-2006 Receipt Notice from CSC via email.
07-26-2006 Touched
07-27-2006 Touched
07-28-2006 Touched

08-21-2006 *APPROVED*

09-05-2006 Petition received by NVC
09-18-2006 I-864 (Affidavit of Support) bill is generated; postmarked 9/22, arrives on 9/26
09-24-2006 Submitted Choice of Agent via email; Acknowledged by NVC on 09/26
09-27-2006 Mailed I-864 payment to St. Louis, MO
10-12-2006 Received IV Bill
10-23-2006 Received I-864 form (Cover letter dated Oct. 16th; envelope postmarked Oct. 20th)
12-02-2006 Mailed IV payment
12-04-2006 Mailed I-864 (EZ)

needs some updating but you get the picture .

Wishing you and all other fellow VJ'ERS a quick reuiting with your loved one's,
that are across that big puddle

Cheers

Paul

Ahh, I see. I didn't realize it was a different visa. Doh! Heh, didn't think to look at the info under your name.

I'm glad you guys are almost done! Goodluck on your upcoming interview

hi moonie
yayyyyyyyyyy for the NOA2 arriving in the mail...

I would give them a call on the Monday to see if they have received it...take a look at some one the K1er's timelines might give you a rough idea...

you also get a letter stating it has been forwarded to sydney...also take a look at the Australian embassey info at the top of this page it gives you all that is received in the packet 3 ..and what to send back...

and im sure you have enough evidence..dont forget the airline itenaries and ticket stubs for the flights..and your cell phone records...letter or emails .. cards that might of been sent for that special occasion..anything that shows you conversed regularly ...

good luck on hearing something soon from NVC
take care
kath

Hey V,

Well not far from Framingham Massachusetts..
looking forward to trading in the 100 F + DAYS to -20 F days lol

Thank you Kath I will check it out. I just have so much preparation to do. And I am not the most organized person. I kind of think he should take care of this half, I did the first half

LOL!! At least you can celebrate a white Xmas (assuming you celebrate it hehe) now. Hehe, I know Framingham very well. Many past college friends work and live there.

One question after looking at your timeline. How come there was gap paying the IV Bill and sending in completed I-864EZ form after receiving the I-864 form and IV Bill? Did it take time to assemble/receive the Affidavit of Support material from the wifey?

Have a great time at the interview! I am happy for ya Paul!

From confused to freaking out...

Hi All,

It's me again:) I am starting to freak out about..maybe I am getting ahead of myself..but I really need some advice, and need to vent a bit. I received Packet 3 last week and have begun getting things in order etc etc. Today, I woke up early to call the Australian Federal Police in Western Australia, to schedule an appointment to get fingerprints and a national police certificate. The lady advised me that the first available appointment they have is April 10th!!! Not only this, but once fingerprints have been done, it takes 12-15 days for the AFP in ACT to process it and send it to Sydney...so..I know I could be getting ahead of myself as I haven't even received ny interview date for Sydney yet- but typically it is approx 4 weeks after receiving packet 3..which means it is even before the first available appointment at AFP!!! Also, even if I get an interview date that is after April 10th (the scheduled AFP appointment) it still takes 12-15 days for them to send it to the US consulate in Sydney!!! So...now what??? There are no other options..as I cannot get this done at any other police stations, here in W.A...it HAS to be done at the AFP. Is the interview date changeable based upon these circumstances that are beyond my control????? Please help!

Well everyone... we are APPROVED!!! My fiance had his interview this morning and all went well! He is on his way to NY on Wednesday... only 3 more days to be with my love again!!
Thanks to all of you for your well wishes and help answering the questions I had. I feel so amazingly happy right now, and will be even happier in a few days!

And Ausqueen, thanks for keeping him company today. I hope he helped you stay as calm as you helped him! It was good for him to have a fellow K1 interviewee with him today And congratulations to you as well!

Best of luck to everyone still waiting on approvals/notices, etc. May you all be as lucky as us with our timeline!

whoooooooooooo hoooooooooooo fantastic news...time to do the happy dance of joy

may you always be as happy as this day you two are experiencing.

glad you made it through this part of the process and now on to the move for your fiance then your wedding and then the change of status..lol never ending story lol

good luck to both of you and do drop in to let us know how things are going..

take care
kath

hi ya tamzo

i would book it in now...your police certificate should be posted to you for you to take with you at the interview...
what you could do is wait till you put your form of readiness ...say end of march...

it is possible to change the interview date we did it...

i do know a western australian on this website if you want me to get him to let you know how he did his fingerprints i will send him a message for you...

dont stress too much over it ...we all understand your frustrations sad but its apart of the process mate...and you can vent anytime you like on here...

hop i helped a bit
take care
kath

Glad to see some new names in here.

For everyone else who was following up on my status... Stephanie has sent her passport back to Sydney last week and we're just waiting to get it back. Tickets back to Florida is going to cost me nearly 1700$ USD. But that doesn't mean much to me... having her here is priceless. We're hoping she'll be able to fly out by this friday. Depends on what Rose says when my wife calls her later.

David

great news that everything is coming together for you and steph
hope you have a wonderful life together...

take care
kath

Great to hear! As for costs, you said it. Having your love with you is PRICELESS.

Best of Luck.

I'm dobbing you into your wifey! Betcha she will make you share your choccies!

WELL!!! CONGRATULATIONS VIK AND NYCANGEL!!!! YAY!!!

OH and David you too!! You have been waiting so long for this so congrats to you and Stephanie. I really wish you all the best!

Hi Tamzo, I had to wait about 4 weeks to get my police cert interview too and I am from the ACT...I know it really sucks but you will get through it....hang in there!

How is everyone else???

Well I joined the gym yesterday just for the month until i go, hopefully to relieve some stress and work the chocolate off (not that certain people in here share theirs anyway!! )

I am still struggling with packing..what to take...what not to take, but getting there. Why do i have so many clothes?? Why??

Ahh, my case was received at the Sydney Consulate!! Woot! One more step closer to being complete!!

I'm so excited, I get excited everytime something moves along

I'm such a dork.

My fiance is going to schedule his fingerprint/police check appointment tomorrow.

We've been looking through this site:
http://www.simplyoz.com/

For things that he could get over here. I've ordered from them before they're absolutely fantastic! I ordered like 3 boxes of shapes, some chicken salt, Natural Confectionary's Gummies and some other things that I loved when I visited!

My fiance is especially excited that they have meat pies!! haha.

I hope you guys look through that site and find things that will make you smile and make the life here a little easier and even more like home.

Well everyone... I think I will just sign here or write "as above"
My face is hurting - I've been grinning from ear to ear all day long. Talked to hundred people, made as many phone calls, booked my ticket, resigned from work... what else? Just been really, really happy!!!

Nycangel... it was GREAT not to be alone there this morning. I'm sure those 2 hours we spent at the consulate would feel much longer and tougher were we each by ourselves. With D. there I felt somehow "safer" that it would be ok. It was "eazy peazy" I can't believe I was stressing over it so much.

But.. thanks to the best bunch of people on vj for advice, encouragement, and support! And thanks for sharing in our happiness today! You guys rock!

Congratulations on the latest steps David, Paul, Moonie, Lynn... who else had things happen these days?

Sending happy thoughts to all,
vik

MINE ALL MINE I TELL YA

hi ya ausqueen

congrats mate ..now we can do the happy dance for your too vik ...

we told ya it was easy...am glad you weren't alone there at the consulate ...

good to hear your news am so happy for you..

now ya can travel that long flight to your fiance and enjoy the rest of your lives together..may you always be happy and smiling all the way there and for the rest of your lives...

take care
kath

Whoheeeeey it's bustling in here, had a bit to catch up on for while I was away for the long weekend here in Vic - our Labour Day. Gotta love these three-day weekends especially when you finish up work 12pm on Fridays but they're still not long enough...
First of all, Congrats to Vik & NYCangel for getting your visas..!!! How exciting..so happy for you both....! Oh and thanks for the enlightenment on the page numbers Vik..was beginning to think Kath was a little cuckoo.....

Good one Lyndel; I will have to remember that website too orbitz.com when it comes time for me to fly.

Congrats Paul on your upcoming interview date, you will do great...!!!

Rings: soz to hear you're having tough times, hope things have picked up or will pick up soon.

Great website Serendip, will definitely keep that handy for when I finally get over.

A trip here in a month Vy, that's exciting for you....for how long?

Meanwhile, we wait patiently for our NOA1...

Cheers,

Pris.