[quote name='Kath' date='Apr 16 2007, 11:49 PM' post='840953']
hi tamzo
ya did it ya did it...whooo hooo

congrats to you fantastic news...glad you had a really good time in sydney...how come you didnt go back the next day to pick your visa up? that way you wouldnt have to wait for the postman...did you go back to the post office in perth and tell that lady off ..i know i would of been correcting her for sure...

so what happens to the $130 that you paid out in the first place did you get a refund? Im so happy for you that it all worked out in the end for you...we were all worried about you lol not hearing from you lol

and another aussie bites the dust...dont forget to put in an interview review in...may 7th huh that will come around quickly for you..was ya fiance rapt...smiling ear to ear for you..may the POE go smoothly for you...and your most welcome with the help was my pleasure...when you getting married? dont forget to fill in your timeline ...

hi ya lyndel...wow 2 days huh...are you all packed and ready...you still on mushy foods or are you on solids yet..
sitting hear remembering the emotional rollercoaster you will be going through right now...dont forget to get photo's taken at the airport with your family and start a scrapbook of your new life mate...if we dont see you in the next few days you take care and arrive here safely ...

hi hammy
pester that postman everyday this week lol...how is your packing going and what date you moving here...

good day for the aussie's....so who do we have next in line waiting for their packet 4....

seren...moonie...rings...anyone else....
i havent started my volunteer work yet cos my doc hasnt sent the reference in yet and my personal reference person never received anything from the hosp so still waiting for that...

take care you lot
kath


This is what my lovely wifee Cheryl posted earlier this week in different forum

NorthernGirl Apr 15 2007, 06:17 AM

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;#entry838387

So, we did it! Paul went for the interview yesterday (Friday the 13th..heehee),
and walked out with his "Welcome to America" paperwork!
Yippee-Yahoo! Just some loose ends to tie up in Oz,
and he'll be on his way home.
We're shooting for his arrival on the weekend of May 12th,
as our anniversary is on Sunday, May 13th.

Lucky #13

Thanks to All for your support and well wishes and the best to everyone on their visa journey!

~Cheryl

Cheers

Paul

Hi Kath

Yeah i received my pack the day after Easter so i was very relieved. I was worried it had gotten lost somewhere in between but its all good. I just sent off the forms and am now keeping my fingers crossed that the interview date wont be too long down the track but at the same time that i will get everything i need together before the interview date.

I will definately do my blood test before my appointment then - it makes more sense but i'm very afraid of needles . I think the secretary was one stressed out woman when i went in to make an appointment!! I hope my appointment wont be changed. I have it booked for the 2nd of May and haven't had a phone call YET. Touchwood!!

Btw, my nickname is JLTAN but call me Jo.

Jo

hi ya lyndel damm i missed ya by a couple of minutes i was keeping msn open to see if ya came on and i got tired and went to bed at 3.55am...
well girl ya on your way soon ...its 5am in the morning there at the moment..bet ya didnt rest too much though...lol
safe journey mate and dont forget to ask for the EAD dont expect it to be handed to ya mate...and another happy little vegemite aussie crosses the big pond homeward bond to their loved one...take care sweetie see ya on the flip side ohhh we will be nearly on the same time frame hehehehe no more complaining im up late now lol but i bet ya will lol
yes you can get the cocunut you need for the lamimngtons here mate...dont stress ...geez fancy worrying about that ..just get hear already heheheehe stir stir lol

hi ya Jo when you go for your blood test think of your fiance and close your eyes and it will be over in no time....at least its not as bad as it use to be years ago ..in those days it really hurt...dont forget to take that sheet for the pathologist to sign and take your passport to be sighted..you will be fine deep breaths mate..great news that you have sent your paperwork back to the embassey you will get an interview soon mate..

hammy ..hope the packet arrives today..did you know you can track it also on your computer at the aust post website..just enter the number and bobs ya uncle..at least that way you will know if it has left sydney and the steps it takes to get to you..just had a thought too..

well we got another sunny day here..i just planted some flower seeds and my other pot i did that to are starting to push through the soil..cant wait to see them blooming...

take care you lot
kath

hi ya
just thought i would bring to your attention those of you that are doing K1 and K3 for when you do your AOS..
PLEASE when you have your medical done ask for a copy of the whole medical that is handed over at the interview...also when you get in the states put it in a safe place..keep it in your suitcase put it in a folder and remember where you put it..the below person who posted this is lisaf who is an aussie..as you can see things do get lost at USCIS and you will get RFE's even though its not your fault...i know im being a bit overbearing about this but its important because when you change your status you need your vaccination sheet to do so..

you can find the thread to this HERE




I just feel that its important that you know this
take care
kath

Hi Kath!

I'm doing good thanks, just working and waiting...getting my car fixed so I can sell it soon...waiting for Joshua to get his I-864 sorted so we are raring to go as soon as we get the word! He was going to be able to be the solo sponsor for me but his taxes weren't done in the two years before so we're gonna skip that and get his mother to be sponsor...*fingers crossed she gets it done asap*..will have to send her something in return....still have to make a doctors appointment but the money goes out as soon as it comes in so first things first....

Had a flu shot at work the other day wasn't a hassle at all so bring em on lol... Bought J a footy on the weekend, want to take him out for some kicks at the park. He has the hand passing down but is still sussing out the bounces lol.. Wanted to get him a Saints top but he says he like the colours of the Bulldogs better and wants that one...traitor! lol.. Will suss out a Bulldogs Vs Saints game for him then ha..

Have you started your job yet? How's that going? Bet you're loving it... Should be spring there now? It sure is getting darker here now and cool mornings and evenings, I like it though...is fresh.

hi ya pris
glad things are going good..and yeah the traitor he could of chose black and red hehehe...been keeping an eye on the footy each week on afl.com ..the bounce of the ball is easy..lol...its the kicking that will hard lol...although it is nearly the same as an american ball..robbie gave my son one of the souvenier ball when the steelers won...an he sez to him would of like one to play with lol so when we went to lake entrance we found a market an got one for five buck for him he was so rapt and said ya didnt have to do that but damm could he throw that ball lol...

well the volunteer work hasnt started yet cos of my doctor is slack..the lady resent the form to them on friday and my personal referene person said he didnt receive anything either so she is going do that one over the phone..so dont know when i will be starting that ...lol

yes its spring here and we have been having some nice sunshine here this week...but the wind is still cool..i was getting sick of wearing heavy coats lol...

fingers crossed that J's mum will get the affidavit done asap for you...im sure she would appreciate something from oz for doing it...i got one of my firends from canada an aussie face watch for sending me some winter coats down that she was only going to throw out that was on my first visit all those years ago..she loved it..

im recording some tv shows on dvd for my son an i just glanced at it .. im recording whacked out sports damm there are some idiots out there lol damm you wonder how they survive lol
nowt else going on here just waitin for robbie to finish work an come home another 3 an half hours...damm the days are long without him around..

take care
kath

Hiya Lyndel!

Flying out today...how exciting..!!!

Have a good trip mate. Hope your POE goes well, guess we won't be hearing from you for a while... Enjoy..!
Looking forward to hearing all the goss when you come up for air..

My news; as per last post, so yeah just trying to get everything organised so it goes smoothly cos frankly it's all a bit worrying sometimes but if I'm organised as much as possible then it will be fine. He's bought his ticket already for June 28 so that puts an edge on things...need to give notice at my Realter end of May then will book into a hostel to wait out the rest of the time don't need the responsibility of packing up the apartment on my own in the end nor the costs....so yeah much to plan...

So happy for you though hon, enjoy.

Haha..cheeky...black, red AND WHITE..!

Goodness, seems an awful lot of fuss for volunteer work, hate to see what they're like with a paying job. Don't ya just love wanting to help out.

Hmm...will go hunting in one of those aussie shope and see what I can find his mum.

Sounds like you need a hobby? Do ya know how to knit? Don't be offended it's supposed to be in fashion now, i can but I just don't have the patience for it right now; maybe when I'm preggers and I have all the time in the world ha ha ha... Do they have community groups? Or local dancing/singing/painting/cooking classes?

Pris.

congrats to you fantastic news...glad you had a really good time in sydney...how come you didnt go back the next day to pick your visa up? that way you wouldnt have to wait for the postman...did you go back to the post office in perth and tell that lady off ..i know i would of been correcting her for sure...

so what happens to the $130 that you paid out in the first place did you get a refund? Im so happy for you that it all worked out in the end for you...we were all worried about you lol not hearing from you lol

and another aussie bites the dust...dont forget to put in an interview review in...may 7th huh that will come around quickly for you..was ya fiance rapt...smiling ear to ear for you..may the POE go smoothly for you...and your most welcome with the help was my pleasure...when you getting married? dont forget to fill in your timeline ...

hi ya lyndel...wow 2 days huh...are you all packed and ready...you still on mushy foods or are you on solids yet..
sitting hear remembering the emotional rollercoaster you will be going through right now...dont forget to get photo's taken at the airport with your family and start a scrapbook of your new life mate...if we dont see you in the next few days you take care and arrive here safely ...

hi hammy
pester that postman everyday this week lol...how is your packing going and what date you moving here...

good day for the aussie's....so who do we have next in line waiting for their packet 4....

seren...moonie...rings...anyone else....
i havent started my volunteer work yet cos my doc hasnt sent the reference in yet and my personal reference person never received anything from the hosp so still waiting for that...

take care you lot
kath


This is what my lovely wifee Cheryl posted earlier this week in different forum

NorthernGirl Apr 15 2007, 06:17 AM

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;#entry838387

So, we did it! Paul went for the interview yesterday (Friday the 13th..heehee),
and walked out with his "Welcome to America" paperwork!
Yippee-Yahoo! Just some loose ends to tie up in Oz,
and he'll be on his way home.
We're shooting for his arrival on the weekend of May 12th,
as our anniversary is on Sunday, May 13th.

Lucky #13

Thanks to All for your support and well wishes and the best to everyone on their visa journey!

~Cheryl

Cheers

Paul
[/quote]

haha thanks Kath- feel very relieved!! I went into the post office the other day and corrected them...and got my refund as I kept the receipt..so that was good...it's a pity some ppl really don't knw how to do their job properly!!!

MY CAR
SOLD
TODAY

YIPPIE SKIPPY

Cheers

Paul

whooo hooo hammy good for you

well lyndel will be getting ready to board the plane in sydney bound for bangkok...(im sure she said 4 hours in syd)

tamzo good on ya for tellin the post office clerk the correct way of doing thing and im glad you got your money back also...where abouts you gunna be heading i cant remember.

take care
kath

VISA IN HAND

2.30PM

WEDNESDAY
18TH APRIL 07

After many calls to the Express satchel Post OFFICE.
I was told it was delivered @ my address @ 9.00am WTF !!
I was out and my brother was home and noone came to the door.
After calling the contractor that had supposedly delivered it here,

calling him 8 times before i could actually talk to him..
over a period of 3 hours trying to get through to him ffs
turns around and said oh yeah I slipped it under the garage door!!
I said scuse me I said in that envelope
was the future of my wife and myself it was
Offical U.S. Government Paper work with my Visa
and other legal papwerwork!!.

And he said oh well at least you got it..
I was about to open a can of Wuuup ### on this idiot.
But I hung up on him and reported him to the Australia Post.
Anyway's YIPPEEEEEEEE SKIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

wooooooooot wooooooooooooot wooooooooooooooot..

So Now My Car has sold and I have my CR1 VISA,
+ the Mysterious Brown Envelope
All I need to do now is Get my ### down to my local,
Flight Centre to pay for my Flight from Sydney to LAX.
So LAX will be my P.O.E.
I be back later all off to purchase my ticket to,
be with my lovely Wife Cheryl in Massachusetts...

Cheers

Paul.

dammy hammy your on a roll mate gawd i would of done the same thing as you reporting him...did he leave a card in the letter box

whooo hooo...now all ya gotta do is come back and tell us ya got a good deal on ya flight and you hit the jackpot mate..lol and he was lucky you were happy to get ya hands on the packet or i can well imagine you givin him a mouth or fist full lol

good for you ..have you stopped looking at the visa yet lol

now tamzo has yours arrived yet..????

hi pris
why do you think i need hobbies ..i got heaps im doing some ceramics when they arrive im doing a wedding plate to put on the wall ..and some other things too...

i can knit all sorts of pattern use to knit all my kids jumper until they could tell me i dont want to wear that lol..i can sew .. made my own wedding dress ...i have green thumbs ...lol ohh and i write stories lol

and ya right about the volunteering...its a wonder they didnt tell me to get a police check for the 10 moths i been in the country lol...

kath

OMG! So excited for you!!!!

Have a safe trip!! Even though you probably are on the plane at the moment. Oh god the plane ride to America is pretty long/crappy. The plane ride to Australia is eassssy though!

I hope you land safe and sound

<3
Can't wait to have you as a fellow Ameristralian

Hi Everyone!

My name is Jess and I'm on this crazy mixed up Visa Journey too I'm the Australian fiancee of a gorgeous American man named Tony. I currently live in Sydney and I'm close to getting my K-1 visa *fingers crossed*. I sent the US Consulate my letter to announce that I'm ready to be given an interview day today!

So I've been checking and rechecking, randomly photo copying, organising and re-organising my various bits and pieces of paperwork more times than is healthy... I guess you probably know exactly what I'm talking about

I've got a couple of Q's for you guys if I may...

1. What is the fee to get my K-1 visa and how does one pay the fee?
2. What is this 3kg sachel I'm hearing about?

Uh... are the above two questions answered when I get my interview appointment? I'm suspecting so, sorry if this is the case LOL.

Oh, another question, in your opinions, whats the best way to send my stuff to the US. We're talking books, CDs and small things, nothing big, and no furniture.

I've been lurking around for ages and only just found this Aussie thread (its well hidden isn't it? or at least it seemed that way to me). So I thought I'd introduce myself.

Catch you later,

Jess

Welcome Jess to the Nut House

You will find a lot of helpful and informative people here,
Within this Site.. and we are a Friendly lot here as well
If you like Chocolate and sweet things you will fit in well here lol


Paul here.. regarding your K1 Visa,
please go to the link below i may help with your Journey
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=k1flow

Regarding "What is this 3kg satchel I'm hearing about?"

Its is a 3kg Express Post Satchel
That costs $10.00 from, any Australian Post Office.
You are required to supply one when you have your interview,
in Sydney @ the Consulate.
Unless they say come back following day for visa.
But purchase one just incase as it states on your interview form.
You need to Fill out your Name Address
(to where you want your Visa sent to.. usually your address on Application)
and make sure you put your contact phone number ..
I used my Mobile phone number.

I hope this clarifies this for you Jess..

I hope the following helps you as well Jess..

Cheers

Paul

An introductory letter with case number

* Visa Instructions - including "Applicant's Statement of Readiness to be Interviewed" (Returned to Sydney Consulate AFTER other items are collected by you)

1. Form DS-230 part 1 application for immigrant visa and Alien Registration (Biographic Data Part 1)

2. Information for completing on-line, Form DS-156

"As of November 1, 2006 everyone who applies for a non-immigrant visa to the United States (including fiancé visas) must use the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF)...in Australia will no longer accept hand written forms."
EVAF form - http://evisaforms.state.gov/

3. Form DS-156 (K), Non-immigrant Fiancé (e) Visa Application

4. Affidavit of support I-134 form

5. Medical Examination Instructions and forms

6. Australian Police Certificate Instructions



Issues a Packet 4?

Yes

Packet 4 contents (if known):

The Letter:
Visa appointment date and time, details for medical appointment if still required. Sentence saying packet 4 not enclosed for K3/K4 visa applications, bring all documents previously requested to your appoint mint.

Another page detailing interview requirements:
At your interview you must have original (or certified copied bearing original seal or stamp of the issuing office) plus one photo copy of birth certificate, divorce/ death certificates, police certificates, court and military records. Documents must be assembled in order of list below before attending this office. When handing documents to visa clerk they should be out of envelopes or plastic sleeves. Your non-American children that are also applying for derivative fiancée visa must attend the interview and their documents should be placed in their individual order as listed below. This will help conduct your interview as expeditiously as possible. It is possible that you will have to spend the entire morning in the office before final action can be taken on your application.

What forms should be sending back to the Consulate?

As soon as first package is received

*Form DS-230I Biographic Data Part 1

When all required documents are accumulated for interview (including medical)

*Applicant's Statement of Readiness to be Interviewed

Other Forms (if any)?

1. Processing fee receipt: AU$130 for each applicant. Go to any post office, pay the fee, and obtain one receipt for each applicant, attached to the outside cover of each passport. Valid passport (and any expired passports bearing United states visas)

2. Two Passport-U.S sized photographs

3. Two completed applications forms DS-156

4. One completed copy form DS-156k - supplement to form DS-156

5. Long form birth certificate showing both parents names (with English translation if applicable)

6. For accompanying children : court order verifying sole custody to the immigrating parent or a signed and dated affidavit from the child's other parent advising of his/her knowledge and consent for the child to live in the united states which should include a copy of a photo ID of that parent, or a death certificate of the other parent.

7. Evidence of termination of all prior marriages (with English translation if applicable)

8. Police certificate (Australian and other countries if applicable & English translation if applicable)

9. Court record (if applicable)

10. Military Records (if applicable and with English translation if applicable)

11. Evidence of financial support
(original signature(s) must be on affidavits of support, Form I-134 or letters of affidavits of support. Photocopies or faxed copies of notarized signatures will not be accepted.)

12. Medical examination results.

Consulate offers Direct Consular Filing?

Yes

If so, for all or only for US citizen who is lawfully resident in your country?



Can fiancé (e)/spouse attend the interview?

Yes

Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"?

Ahead of Time

Did the embassy schedule your interview or could you walk-in?

Scheduled Ahead of Time

Visa issued same day?

Sometimes

If not whets the waiting period?

On the day of your interview, if you are found to be fully documented and eligible to receive a fiancé (e) or immigrant visa, the visa will be issued to you that morning. If the visa is not issued to you the same day of your interview, you will be required to supply a self-addressed 3kg Express Post envelope. Once the Consulate has received all pending documents and your application is approved for issuance, your visa will be issued and mailed to you in the envelope you provided. Increasingly, next day pickup or Express Post is the norm rather than same day issuance of visa.

Is the Medical exam same day as interview?

No

Cost of Medical Exam?

SYDNEY - Dr Joseph Wakes - TOTAL: $268.70 AU
Medical: $165.00 AU
Blood Tests: $43.20 AU
X-Ray: $60.50 AU


au $132 plus au$60.50 for X-ray I went through Dr Anthony Miller
Medical cost in Brisbane:
Medical $220
Blood tests $73.90
X-ray $88

List of doctors?

For up to date costs of medicals please contact the Doctors below for your State.

The Following is CORRECT as of "22 Feb 2007" Sydney Consulate date stamp.

New South Wales:

Dr. Anthony Millar, Macquarie Street Sydney, 02 9232 3932
Dr Joseph N. Wakes, George Street Sydney, 02 9239 1677

ACT:

Dr David Lee, Red Hill ACT, 02 6295 0966

Queensland:

Drs Ross Taylor, Brian Keble & James Yates, Brisbane, 07 3229 1344
Dr Julie Ann Whitehouse, Cairns, 07 4033 7666

South Australia:

Dr David Miller, Adelaide, 08 8267 5600

Victoria:

Dr Charles Oralis, Monash Medical Clinic 03 9903 1177

Dr Ralph Poppenbeek 03 9670 3558 (medical exam au$165.00 x-rays $75.00)

Tasmania:

Dr John Banks, Hobart, 03 6223 6822

Northern Territory:

Dr Augustine Matarazoo, Alice Springs, 08 8952 2000

Western Australia:

Dr John Bateman, Perth, 08 9321 7022
Dr Elizabeth Sinclair, Perth, 08 9322 4788
Altone Medical Centre, Beechboro, 08 9279 1079

How many Passport Photo's Required for the medical?

3

How many Passport Photo's Required at the interview?

2

Estimated waiting time at the consulate on the day of interview?



Vaccination requirements?

Depends on age but the main ones are MMR, Tetanus (Td) and Varicella

Many people have asked their Doctor's to have a blood test to determine their immunity. If you cannot remember when your last Tetanus jab was have one done and get the Doctor to print out the date you had it. This can be claimed on Medicare, ask the Doctor to print out the results to show the Medical Examiner.

A blood test for immunity is recommended if a full vaccination history cannot be found.

IMPORTANT: Request original documents from blood test results and vaccination history. Photocopies and faxes are not accepted.

Cheap and good hotels near the Consulate?

Travelodge on Phillip Street. Its one of the closest hotels to the U.S Consulate (about a 5 minute walk).

http://www.whereis.com/whereis/getMap.do?ref=homeMap#
Display accommodation with a click of the mouse.

Additional Info?

Information for Police Checks for all states:
http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consu...ertificate.html

[size="3"][/size]

Thanks! Thats really helpful! I guess I was right, Packet 4 DOES contain the answers I seek. I'm going to stop sweating it

Actually, I went to see Dr Waks. He was really nice and he made the whole medical part of it really easy. (still $$$ though LOL)

Oh, and I DO like chocolate... chocolate is sooo good. But hey, I'm getting married, I can't eat chocolate (much).

I'm curious to know whether the announcement that the consulate will be closing down/slowing down for the summit will effect how long before my appointment is sceduled. Can't help but think I should have sent the letter earlier, but the letter said not to send until I had everything in my hand, so thats what I dutifully did

I'm not toooo desperate for my visa because I have to stay here in Sydney to finish my degree (finished end of June). But I still really want it, so I can stop stressing (as much) and I can buy plane tickets and all that fun stuff.

Yay!

Jess

Hi Jess,

I am glad I could be some help.
I am not up to date with K1 Visa as Mine was A CR1 Visa.
I am still In Adelaide atm,
I was in SYDNEY last Thursday for my CR1 INTERVIEW,
ON Friday 13th Stayed at Arrons on Ultimo Rd, Haymarket..
Across the road from "Paddy's Market" in ChinaTown.
Was a Experience let me tell ya lol.
Flew back to Adelaide Friday night arrived home around 11.30pm.
And Recieved my Visa and the Mysterious Brown Envelope today..
Read previous posts that I posted in the last week on here lol.

Once you recieve your Visa.. not sure but with my CR1 Visa,
I have six months (till October 15th 07) to Activate it.
That happens when you go through P.O.E. (Point Of Entry) ,
In the USA Where you first land in he states.

Hope that helps clear some of it up for you Jess.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like.
Feel free to check out the FAQ'S on here as well.

Cheers

Paul

Hi I'm Paul and I TOO AM A CHOCOHOLIC

hi jess
welcome to the aussie thread...i was from melb and now in toledo ohio..i have done the K1 visa run and completed my AOS an EAD so no more USCIS till next year..

You will find a great bunch of people in here that can answer any question you might have and if we cant we will try to find it for you..there is load of information already on here so if you have time you might learn more ...also the embassey info at the top of the screen has heaps of info too just in case you loose which page hammy got that info for you...

Did you get a full copy of your medical from Dr. Wank i do hope so if you didnt ring them up for one to be sent out for you cos you will need it for your AOS

The K1 visa is valid for 6 months from the date on the visa...you can go back the next day and pick up your passport and the brown envelope..hope you hear something soon on what your interview date is ...also you can pay your $130 at any post office..I posted a copy of my receipt on one of the pages ..if you want I can look for it to show you what it should look like..

Which state you moving to?

Well girlfromoz is well and truly on her way to now to Bangkok and the to JFK (6.30am) then on to Colardo Springs...saw the weather channel today and Colardo is getting hit with storms...she wont know what hit not seein rain for ages lol

hammy did you get your ticket yesterday mate..has anyone heard from tamzo if she received her package yet..she should of got it by now if you have it now hamster....

talk to ya'll later
kath

Wellcome Jess!


I wonder if my Kev should just send off for his interview seems like we have been waiting forever. His medical is 5/1...

Do you guys think he should request it? He has everything but the medical done......

Hi Paul!

I went back and read your experience and I was highly entertained It had me in stitches with the bit about the Low 5! Sounds like they would have been happy to have you there to pick things up since it turned out to be a bit of a nightmare day.

Oh I read your comments on the Mysterious Brown Envelope (MBE). I swear I won't open the MBE as much as I will want to.

The K-1 Visa also has six months to activate. That is, I must travel on it within six months of me receiving it. It won't be a problem since I'm planning on scooting out of the country around mid July.

Paul - What is your favourite kind of chocolate?



Hi Kath!

I bet being able to say "no more USCIS till next year" is so great!

I believe that I got a full copy but I'm not sure so I got in contact with them to ask whether I have everything or whether I can get a copy of any additional documentation they may have already sent to the consulate. Thanks for the advice on that one, I don't want to get it all done again when I get to the US!!!

It'd be more convenient for me to have it posted... unless I get really over excited and just *have* to have it the following day. It'll depend on what day the interview is I guess...

I am moving the southern Maryland. A little place called Pax River Naval Air Station. I think we can all fill in the blanks on that one. Yep, an American sailor stole my heart away.


Hi Moonie!

You know, I think the Kev should consider it. In fact, when I went to see Dr Waks he asked me when my interview date was. I said to him "I wasn't going to organise my interview until after my medical was all done" and he said "Well you know, you probably could have, as long as the interview wasn't less than a week after the medical". That was just his opinion. I suspect it'd probably be safe, but I didn't do it. I didn't because I wanted to play it safe, also I'm in not a *huge* hurry since I still have to finish school (not till end of June). It makes no real difference to me if my interview is a month away or not, since I'll still be firmly planted here in Sydney. *sob*

Moonie, if it were me I think that I would consider sending the letter now.

hi jezz
there are a few aussie that are either marrying or married to miltary personnel...so your gunna be in kentucky huh
the doctors give you the medical in an envelope they dont send it off to the consulate...the melb doc gives you a copy in an envelope that contains everything that is given to the consulate...in your brown envelope is everything that you sent in originally and everything that you submitted at the interview so its an important part of the whole process...they enter all the details into the system at the POE and then forward it to homeland security ready for your next step which is AOS... just go HERE to do so ...help others in you have questions outside the aussie thread and stats for the website too...

hi ya moonie
how you doing..go

later
kath

Hello guys and gals,

I was invited to this thread and thought I would come and say hello to everyone and maybe get some advice from those who have already gone through this treacherous ordeal

I am actually in Baltimore, Maryland, USA but my fiancee is in Perth. She will be joining me as soon as the paperwork gets sorted out and she can catch a flight here.

Currently we are at the stage where we are gathering documents indicated in Packet 3. She has already got her medical done and is awating the report. The next thing she will get done is the fingerprints and police check. I have already mailed her the I-134 form and the necessary documentation. She has mailed the DS-230 form to the consulate. I think for now it is a waiting game until we can send the checklist, right?

Any advice you may have for us will be appreciated. Anything we must be careful of or ensure we get done, guidance to that will be appreciated.

Can anyone give me any input as to how long it takes between sending the checklist and getting an interview date? I suppose at some point I will be asking for pointers on the actual interview. Dont want my fiancee getting all worked up and nervous.

Thanks in advance,
Cheers!

ya'll have gave me something to think about. I sent him a message. I think it is interview time! It should be about 2 to 3 weeks before he gets a packet 4 I would think.

How you going there kath?

My doctor definately sent my medical stuff straight to the consulate. He told me so. Although, I think I got duplicates. I'm currently following it up.

I'm going to be in southern Maryland in a place called Pax River Naval Air Station. Kentucky is in Virginia... so a little south of southern Maryland

Currently attempting to fill in my timeline as we speak.

hi ya mugs
i just sent you an email thinking you were female lol.. sorry about that i feel so embarrassed now ...welcome to the aussie thread...


take a look at these aussie's timelines...it might give ya an idea if you go to the person timeline to how long it takes from sending back the checklist to receiving the packet 4...

AUSTRALIAN TIMELINES

hi ya moonie
the above link might help ya out too mate...hows the job going...all is well here no complaints mate

kath

hi jezz
wow never heard of it being sent to the consulate before thats a new one on us.. will have to ask tamzo she is from perth when she come in...
good on ya for the follow up too ...

kath

OK..I am getting a tad worried now!! Hampster's visa has arrived..yet mine is nowhere to be seen!!! My interview was exactly 1 week ago...I am getting worried......is there somehow I can track it??? Congrats Hampster!! Must feel amazing to finally have it in your hand!!!

Hi Jezz,

Are you from Perth? I had to go collect my medical results and take them with me to the consulate- I have never heard of them sending it to the consulate directly?? Good luck with everything!

hi ya tamm
do you have your number off your express post package you gave them to send it to you..you can track it online at australia post...you could always ring the embassey or australia post mate...

here is me talkin about ya an you turn up was ya ears burning lol..and thats what i thought about collecting it an not being sent to the embassey ...

kath

I think you can call up Australia Post and get them to track where it is for you.

Dr Waks said to me "I sent your results in an envelope straight to the consulate so that they will have it there already when you get there for your interview". Maybe this is a new procedure? Well, we shall see. When he sends me a copy of the results that I requested I can always take those with me too, to have all my bases covered.

I'm located in Sydney... much more convenient for me than it is for you guys, I was so amazed when I read they only do the interview in Sydney... still, Sydney is a great place! Hope you guys are enjoying your visits.

IM SO EXCITED!!!! Two people from or going to Baltimore??? **waves** to jezz and mugz

HEY!!! I'll be moving to Baltimore County!!!

jezz - Not sure where Pax River is...but I'm just glad there are aussies in Bmore heeheehee..edit: which part of Sydney you from??
mugz - which part of Bmore you from?

Paul - congrats on selling the car!
Kath - thanks for the info re: customs! I will read it very shortly!

Becuz im a dork...

GO RAVENS!

Work is work ya know??? It is an Ok spot I said I did not want to work with an office full of women again. And here I am again. LOL but everyone is nice. I work at a Law school. It is more money than what I was getting so that is a plus! I just miss my sweetie bear. And I know he is anxious to get out of W-town where going doing downtown is called "going down da road"

hi moonie
is your sweetie bear in williamstown ...thats was only about a 45 min drive away not even that if i remember rightly.

kath

Hey that is exciting! *waves back*

Okay, the city is Lexington Park in St. Marys County, I'll give you directions... start in Baltimore, follow the Chesapeake river south... no, keep going... keep going....still not there yet.... okay, that little river is the Paxuent river... swim across and you're there! (watch out for navy folk though;) ).
If you keep going south you're swimming again, and then you're in VA... and you've gone too far

I'll be flying into Baltimore but I'm starting off in LA, Tonys family live in LA and they're looking forward to meeting me so I'll be there for about a week to get aquainted before I move into my new home in MD.

*waves again to all the MD people*

Jess

Oh, and I live about a hours drive north of the city, more like 2 hours by public transport as you would expect. Thats why I'll probably do the 3kg sachel thing. Still, much more convenient than if I lived in other states like you guys.

hi everyone
i'm just another K1 - Feb Filer........
tired of waiting and i've been reading everything - questions and all that they might ask and its like i know what there is to know about my fiance - but i know i'm going to go mute when the time comes.......

any other feb filers?

YAYYYYYYYY!!!!! THE CONSULATE SENT ME MY VISA TODAY!! Just when I was beginning to worry a tad, I came home from work to find it on my doorstep!!!! I am so elated and relieved after everything..!!!! I cannot stop looking at it.

Sharyna- don't worry- try hang in there..my NOA2 took 2 mths...that's the average time...after NOA2 time flies by very very quickly, it's all worth it though!!!

wahoooooooooooo

wow congrats!!!
and i'll try not to worry.... :-)

Yay! Thats great! I can't wait until thats me.

Soo... When are you travelling then?




I remember when I was waiting for the application to be approved. Seemed like it would take forever. We got a request for more evidence... what sucked was they asked us for something that wasn't even on the list of required documents. The request came in the mail literally a couple of days after Tony flew here to visit, so we couldn't put it in until after he got back, a month later! Still, it was pretty quick after that, then suddenly the package 3 arrived in the mail and I've been running around getting everything ready every since.

Quick question, have you considered getting your birth certificate, police check and medical prior to getting your package 3? Does anyone else end up doing that?

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CONGRATS TAMZO!

jezz -- which uni do you go to? u mentioned u had school until june. sounds like eric and i a couple of yrs ago lol. how long have u and ur fiance been together? when do u think u will be moving to bmore? sorry for the 20qs - just excited sum1 else on here is moving to bmore lol.

Hey I don't mind 20 questions at all I'm in my last semester at Macquarie, doing a social science degree. Tony and I have been an item for two years, we met in May of 2005 on a train going to Epping station of all places... hahaha. We got to chatting and I invited him to meet me at Epping Club later in the week and things sort of went from there.

I'm looking seriously at dates around July 10-16. Uni finishes 29th of June and then after that I've allowed a couple of weeks to tie up all the loose ends and spend time with my mum. Mum is on school holidays then so its good timing. So, if I hit LA for a week, I'll be in MD by the end of July and married around the same time So excited! Its nice to know that there are plenty of other aussies rambling about MD.

Jess

Oh, by the by, I have a question for the MD people only... Elle, I reckon you could help me out with this one...

What steps do I take to get a drivers licence for MD? How easy was it for you?

Kath, I found your Australia Post receipt on page 99 (for future reference) thanks for the tip

Hi all,

Departing Sydney Airport 11.40am Wednesday May 9th.

Arriving Taipei /Chiang Kai Shek China 19.10pm same day


depart above 22.50pm same day

Arriving LAX Airport 19.35pm Wednesday May 9th.

Working on a priceline.com flight from lax - Boston

Cheers
Paul

I went to Mac for like a semester but I didnt like my degree so I switched and went to Western Sydney. Eric and I have been doing this long distance thing since 2001...so yeah its been a long time coming! But I cant wait to move!!

About the drivers licence -- I think all you have to do is do the written test, eye test and the driving test, which from what I told is -- is in a parking lot. Im not actually in MD yet -- looking to fly out late June. Hubby is visiting next month tho Oh and lol I dont have my licence in Oz either...soooo driving for me is a toughie! Its probably the only thing I really am petrified of with moving there. Cuz MD public trans. aint the greatest - so I have no choice but to drive!

I'll send ya a couple of links with the driving...just got to find it.

So after you get married, you will be flying back in Syd? Or are you deferring your graduation? Will you guys be living together in base?

How exciting! Completing your degree and very soon after being with ur future to be hubby!

Paul: I'm so excited for you! Who are you flying with? I reckon that Air New Zealand is awesome and I was planning to fly with them when I go back to the US. Only have to go through Auckland which is no big deal. Only adds 3 or 4 hours onto the trip. Congrats!



Elle: Ooops! I thought you were in MD already!

wow, since 2001 hey? I'd be going crazy! Tony and I are getting really sick of being apart.

I'm not deferring graduation exactly, I'm just not attending the ceremony. I'll be making arrangements for them to send my certificate to me in the US.

How did you guys meet? Did he live here for a while or have you guys been going back and forth? Are you still studying and finishing your degree this semester also? that'd explain flying out late June without a doubt. My Tony visited over Christmas and New Years... was really nice introducing him to my whole family... they really love him too. And of course, he popped the question too

Since you don't have a licence here in OZ you never know, might be easier learning in the US Although, didn't take me too long to adjust when I was over there last. Driving was lots of fun. Actually, coming back here I had to remind myself I was back on the left hand side!

If you find some info that'd be awesome if you post it, but don't sweat it, just thought you might already know.

Jess

Jess,

" Paul: I'm so excited for you!
Who are you flying with?
I reckon that Air New Zealand is awesome
and I was planning to fly with them when I go back to the US.
Only have to go through Auckland which is no big deal.
Only adds 3 or 4 hours onto the trip. Congrats!"

Hi Jess,
I am flying with China Airlines,
cheapest fare I could find, on such short notice.
Air New Zealand was about $500.00 dearer,
and I am trying to conserve as much $$$ as I can till,
I get work over in Massachusetts.

Regarding Driving / Riding in the U.S.A.

Even with my 27 years of Riding HARLEYS,
Both here and in the U.S.A... (on a International Driving Permit)
and been driving cars for just over 5 years.
I have both full licences I still have to sit both Written and Road Tests.

Now for all the Aussies both here in Oz and Overseas,

Next Wednesday 25th April is ANZAC DAY.

I have got the original Recipe for Anzac Bisuits for anyone that needs it.

ANZAC Day - 25 April -
marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs,
and the pride they soon took in that name endures to this day. Australians recognise 25 April as an occasion of national commemoration.



here's a traditional recipe you can try:

Easy ANZAC Biscuits
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
3/4 (three-quarters) cup coconut
125g (4 oz) butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
½ (half) teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon boiling water

Combine oats, sifted flour, sugar and coconut.
Combine butter and golden syrup, stir over gentle heat until melted.
Mix soda with boiling water, add to melted butter mixture, stir into dry ingredients.
Take teaspoonfuls of mixture and place on lightly greased oven trays; allow room for spreading.
Cook in slow oven (150°C or 300°F) for 20 minutes.
Loosen while still warm, then cool on trays.
Makes about 35.




LEST WE FORGET

Cheers

Paul

Hey folks!

So nice to hear that y'all are coming to the Baltimore area. Welcome! Jess, those were some nice directions you had for everyone - LOL.

I am actually in the suburbs of Baltimore, Harford county to be particular and about 25 miles north of Baltimore city.

Glad to know we have a few things in common. If there is anything I can help you with as far as the Baltimore metro area is concerned, please feel free to contact me.

My fiancee is in Perth - anyone of you from that area? We are gearing up for the interview so lets hope all goes well and she can come join me ASAP.

Catch you all later. Take care
Muqeem