hi ya moonie and sugarbob
can see ya there ...hope all is good

i did a data table of all of you guys and gals waiting for interviews and noa2's
now i cant damm well load it up ...its not like my attatchments are full lol
i will work it out some how

hi lyndel
congrats to you mate on your wedding day..hope you had a lovely night...was good to talk to you mate and you sounded so happy too..

take care
kath

Hi kath and all the other aussie/american couples...

Sweeties interview is Monday sucks he has to drive all the way to Melbourne but oh well what can you do. He is ready for the interview! My bank is dragging their XXX about sending me my letter so I guess I will get my tax return notorized and use my employment letter. I e-filed so there is really no where for me to sign it has for info only do not file in the signature line. I guess I can sign it and they can notorized my signature.

hi moonie

why dont you write a letter stating you e-filed online sign it and get whoever notorises to do the letter and the copy of the return mate...dont forget to send along the w2's too...you could write out an outline for the bank of what you need and wait for them to do it say its urgent and you will wait...ya gotta push these people mate..all you need is when your account was open in what name and how much is in there...and dont forget to send copies of your pay stubs ....

so is his interview on the 1st may...what is he driving to melbourne for the medical...

hi ya lyndel your up late get to bed woman lol
kath

We got married this afternoon ...I know, I know...what am I doing on here...we are just relaxing at home..cause we also got a recycled kitty as a wedding present for us both.

We decided not to get dressed up in our wedding gear because we solemnized our own marriage so there was no ceremony and it would have looked a bit strange. Instead we are going to get some professional shots done in our gear in a few weeks when I am working. We also had to buy Jake a $10 wedding ring from walmart because we are still waiting for his ring to be returned, it was stolen from his room and is still being used as evidence for the court case. Dinner was pizza, and today was fun, casual and quirky. Tomorrow Jake's unit is havign a BBQ for us....hope they can handle Aussies!! lol

Hey Kath, i get up when Jake goes to work cause my body clock is still on aussie time. Was great to talk on the phone with you...jeeze did I get a shock when you called lol!

Hugs to you all. Anyone heard from Vik??

Lyndel

Hi Lyndel,

Congratulations!

I'm curious, what kind of unit is your hubby in? Hows the hunt for alpacas going? Congratulations again.




Everyone,

I was informed by one of my American buddies that the 26th of April is "Hug an Australian Day". I googled it and it seems to be some kind of copywrited holiday. Weird huh? Anyone else heard of this and/or get a hug out of it?
Oh, I put myself on the map too

Jess

Hi Jess,

Thanks for your advise! I rescheduled my interview to the 30th of May as well. Like Seren, i thought we will have a month's notice and then panicked when it was in two weeks.

For others who need to reschedule, all you have to do is email them and they respond pretty fast.

Thanks!
Jo

Lyndel..

Congrats on the wedding!!! Wish you the best.

David

Hey All,

Thank you for your well wishes....I am seriously having the best time! Being reunited with your loved one is worth the visa journey wait.

Jezz, Jake is in the Army and the BBQ was with his platoon. was such a hot afternoon here after snow last week, was beautiful. The food was yummy and now I think I am addicted to cheese dip....No alpacas yet but maybe when we wbuy a house cause they wouldn't fit in the apartment! lol

Hey, I thought that he must be in the military. My fiancee is Navy so I'm interested to find another Aussie with a military man. Could Jake be deployed soon or is he on shore duty (or... the Army equivalent thereof). What are you going to do when he does go on det, anything particular? Tony is on shore duty for the next two years but will start long deployments again after that, short dets are business as usual however. Hopefully none too soon after I get there...I hope! I'm interested in hearing about your alpacas because they've been a favourite animal of mine since I was a little kid... weird I know. My first email address has the word "alpaca" in it. LOL

Anyway, great to hear from you. Congrats again I'm pretty sure that everyone on here is keen to see your wedding photos too, I love all wedding photos... oh, did he wear his uniform? Tony is going to wear his uniform for ours, We haven't decided between dress whites or dress blues yet.

Jess

Hey Paul....

When you gave them all your stuff at the interview, did you hand over photocopies of your passport and your affidavit of support and your other forms at the same time as the originals?

Did they give them back or keep them?

Did you include two photocopies of the DS-156 along with the two originals?

Thanks Paul!

Jess

Jess - you should talk to Jodee. She's an Aussie and her man is in the military -d epolyed now actually!!

oh and I added us to the map

Somebody call my name,....

Yes, its true,..Im an Aussie, married to a Army man, who's currently deployed, all be it for the second time,...

How can I .


Hey Caroline, how goes it with you and hubby?


Jodee

Hellooooooooo..!

Soz I haven't popped in much been busy working and showing J more of Oz...Healsville Sanctuary and our gorgeous wineries...

Hello to all the Newbies.....

I was just checking the processing times for CSC and the time for the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for Permanent Resident Status is JANUARY 01 2005.....??? Could that be a typo? Am I reading it right?

Cheers,

Pris.

Hi Jodee

I don't think I have any specific questions, just a general curiosity of what its like to be an aussie over in the US with a deployed hubby. Its nice to hear of others who are doing it.

I read one of your previous threads from March, did you find an answer for your friend in Germany?

If you're in Germany for >1 year, are you going to take advantage of the chance to gain U.S. citizenship right away?

Cheers!

Jess

Firstly a big big big thankyou's go out to Kath and to Captain Ewok
for helping me with my dilema of me losing my login details .
To everyone else hi how's is ya's doing lol

It is 10 days, 6 hours, 52 minutes and 41 seconds
until Thursday, 10 May 2007 at 9:17:00 AM (Providence time)
when I land in Providence Rhode Island and soon after see my
Lovely Beautiful Wifee Cheryl - NorthernGirl

Wishing all VJ'ERS a speedy reconnection with your loved ones

Cheers

Paul

hi hammy
no thanks necessary mate ..didnt do much to help ...

well were at the end of april here...thank goodness i said that its my daughters birthday on the 2nd...every year since she has has her own mobile i send her a sms on exactly the time she was born wishing her a happy birthday ..so gotta calculate the exact time to send it lol..

no news here...robbie let me drive home from the supermarket ..hadnt done in ages but i did well even remembered i can turn right on a red light hehehe ...cant wait to get into driving again....

take care
kath

Well Kath I give Credit where Credit is Due.

Both you and Captain Ewok helped me and I am most appreciative to both.

Good to hear "robbie let me drive home from the supermarket "
hadnt done in ages but i did well even remembered i can turn right on a red light hehehe ...cant wait to get into driving again....

So you are saying ya can't turn on a Red Light here
Well I am soooooo glad that some intersections here,
don't have Red Light Camera's ..... Joking Of Course
Hi to Lyndel..Congrats on Wedding.. now where are these pictures lol,
Caroline.M , Jess, Pris, and anyone I have missed mentioning

Cheers

Paul

Jodee: We're great We made Anzac biscuits the other day which was cool. We're just working, hanging out, life is good

GO AUSSIES! We won the world cup FYI if ya'll didn't know.

Aussie Aussie Aussie OI OI OI.


WELL DONE GLEN MCGRATH AND THE REST OF THE AUSSIE CRICKETERS.

CHEERS

PAUL

Just thought I would Post a Recipe what a shocker eh lmao...

Just something to keep ya warm ans stick to your ribs on a cold winters day/night

Pea and ham soup



Serving size: Serves 4
Cooking time: More than 1 hour







250g green split peas, rinsed
100g speck, in one piece
1 smoked ham hock
250g leeks, thinly sliced
2 medium floury potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
250g celeriac, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1cm cubes
1/3 cup coarsely chopped parsley leaves
500g fresh peas in pod, shelled, or 200g frozen peas
breadstick and butter, to serve

METHOD



Place split peas in a pan with 2 litres (8 cups) water.
Add speck, ham hock and a little salt and slowly bring to a boil.
Skim impurities from surface, then reduce heat to very low
and simmer 1½–2 hours, or until peas are quite mushy.

Add leeks, potatoes, celeriac, carrot and parsley, and season to taste.
Simmer 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender,
stirring occasionally to prevent split peas from sticking to pan.
Add fresh peas (if using) for last 10 minutes of cooking.

Remove speck and hock from pan.
Cut speck into bite-sized pieces, remove meat from hock and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Stir both into soup, together with frozen peas (if using). Simmer 10 minutes.

Serve soup in heated bowls with bread.


Enjoy and Cheers


Paul

Hi Jess,

I met Jake on the internet and he was deployed at that time. We had to wait 7mths to meet in person. Was difficult but we really got to know each other by chatting when he wasn't on missions and he called me when he could. I think that combined with the long distance and visa journey has made our relationship really strong. He will be deployed again next year but i think we will cope ok. We will expedite our AOS as soon as we get dates.

Hammy, not long to go now!!! Yay!!!!

Kath, glad to hear you're driving girl....I was absolutely hopeless on the road lol....definitely am sticking to learning in the car park until I get my act together!

Can you believe I got sunburnt yesterday when we went to the Garden of the Gods and it's hot here again today....the weather is just like Melbourne, so changeable!! bet Rings and Loke would agree! lol

Well.....just starting filling out the AOS forms....ewwww. I haven't changed my name and I am wondering if it will be easier to keep my maiden name until all this paperwork is through and approved.

Hey Elle...where are you??? How's the packing going...love being able to say that to someone else!!! lmao

Cheers from Mrs Jake

Maybe I should be asking this in another string.......

OOh.......Congratulations Lyndel, ahem..Mrs Jake..!!! ~

...waiting on the pics too....

hi pris
sorry pris i must of missed that post somehow mate
you should be looking at US citz filing for spouse and child under 21.....

that has a date of october 2006 mate

your spouse is a us citz ...or is he a permanent resident

kath

i have a weird question...

if i'm the one moving over to the US.... do i need or would i need to show them any tax returns? (because my filing is like all over the place with my tax returns).....

Hi all,



I'm hoping I'll be qualified to agree or disagree over the next few weeks...first visit to Colorado approaching very soon.

Speaking of which...I'm due to fly out on Sunday and all of a sudden have hit panic mode. I have my passport, and am in the process of getting rent receipts and letter from my landlord and employer stating that they expect me back in the country after my two week stay in the States. Is there anything else I can do to try to ensure the Authorities in the States won't turn me aorund at the airport? I don't have a lease but I paid my rent two months in advance. I really couldn't bear it if I landed in LA only to find that they won't let me in the country.

I have read up on the visa waiver program and everything I have read indicates that the only documentation I need prior to traveling is my passport (it is an e-passport, which is required).

Can anyone set my mind at ease a little, or at the very least give me a valid reason for my panic? I suspect a lot of it might be unfounded but I feel awful for not panicking earlier, when it might have been useful if I have forgotten anything.

Lucky for you, the answer is No! All the financial stuff comes from the US Citizen. The reason for the financial stuff from the USC is so he/she can prove that they have the means to support you when you get out there to the US.

Hi Loke,

I reckon you'll be just fine, plenty of people travel into the US on visa waiver while they have pending visas, but as usual its up to the POE person to decide.

The letter from your employer and also the rent receipt will be good proof. Don't forget that your return airline tickets/itinerary also count as proof.

Logic suggests that if you're going through the visa process already, why wouldn't you want to go back to complete the legitimate process? Still, I think the pending visa thing might be one of those "tell them only if they ask" kinds of deals. I've read that people have actually said "I'm visiting my fiancee" and had no trouble, but plenty of other people elect to say "I'm visiting friends and/or relatives" instead.

Good luck! I'm sure it'll be just fine!

hi loke and rings
how you doing,.... ohh i bet you two are getting excited now .. not long to go whoooo hoooo...enjoy make each moment a memorable one...

loke do you have an employer...a letter from them is a good one to take too...i wouldnt worry too much mate i went over while my pettition was being processed i took all those things with me ..and they didnt even ask for them...i stated i was visiting my fiance when asked...im sure you will be fine mate...have a safe flight...if you havent flown before take a sleeping tablet will help ya out.. also walk around the plane whenever you can and do the exercises ...stretch your muscles .... drink plenty of water about a few days before you leave as well as on the day ...it helps.... you will be given forms to fill out on the plane before landing to hand in with your passport....your entering on the waiver visa...usually on the plane they play a notice stating what kind of forms you are to ask for ....

hope you have a great time in colarado mate enjoy...take plenty of pics together as added evidence for your interview and save your boarding tickets and itenary ...

and no offense but ya a male .. they done think of things till the last minute ...lol stir stir

sharyna dont worry on your own fiances its your fiance that has to worry on his mate...but i would get your taxes all up todate before you leave australia...

take care
kath

kath i downloaded the form you posted way back from the ATO - leaving australia form... so i keep it in a safe place..... so thankyou for posting that....

i'm just starting to get itchy now lol...

wow i had forgotten about that post sharyna ... glad you found it ...
you still driving your fiance insane...hope you get touched soon with some kinda result soon for you...

no need to get itchy mate...relax and enjoy the time you have left in oz mate...take one step at a time and take things that come your way with ease..

kath

nah i'm good
just the mood i'm in today............

being May and all.... already..

Thanks Jezz and Kath for helping ease my mind a little. I know a lot of the worry is illogical, but the thought that I could have done something that I haven't is a frightening one, no matter how reasonable. I am taking a letter from my employer Kath, that's one of the first things I thought of...and...


It wasn't the thinking of things that got me in trouble here, it's the last minute PANIC!!!! I think I actually have everything covered that has been suggested, and have been content for some time now that I have done everything I need...but that doesn't help when the PANIC!!!! sets in hahaha.

But thanks again for all your help, it means more to me and to Rings than we can really put into words.

smiles at loke....i remember my first visit here...funny i had no panic whatsoever...everyone around me was doing enough of it for me lol... it was my first ever flight overseas too.. have you looked up the airports your landing in to see where you have to go to your next flight...on every flight i took (4) i had everything down pat all written down in my diary right down to where to walk to my next flight and what to look for lol ..i know im nutta when it comes to anything that needs organising...i suppose it comes from being involved in the kids soccer club years ago lol ohh memories there lol

you just have a safe flight loke may you arrive safely into the arms of rings..

kath

I know what you mean about getting itchy! I'm trying really hard to enjoy my last months because I will sure miss Australia when I'm gone. Still, I'm trying to avoid the countdown because the countdown also means a countdown to my final exams... and exams stress me out! I'll enjoy the countdown much more when the exams are over (last exam is the 25th of June) AND I plan to leave on the 12th of July. YAY!

Whats the ATO form Kath? Is that the one to let them know that you're changing your status to non-resident for tax purposes?

Don't forget your form to let the know that you're going to be overseas. You can choose whether you want to be removed from the electoral role or (IN NSW AT LEAST) if you plan to come back to Australia within 6 years you can apply to vote overseas. If you're overseas longer you can extend it once a year.

These attachments might help, one is the form to notify them that you're leaving and want to be exempt from voting the other is applying for overseas postal voting. If you are overseas when theres an election and you haven't told them and you didn't vote they will send your australian address a letter asking you where you were. You won't get fined if you tell them you were overseas.

Hi All


Just thought I'd pop in and say hi to one and all.
Hi to sharyna, kath, loke, rings, Lyndel , and everyone else.



It is now

It is 9 days, 4 hours, 59 minutes and 57 seconds
until Thursday, 10 May 2007 at 9:17:00 AM (Providence time),
Till I see my Cheryl again.



Congratulations to all that have gottent their Interview Dates
And to all that are waiting.. "Patience Grasshopper"

If you can snatch this pebble from my hand... hehehe.
Well I thought I might as well post prolly my last Aussie Recipe..

It is a great Recipe if you like BBQ'ING steak..
And If you look at the ingredients..
you see I added something to make it a Authentic Aussie Steak Sanga!



Aussie Steak sandwich



Serving size: Serves 4
Cooking time: More than 1 hour



INGREDIENTS



4 (800g) scotch fillet steaks
8 thick slices (320g) crusty white bread
2 tablespoons olive oil
60g rocket, trimmed

Chilli tomato jam
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 medium (760g) tomatoes, chopped coarsely
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup (125ml) sweet chilli sauce
1/3 cup (75g) firmly packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh coriander

Caramelised leek
30g butter
1 medium (350g) leek, sliced thinly
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons dry white wine



1 LARGE SLICED BEETROOT

NOTE: Scotch fillet steak is also known as rib-eye steak.

We used a loaf of ciabatta, Italian bread,

For this recipe, which is best made close to serving.



METHOD



For the chilli tomato jam, heat oil in a medium saucepan;

Cook garlic, stirring, until browned lightly.

Add the tomato, sauces and sugar; bring to the boil.

Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for about 45 minutes

Or until the mixture thickens.

Stand for 10 minutes; stir in the coriander.

For the caramelised leek, melt the butter in a medium frying pan;

Cook the leek, stirring, until softened.

Add the sugar and wine; cook, stirring occasionally,

For about 20 minutes or until the leek caramelises.

Cook steaks on a heated, oiled grill plate (or grill or barbecue)

Until browned on both sides and cooked as desired.

Meanwhile, brush both sides of the bread slices with oil;

Toast both sides under a hot grill.

Sandwich the rocket, steaks, chilli tomato jam

And caramelised leek between bread slices.

THEN ADD THE ENTIRE SLICED BEETROOT.

TO MAKE IT AUTHENTIC AUSSIE STEAK SANGA!

Not suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave.



Cheers

Paul

Thats so great Paul! You're so close to being back with your dear wifey. I'm excited for you!

Your recipe looks so tasty, three cheers for the mighty beet! Word of caution... coriander is called cilantro in the US!

Thank you for helping to ease Loke's mind Kath and everyone! You guys are great. He is nervous. I can't wait to drag him all over Colorado and show him stuff! YAY 5 days!

Yeah my dad encouraged me to check out a map of LA airport as he says it can be a confusing place. He was talking about having to leave one building and enter another to make my connecting flight but QANTAS arrivals are in terminal 4 and American Airlines depart from the same terminal so I'm not sure if I will have to leave the building I arrive at or not. I have had a preliminary look at maps of LA and Denver and I plan to check them out more thoroughly before I leave. If everything else fails I'll just pester everyone in a uniform that I see until I get where I need to be.

Hi all

Just a Question on Departure from Sydney..Me flying out of Aus for good..

What do they ask for ( Paperwork wise) apart from Passport and Visa +MBE?

Just making sure I have all bases covered

Cheers

Paul

Hiya Rings

Not long now till Loke and you are reunited


Good For you both and best wishes to you.

Cheers

Paul

Wish I could help you be organised for your departure Paul, but you're way ahead of me in the departure stakes. Congrats on getting your visa though, I hope it's all smooth sailing from here now that you're through the really tough stuff. Good luck with your farewells and safe flight to your new home

Hi Loke All good Mate re helping with departure.
Thanks mine is a CR1 Visa my Interview was Friday 13th April 07..

I hope it's smooth sailing as well as Me thinks that
the puddle is shrinking between myself and
my Lovely Wifee Cheryl-NorthernGirl.
Moving to Massachusetts
can't wait to be with Cheryl again,
In person and in the same Hemisphere .

Good luck in your travels to be with Rings.

I fly into Sydney this Sunday 6th May @ 8.40am..
Staying with my sister and brother-inlaw till I fly out on
Wednesday 9th May... haven't seen my sister since,
Cheryl's and My Wedding May 13th last year.
And this year(Our 1st Wedding Anniversary) It falls on Mothers Day.

And on that note..
To All Mothers out there in VJ Land

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ONE AND ALL.
AND TO MY MUM (DECEASED) LOVE AND MISS YOU BIGTIME MUM

Cheers
Paul

Hey Loke,

I have travelled twice during the pending visa approval and had no problems. I just carried a letter from my employer and a couple of pay slips if they wanted proof but was never asked any questions. I am sure you will be fine....happy reunion!!!

Cheers
Lyndel

Hey Hammy,

I know our Visa's are different but I thought it might help if I tell you my epxerience.

Sydney weren't worried about me at all and were not interested in the Visa, that is because we already have the Visa Waiver Program in place so they don't care and assume people are travelling on the VWP. You will fill out a couple of forms on the plane before you land, make sure you tell the steward/ess who hands out the forms that you are on a specific visa so that you get the white form as well. Then you get the attention at the USA POE.

Wow, you must be getting excited!

Hey Pris, thank you, am so happy. How are things with you? Hope you're hanging in there!

HI YA HAMMMY

i wouldn't worry too much on your departure its your landing in LAX where they will be more intersted in which type of visa you are using mate...just have the brown envelope handy to hand into the offficer..we went into the US citz line .. but you can ask the attendents which you can go in...

i left melbourne and all they wanted was my passport and boarding pass..also make sure you have plenty of time to walk to your gate...if your getting duty free at the airport take that into consideration when walking to your gate...

i didnt mind the sydney airport for flying out with china mate...you will be right mate..

hi girlfromoz
how you doing mate ..have you applied yet for your ssn...and how is the job hunting going..home depo in colardo springs were after people mate...it absolutely poored down here ..we had a tornado warning today...the sirens went off ...so i put the tv on to check the weather out.. so i went down to the laundry like robbie told me to do and the siren went off ..nothing happened thank goodness...but sure was a bit daunting .when ya not use to it...

kath

Well it's Official I Fly to Sydney,
Sunday 6th May 6.20am flight From Adelaide,
Arriving Sydney 8.40am
Staying with my Sister and Brother In-law in Carlingford..

Flying out of Sydney Wednesday 9th May 11.40am
Then flying to Taipei China - Lax - Cleavland,
Then Finally arriving in Providence Rhode Island
@ 9.17am Thursday 10th May.
My Beautiful Wifee Cheryl / NorthernGirl,
Is taking the day off work to come pick me up

And driving us back to Our Place in Massachusetts


It is 8 days, 7 hours, 1 minute and 8 seconds until
Thursday, 10 May 2007 at 9:17:00 AM (Providence time)

Hope everyone is well and you are all happy

It will be soooooo goooooooood as Sunday 13th May
Is Our 1 Year Wedding Anniversary
As well as being Mothers Day as well.
To all you Mothers out there
Happy Mothers Day to All

Cheers

Paul

Hi Everyone, just a quick question - i read somewhere in visajourney that the Sydney Consulate requires a 2nd Affidavit of Support form to be completed. Is this true? If so, where can i go to find it?

Thanks
Jo

Hi Jo!

You're doing the K-1 Visa like me . The Sydney Consulate only asks you for one Affidavit of Support form to be completed by your American Citizen Fiancee. The form relevant to you as a K-1er is the I-134 form.

Your fiancee will also need to send you supporting documentation that proves they can support you monetarily. Attached to one of my recent earlier posts is the information sheet that details what documents are required to go along with the I-134 form.

Good luck!


EDIT: My post that I was referring to is Post #2136 on page 143. It also has the link to download the I-134 form if you need it.