Hey all

My computer died just over a week ago so I haven't been able to update. Trip was alright, and no dramas at immigration As I found out, I did good going with AirNZ, as the Terminal Qantas goes through had about 4-5 planes all come in at the same time. ouch. Now just to wait for the paperwork

don't stress about getting immunity tests back before you go, just let the doc know that maybe there has been a delay/mixup in getting them back...they'll just do the physical part of the exam and when you get the results fax them over, you don't need another appointment with them or anything like that, they just need to sight it.

Hey everyone, i am currently trying to put together all my documents for filing AOS. I entered US on a K-1 visa. Just wondering what kind of medical information i need to submit? From reading the forums, i am getting confused. I have with me a copy of the medical form that i used to get my K-1 visa (form DS3025). Do i just send in this form along with my I-485 or do i need to have a civil surgeon complete a form I-693A for me??

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Jo

Have any of you guys tried calling the NVC from Australia? I tried calling them several times, but the number doesn't want to work for me.


It seems to work for other people outside the US.

Congrats on the interview date HD..!!!

I got packet three but it had no instructions on the police check or the medical, although they kept writing in brackets (you should have received this already) I HADN'T!! Lucky for me coming in here or I wouldn't know about them at all! And they gave me 19 days to get them???!!! If I didn't have them done already and I didn't need to change my interview date I'd be stuffed getting them done..!

Hey Katz, I've called them before and it does work - what number are you calling? Are you using international numbers? etc...

Awww...(((Whisper to Me)))) .....

Hey Katz, I've never had an issue getting through to the automated voice system.

Dial 0011 (to get out of Oz) 160 333 4070 - that should put you straight through!

Thanks Pris - I am so happy it has finally come. I noticed you re-scheduled your interview, was this because you didn't have everything ready? I am wondering if I should do the same now..

Again if i did not plan my police report and vaccinations ahead of time I would have been totally screwed, especially knowing I will be out of Oz for 3 whole weeks over Xmas and unable to do anythign during this time!

Is it just me, or does this whole process feel really unorganised? LOL.

See how I go I guess. My main focus is on getting the medical before I fly out next friday. My hubby is sending packets 3/4 back to me by fed ex today so I am hoping to have them by Friday as I have made my appointment with the panel physician on Monday.

Oh, if anyone is in Melb, Dr Poppenbeek was completely booked out until Jan 17th!! That was so unexpected from what pat was saying about a medical in adelaide. So I managed to get my apt with the alternative Dr in Caufield.

Does anyonw know how fast it takes to send docs express from Hawaii? ;-)

Hope all went well today PAT! You're almost done!! :-)

Nope, still not working. It's the same number I was using before. God, this is so frustrating!

I'm having a few flash backs now.. i think there were a few days where I have tired to call and it would seem the phone line was down!? is it like a constant engaged signal? In this case, if I tired again the next day it would always go through.

Also, if you want to speak to someone, I would always wait up late and call. So I would be their first call for the morning and you will pretty much always get instant connection to an official person to speak with!

Good luck!

No, I rescheduled because it was for two days before I leave for my Xmas trip and I couldn't get a guarantee I would be getting my passport back straight away nor was I certain of the terms of coming and going after my POE.

No, it's totally unorganised and it really comes across as a lack of respect from the US and poor handling from our governement. I rang the one phone line you can call to speak to a person at the Sydney Consulate which for us aussies in our own country is $ per minute while the US citizens have the normal phone line and spoke to someone who couldn't answer my question as they don't handle immigrant visas there....??? WELL WHO DOES???

Goodluck with getting it all in. I had mine done what feels like years ago, if I'm not careful they will have expired before I get them there...lol.

some people wing it and just use the ds form, otherwise do a search for L.E Arnold, a civil surgeon you can mail the ds to and they'll transcribe it for 10bucks and mail it back..

See, I'm not even getting that far... The Telstra recording keeps telling me that the number is incomplete and that I need to check the number (which I have many times!) and try again. :\

I'm starting to wonder if Western Australians are blocked from using the number. Heh.

I FINALLY got through to the NVC!

...And there were no live operators available at the time I called (about three minutes ago). Bloody figures!! Gahh. *headdesk*

I'm done with the medical part...now on to the home stretch!

The medical was painless and quick. Dr. Miller is one very busy man! I got there half an hour early and Joan went through my paperwork making sure everything was in order. It was handy to have that extra time to sort through it and have it explained to me

I went in, the Dr. asked me some questions, did some stamping and then I laid down on the examining table and he took my blood pressure, listened to my heart and that was it! Done, all paperwork signed.

The last bit was Joan putting all the documents in the order that the Consulate apparently like to have it. She advised me not to unravel it and if I do, to put it back the way it was Joan is definitely on the ball with this one! She wished me good luck and left the clinic.

We're hoping to send off the interview form tomorrow and wait for a date. I'm seriously asking Santa for Zach and I to find out our interview date BEFORE Christmas. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will happen by mid-January!!!!

Before I go, with the Affidavit of Support, Zach mentioned that he read somewhere that the form needs to be verified by a USCIS agent? Is this correct?


Good luck with everybody as they go through the process. HD, all the best with your medical too!

Hello all,

I hope that you are all doing well! Sorry that Loke and I have not been around much, but life has been so full now that we are finally together. We have our interview set for January 11th and I am starting to get nervous. I keep asking myself dumb questions like "What if they ask me his birthday and I royally screw it up because of the difference in days"

I always mess his birthday up because I programmed myself to tell him happy birthday a day earlier so I would never miss it lol. Anyway I know I will be okay and this is normal.

I hope you are all doing well *hugs*

~ Rings

Congrats Pat! Did they do your x-rays on the same day?

I had my medical lined up for Monday, but I'm going to have to postpone as Fed-ex could not guarantee 2 days international delivery at this time of the year apparently.. all they could guarantee was 5 days!

I am going to have to take my medical right before I get on the plane to Hawaii. not at all happy because the medical office told me they are closing from 21st - 14th Jan!! So my papers will sit there over the whole xmas holiday!

My interview in Sydney is on Jan 22nd. I am really considering writing to the consulate and asking them to re-schedule me.. but not really sure what to do..

Heya Rings!

Goodluck with the interview

Hi! It says on the Affidavit of Support instructions that the form needs to be sworn before a USCIS officer OR a notary public. USCIS does it for free, notary public there is a charge - I called a place today though and they said it's only $5. I hope you find out about your interview date before Xmas too! Then, I'm only a couple weeks behind you

Thanks, Jenny. I really hope that a JP here in Australia will do because if we have to wait for Zach to get back to the US, that will not be until late Dec and we can't wait that long before we can send the ready for interview form.

Hi Everyone,

Quick question.

When a K3 visa is received at the Consulate (not that I have one yet....lol), does the 2 years of its validity start from then or when the K3 visa recipient arrives in the U.S? I realise you have to use it within 6 months but does that 2 years begin from consulate approval or POE?

Cheers,
Peta

Hi there...

Well I'm back to the vaccination questions.

My immunity results came back for most of the things they tested on the list. I have had boosters for MMR, TD and Hep B. I am immune to varicella (chicken pox) so I didnt need that.

But I am still waiting on the immunity results for Polio, influenza and pneumoncoccal. After 2 weeks I keep calling and calling and STILL I get the same answer. "It's not back yet"..

So I really need to worry about these? According to the table on the London US gov website they are not applicable to a 28 year old? But I am stil freaking out thinking maybe I should just go and get the boosters to cover myself anyway.

Am I stressing over nothing? Any advice?

I think for your age you don't need that many. I'm 29yrs and the only thing I remember getting from childhood was the reubella shot and when I had my medical I only needed one more which the doctor made an appointment with somone in the city (just a few streets away) straight after my appointment with him so it was too easy.



I don't know Peta but I would guess it starts from when you arrive in the States - POE.

Anyone else....?

Hi Pat - i was just wondering - how long will it take you to receive the medical report you will take to the interview? Or did you get all of this on the day?

Just wondering what the turn around time is like as I have a rather tight deadline with the Christmas break coming up..

Also did you need to get any additonal vaccinations? I have had Hep B, TD and MMR and I have documents to say I'm immune to Chicken Pox!

Did you need to get the shots for Influenza, polio and pnemococcal too? Or did they ignore these completely because according to that age chart they are not required?

Thanks and sorry for so may questions all.. I am really stressed because I have the last appointment before the panel physician closes for the holidays and there is only a 2 week gap between when they re open and my interview date!

hi hd
Go by the chart mate...if you dont need it by your age group dont get it unless you really feel you need it...the medical examiner also goes by this chart ...

when i went to the doctor in melbourne it only took like a week...you could if your worried about it get it posted to say your mothers house while your away....also ask for a copy of the medical for your own records...

you will do fine..i know its a stressful time getting this done and get ready for your visit but take it easy mate...


take care
kath

HD,

I am no expert in this area but I've started making some early enquiries in terms of the vaccinations. I recently asked Nurses at work (I work in Mental Health) about the requirement list of vaccinations. I was told by them and by my GP recently, that the Influenza shot is only given seasonly and that the pnemococcal is only given to infants and older, fragile people (over 65). As for polio, most Aussie children would have been immunized in their youth - remember SABIN? that revolting drop of liquid on a spoon? I can still taste it......lol

Let us know how things go.....

Peta :-)

Thanks Kath & Peta,

I think I have myself so wound up over this whole thing and I just need to chill out.

Will just go by the age chart and trust that the information is up to date.. what you are telling me too Peta also makes me thing I am stressing over nothing. Seems I have what I need as as long as I get my medical before I get on that plane next week, all should be dandy! And quite right, they can send it to my mother whilst I'm on vacation!

I will let you all know the outcome.. have a great weekend all!

Thanks again for all your advice and calming words!

HD.

I was with Dr. Miller for about 15 minutes and it was done. Just some questions, checking of my letters from Doctors proving I've done all my vaccinations, he filled out the forms (stamped them as they should be, signed them off) a quick examination and that was it. You get everything you need right there and then.



The only extra immunisation I got was Hep B (this was purely my own choice and they advised me that it wasn't required). But he marked it on the form anyway - but that's not something the Consulate will be looking out for because I'm not in the age range anyway. So yeah, just stick with what you need so there's no delay.



Try not to stress out (I know, that's easier said that done for matters like this) and enjoy your time with your husband in the US

Hey thanks again for the advice... all should be okay with my appointment next week.. then it's time to focus on making the most of my vacation with my husband!

Thanks guys.. you are wonderful. :-)

Joan is LOVELY isn't she!! I met her a couple of years ago now

2 years from POE I believe...

She is! But she is soooooo flat out and I can sense how stressed out she gets sometimes. But she NEVER shows it. I was observing her as I was waiting to see Dr. Miller and whenever the phone rang, she would run to it, check the clock (I suppose to see if it's morning or afternoon) and then answer so nicely even though she's got her hand on her forehead and she's looking down. She never shows it in her voice that she's under the pump.

And she's so reassurring. She kept saying "Everything will be fine". I hope so, Joan!

So the drama continues..

Packet 3 and 4 are on their way back to me from my husband the US, I'm still waiting. I'm pretty sure I'll need to get myself in for a medical before they close over the Christmas break (20th December) in order to receive the report back in time for my interview on Jan 22nd.

I emailed the US consulate asking what I should do in that case that my medical is not ready in time for my appointment (due to Xmas etc).

They said I can still go to the interview and they will "temporarily refuse" me. They said I can then send the medical report once its ready and they will then "process to conclusion", and that I "would not need to attend another interview".

Has anyone heard of this? Why wouldn't they just reschedule my interview?

lawd....because they don't need to reschedule it and push you further down the line (something which I'm sure you'd be screaming about if they did). for them the medical is just paperwork. they can view it when you're not there.

Ditto that.

RELAX MATE!! I was stressing like you a couple of years ago, when there were a few loose ends that I could not tie up before our interview date. We just went forth and had our interview, and when I finally had the information they needed a few weeks later I merely mailed it in, and the passports and Visa's were mailed back to me in a very short time

Just stick with your interview and get the medical scheduled for when you can It will ALL work out - I promise~~!!

I suppose you're right Sugarbob! I would be screaming! Well I guess they have seen it all before and know what they are doing..

Thanks a million aussieamerican.. that gives me some comfort... I had this awful vision of going back to the bottom of the pile again. Almost 2 years of seperation is wearing thin. LOL. We've all been there....

I hope everyone is gearing up for a nice Christmas.. where ever you may be!

We certainally are! I feel lucky to be able to share it with my husband.

Hey guys!

Well, I have an update on my AOS...it has been transferred to the Califonia Service Centre.....am not quite sure if I should be worried.

Called the NVC last night to find out that they received our case on the 17th! It should be on its way to Sydney as I type this.

YAY!

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since I have checked in. I have a few pages back to eventually catch up on.
I hope everyone is doing well and is getting ready to enjoy upcoming holidays!

To recap on our events...

Everything up to the interview and granted IR-1 visa was fine. However there was a little drama leading up to our 11/18 flight. Apparently the clerk that initially reviewed the paperwork typed an annotation at the bottom of the visa where she had some second alias. She put in her middle name as her last name. I had emailed the Consulate twice and 2 days before our Sat flight they finally send an email stating that they might have made a mistake. Yikes. I read the email Friday morning before we were flying out so off we went to the Sydney consulate (luckily just an hour train ride away). We had to wait for 3 hours until we were called. They were extra busy that day. Anyway once we got to the clerk, (the same one that screwed it up) was a little rude saying that they only accept appts. I shoved the paperwork through the window along with the printed email asking us to bring it back. I was ready to punch a hole through the glass and ask her why she is being annoying.

She took it and then had the folks review it. They were huddled up for 10 minutes and came to the conclusion that "it should be fine". All the paperwork inside the sealed envelope read correctly. It was just the annotation area (some type of extra notes section) on the visa stamp in her passport that had that extra alias listing. I was a little annoyed that we wasted half the day to hear this. They would change it for us but it required 24 hours to reprocess due to the computer image security procedure and we were flying the next day (Sat). I wasn't as worried but didn't want to run into any issues at the POE.

We stayed up the whole night finishing packing. The flight was fine and we slept through most of it. Once we arrived at LAX we had to go to the visitor line (I thought it was suposed to be th ePR / USC line). The officer took the paperwork and processed some of it. He then led us to an open seating area where we waited for about 15 min. One other girl was also getting her paperwork processed. I was going to ask if she was a VJ member.

An officer came out and then called my wife up to the counter so she could sign some more docs and they were small talking with her. They were very nice to her. It worked out well because once she was done some lady in baggage came out asking if there was anyone waiting for luggage (everyone but a handful of people were left). I went over to the baggage and all our stuff was there waiting. How convenient. We then went through the luggage customs and the guys teased me about having to follow my wife's orders from now on.

We were welcomed to the US and then connected to our NY destination flight shortly after. It was a pretty uneventful trip. All the drama was the extra visit to the Consulate. At least I knew the visa was fine, we just didn't want my wife to be aliased with an incorrect name.

A few weeks later she received her SSN. Last week we received a USCIS welcome letter telling us they would be in touch within 30 days. I hope that means her green card should be arriving.

Now I've had my wife studying for her driver's permit. I wish we could just go and trade her license in for a New Jersey one without going through the entire process over again.

Oh well, at least we're together now.

Congrats to the couples reunited and well wishes for a speedy reunion for the ones still waiting. Hang in there!

Nice to hear your news vylex! Sounds like thing are all falling into place for you both - this is excellent news!

Well i am finally done with my medical appointment.. it took 3 hours in total by the time I filled in some forms at the doctors office, had my examination, went to the hospital for the x-ray, waited an hour and a half to get the film and report back, and then returned the x-ray report to the doctors office!

Thankfully my employer was very understanding about me not reaching work until midday!

By the way, they only used one passort pic for the front of the medical form. Any other idea what the other 2 pics were supposed to be for!?

Well at least I am one step closer to being ready for my interview. I should have the medical report in my hand by 10th Jan!

As for right now, I'm off to Hawaii for 3 weeks! I can't wait to see my husband!

Aloha & best wishes for Christmas. May the new year bring great things for all of us!

HD.

Can you still enter the U.S while a K3 or IR1/CR1 Visa is being processed? I thought that if you had immigration intent they would refuse entry? Do they still let you through if you show you have a legitamate visa application in place?


Cheers

Technically you can. Some people just don't recommend it in fear of having an issue during interview time should they be turned away by the border officer. However, I believe that as long as you have ties to your current home country you'll be fine. You can also explain that you have a visa in place and it is current, etc. should you be questioned.

If you don't have any marks against you as far as traveling illegally, my experience is that immigration doesn't pry too hard if you have a return ticket. One thing I do recommend is to answer short and sweet. Don't talk yourself into trouble but don't like either.

Oh as far as immigration intent, I believe it is more of what I call," shady immigration intent" (i.e. adjusting status after entering the country because I have seen that recommendation before).

Hmmm interesting, didn't know that. Maybe I can plan another trip after all.......

Thanks for the reply....

Hey guys!

On average... How long does Sydney take to mail out packet three?

It took about 8 days for us. I'd say give it a week or two.

Ahh, sweet. Thanks.

Uhm... One more question... Sorry...

The "sponsor's financial responsibility under the social security act." thingy, do we get a copy of that form in package three? I saw a pdf of it, but it seemed blurred. What exactly do I do with it? Just send the form off to my fiance so he can sign it, and then send it back to me?

It took exactly 8 days for us to receive packet 3 too! About the financial responsibility thing, my fiance did not receive that in his packet 3, so I have no idea how we're supposed to get it for the interview...? I sort of figured if we needed it, they'd have sent it, but then somewhere on here it says Sydney requires it. So maybe someone else can help us out?

hi ya
not sure if the rules have changed for a K1 visa but I didnt need that when i went for my interview...

I applied for my social security card 2 weeks after arriving here...email sydney and ask that question im sure they will set you right on it..

hope everyone has a lovely christmas wherever you are...dont know if were going to be having a white one here we havent had anymore snow since last sunday..

one more shift for me today and im off for the week wont get paid for it but it will be nice to spend a week with hubby..and thank goodness this christmas madness is nearly over....retail really puts a downer on the christmas spirit...
take care all have a good one..
kath

When you get the medical forms back, you will need to make 2 copies, attach the pics to those

Well, I got my Christmas wish (but not exactly too ecstatic about it though)....got my interview date for January 2. I should be really happy but I've got enough stress to worry about right now and then they gave me a week & 2 days!!!!!!!!!! (I know, I know, I should be grateful).

I'm not mentally prepared for this so I think we're going to ask, beg, plead for a re-schedule

But on a happier note, have a lovely Christmas everybody!!!!!!!!!!!! (wherever you may be....)

They used up all 3 for mine. They used one for the form that the Dr. fills out. One for the blood test request. One for the X-Ray.

But I think you mentioned you already had your HIV & Syphillis test done, so maybe that's why they didn't use it? But for the X-Ray they definitely needed my photo to be on there.

But then again, we are going for different visas so the forms may be different. Yeah, that would have to be it. ::shrugs::