Kath, Patriciaofoz, and Hawaiiandreams, thank you all so much for your kind patience and VERY helpful advice...You've all saved me one big headache! Haha.

Everything seems all set at the moment... Biographic Data form was sent to Sydney today... Medical(s) appointment made... Finger print appointment set... Just gotta play the waiting game now.

I do, however, have a few more questions (as I always do seem to do ) if that's cool with you guys? Now, on the visa instructions it says I have to take 3 passport photos with me to the medical. The woman at the panel physician's office said I only needed one. Is that right? If not... What are the other two photos for? I'll be taking them with me anyway... I just thought it was odd that she said only one. O_o

The finger prints... What exactly happens with those? I'm really in the dark about that little part of the process. I have to go to the Australian Federal Police here in Perth (the earliest appointment date they had was February 1st!). Local cop shops don't do that anymore (and my clearance application has to be sent to the ACT and processed there.) What a pain.

And lastly... Form DS-156... The one I have to fill out online: can that be done at anytime? I was going to fill it out today, but I wasn't sure what happens to it once I clicked "continue" at the bottom of the screen. Does it get sent off somewhere online?

Katz no it doesnt get sent off anywhere - you just fill it out, and then print it off...... hope this helps....

I took 3 photos with me and they were all used for my medicals. They used for my X-Ray Form. One for the Blood Test Form. And the last one for the main medical examination form (it actually has a "bit" for the photo). So unless they do things differently at that clinic, not sure why you wouldn't use all of them. But yeah, bring them all along just in case.



The fingerprinting is just standard procedure and something that checks that you have no criminal history.



Hahaha. I re-did that DS-156 form something like 6 times before I got it all right so go nuts

Hey pat - thanks so much! i think this time around brings more feelings of exitement and joy rather than the sadness of seperation. I am so excited about my husband and I finally building a life together!
Thanks anyway Re: the $120.00 post office payment...there was nothing about this in packets 3/4 about me having to make any additional payments so I can only assume it does not apply to CR1.

Oh, so excited about your wedding. How wonderful.. enjoy the preps! Also would love to catch up in SYD.. I will arrive on night of the 21st at around 8 if you fancy a little celebration drink the night before my interview! Are you available? let me know and I'll send you my mobile number via message!

Oh, by the way, did you certify the copies of document you took to your interview (birth certificates etc)? Or just take the copies?

Hiya Katz... always happy to help with what I know! I just went through the passport picture saga.. basically i was told to take 3 pics to the medical also. But the panel physician only used one. When I collected my medical report yesterday I asked what the story was and why the other 2 weren't used when the consulate had specified "take 3 passport pics". The receptionist went back and checked with the doctor and he said sometimes they need to use additional pics for the blood tests but in my case this was not required. The consulate just sends out one set of instructions but it may not apply to all. Take them along just in a case. As I seem to recall, Pat's panel physican used all 3! Better to be safe than sorry I say.

As far as the police certifiocate goes, you will go along and have all of your prints taken. They will conduct a national name search and finger print check. In exchange for your 120 or so bucks you will receive a certificate with your name on it from the police in the mail within 10 days. I can not comment on the DS-156 as I was never asked to send this. I got my intedate right away!

Take care guys.. HD.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS....
Yay to everyone starting the year off with excitement Pat CONGRATULATIONS on your interview girlie.. HOW exciting...

Katz...
can you PLEASE do me a HUGE HUGE favor being that you are the most recent to have received Packet 3 from Sydney... let me know if it was only the following 4 forms..

and could you please check the top right hand corner of the ones you received for the "expiry date"

Only reason I ask is that up until Xmas they were available as downloadables from the Sydney US consulate website, but now they are not LOL... typical - and I want to check whether or not the ones that I downloaded are the most recent..

For example the forms that I currently have
DS2053
DS3024
DS3025
DS3026

all have an expiry date of May 2007 in that top corner. Is that the same as what you have or different?? If different would you be so kind to scan in the new forms (good print quality resolution) and post them in the VJ gallery for folks to download..

It's just that I am jumping the gun a little LOL... I am not expecting my NOA2 until either late this month, or sometime in February - and really not expecting the interview till April... HOWEVER I am actually flying over to the USA on the 7th Feb to spend Feb and March with my darling man - purely to do some pre-wedding organising and other stuff, and it is much better than hanging out here (even though I am leaving my kiddos behind with their Dad during that time) - but they will be back at school, and now that my house was sold and we are only a fortnight away from moving out of it - all my stuff is packed, all I would be doing is sitting around in an empty hollow house all day twiddling my thumbs LOL... yadda yadda yadda... LOL.. However I expect that during my absence that Packet 3 will turn up, and I will have EVERYTHING ready to go, my eldest son and I have already done our police and fingerprint checks, I have all birth certs, divorce papers, affadavits (re: permission for the kids moving) and I also am pre-doing the medicals (we have an appointment for next week), so that while I am away - as soon as that Packet turns up (my ex) is kindly posting off the statement of readiness for me (grin - already signed - just waiting for the file number - all paperwork required is ready and sitting in a folder - and what isn't I will accumulate while I am in the USA)... I tell yah making all these arrangements for one person is hectic, when you are doing it with kiddos as well - ahhhhhh juggling time frames, appointments, airfares, school and more is just CRAZY...

have a GREAT day (and thanks in advance)
Tracy
;-)

Here ya go, Tracy!

DS2053: 05/31/2007
DS3024: 05/31/2007
DS3025: 05/31/2007
DS3026: 05/31/2007

All the forms I got in packet 3 were "expired"... So I wouldn't really worry about it. If I can get my scanner up and running, would you like me to scan the medical instructions for you?

To the girls who answered my other questions... THANK YOU again! I'd be so lost without you guys.

I had my originals and and then a photocopy of each of the documents they asked you to photocopy (the photocopies themselves weren't certified by a JP or anything). This was fine from the Consulate's point of view. I think as long as they see the originals they know the photocopy is valid. In fact, my photocopies looked like it was an original - I used work's fancy photocopier


I'm just patiently waiting for my passport. I went to STA Travel today and they quoted me a $1900 fare (One Way) all the way to Missouri flying Qantas and them American Airlines. I am going to book it as soon as I get my passport (hoping it will come while I'm interstate next week!)

I'm just itching to leave already and be reunited with Zach!!!!

Thanks pat - I ended up getting them certified by one of the lawyers in my office yesteday. Oh well, it guess it can't do any harm! Although good for others to know it's not necessary.

Very exciting about your passort coming back to you soon! Hopefully you have it back in your hand within the week! I am backing STA has the cheapest fare too, they always tend to be lower than the other agents.. did you have a look on expedia etc?

I am only going to Hawaii so I'll book directly with jetstar.. only looking at about a $700 fare.. hopefully they don't leave me stranded in Sydney overnight again like they did with my last flight - the passengers expereinced a 17 hour delay!

Have a great day!

Hi Tracy! I wanted to help you but I am confused... I thought the forms in packet 3 were DS-230, DS-156, and I-134. These are still downloadable from the website, and the 2 DS's have a 2010 expiration date. I think I am totally confused

Hi yah folks...
KATZ - that would be great if you could scan in those medical instructions - and post them in the gallery could end up helping others on this site as well in the future.
AND I am relieved to know they are still sending out the expired date medical forms - that is a relief actually LOL...

One thing I HATE with this process - apart from the time, the delays, the costs, and the separation (oh is that all) <grin>.... is the fact of trying to stay organised and "ahead of the game" but then constantly having to check the dates of the forms that the US Imm. want, incase they have been changed or updated... kwim??

JenniBenni - don't worry the WHOLE thing is confusing - those other forms you mentioned are still downloadable, it was just the medical forms that used to be (and are now not) which is where my concern came in that those forms were now updated.

Patricia.... I HEAR you -
it's a bit like running a LONG marathon... you start out and know it is going to take time - but then in the distance you can see the finishing line, and suddenly even KNOWING it is there, and just around the corner - you start to run out of steam, energy, breath and become dehydrated (ummmm not hard in the few 41+ degree days we have just had here - hey)... I am feeling VERY much like you, especially after having Steve here for the 2 weeks over Xmas - it was heartbreaking to say "see yah" at the airport last week, even though I know I am seeing him in another 4 weeks - why is it that the 2 weeks he was here FLEW by in a blink, but the week he has been gone has totally DRAGGED to a point it feels like a whole MONTH has gone by LOL...

Oh and re: your airfares...
Just as an FYI while $1900 one way is GREAT from ADL.... for the dates that you are looking at, you might find that for a similar price - maybe even less for a return ticket (which can be valid for around a year - and gives you some of the fare for coming back to visit your family done already)...
check out www.bestflights.com.au (I use them all the time for my flights over there - and FOLKS I also used them (Australian site) when we booked Steve's trip over here from Cleveland - they actually were $1000 less than ANY of the USA travel sites for the journey USA-AUS-USA.. I KNOW that at the moment Bestflights.com.au have a AirNZ return ticket ex. ADL for $1400 + 400 taxes (ish) for travel April to June (doesn't suit you I know)....
But in my experience of USA travel, both for work and for personal - in the past 4 years I have done 8 or 9 trips over there, including a bunch of (USA domestic), I tend to book the (AUS-USA-AUS) portion ex Sydney with Bestflights, (or directly with United) then I book the ADL-SYD component (directly with qantas), and any of the USA domestic legs I find that I get a better deal if I use either Expedia, or Travelocity - than I would have if I book the entire journey through an agent or one site... (if that makes sense)...

AND don't forget your travel insurance - as I do not believe you can be added to his health insurance until you are married...
a GREAT place to look at T/Insurance (I purchase a one year policy each year) and under this policy each trip can be for a period of 90 days.. which I found to be WAY way cheaper than anything else out there...

is through www.1cover.com.au

a one year coverage for a single person is around $325 AUS - it covers Australian Domestic travel as well, and even though because of the visas we are all going in under, the moment we travel over there for our marriages, after 90 days of being there you won't be able to use it for any claims - but believe me I don't think you will not find a 90 day to the USA travel insurance policy for less than $325.

SOME great and exciting news though - he got back to Cleveland last Friday - and FINALLY on Tuesday of this week his house sold...(we've had it on the market since September) to be closed/settled by the 31st Jan.... we had to take a bit of a cut in the price - but being that we did really well on the sale of my house at the end of 2007 that made up for it ... and to have his gone now and off our shoulders is such a relief - and JUST in time, for the closing on the house he and I purchased over there back in Sept. (our settlement for it is on the 18th Feb)...

alrightie think I bored you all long enough LOL...
have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)

Glad to hear I'm not alone! I also have this irrational fear that they're going to deny my visa - so up until I get it right in front of me, I'm not going to believe it (as much as I want to buy my ONE WAY ticket already!). This whole process can be so emotionally draining - I remember the agony waiting for even just the NOA1, let alone the NOA2! But that seem so long ago now and here we are, near the end of the line and it still can't get here FAST enough (Perhaps I really am just that impatient?

But by far, this is the easiest separation I've had with Zach. Of course saying goodbye to him was still very hard (yes, sobbing like a baby was the order of the day), but because I had the interview to worry about, finishing up at work (gosh, that's what's driving me insane at the moment! There's so much info to pass on to the new Manager in SO little time!!!) and packing up (and selling) our life away here in Adelaide, I really haven't had a chance to just reflect and miss him miserably! Not to mention, we're planning our quickie Missouri wedding! So very overwhelming /end whinge



I'll have to have a look at this more, but I am being very picky about my flight over. I definitely want to fly Qantas because I'm a Silver FF and I get an extra bag to go to the US. So even if I bring 4 x 30kgs bags, I'll only be paying for one excess baggage (for this trip there's soooooo much to bring over and we're definitely saving heaps by paying airline excess baggage as oppose to going via a freight company). Plus, I really want a direct flight to the US - I know that Air NZ probably would only require me a 2-hour stop over in NZ, but I still just want to bypass that altogether, just one time to step on a plane and that's done. I'm being picky about it, but will still look into other flights, especially if it's going to save us heaps of $$$$.

Also, glad to hear Bestflights.com.au has worked so well for you. I get their emails all the time and have taken one of their offers to a travel agent who then beat it a further $50. So yay for BF!



Thanks for the insurance advice. Definitely going to get insurance. If I pay with my credit card travel insurance is included in it too - but I just need to weigh out whether the fee I pay on my credit card is worth the cost of the travel insurance I automatically get. I have lots of Maths to do!

Have a lovely weekend everybody! I'm off to Melbourne and Canberra this week for work - kinda wishing I wasn't required to go since I have so much packing up to do here at home, not to mention starting to say goodbye to friends and family!

Happy New Year everyone!

Just checking in. Haven't had time to catch up since my wife and I have been visiting family throughout the holidays.



Wow, time is flying! Our interview is only a few weeks away! Good Luck!

As for the $120, the CR-1 does not require that. Also, when I came with my wife to the interview I thought I had to pay more money but was pleasantly surprised to find out that all those back and forth payments during the NVC stage were the payments. We wound up spending the extra $$ on our celebration of the visa that night.

Okay we just got back and here is the scoop:

The place looks like a normal office building and does not really identify itself to be the USCIS, so you should leave early to be sure you are there on time. Once you walk in the building, it is on the right side and there is a sign that says USCIS so it was fairly easy to spot. Don't take anything metal because they make you walk through metal detectors and they will hunt through your purse. if you do not have your appointment letter and Legal identification, then you won't even make it through the metal detector.

Bring a cushy jacket to sit on because they have these blue metal seats that hurt your %@#! and you may end up sitting there for awhile. We waited about 25 minutes before they called our name. The security guard does look not like he can catch you if you run, but he does have a gun lol.

Once we got in there, they made us hold up our right hand to swear in oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help us God. After we did that, we were seated in a general office with an immigration officer and he ask us the following questions:

1. Do you know the names of Loke's parents? (I did)
2. Do you understand that even if you get divorced, you will still have to take care of him? (I did)
3. Do you know his/his birthday? (We did)
4. Have either of you ever been married before? (we answered)
5. Have you ever been to the Sates before and when? (Asked to Loke)
6. How many brothers and sisters does Loke have? (I know he has 6 siblings and I had to sit there fore awhile and think of all the names of them and I still missed one and felt pretty stupid) LEARNING LESSON 101 - Know your husbands siblings names for god sake....
7. Do you have evidence of extablished relation ship? (We did and he made copies)

He also mentioned that he liked the fact that we brought in two boxes worth of stuff with us because it meant that we were prepared. We had copies of all our petitions and everything. He asked us if we had photos and we said yes, but he did not want to see them.

At the end, he esentially said that he was waiting for the files from USCIS to match up their paperwork with his, then he would generate the card and it should come in the mail in a couple of weeks. (I think that means we are approved)

So all in all... it was not that bad, but I did beat myself up for not knowing as many details about my husband as he knew about me. I think that because I am the US Citizen, I felt as if they would not ask me as many questions as him, but they asked me more than him.

SO LESSON OF THE DAY - USCIS HATES US CITIZENS TOO



Thanks for everything you guys. You have been the best support group for us *hugs*

Congrats you two!!!!

LOL, I think border officers hate us too. When I was with my wife during her POE, I felt like they were much nicer to my wife than me! They communicated to me with an emotionless tone but they were all chit-chatty and cheery with her lol.

hiya Rings and Loke
fantastic news that your interview went well...knew it would mate...am happy for ya...

hi vylex nice to see ya good to hear all is going so well for the two of you...is your wife working yet...

talk ya soon
take care
kath

Congrats, Rings and Loke! Thanks for sharing your experience!

Thanks for the support you guys! I will let you know when the card comes *hugs*

Hello All!

I hope that everyone is well. Me and the hubby will have been married 6 months tomorrow. Time is flying by! He has been working at his new job for 2 weeks now. I am also starting back to school on Monday. Nervous..I want to do well. Things are great I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband.

Thanks for this Alex...and nice to see you around these parts! It's been a while. I bet you are enjoying your new life with your wifey! I hope you guys shared a lovely Christmas and NY together.

I too can not believe that my visa interview is one week away!! At some stage it felt like the day would never come and now it's almost here! YAY! I got all of my paperwork in order on the weekend including 2 large bags full of evidence (cards, emails and photogrpahs - how much is too much? LOL). I have probably already re-checked it 2 times over to make sure all is in order.

I am nervous and excited! Any last minute tips?

hiya hd
good luck for the up coming interview...you will do just fine..to me and many it was the easiest part of the whole process..

advice hmmm....enjoy the view...take a magazine..something to munch on...and get in last into the elevator so your first to get through the security part and get a number...lol ohhh and relax by now you would know everything backwards that they might throw at you in the question department...im sure you will do just fine mate..

take care
kath

Oh, thanks so much Kath! Especially for the advice on the elevator. LOL.

Just wondering if I have enough evidence.. I was taking a look under the CR1 section and found a posting from Alex that said he submitted the following items:

2 notarized letters stating the validity of our on-going relationship from close friends.
copies of my phone bill showing calls to my wife.
copy of my itinerary from past flights to visit her as well as future booked flights.
copy of health insurance status with my wife added to it (they allowed it even without her SSN).
pictures of us together with family in different states and pics during our civil wedding.
copy of a hallmark card sent from my wife to me.

At this stage I have:
-pictures taken over the past 3.5 years (including pics with family in both countries)
-3 years worth of email and a few cards
-Wedding cards and our wedding album
-Most of our flight itineray's and ticket stubs (and copies of all entry to the US stamps in my passport)
-He's miltary so I have docs stating I am sponsored by his command
-Docs showing I have medical and dental cover under the military medical system
-Military ID card

Should I worry about getting signed affidavit's from family/friends? Or have these generally not been required?

Thanks. Any advice is appreciated!

hiya hd
your quite welcome to any help i can give mate thats what were all here to do...

i did a search on one of the aussies called hampster..he posted what elle gave him as a guide to what to take to his interview..he was also a CR1.. hope it helps..also take a look at vylex or elle's posts also it might help too mate

scroll down this page to see hampsters post about interview what to take

gawd thats the longest description i have ever put on a link lol..sorry about that..just hope it helps ya in anyway..

take care
kath

Thanks Kath, you are an absolute angel! Bless you.

Well, it looks like I am all ready to go. Even though nothing states its explicitly necessary, i think I might get a few wiitten statements from family and frineds too, just in case!

How do you find the volunteer work Kath? Are you still doing it? I would imagine it would be quite rewarding and a good way to put yourself out there and make new friends. I was thinking of doing something similar when I reach the US! Well thanks again and have a nice night! Oops, that woud be day for you!

hi hd
YW.....yes im still doing the volunteer work every thursday...it is rewarding..i work in the pharmacy and the people are wonderful...
i did a search for volunteering in hawaii..if it dont give you much help do a search in google for volunteering in hawaii there were quite a few..

volunteering

also go on the uscis website and do a search for the welcome to america brochure..there is quite a bit of info in there on all kinds of stuff..

take care
kath

Excellent, thanks for the info kath. I'm going to look into it! Thanks again and have a great day!

Hey guys!

Steve just got his interview date in the mail - January 30!!!! We are very excited. He'll probably come over a couple weeks after that (if all goes well, of course). We're not stressing too much, esp after what you all have said about the Sydney interview - just have to get all our paperwork in order.

Thanks for all the info!

Pat, did you say the fee change was after Jan. 31? I think his letter said to pay $150-something so I am really hoping we don't wind up having to buy 2 receipts.

Congratulations jennybeni! That's great news! Now long now..

i'm also on the count down, this time next week I'll be in Sydney! Yahoo!

I just have a question about the medical report and Appendix C which includes a list of vaccinations. Does anyone knwo what this is for? Looks like its just to be kept for the applicants reference. It's included in my medical report but the panel physicain has left it blank. He gave me a copy of it when I had the medical, with a few things filled out and boxes ticked - he told me to keep it for "my own records".

Any clues? Just curious!

I've always wondered, why are you Aussies stuck in one pinned thread, why don't you have your own forum?

g'day tailmix
i suppose, that no one else has ever thought that it needs to be in one lol...and i dont think were stuck here really we just come in here to help other aussies in anyway we can...its an aussie thing...

thanks for the observation...

take care
kath

Home, sweet, home.

...and I came home knowing that my US visa had finally arrived (it arrived Wednesday). So tomorrow, I'm gonna go down to my travel agent and buy that plane ticket! So exciting!

Only thing is, the envelope which I'm suppose to NOT OPEN is already half ripped (thanks to it being really thick and the envelope they shoved it in isn't exactly the toughest). You can still see that it wasn't fully opened - so hopefully the POE Immigration people aren't going to question it.

I'll be in Sydney next week (for work)....do you think I should go up to the Consulate and tell them it's ripped and have them put it in another envelope or am I just paranoid?

All that matters is I have my visa - it's the most precious thing I own at this precise moment

Congrats, jenny!

Yes, the fee changes January 31st - ignore what they did on the letter (did they just cross out the soon-to-be-old-fee and hand write the new fee?). That's what totally confused me - even though on the note underneath the letter which talks about the new fee change, it says that it doesn't kick in until AFTER January 31st. I don't know why they would write the new fee when your interview date is BEFORE the new fee change. They definitely confused/panicked me!

Hi Kath!

Vy is in the process of getting her driver's permit (her Aus license expired and we forgot to renew before leaving oops!) We then have to wait for 3 months before the road test. That kinda limits her mobility for work since where we are, she needs to drive.

Also, she is in the process of getting her Nursing credentials evaluated here before she can take the NCLEX Nursing board examination. This process alone can take the part of this year...especially if she needs to take a class to make up any deficiencies.

But first thing is she needs a car. She can get a job doing anything while waiting for the Nursing evaluation to make it through.

Things are great otherwise. I know she'll enjoy being able to go out and browse on her own once we get her license.

How goes it with you these days? Hope all is well (with you and everyone else).

HD,

I agree with Kath's tips below 100%

Also I recommend getting in early as possible...maybe 45 min before they open the door. The reason is you can get one of the first tickets (make sure to hit the ticket machine just off to the right once you get into the actual Consulate portion). You'll get called up right away then and the waiting will only be a an hour or two.

Form our experience...it was the easieist part indeed. It's really just a paper-review session with a few passing questions. You'll hit one of the booths where they collect the paperwork. Have it nice and organized in the order they ask. They'll ask you to sit and wait (1 to 2 hours maybe?) and then get called to window 5 or 6 and that's where they ask for fingerprints. If they person asks you to do some fingerprinting...you're practically home free. He/she might ask a couple of innocent sounding questions. That is the "interview". Once it's done, they'll say everything is in order and it will be mailed. You can also request for a pickup if you stick around Sydney for a few days.

Good luck and enjoy the view of Sydney and the Harbour Bridge. That's where my wife and I first kissed hehe...during the Bridge Climb tour.

You kissed on the bridge? How cute! :-) I shall remember you both when I'm there on Tuesday..

Thanks for all the tips Kath and Vylex. I can't really get there first thing because my interview is not until 11, but i'll be sure to arrive with a good 45 mins up my sleeve!

It's all so exciting!

P.S. Is anyone else have issues with our Aussie thread today? It seems to be difficult to get to the most recent page.....

hiya vylex
wow vy is really busy..hope she doesnt have to any more study and her credentials are good enough ...

i tell ya the best thing i did was get my licence...it gave me my independence back which i missed when i first arrived here...i know robbie didnt mind driving me around but with his schedule it was hard...and he still drives me around when were going out lol..what can i say he loves driving..lol...

all is well here..bought our first house together and its coming along lovely painted nearly all the rooms now and come spring we will be doing stuff outside...work is going well..they have cut back on hours but i dont mind that its nice to have a few days home during the week...doing my removal of conditions in july so that is my next step...one of my friends at the hospital couldnt believe i had to do that even though i married an american....good to hear from ya mate and that everything is going so well for you two...

Hi HD
your most welcome ..you will be surprised how easy it is mate...we walked out thinking gawd ya know we could of done this on the phone and saved us hundreds of dollars...

havent had any trouble getting in here today...maybe ya computer needs rebooting mate

and by the way good luck for the interview in a couple of days you will do fine mate..get all ya little ducks in a row and breathe...

take care
kath

Happy Sunday Aussie VJ-ers!

All this talk of driving and licenses makes me assume that my Aussie drivers license is not going to be valid in the US? I still have a year before it expires. What exactly did you guys do to be able to drive in the US? (And it may be different state by state?) Zach's really keen for me to start driving when I get to the US (he even specifically bought an Automatic car 2 weeks ago because he knew I wouldn't be inclined to drive a stick! Haha).

Plus he is also starting to look at apartments for us! Right now he's living with his parents and we'll be doing that until we get married in April. But I'm very excited he's establishing our life in the US - but really sad I wasn't there to choose an apartment, choose a car, choose ANYTHING with him for that matter.

Oh, and on Friday I bought my ticket! I leave Adelaide on Feb. 25th and arrive in the afternoon of Feb. 25th in St. Louis. I have a 4-hour layover in LA (apparently this is now a Mandatory thing that the Travel Agency needs to follow).

So I guess it's all real, I'm actually going to the US now!!!!

i checked the dmv here in california and you can drive with your aussie license however once you get your green card you have to get a us license...

oh guys question...
i'm going to file for my AOS on monday and need this clarified...

the I-693 form medical examination of aliens seeking AOS - i dont have this form from my medical examination as the doctor sent everything himself ot the consulate and i'm guessing immigration has it now?
what do i have to do? or not do?

Hidie Ho fellow Aussies...

hey Patricia... COOL on getting your ticket (ummm what is this about the mandatory 4 hour layover???) is that only when you are entering on the actual K-1 visa (in case of questioning time etc)..

I have never heard of that, all I know is that normally coming in from Australia via LAX ongoing to other cities you do have to allow plenty of time between connections just because there can be delays, but I am totally unaware of the 4 hour timeframe.

and HEY I hear you on all the stuff that you are missing out on being there for... I am just so glad that I was in the USA last September when Steve and I purchased a house together (YAY our closing date on that is on February 18th) - and I will be over there for it... <grin> and while there we are trading in his car (jeep wrangler LOL) to purchase a larger vehicle to seat our new blended family... I CANNOT wait to see him (LOL - even though he only left here like 3 weeks ago)... I'm flying over on the 7th Feb and staying for about 8 weeks - through our settlement and also to do some of the organising of our wedding (which we HOPE at this stage will take place at the end of MAY - as long as our NOA2 arrives sometime in Feb/March and then all the papers get to Sydney for a late April interview... SO keep your fingers crossed for us).. Actually this week my children and I have our X-Rays and Blood tests to be done, and then have an appt. with Dr. Miller on the 4th Feb for the medical..

Another question for you Patricia - when you had your medical with Dr. Miller, did you ask for an extra copy of the medical report to be given to you?? I am thinking that I will (for our own records - especially the vaccination stuff, as I will need all of that information to enroll my kidlets in school over there)..

have a GREAT day guys - me - WELL my house here in ADL actually "finally" settles this coming friday - so it is ACTION stations at the final packing & moving for us now over into our "temporary" accomodation - which we didn't think we would have to do - however the delays have caused us to have to ... darn frustrating really...

Tracy
:-)

Thanks, sharyna. I'll have to find out what the rules are for Missouri also. Not that I'm itching to drive anyway, but I know that it will give me greater independence if I did encourage myself to do so...



I'm not sure it's just for K-1. My travel agent mentioned this and she didn't know I was going there with a K-1 Visa. She just said that "We've been advised we have to give everybody a 4-hour layover". I was going to ask for it anyway, especially if they gave me anything less than a 2-hour layover because Zach said it'll take a while. So best to ask your travel agent if this is indeed a new "rule" imposed to everybody. Besides, I wanted to make sure I had enough time because last time Zach missed his connection because his flight from Melbourne was super delayed.

I have never heard of that, all I know is that normally coming in from Australia via LAX ongoing to other cities you do have to allow plenty of time between connections just because there can be delays, but I am totally unaware of the 4 hour timeframe.



I'm glad I'll be there sharing stuff with him soon enough though! Yay! And good luck with the closing of your houses!



I didn't get any of my vaccinations with Dr. Miller but yeah, definitely ask for it. I'll be going to my own GP and asking for my records because I'm sure I'll need it along the way. It's an easy print out anyway and I'm sure Joan can help you with that - she's a gem Good luck with the medicals, it's a breeze.


Well, in other news, I'm at the airport flying to Sydney for work. I may just drop my favourite Consulate in the world I'm on a hunt for a little Melbourne tram (in Sydney, I know, makes sense hey?) - Zach & I decided that we'll be using that as our cake topper for our MO wedding in April. We love Melbourne - it was the first ever place we went on a holiday together and also where he proposed to me EXACTLY ON THIS DAY LAST YEAR

Plus yesterday, I bought a whole heap of Australian stuff. My "Something Blue" for the wedding is a patch of the Aussie flag, most probably sewn into my dress somewhere, or pinned to my bouquet. I'm such a geek I know this isn't a Wedding Thread, but what kind of Aussie elements did you guys bring into your American weddings? We're a couple of months away and the only thing we've got is our church and our priest. No dress, no reception place, no cake, no nothing else

P.S. Hawaiiandreams, have a safe flight to Sydney tonight and hopefully we can catch up sometime tomorrow after your interview!!!! All the best.

A few little attempts at posting on here today but no luck. Not sure what's going on, a slight technical hitch on my end I think!

Patricia - Thanks for remembering my interview! I am really excited and VERY nervous. Just trying to stay calm and tell myself that ALL will be fine. It should be with all of the luck and kind words I have had from you all! They say you should check your paperwork two and three times. i think I have well exceeded that, like I think my marriage certificate is going to get up and take a little walk while I'm sleeping!

Oh and Patricia, Beautiful idea about your cake. You could also top it with a little motif of the two of you on the tram! You can get these little icing people that are made to look just like you both. So cute!

TracyOz... on the medical forms, the panel physician I saw here in Melbourne gave me a copy of Appendix C and the vaccination grid "for my own records". If he doesn't give you a copy, I'm sure you can ask. It's handy info to have for the future. Especially for your little kiddies who will need to have certain boosters as they grow up!

Have a great day!

Good luck on tomorrow's interview HD!

Things will be fine! Looking forward to good news at the end of the day!

Hey guys! Well, I might have a job!!!! I went to Walmart last week and filled out an application form, they called me back, said that they will schedule me an interview after they get in contact with my references back home, and I will be working 2pm-11pm!!!! I hope that I get an interview!

Patricia: We're in the same boat, but got set back. My husband has been living with his 'rents for a while because of his cancer and just to get back on his feet. Last week though, he was in a car accident and the car got totaled (He only had it a year and it was a 96 dodge neon, good little car, but any accident would have totaled it). He's fine, just another bump to the head (seriously, this is the 3rd head accident he's had and he's fine x.X), but, no car :\

The day we were going to start looking at apartments, was spent looking at cars :\ but we got a new one on Friday (new = used, but it's nice!), so back again behind the eight ball. Might help if I was settling in nicely, but his brother seems determined to make my stay as miserable as possible. Just got to love the hypocrisy of a strict southern baptist family who allow stealing (he went into my room and ate half a pack of cookies I bought), but saying 'damn' is just horrible (I'm Australian! Where do you think sailors got their colourful language from? x.X)

I only got my Social on Friday as well, so haven't really looked at jobs, but like Kelli, it'll probably be Walmart too I just have very little experience (Only job I did was working for my mum's craft shop, and we didn't even have a till , I suppose this is one part where 'ignorant foreigner' will work. Love my friends, but I wish they'd stop asking me if we have cars and houses)

On top of that... for us who enter US on K-1 visa... that vaccination supplement is a MUST for AOS application later on. If you apply for AOS within 12 months of the medical - you will not need the costly, full medical here - only vaccine supplement sheet transcribed by Civil Surgeon to the form... I-693A I think. But it is a compulsory part of AOS filing package. So... make sure you do get the copy or ask for it if not given to you.

Another Aussie has been approved!!

Good morning everyone! I returned to Melbourne just before midnight last night and was awake again at 6am for work this morning! Feeling exhausted... but this has all been over ruled by the fact that I FINALLY have approval on my visa and I can now live with my husband! HOOORAY!!

I had a good experience at the consulate yesterday. My interview was at 11am, so on the advice of my dear visa journey friends I arrived 45 mins early! I was checked through the security section on level 10. At first the security guard told me that I wasn’t allowed to take the 2 large "green bags” of evidence I bought along with me. Once I explained that this might be required for my interview she double checked on this with a colleague and I was given the wave through...(maybe it was her first day on the job?)

I was told to sit down and wait for the security guard to take me to the elevator. As the security guard prompted me to follow, he kind of chuckled.. when I asked what he was laughing at, he pointed at my bags. I said "oh, you must see this every day". He shrugged and said "yes, but that's a little more excessive!".. I laughed!

Once I got to level 59 I was greeted by a rather unfriendly lady who also looked at my bags before I walked through the second metal detector. She asked "what's all this?".. (I wondered if she was new to the job too!?)

From there on in it was one window to the next. By the time I saw the visa officer, he said my paperwork looked good. He made a comment that he hadn’t processed too many Cr1 visa’s but usually they had all kinds of letters and wedding photographs attached to the petition. He made a comment that my petition didn’t have any of that attached. At that point I said “I have 2 bags of it if you’d like to have a look”. He laughed and said “no, that’s fine”. He asked me a few simple questions:

-Who is petitioning for you? What is his full name?
-Where did you meet?
-When did you get married?
-Where in the US are you planning on living?

After a few stamps and signatures, he said "congratulations, your visa will be mailed out tomorrow". That was it!! The consular officer was very pleasant and I was out of there in just over 2 hours.

Thanks so much everyone for all of the advice and kind words over the past few months. It’s really helped me to keep my sanity at times so thanks again!

Niphredil – sorry to hear about your hubby and his accident. Although that was rather unlucky, it’s good to know he came out of it okay. Don’t worry about the questions from back home too much, they know no better and mean no harm. It’s never going to be easy living with the parents but you’ll have your own place soon no doubt! You’re still in the transition phase, hang in there.

Kelli, best of luck with your job application. Hope it all works out well for you!

Have a great day all.. HD.

the doctor for me sent everything to the embassy then immigration i'm guessing has everything that the embassy had.... but i do have the copy of the vaccinations he gave me and checked me for.... so hopefully that should be enough....
we'll see...
our cat has been sick so tomorrow we're doing the social security number thing then applying for the AOS - luckily my adorable husband has already added me to his insurance, electric bill etc so my name is on those... and will further add to proof .....

Well, when we were at visa stage back home we were told that medical was valid for 12 months. Also, we were told that if you file for AOS within those 12 months you do not need another medical but only vacc sheet to be transcribed officially (by Civil Surgeon) on AOS form. Although, you hear from people about CSs saying they need full medical (very expensive !!!) - but you have to insist on needing only vacc sheet transcribed (minimal charge).

Oops... double post!

AOS form? meaning the supplement form?

Yes, sorry sharyna (didn't mean to confuse you) - whatever the number of that form is for medical. I think I-693 is full medical and I-693A is just the supplement i.e. vaccine record.
I myself haven't used the form, never went to CS for that, just filed the copy from Sydney that I was given at the medical and USCIS accepted it... no one ever asked for the proper form. I guess whoever processed my paperwork somehow missed it