Hey guys! Well, I got the email today that my Green card has been ordered!!!!! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!

Finally!

Congrats Kelli!

HOORAY!! My visa arrived in the mail today! Such an exciting day!

Only thing is, on the cover sheet that's stuck to the top of the packet I am to hand over to border protection at my first POA, they mispelled my maiden name!! Do you think this is an issue? No issues with the actual visa inside my passport..

Well anyway................. I am so happy and called hubby to give him the delightful news. It was kind of like an "it's official" call.. he's gone out for a celebration drink with the boys from his ship!

Take care and thanks again to all of you lovely people for your help and encouragement.. HD.

Congrats!

If the Maiden name is correct inside the visa stamp then I think you'll be fine but you can always email the IV unit to be sure. Just state that the envelope cover page has your maiden name spelled incorrectly but the visa stamp is ok. See what they want to do. Are you flying ot anytime soon? Are you still in Sydney?

I will confirm this though...the information inside that mysterious brown envelope is basically all your paperwork...so as long as that has been correct you'll be fine (and you have copies so you know what you gave them. That is what the POE will process ultimately. If the IV unit says it's ok, just point it out to the POE officer once you get into the US. Tell them what the IV unit said to you (and have a copy of the email just in case). Once they check the visa and the paperwork inside, it will clearly state the correct spelling (I mean it has your birth cert, police cert, etc).

In our case, the folks there made an annotation at the bottom of the visa and had my wife's mother's maiden name as her last name! This was listed in both the visa stamp and the cover page. However, the middle name was spelled correctly on both. (Annotation area at the bottom of the envelope cover page and the visa is some extra notes section).

We were already scheduled to leave the following day when they finally got back to us via email (phone wasn't an option as you probably know). We went there the Friday before our flight and they all huddled and told us that the paperwork inside was correct as well as my wife's middle name. They said the POE officers might even ignore the annotation section (which they did).

Good luck and congrats again! I'm pretty sure everything will be fine. The fact that it's right on the visa is what really matters.

well ive got my SSN card ordered yay!!!

now to file for the AOS.....

Hey - thanks Alex! I popped the IV unit in Sydney an email this morning saying just that.. let's see what they say!I'm sure it wont be a problem, as you say, the visa is correct and so is all of the paperwork inside confirming my details.. so that's the main thing!

I remember you telling the story about your visa, it's hard to believe they can mess up something so basic! I mean, it's all there on personal documentation!

Wow - I am so excited! i think my husband and I are both walking around with our heads in the clouds right now, almost in disbelief that we can finally set up our new home and share a life that was meant to be ours!! Our lives have not been together for a solid period of time since we lived in Dubai together.. we left there 2.5 years ago now.. my move is so surreal!

Hawaiian dreams have finally become Hawaiian reality... LOL. HD.

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've been here and it is good to see so many visa's being granted!!

Anway, here is a site that may be of use to you. If you have excess luggage or have items you need to ship to the US from OZ this may be helpful..

www.xsbagsandboxes.com.au

I haven't used it just saw an ad for it today.

Congrats--and thanks for giving the details of your interview. We are up soon--Feb. 8--and hope that all goes smoothly.

Awe it is so great to come here and see everyone so happy and excited. Congratulations to all of you *hugs*

Hi Aussiewoife - thanks we are really excited! I hope the info I posted was helpful.. if you want to know anything else, just drop me a line. Probably one of the most important pieces of advice that was given to me was to RELAX and BREATHE (thanks Kath ;-). The interview is really no big deal and I got myself all worried about it for no good reason. Also the part about getting there 45 mins early is also good advice (thanks Alex!).. just to give you time to find the lift and get through the security check points..
The people at the consulate are really nice! Good luck!
Take care..

hiya HD
good to hear your passport arrived safely for you...hope you get a reply from sydney soon about the maiden name being incorrect ..but as alex said dont worry too much as long as the visa has everything correct on it mate you will be right...

me i got a cold at the mo and i am hating it ...not a good patient lol..im always the one that is the carer not the receiver...

take care
kath

I have followed your case most closely because it is the closest in time to ours, and yes your comments have been very helpful. Less than two weeks now--the countdown begins!! We just don't want anything to go wrong at ths point in the game. I don't think it will, since everything has been smooth sailing thus far, but you never know.

Cheers!

Hi Everyone, just wanted to touch base. Congrats on all the approvals! HD becoming H-reality, I love that! It looks like 2008 is starting off on a positive note.

Well its the 10 week countdown until my Sweetheart arrives here from Houston and 11 weeks until our aussie-based wedding here in Cairns. We are planning an informal affair, just close friends and family. My next door neighbour works on one of the Islands here off of the Great Barrier Reef and will be getting us a huge discount on accomodation and outer reef trips. Don't worry, I'll be sure to stay away from the stingrays......lol damn.

Oh I phoned Births, Deaths and Marriages and was told that if the celebrant/minister writes URGENT on the paperwork for registration of the marriage, they will start processing it as soon as it gets there. Like i said, we are desperately wanting the marriage certificate in our hot little hands so we can start this monstrosity.

Enjoy whats left of the long-weekend,

Peta

Current Status: Notice mailed welcoming the new permanent resident.

On January 25, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move before you get your new card call customer service.


YAY !!!!!



Dearest Friends,

I can't even begin to express how much this really means to us. Loke and I have worked so hard to get where we are today. Our wedding anniversary is January 25th so it only seemed fitting that the government would finally send us the offical approval of his permanent residence on this day.
I wanted to share this with you all because it has so much meaning for us. Thank you all for your support while we have gone through this. There have been many up's and downs throughout the whole ordeal and we could not have done this without our friends and family.

We love you guys!

Congrats Rings!!!! You both deserve this!!

Well, I got the notice in the mail today that my AOS was approved, then opened another letter and there it was....my Green card!!!

I am still waiting to hear back from Wal Mart.....it is soooooooo annoying!

Hope everyone is doing well!

WOW - so many exciting positive signs on this thread - WTG and congratulations

I have a bit of a question - and ANY help would be appreciated..
SO....

Re: K-1 Medical Examination.
Apart from the documents that are available here on VJ (the actual forms that the Dr. fills in) I understand that there is a sheet in Packet 3, one that lists all the doctors and then one that has something on it to be signed... by applicant (in front of dr. etc)...

so does anyone actually have a copy of the Medical Examination Instructions that are sent out from the Sydney Consulate..

I am specifically after the sheet that really only has 2 parts on it (generally appears in your pack after the list of Aussie Drs. to go to)

and has.

Section 1 - Principal Applicant to complete this section
(my passport, or other official identification...blah blah blah...........................
name
p/port number
place of issue.... blah blah..
AND signature IN PRESENCE of panel physician)

Section 2 - to be completed by PHYSICIAN, X-ray & blood test supervisors...

I am satisfied that the person being examined.... blah blah blah...

signature of physician............

signature of xray super...................

signature of lab. technician.......................


<grin> YOUR help would be HUGELY APPRECIATED... I am trying to pre-organise all of our medicals (having 3 kiddos to also go through this process - and juggling all of our schedules is a nightmare for this experience LOL) - if you know what I mean, (and I am going to be away for a couple of months - during which time we anticipate that both the NOA2 and then the Packet 3 will arrive here),

we have our Medical appointment booked for early next week (4th) - BUT I have been told by the receptionist there that without this specific form (the x-rays and bloods) can't be done, and even they would prefer not to do the appointment .... what a PAIN and they at the Dr's don't keep "spares" of this form on hand..... so if anyone can help out I will be one happy little vegemite.... ....

If anyone has a copy of it and if it could be scanned in (High Resolution) and uploaded to the gallery that would be GREAT... or alternately send me a PM and I will forward you my email addy so that you could email it to me directly as a PDF or JPEG.

THANKS in advance
Tracy

We got approved!!!! Now the only thing separating us is 3 more weeks of waiting (well, and 10,000-odd miles).

Steve had his interview today at 8am and, other than a couple hours of waiting, it went very smoothly. A couple of the officers even thanked him profusely for having everything ready and in the right order!! He said that more than once he saw other people go up and say "ohh... you need that?" when they had just told everyone to have their things ready. Some people are ridiculous!

The only questions they asked were when we're getting married and where we'd be living - nothing about the affidavit or any other forms!

We are both so excited!!! Thanks so much to all in this thread for all the information and support. Hugs!

HI everyone!!! Its been awhile -- lots and lots of pages to catch up on! But from what I've skimmed seems lots of ppl are getting approved and settling in the US quite well!

Just a quick update -- I'm working in the IT Field now, but its part time hrs which is a bummer as I get bored at home, so I've had to find another job so I'm working @ Macy's. Actually I got the Macy's job first, working as a xmas casual and they offered me a perm role.

I also got my learner's permit today! WoooO HooooO! What a fluke tho -- I didnt really read the book, just did the practice test online. If any of ya guys will do it in MD -- its 20 qs, you can only get 3 wrong. I got 3 wrong. So passed by a whisker! I have to wait "7-30 days" though as they are sending me the learner's permit. Hopefully it only takes a week, I wasnt sure why they had to send it instead of just giving it to me on the spot but i thought hey I dont wanna push me luck.

Anyhoos -- hope everyone is all good!!

Hi everyone!

Congrats on the learners permit Elle! That is very exciting news..

Speaking of driving in the US, does anyone know if Aussies can drive in the US on our Australian drivers licences for a few months until applying for a US drivers license? I drove around Hawaii all of the time on my tourist visa but I have a feeling things change when you become an immigrant!?

Also, I emailed the consulate regarding my misspelled maiden name on the cover sheet of the packet they sent to me with my passport/visa last week. They asked me to return the packet to the consulate with my passport so they could correct it. The error is not even on the passport, only on the cover sheet on the packet. I am convinced they don't read emails properly! Anyway, *disgruntled*, I will return my passport and the packet to them with the self addressed 3kg bag they have requested so they can mail it back. The least they could do was offer to pay for it since they made the error!

Oh well, it's annoying but I guess it will all work out. Just as long as they don't misunderstand the error and put my maiden name on my visa (wouldn't put it past them!)

Well have a great day everyone..HD.

HD,

Yes it's frustrating indeed but as long as they fix it up and you are not flying out too soon you should be fine. I would print a copy of that email and send it along with instructions spelling out what is wrong. That way they don't try to "fix" more than needs to be.

As for driving, that's a good question...from what I looked up as far as the New Jersey DMV is concerned, you can drive around with an international license (even after immigrating). Basically, you go to your RTA or NRMA and apply for an international driver's license. I think it's just paperwork. Anyway you should be able to get away with that while you are there and in the process of getting a US license. Of course things vary state to state but having that Int'l license couldn't hurt.

The NJ DMV folks were suprisingly nice. She had an expired Australia license (by about a month) but they told her after getting her permit, she could take the road test immediately if she wished. We opted for a few weeks of practice though so her road test won't be until Valentine's day.

Congrats Elle on your progression!

Vy missed the permit her first time by 1 question! She had to get 40 out of 50 correct though. She rushed too much though on some questions and she missed them because she didn't read through all the answers. She blamed it on the coffee that made her hyper hehehe. We came back a week later and she scored perfectly this time around.

Good luck on your road test! Vy has been doing great driving around but I need to test her parallel parking ability before the big day. Fortunately, they test her between cones that are 25 feet apart! That's tons of room. I hope she can pass right away. She already has all the shops she wants to drive to targeted LOL.

Congrats to everyone else! It's nice to see a wave of granted visas! We all seem to be in the same grouping. I remember the days when Rings and I were discussing options for K-3, CR-1, etc with other folks. Time is flying!

Thanks Alex! I'm sure it should be just fine. Have written a letter with step by step instructions on the error, attached the email and very clearly marked the error on the package! Hopefully it's not too difficult for them to work out! LOL.

Well Lucky for me, I have another 6 weeks in Oz while I finish my current work contract and pack up my life.. so they have time to send back my visa. Too bad if I was flying out early next week, 'ey!? I guess they are not too concerned about those things.

Sounds like you and your wifey have settled nicely into life Alex, that's great news. So happy for you both!

Well i hope everyone is having a nice week.. almost the weekend!

P.S. i hope you're feeling better Kath!

Take care all.... HD.

A silly question about the police check and finger prints (finally getting both outta the way tomorrow. w00t!)... Do I get back a copy of my finger prints with the clearance? If so, do I take it with me to the interview? Or does the consulate receive them? I'm kinda in the dark about the finger print part. Could anyone help clear that part up for me? Thanks, folks.

Heya Katz! You wont get a copy of anything, but the police mail you a letter. It is one dumb stupid piece of paper that says you are cleared and they mail it to you or call you to come get it when it's ready.... it's an expensive piece of paper I might add. Yes take that as well as copies of it with you to the interview. *hugs*


Eeeeep! Card production ordered!

Hi Katz
re:- the fingerprints yada yada .... my eldest son and I both had to do them, and here in SA - when the letter came back from them to say we were clear etc. they also sent back the original (fingerprinting) sheet so I have that as well (LOL... and copies too)... hey who REALLY ever said that there is a paperwork reduction act in place... certainly for this process there ISN'T with the amount of trees we are all taking down by making sure we have everything in duplicate (and then extra copies for just in case)..

Oh and thanks for the lead for that form as well, Wendy emailed it to me - SO YAY I can go ahead and get these silly medicals,bloods and xrays out of the way well in advance...

CONGRATS to everyone who have received their visas and NOA-2's and other stuff in the past week or so as well - HOW bloomin' EXCITING for you...

have a GREAT day folks
Tracy
:-)

hi guys
i'm about to apply for the AOS ... and wondered - i live in california... so where do i send in the application to?

the same office that the original application for K1 visa was sent to?

LOL - That's IT?! Damn... That IS a very expensive piece of paper. Argh... Oh well, it's finally done and over with. Sorta. I've just got to wait for the clearance to come back.

Patricia - I'm very glad that Wendy was able to help you out. Good luck with the x-rays.

Just a quick question... How long does Sydney take to generate an interview date? And how long do they generally give you for one. I hope it's not a long wait...

Hi everybody! (been a couple of weeks...)

Congrats to everyone who has either been approved, got an interview or finished their Medicals. Hurray!

Me? I have 3 more weeks left in beautiful Adelaide and then I'm off to Missouri! I've gotten rid of quite a bit of my stuff but haven't done any actual packing just yet. I'm a huge procrastinator

So, to those who have been through all this, got any tips? What should I REMEMBER to finish up/close up before I leave? Or just to do in general? I'm not going to close up my bank accounts just yet. What paperwork should I remember to bring along with me? I have to get my dental records and also optometrist stuff and medical records too. Anything else? I'm sure I'm forgetting something. HELP?!?!

And somebody reassure me that the way I'm feeling, ecstatic & excited one minute and completely depressed & upset the next is NORMAL? I'm so excited to be reunited to Zach (the anticipation is overwhelming) & to marry him but I'm also getting really upset that I'm leaving my Aussie life, my family, my friends and all things I'm familiar with. It's so upsetting.

Hi Patricia,

I am the procrastinator from hell, so I completely relate! Actually, I procrastinate when it comes to procrastinating....lol I have fantasized countless times about being in your position, ready to leave for a new life in another country to be with my soon-to-be-husband, while at the same time letting go of everything I have known and loved here. At times it scares the #### outta me because I am really close to my family here but at the same time, I reassure myself that the world isn't as big as it used to be.....flights are cheaper, phone cards to call aussie land are cheap, email, cam and other devices have opened things up so much more. I also imagine my life without my fiance and I know damn well, I would be down here in aussie land miserable and incomplete.

What we do for love huh....

Peta

Katz, It only took Loke a couple of weeks to get an appointment from the time he sent his packet back, but the average time is four weeks. Just be sure you are ready because we had a close call on getting his medical back in time for his interview... it was scary. *hugs*

Helloooooooooooooooooooo...! I'm back; home sweet home..!

Christmas and NYE was great how was everyones......?

I now must get everything in order for my February 22nd interview.

Well hello Poi_n_J.. long time and welcome home! How was your xmas and NY? You must be exciced about your upcoming interview.. Best of luck, it's only a few weeks away now!:-)

Well as for me, I'm waiting for my passport and visa packet to come back from the consulate so they can fix the typing error they made in my name! Just out of interest, has anyone experienced this and if so, how long was ther wait until you got it back again?

The wait is killing me..

Thanks, Rings... Oh dear... A couple of weeks, eh? That'll be cutting it really close to the expiry date. I really hope I don't have to ask for an extention. *trembles*

Hidie Ho fellow Aussies...

Oh my I am feeling rather excited now... (nope - no NOA-2 yet though ) BUT I am heading off to the USA in only 3 days to see my darling man... and the BEST thing is that he "thinks" I am flying in 2 days later than I actually am, so cannot wait to see the look of surprise on his face when I get there (we are staying with his Bro & Sis-in-law for a couple of weeks until we "close" on our house over there).... so his brother is actually sneaking out of the house to come and get me from the airport... HOW fun...

Anyway - apart from that - in this nightmare process
My kiddos and I went off and spent a LONG day with our medicals today .... went into town saw the receptionist to collect the requests for bloods & x-rays. Then went and had the X-rays done, then went and had our blood tests done - went back to the x-ray place picked up our films and then went for the medical appointment - all was fine and dandy. Have to go and pick up the final report on Wednesday with the blood results but that is no dramas... All up almost $1000 poorer and 8 hours of time taken to do all of that... BUT at least it is done..

Now I am assuming that while I am O/S our NOA-2 will come through, and hopefully be forwarded onto Sydney and hopefully they will send out packet 3 well before I come back...
I have already filled in & signed the statement of Readiness (left the date blank), and put the Part 1 of the DS230 for each of us - which I will leave here, so that as soon as the Packet 3 turns up, my friend can date the statement and post it straight back to the Sydney consulate... I am TRULY hoping that I will be returning here to Aus, literally with only enough time to pack up the rest of mine and the kiddos stuff and for us to fly up to Sydney go to the interview - wait for our visas and then fly straight out from there... SO WE WILL see what transpires over the next 6-8 weeks won't we??? LOL...

have a GREAT day folks and hopefully we will see some shining happy faces over this coming week with approvals and good news for all.
Tracy
:-)

Hello everyone,

it's been quite a while since I posted in this forum, but meowboy and I are now married and beginning the AOS process!!! I'll be back now and then, I'm sure, with questions!

Best wishes to all on their visajourneys!

Good luck on your AOS Meowgirl!!!!

Hey guys...I have a bit of a problem!

They spelt my middle name wrong on my greencard.....grrrrrrrrrr..Is it such a biggie? I already have my licence, SS number and EAD....do u think I should get a new one?

I would recommend getting it fixed. I don't think it's too much of a big deal but I am anal with some of this stuff simply because some places like to match everything. My wife's SSN card does not have her middle initial. We plan on fixing that sometime soon.

I agree with Alex! I am also anal and I would definitely get it fixed!

I am waiting for my visa and packet to come back from the consulate when there was not even a mistake with the visa, only my maiden name on the summary sheet attached to the packet. I am kind of kicking myself thinking "why didn't I just pretend I didnt notice".. but then again, the stress wouldn't be worth it as I would spend between now and my departure date driving myself crazy about if it was going to be a problem when I reach border protection in the US!!

I say get it fixed! :-)

Oh yeah, I love the surprised you have planned Tracey! Very cheeky and the reaction you get from him is going to be awesome! ;-)

Hi HD and thank you.

I am excited, I just hope I have everything I need so it all goes smoothly.

Oh no! What a pain in the a*** you poor thing! But at least you have it aye!

Hi Alex & Rings...!

Hi Pris!

Welcome back! Happy New Year! Glad you had a great time! The 22nd is just around the corner! I am looking forward to hearing more good news then!

It's cool seeing the wave of us finally getting to the visa point. I'm glad all you folks were around. Having the company during these different phases was priceless.

-Alex

Thank you and Happy New Year to you!

Will keep you updated as it happens.

The company and support here has been a necessity, especially when no one I know here in Melb has any idea on how these procedures happen.

P.S. Does anyone know where the best (closest) places to stay near the Consulate in Sydney? Would be much appreciated.

Hi Poi_n_J,

I stayed at the Travel Lodge on Phillip Street on the recommendation of this website. It was a nice clean room with all you could need and was literally around the corner from the consulate (5 mins walk). Look for the best rate you can get, I managed to get $150 for the night. Check out was at 10am, my interview was at 11am which worked out perfectly. I didn't fly out until late that night so they held my luggage for the day. the staff were helpful and friendly!

I agree about this website, it has given me hope during some pretty difficult times during our seperation!

You are all fabulous!

Thanks HD, although I just looked them up and it's all booked out for the night I need although there's rooms at their downtown one in Wentworth St for $99. I wonder how much and how far a taxi to Martin Place would be.......?

OH OH OH MY GOD............................................................
WE GOT THE APPROVAL...
JUST CHECKED MY email...

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL *** The last processing action taken on your case
Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
Current Status: Approval notice sent. On February 5, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E).

Was jumping around the house screaming OMGOD the kids and I were all doing HIGH 5's.... then I had to WAKE up my darling man LOL... it was like 2.00am in Cleveland right now... <grin>

what an AMAZING feeling... and I fly out to the USA tomorrow to spend some time with him... WHAT PERFECT timing....

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE else who have also received theirs too.... WHOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)

Congratulations, Tracy. What great news to get before you leave for the US!

Congrats Tracy! I loved getting those approval emails, letters, and phone messages. It gave me the best feeling.

Pris, Vy and I stayed at the Meriton Kent st apts (AUD157 for a Studio). We were closer to Town Hall though and just hopped in a cab. It was lless than $10 for the ride. I'll never forget that day we went. We spent the whole morning waiting (and excited) just for a quick 10 minute face to face conversation with the Consulate folks. It didn't sink in until we got back to the hotel. It happened so fast we couldn't comprehend the 8 months of filing and stress. Looking back on it, those 8 months felt like eternity AND a blink of an eye at the same time. As I wake up to her next to me every morning I can't believe how much we've gone through in such a short time.

Ahhh I love reminiscing about the good stuff.

Oh you can also go to www.wotif.com to check for some hotel deals. Just check for Sydney CBD hotels. Most are within bus, walking, or train distance. You can get off Wynyard Station on the bus and train and walk from there. Good luck!

Congrats Tracy..!




Aww.....Alex you are a darling and I'm sure Vy realises what a lucky woman she is!

Thanks for that!

Pris.

congrats, Tracy!!!! and have a great trip in the U.S.