Stella.......Congrats I knew you guys would breeze it.


Matt, I missed seeing your post.....Good to see you.....you are missed around here, I still havent gotten across to have a look at MatesUpOver but its on my list of the things to do once Im settled.

Kath....I dont know about you but Im getting more nervous by the day hahahaha

Karo.....Im on a countdown now.....I can hardly believe it. 5 days then D Day for interview

thats excellent stellaR


by the way did you take with you to the interview the envelope for them to post out your passport and visa? Make sure when you send in your police certificate to copy it first just in case and if you sned it registered mail you can track when they get it as well


angela

They post it out? I thought you could pick it up the next day or so....

Im picking mine up

karo,

i'm not doing too much with that job...just a day a week. i'm working for the metro park system here at the moment as a seasonal.

i may have some big news in the next week or so about a job but i won't say anything until it is confirmed. as soon as i know what is happening i'll let you all know about that.

aside from the above, the golf is going well...i just have to practise more.

i'm off to wash the cars.

matt

I think I will hang out the extra time in sydney as well and pick it up... I don't want to have to wait on that...I'm trying to work out how much this all is going to cost with the visa fee, doc fee's, and the cost for the police cert....I have looked around and found the doc's fees thread but how much roughly does this cost with the visa fee's?

I'm trying to budget things out now as I will have to stay in a hotel in sydney for a couple of days and then travel back to Melb...how long till you go to the States after this Aussie Wench? Qantas had some wicked deals the other day I seen on another forum for $799 to LA...

Just checked on my info which has info on all the states for the police certificates...Vic is $106.10 (gawd knows why the 10c lol) Anyway....mine turned out to be $5 more then the instructions. Must of had a price increase. Not sure on the medical in Vic. Mine here in Sydney was $225. Visa fee.....not sure of that either off hand but you could always check the US consulate website for Sydney.

Im not heading off until probably mid July or there abouts. Still things to tie up. What forum did you see that about the fares??

You should be able to find cheap enough accommodation...Id go out from the city itself and catch a cab in or train it. Save yourself some money.

Oh they do have a list of fees' so i guess its $130...



http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/feesniv.html





Aussie wench, it was on 'aussies in america' I will dig out the URL from my history ... they have a 30 day try out and then you have to pay $10...someone posted about a special deal with qantas, one for $799 the other $699. ALso on the qantas site the last time I looked they had a $999 deal to major cities. Also I remember seeing on flightcentre.com.au they had a deal for $899 with hawaiian airlines out of sydney not out of melb though

It's total bs that a one way ticket isn't much diff than a return...but anyway



The *aussies* forum is ok but some of them on there can be a bit bitchy so I didn't bother staying long..too many flamewars. I joined a few months ago when I wanted to find aussie products avail. in the US. It was linked to another site.



THere are some nice people on there but the 'others' seem to be a bit over the top.



Thanks for your help!

hi ya all

karo loved ya kanga so i pinched it ..lol im a soccer nut from way back so the kids will love that lol and hope all is going well in your life over there

hey angela good to see u hope u have found a job yet ...

matt...how u doin mate which metro park u working in ...were getting married at providence park in grand rapids on the boat..hope your enjoying your life there ...

ok serious stuff now..lol...jc75 ... its $117 and they go up every 1st july.. its cost $130 for your visa to be paid at the post office prior to the interview...medical that depends on where u live or u want to go into the city...i have updated the embassey info if u go to the top of the page prices are there for the medical..any questions seein im in Vic email me if ya like...we found a hotel for $95 dollars its an old pub and it is only about a 5 min walk...done all the whereis maps for us to get there ok...and there is a train station right around the corner from the hotel...also there is the Martin Place station right on the street of the embassey...I posted not long ago the police check website too prob a couple of weeks ago i think

by the way the shoulder is coming along fine the physio fella is quite pleased with my progress so the op really needed to be done..still cant wash my hair with two hands or style my hair...or thousand of other things but im alive and ready for everything to get moving along..

ohh and we have 10 more days till robbie leaves the states to come get me...whooo hooo ...(sings) oh happy days are here again lol
take care u lot
kath

JC75

Yes you can pick it up the next day i cant remember the time but i know its late afternoon. If you interview happens to be on a Friday you cant pick it up untill Monday afternoon so instead of paying to stay the extra nights ( unless you have somewhere to stay ) they will post it if you provide the right envelope....


Kath how you going mate im glad the shoulder is coming along quickly no i havent got a job yet havent really look properly yet either lol you must be geting excited now How long till your interview?


And Lorrel well and truely in counted down mode now so all the mojo goes your way now but you wont need it


angela

hi angela

interview is on the 16th june....im getting more excited about seeing robbie again more than anything at the moment...those months have just flown by ...robbie arrives on the 12th queens birthday day off so im rapt about that lol at the same time he is arriving i have a mate from work going to new york to do another stint in the summer camps over there so will see him off as well..

ohh im so sorry my wenchy mate i forgot to tell ya ..im not nervous yet mate..im the cool calm collected type of person who frieks out on the day lol .. this week were double checking everything to make sure robbie dont need to go out an get stuff done before he leaves the states...are you avail to meet up on the 16th june mate...would love to meet ya's
well i gotta go im meeting a dear friend in the city today...she is giving me away at the wedding she leaves here to go to the states on the 15th...and then were matching her up with one of robbie's mates ...lol

ok later all
kath

thanks angela



kath n rob ty for the message.... I have to get my stuff organized but I will go and get one of those folders ty for the tip!

Also I'm in the process of finding a apartment in melbourne for the next month etc. I wonder if this is going to cause an issue as its not the address on my passport details etc.... my mail from the old place is going to the PO box so not sure if to contact them about this or just pick it up from the PO box and not worry about the new address..I haven't got the apartment yet so not sure what to do....



Thanks for the info on the old pub in sydney I will check it out now! ... I did see a place listed on here as well thats close to the embassy....



hugs!

Sounds good Kath would love to meet up.....as long as Im not tied up, I will be there with bells on. I missed meeting up with Caroline

JC....good to see you have been successful in gathering the info you needed

Thanks for the MOJO angela.....I just wish I had someone to come in with me my kids are all working.


Ok.....question. I posted in the Foreign Embassy Forum but Im getting 'I thinks' lol and would really like to know if anyone knows for certain........

The passport photo I have to have for my interview.....is there any requirement on how recent it has to be?Can it be the same one I submitted with the I-130. I havent changed any. Maybe a few extra grey hairs lol but I've got them covered. Usually these passport photos have me looking like Im in a line up and the ones I still have here with me are nice.

Lorelle

Hello everyone

Wow, it's busy in here! Congrats Stella, and good luck with your interviews Kath and Lorelle!

I just wanted to poke my head in and tell you about a very exciting moment I had over the weekend -- I went into my local bottle-o here in NY, and they now sell Boags! Just in time for a long hot summer... I've been dreaming about a Boags for ages (I've been able to find coopers and tooheys new for a while, but it's not quite the same), so I couldn't believe my eyes

The guy in the store told me that it's being regularly imported into the US now, so those of you in other parts of the country might see some soon too. And if not, ask you local store if they can get some in for you!

Too bad no lemon ruski's!

Lorelle, it has to be no older than 6 months old the photo. I am certain. Went and had new photo's done just before 'cause my photo's were older just over 6 months old.

Sorry too tired & busy to update just now, but I still do not have the visa as yet and they returned to me my passport. I am to post that with the envelope and Criminal History Check all together. Yes there are even signs up everywhere there about taking that envelope and they don't issue visas that day, but I guess you guys know that already but I have read you can pick it up the next day. I am just so glad to have that interview bit over, not that it was so hard after all, really you two girls will breeze through and I was only so long because of my first loo interlude, the second went much better. Hee heee

Yeah you gotta get that receipt from the post office for the interview for $130.

Any ways will fillin more in the morning, just wanted to answer dem questions.
Stella

Just FYI.

We had our interview on Friday and Stewart and I stayed so he could pick it up. They CLOSE the consulate at like 3?? or so...so you go pick it up between 3-4. He BREEZED in and out - he said it was sooo easy and worth waiting for him. That way he had it IN HIS HAND. If you can stay ONE extra day - go get it yourself... heaps easier than the interview part

Lorelle - I wish I could be there for yours after YOUR approval Oh well You can jet down to the underground food court and have some chapagne, or coffee, for all of us I can't WAIT to hear your good news.

Lorelle.

If you do happen to be able to take someone with you to your interview they have to wait in the foyer. Nobody is allowed inside the embassy except those that are named on the interview letter that you got. When i had my interview i got to the first stage of security andlots of people had family, friends with them but they all got sent back down stairs. But when you go inside up on the hmm forgotten what floor but if you go towards the window it is a spectacular view gives you something to look at while you wait. hang in there not long now

angela

Oh yeah meant to mention that Lorelle, only people being interviewed can go up to the 59th floor, yes that view is fantastic. Worth the trip. Oh and you can go to the loo after you get up there, just gotta go thru security again. If you do need to go it is proably best just after you first put in your documents cause you have to wait some after that.

Kath, they sent me an email the following day, saying they had noted I already had my interview and that they were sorry they did not get back to me in time. I am glad for their inefficiency cause I would have probably had to wait another month or two.

All the things I was worried (work questions mainly) all they asked was what I normally do. Didn't mention I played in a wild funk band for 20 years though, forgot about that, probably lucky really. Just said sales and vocal coach, and it was all very easy, just straight forward questions. I did have a blonde moment too though trying to figure out which was my right hand and which was my left index finger.

Not long now you two, yipppeeee, guess I should get me a bottle or two of champagne too now

Hi, thanks aussiewench for your reply to my question in the K-1 thread, i figured it would be easier though if i post my questions in this forum instead.. im in the process of getting my K-1 at the sydney embassy, and i recieved my packet 4 today with my interview date - Friday June 30th.. i have flights to the US booked for Monday July 3rd, and from what ive read on this forum the sydney embassy wont issue the visa on the same day as the interview, correct? If this is the case i need to change my flights to the us, and id prefer to do that now rather than 3 days before! If anyone knows if its possible to get the visa on the same day or if there is no hope at all then that'd be real helpful! thank you! also thanks to everyone on this site...makes this alot damn simpler!

lachlan

Just popping through for the first time in a while. Hope everyone's doing well, and wishing all good things for those of you with impending interviews!

Hey Lachlan. Unless they've changed the rules since I had my K1 interview, the embassy doesn't issue visas on the same day. That's why they ask you to bring one of those express post (I think it's 3kg?) envelopes. Even if you're based in Sydney, I believe you still need to go back on the next business day. So it's a good idea to delay your flight by a few days (best to give a couple of days extra just incase there's a hold up).

Good luck.

like Becky said Lachlan. Could try emailing them I guess but I don't think it will work.

Thanks, i spoke to the airline and i managed to bump my flights forward a day for hardly any extra cost (ill be getting there on independence day now!) so i just went ahead and did it. plus i have friends in sydney i can hang out with for the weekend. so it means i fly to sydney on friday, have interview, get visa monday, fly back up to north queensland on monday night, finish packing, sleep for a few hours, go BACK to the airport tuesday 6am, fly BACK to sydney, then to LAX. talk about a pain in the ###...oh well! thats the way it works...

thanks,
lachlan

Gawd I hate connecting flights....I feel for ya....

do you have to connect again after LA?

Yeah...Cairns -> Sydney, Sydney -> LAX, LAX -> Philidelphia, Philidelphia -> Norfolk. =)

at least ill rake up some frequent flyer miles...

Hi Lachlan....good to see you joined us here Who are you lookin' at flying with. Ive been pouring over flight and airline info the past few weeks. Found if I fly with qantas all the way its easier transfers, being put on another flight etc if delayed through customs/immigration, plus can get the flyer points up. Cant remember what it is called now....but heres the link to the thread if you are interested http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14732&hl=flights Scroll through it a bit till you find the part about qantas and american airlines.


coming up to 6pm Friday here.......by the time this day is over I have only 2 full days until my interview monday morning My nerves lifted today and all I am now is EXCITED

Cheers to everyone and lots of best wishes for all with interviews coming up in June.

Our cheer squad

Not long now Aussiewench!!!

You will do great!

Gawd blimey, you gonna need a rest when you get to the US Lachlan.

Read the flight thread Wenchie. Wonder if there will be a whole lot of baggage with christmas tinsel on at those carousels now. Brilliant idea. Wonder what sort of prices you are getting one way. AAhh I might just spend that extra few hundred for Qantas. Anyone flown Air Tahiti Nui?? Did that last time and how do you enrole in that frequent flyer program, is it worth it if you ain't so frequent??

Rang the police peoples, sounded like they had forgotten to send my criminal check, they assured me they were posting it now, ASAP.

Just love that koala girl cheersquad. I guess Kath is on her way up to Sydney by now though.

Good luck all

Yah it is worth it in the long run points dont expire for years with AA.com (my ff club) it allows most airline flights to be added. You can also add your flights from the last 12 months i think, I added mine from last year. It wont be long with all the international flights to add up to at least a couple of airfares in the US.



Haven't flown air tahiti but i have heard its crappy....I fly qantas mostly ...I'm a paranoid flyer adn they haven't had a crash to date so yah..... its qantas for me.







oh yah! and there isn't much diff in prices for one way tickets....its such total bs!

hi ya

wenchie mate good luck although ya wont need it mojo mojo mojo heading your way will be thinking of you all day before we get news...

stella you must of been thinking of our wenchie cos my interview aint till the 16th lol .... stupid that you have to get onto departments back to do their jobs properly huh...i havent flown air tahiti but flew air china once...never again too much damm rice to eat and they dont understand ya...lol..no offense to anyone who might take offense ...

an i agree with ya it is total bs about the one wayers..years ago it use to be half price im talkin 20 odd years ago mind you...

well the house packing starts this weekend well throwing out starts lol..getting a skip delivered this morn an my boy is doing the garage so i can get stuff put in there that i want to get rid of or sell...hardest part of this is going through all the stuff an it brings back memories some good some not...

well i better go before i start flooded ya out lol...
take care
kath

After reading on the DCF forum about some changes coming re filing in Australia, I took a look on the Sydney Embassy and it has changed. See:
http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/consular/Pet...nstructions.pdf

I had FF miles with American and they have a program for sick kids and their families. that you can donate your airmiles to where they fly them different places for treatment or at least they had it last year.

Oh that is great the FF for the sick kids. Will have to try to remember that. As you can see (Kath) memory ain't so good and never has been. Yep just joined the AA FF one. Qantas for me too but can we start using the break a leg saying or some other code word for cra......g. I have only just got to the point where the airhostess don't come over to ask me or my travelling companions if I'm alright on take offs and landings.

hi there
ohh your memory will be fine stella...its the stress levels u gotta reduce and it will all coming rushing back to you mate....

was just looking at the sydney consulate website and i came across a page where u can fill in the DS-156 online...just done mine an it looks a lot neater than my handwriting lol
ELECTRONIC FORM FILLING FOR DS-156

been going through stuff in my house all day now its time to enjoy a bit of time my darlinnn .. he just got home from work...
see ya's
take care
kath

Hi Kath,

Yeah it looks like the site is doing some major refurbishing which is a good thing.



2 more sleepies till interview

hey there wenchie

how u doing.. getting all excited...im more interested in robbie arriving than the interview at the moment...lol..

will be thinking of ya missey...u enjoy the view ..hmm wonder if u can take ya mp3 player in with you..
can ya find out for me mate..cos that would help me no end .. music is such a relaxing medium...
tc
kath

Will do, if I remember lol I am pretty wired and dont think thats going to abate till after the interview....I will probably collapse in a heap afterwards

kath and lorelle,

don't sweat it. you girls will be just fine. if your interview was anything like mine then that was the easy part. i think the hardest part was waiting for your number to be called.

yes it is a bit nerve wracking but after you've finished i will guarantee that you will wonder what you were worrying about.

take care and let us all know the GOOD news.

matt

OOOII!!!

Hi peoples, sorry I havent been around in forever. Its been a busy couple of months adjusting to pregnancy and helping Scott settle in. Lifes great though!! We are moving to a bigger apartment next month in preparation for our new arrival and couldnt be happier.

GOOD LUCK WENCH!!! You wont need it though, you guys will do great. And Kath as well, I see yours is coming up soon!!!

Will TRY to be around more!!! Sorry again!!

Mellie

Mel, thanks for replying to my email. Most of the stuff I've asked you have been answered by the good people of VJ, even some who are from Adelaide. I'm sure your husband would be happy to hear that more Adelaidians are moving to the States!

Anyway, have a healthy pregnancy and I'm sure everyone else will be glad to hear from you again.

Just a note for Kath and Lorelle,...

They bag search once you get to the 59th floor, and you go through a metal detector. Any electronics, including MP3 players, cameras, mobile(cell) phones, are taken from you, placed in a bag, to which you are given the corresponding ticket. You are then buzzed into the main area through a locked door. You can collect your belongings using the ticket they give you upon leaving. Its a full bag search up there, so be warned. I saw people on my day, go up with luggage which had to be screened (xrayed), then left in the foyer area, on the 59th floor near the guards....

Just thought you'd like to know......BUT THE VIEW IS GORGEOUS!!!!

Jodee

NB. my interview was NOV 03, so I dont know if they have relaxed things or not, maybe someone with a more recent visit could pipe in

Yep it's still a full bag search but they did that to me down on the 10th floor. On the tenth floor ya just show your interview letter and photos, and receipt, which should be attached to your passport by now.
Then you sit in rows of say six to wait to be taken up in the lift and you all move one row forward till it's your turn. On the 59th floor I only had a mobile with no camera so they didn't bother to take it off me, just had to turn it off. Maybe take some light reading. There is a bell that sounds each time a new number is called to a counter. That big heavy door passed this second lot of guards wasn't locked though but plenty thought it was cause it's a bit heavy. I think it may still get locked though. They kept telling me I was an easy one, 3 times, "wished they were all as easy as you". I thought they meant something else but I kept my thoughts to myself.


Yes I was just like Matt said "now what was all that worry about?"

Good news Mellie, lovely actually. Great things are all moving along just fine here for us all.

am I missing something or is this just K-1


Hiya Mellie.....great to see you girl. Really happy that all is well with you, Scott and the family We have missed you around here.

hi wenchie

ohhhhh not long now girlie...its for the k1 visa.. i dont know how yours work but looking at your timeline you have paid all your fees along the way ...did they mention to you in your packet 4 that u have to...

good luck mate ..i know u wont need it
take care
kath

Oh sorry Wenchie forgot the fact that yours is all so different. There's that memory of mine. I can remember peoples cats star signs from 20 years ago but important things like. Sheesh!!! I'm sorry if I put you in a spin. I'm sure you haven't missed anything. That is for K1 as Kath said. Yes it would be in your instructions but Kath has said you done all the fees already.

Just wanted to wish you all the best Lorelle for your interview in the morning.

HUGZZZZZZZZZZ

Jodee

Hey Lorelle, just read some of the "receipt notices" thread. Phew!! it's much safer round here.
Ah forget all that YYYYYYeeeeeeeehhhaaaaaaaaaaaa and you had a better day than them right.

Congradulations, I read the news.

That just cracked me up this morning!

YAY for sydney

huge congratulations lorelle now you can sit back and enjoy

angela

Someone just finished up her interview and it was a success... you guys know who it is, read her post on the CR-1 threads.