This isn't information about people's actual experiences, but the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre has a fabulous repository of information sheets to guide you through the immigration process in Australia:

http://www.iarc.asn.au/publications/index.html#3


I realise I'm a bit late with this -- but good luck today Kath!!

what are you willing to share???

matt

So shon has hit here too.......is nothing sacred hahahaha I know its driving me nuts seein it everywhere


Ok.....now here's the good news...care of kath&rob as they wanted me to let you all know

KATH GOT THE VISA

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO so happy for them

er, uh, well, thinking about the saying about opinions.. well, er, I don't want to share *that* withya, if that's OK!

How 'bout a cookie? You can have the big half.


WTG kath! Congrats!

way to go Kath & Rob

well i got another 5 emails today telling me i have a welcome letter on the way


angela

Congrats Kath and Rob

Wooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooooooo


Jodee

Angela is doing AOS as already in the US on a K-1. Multiple emails however is not uncommon for any of these processes when it comes to USCIS.

Have you called NVC to see if your petition arrived there yet?

kath,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

just have to pack now and get over here. great news.

angela,

congratulations on the emails...you should see the letter any day now.

matt

btw mex, i'll share a cookie with you.

YEAH for Kath and Rob!! Now she can get over here for the wedding Robbie's been working so hard planning!!

HOOOORAY!! SYdney is truly on fire these days!

Hope everyone is doing well.

OH BTW!! So yesterday Stewart's like...I have a present for you... I'm thinking, flowers? chocolate? I was excited...

HIS PARENTS SENT US PROPER SOCCEROO JERSEYS!!! OMG how excited am I? It's the real nike one! Now we ar egoing to where them to the pub on Sunday for the game! YAY!!

Just thought I'd let ya'll know.

Rob & Kath Yeah

5 emails on top of the, what was it 3 emails,phew they sure like to keep us wondering, what the....

And JC I know it don't help much but we've all been there, I wish you peace and strength in your waiting.

Lunamel and meauxna thanks for the links. will check them out.

Shahab

hey peeps...

glad to hear everyone is doin' alright on here...

i have a question i'm a bit confused i feel like i've been outta the visa swing of things for a long time...

tom and i have our aos interview later this month, and i'm wondering once granted will i be a conditional or a permanent resident? i was thinking conditional because we've only been married 6 months, but now i'm doubting myself...

what got me thinking about it was the idea of going back to school for my masters, and looking at the fee schedules, more for those that aren't us citizens or permanent residents...

also has anyone looked into doing distance learning from an aussie uni while in the US? just wondering if i can get away with hecs because i am an australian citizen despite not living there.

be good guys,

jodie.

hi jodie,
Despite the way we use the term here, there is no such thing as a 'conditional resident' (in our context). You will be a Permanent Resident with conditions, but a Permanent Resident nonetheless. You can read more about this and your rights and responsibilities from USCIS here:


Now That You Are A Permanent Resident
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/PermRes.htm

How Do I Remove the Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage?
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/remcond.htm

Welcome to the United States:
A Guide for New Immigrants
http://uscis.gov/graphics/citizenship/imm_guide.htm

I think you'll find that there is yet another definition for 'resident' for the school, but you can tell them that you are a PR.

Hey Jodie, my cousin used to work as a teacher for the distance learning mob. I got a feeling you have to be an actual resident of Oz to do it. I am leaving here in a week but if ya want some info let me know soon and I will try my best. Stella.



PS Actually I think you can from overseas at a heft price, but I'm often wrong. Seems you can study there anyhow.

hi there fellow aussie

well we are home..with my visa in hand well in a safe spot anyways lol. ..trip went well got to spend the weekend with my daughter all went well..


nothing much more to report except i gotta lot of damm packing to do ...sydney in my eyes was a waste of 5 days... why the hell they cant send a group of staff members to each state to do this say once or twice a month is beyond me...cost us a fortune in a hotel and food and trains ...

thank you for all your well wishes and congrats...that small pic was taken after we got approved..taken heaps of pics of the building and the surrounds might get robbie to make a website so the aussies know what they are looking for when going for their interviews...

sorry to have missed seeing you wenchie...but was great to hear your voice...

ok well i better get to the docs and to go into work to hand in my resignation...

take care ya all
kath

Congratulations, and the packing up will all be worthwhile.

I agree with you, it does seem a shame that everyone has to fly interstate and then try to negotiate Sydney, work out where you have to go and exactly where the building and entrance is, I think the website would be great and pictures and an explanation of where you have to go would help any Aussies in the future.

I was so far out of my comfort zone, when my visa was delayed I considered hightailing it back 'home', til I realised my home was gone until I got to the other side but then I guess thats all part and parcel of this journey of ups and downs.

Congratualtions again Kath &Rob.

Yeah the photo's of the place is a fabulous idea for those coming behind us. I already knew the building etc but still felt totally unsure I had it right on the day hurrying.

I fly out on Saturday. Pretty bloody excited, still got some organising and packing to do and I'm afraid my back has given up on me. But lifes good.

Stella.

hey everyone i got my nice new shiny green card in the mail on monday and it has no mistakes. So from the time we lodged the k1 untill my aos was approved was about 11 months i never thought it would be so quick so now a break for a while from immigration.


Kath & Rob when are you flying to the states? you must be having fun with the packing lol

StellaR not long now i bet you cant wait to be on the plane

angela

Yippee on the greencard Angela.

Yippee on the greencard Angela.

Now I've got my bottle of fountain tomato sauce, gluten free worsteshire sauce, gluten free cookies, soya milk, six months of medication, my yummy gluten free mayonaise, mmm, now where am I gonna put my clothes.

Stella

Soy milk? Can't you get it where you're going, or it's a special kind? I'd think you could find the gluten free stuff too (different brands) ... Lemme know if you have trouble tracking that sort of thing down, ok?

But your luggage sounds not too different from mine!

Gee thanks Meauxna, yeah a couple of cartons just for the trip. (They forgot my special meal on the flight over last time and I was sure glad of that soya milk and gluten free/lactose free chocolate bars I had packed). I did find some stuff there and Andrew has some in the cupboard already but I must say I didn't like it much. Have you got the dreaded "silly yacks" disease too?? Couldn't find a tomato sauce in the supermarket and the health food shop one was horrible. I will join the Coeliac Association there as soon as I am able. But yeah will be very glad of any advice. Thanks again.

Stella

StellaR

Im not sure if it still applys but as far as i know you must have a letter from your doctor for any
prescription drugs that you bring into america. The chances of you being searched on arrival are slim to none but just in case get that letter otherwise they will take your medication. When i came over for my first visit it was my doctor that told me about the letter. so she did it on doctors letter head and stated the name of medication and that it was required, my name etc.....


angela

hi angela
fantastic news on your side of the world with your green card arriving

leaving on sunday 25th june...am packin my suitcases at the moment an robbie bought so many ornaments that it takes up a whole suitcase lol where am i gunna put my tim tams at lol

i feel like im not gunna be ready in time ...my boy told me tonight to get packed up an leave what i dont want an he an his dad will do the garage sale the followin weekend..dont know how i feel about that one at the moment but will get passed it i suppose...its like i have had so many appointments from docs to physio to the surgeon to work dealing this week that we havent had time to do anything...and the 5 days away from melb didnt help either...

sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ...
well thats life i suppose huh
take care
kath

Congratulations, Angela! I'm really happy for you, but envious also, that you were approved without an interview. That's a definite bonus!

hey Stella, I'll drop you a PM when I get home from this trip. I don't have the silly yaks, <g> but I might have some food resources for you.

Excellent tip from angel about the doctor's note!

Gee thanks, well it is lucky I got one of those letters but now I think about it doesn't have them all on it just the ones she gave me on the day. My Doc had tried to give me some sample anit-anxiety pills for the flight, after I requested and I said ooohh you better give me a scrpit cause i know they can be funny. So she printed me up a letter as an after thought. Phew, didn't have one last time. Thanks so every one here and especially Angela. Vey thoughtful of you to send that email. Where would we all be with out each other. And thanks too Meauxna.
Well next time I write here I will be there. Wooo hoo.

Oh Kath would have been funny if we was on the same plane, I beat ya by one day. I would have known you too but you would have wondered who I was.

Stella.

go socceroooooos!!!

whooooooooooooo hoooooooooooooo go aussie's go aussies's...dam it was a good match...
hey karo can ya tell me what time the next match is being played state time cos i will be in the states by the next match an i dont wanna miss it...watched all the matches so far..
my damm sis from eng rang me at half time i was so annoyed i could see the telle but she kept goin on an on just wasnt the same as seeing it without the distractions lol..talked all damm second half ..lol..all she got out of me was arrrrrrrrrrrrh did u see that ..omg we got a gooooooooal whooo hooo...her not being a soccer nut i dont think she appreciated my excitement lol
cant wait to get to the states and plan that match day will be fun cos i will have some other aussies with me lol
would of been fun on the same flight stella..but we would of honed into each other an knew who each other was..especially with robbie with me and his gifts...

take care
kath

Just wanted to say a Late Congratulations to Kath and ROB!!

Well done guys,.....

And just so all you guys know, Im just about to send off my I-751, once I work out the best way to send it. I finally have it all put together, after several weeks of procrastination, but its now ready to go, with a month to spare. It has to be in at the California Service Centre by July 26, 2006. I know I am a lil bit further along in my journey than most of you, but I love this site, and the friends Ive made, and love reading about all your successes as they happen.


Hugs to you all

Jodee

hi jodee
thanks for the congrats...

well im nearly there went out an bought another suitcase to fill...going out with my mum an sis for lunch tomorrow this week has been filled with distractions an keeping me from organising the house...

i said good bye to my work mates today an cleaned my locker out with mixed emotions i left the store i had worked for 7 an half years an it felt like i was just a clock in number ...but many wished me well an told robbie to take care of me or they will come lookin for him lol lol

tomorrow will be going to my bro's 40th birthday party then home for the last night then flying out at 10.55am homeward bound with my robbie by my side..

take care
kath

Monday - 11 am Eastern Standard Time

I've got my Tivo ready!

Hey Aussies, I'm from Adelaide

Names Paul and as mentioned above i am from Adelaide.

My Wife (NorthernGirl) is in Massachusetts and we are going through



Spousal Visa (IR-1 / CR-1) through Sydney.


Wishing all V.J'ers a fast reconnection with their spouses, where ever they might be.



Cheers

Paul

Welcome Hamster. Glad to have you here!

Thanks for the Welcome Karo112,



yes the Socceroo's where robbed and should have a rematch.

OMg...too gutted to even talk about it. <sigh>

Hey Everyone,

Can somebody tell me, what are the total costs of filling a DCF?

Thanks
Harry

Ohh shoot. Let's see.

there's the flight for the American to Oz...$1500? or so?
Now it's changed but it was about 500-ish for the actual visa.
Then there's the costs for the medical and police checks.
and the trip to Sydney for the interview...

Not sure about totals - maybe someone else can help with that.

Great to have you join us in the downunder thread Paul



Harry

Welcome aboard.

Visa.....http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular/feesiv.html
Also look HERE re Consular Fees Schedule

Police checks.....vary depending on state and there may of been fee increases
NSW $175
WA $103
Vic $106.10
Tas $38.50
Qld $138.80
NT $60
ACT $130
SA $86

Medicals...vary between states
NSW..Dr Millar (Sydney)...$250

Further reading and links http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular/iv.html

oooh, wenchie---that's a juicy list! Is that in the Oz DCF Thread? (hint hint hint)

Yeah Im working on it but you knew that right

Lorelle, hi this is complete South Australian Police Requirements as well as Current Prices for ,

National Police Check, with all FAQ'S

Cheers

Paul





NATIONAL POLICE CERTIFICATE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION



CONTACT DETAILS

POSTAL ADDRESS: Records Release Unit, SA Police PHONE ENQUIRIES: 08 8204 2455 EMAIL:

GPO Box 1539, ADELAIDE SA 5001 FAX NO: 08 8204 2307

SAPOL.records@police.sa.gov.au



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a National Police Certificate (NPC)?

A: A NPC provides a national summary of an individual’s offender history. It is generally requested by organisations as one part of their process to

Ensure the integrity of their staff or volunteers.

Q: Is there an age limit to obtain a National Police Certificate (NPC)?

A: No. If you are under sixteen years of age your guardian will be required to counter sign the application as well.

Q: What will show on my NPC?

A: The NPC will be prepared in accordance with SAPOL policy. Interstate offences will be released in accordance with that State or Territory’s spent

Conviction/ rehabilitation legislation and policy. Information that may be considered for release includes the following:



Person Information Offender History Information Other Information

· Identification data such as name,

Gender, date of birth, aliases, previous

Names, other recorded dates of birth

Etc

· Address (es)

· Charge(s)

· The court outcome of the charge(s) together

With the dates, court and any sentence

Imposed

· Pending matters

· Specific departmental records

· Outstanding warrants

· Paedophile restraining orders

· Other restraining orders

· Diversions

· Cautions

· Expiable matters



Pending matters have not been determined by a court; therefore they cannot be regarded as a finding of guilt. Intelligence-type information is not

Released. SAPOL is unable to release traffic history from some states and territories. This information can be obtained upon application to:



• QLD Licence Searches, Department of Transport GPO Box 2451 Brisbane QLD 4001 at a cost of approximately $15.00. Cheques or money

Orders are to be made payable to Queensland Transport.

• WA Police Service "Traffic Conviction Records Section" PO Box S1400 Perth WA 6001, the application form is available on the Services page

Of their website at a cost of approximately $15.00.

Q: Who owns this NPC?

A: This certificate is the property of the applicant and as such should be retained by you (the applicant) regardless of who paid for it. It is your

Responsibility to ensure it is safely stored. It is not recommended that this document be copied, but can be with your consent. The content should be

Summarised into an organisation’s records to record the recruitment process. If you have any concerns please let us know, our phone number is

Listed above.

Q: Why do I need to provide proof of identity?

A: SAPOL takes its responsibilities in respect of protecting the community from crime and disorder, and information release very seriously. To ensure

That we meet our obligations an applicant for a NPC is required to establish their identity via the check process. If copies of these documents are not

Attached, the application will be returned to you. If you are unable to meet the criteria on the application form – please contact the Records Release

Unit (RRU-see above) for advice on additional acceptable documents.

Q: How does an organisation obtain police checks for volunteers free of charge?

A: The fee for volunteers is $28.50 however the check is provided at no charge if the volunteer is in contact with vulnerable groups. All volunteers

Must not be receiving any payment for work (except out of pocket expenses); and the work must provide a charity or community service good.

The South Australia Government meets the cost for these ‘eligible volunteers’.

To be eligible for this fee waiver the organisation must be pre-approved by SAPOL and have received a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation

Number (VOAN). The organisation must provide this authorisation number on every volunteer’s NPC application form. Further information about

how to apply for a VOAN and application forms can be obtained by accessing SAPOL’s Internet site www.police.sa.gov.au. Look for Volunteers

in the Site Map.

Q: How long will it take to process my request? Is there an Express Service?

A: The standard timeframe to process a NPC is between 5-15 working days. This provides enough time for postage, and if there is an interstate match it

provides time to verify any same or similar name matches and obtain local and/or interstate history. If you require the NPC quickly an Express Service

of 2 working days is available, however, an additional charge applies and you will be required to collect the NPC from Adelaide Police Station. If an

interstate match occurs the 2 day turnaround cannot be guaranteed, however SAPOL will process your application as a priority at all times. The 2

working days begin from the time the application is received at the Records Release Unit.

Q: I am obtaining a NPC for Taxi Accreditation purposes, who do I contact if I require the Certificate to be processed earlier?

A: Taxi drivers seeking permanent accreditation have up to 8 weeks notice, early lodgement will ensure that you receive your Certificate in time.

Alternately, the express service is available at an additional cost of $21.00

Q: Is this the correct form to complete when applying for registration as a teacher?

A: No. Applications should be made via the Teacher’s Registration Board.

Q: Do I need to have my fingerprints taken to get a NPC?

A: No, SAPOL checks identifying data and this is normally sufficient. You may however have special requirements such as a visa for overseas travel,

employment or immigration, or your employer or regulatory body requires absolute identity checking. A NPC with fingerprints requires an additional

charge not subject to any concessions (see Fees below) . You must ensure your fingerprint form is firmly attached to the NPC application form.

SAPOL is unable to advise on visa requirements and will need to verify the requirements yourself.






Q:

A:

Do I need a NPC for my visa application?

SAPOL is unable to advise on visa or overseas travel requirements. Please check your visa requirements carefully as you may require a NPC

prepared by the Australian Federal Police and you may also require fingerprints to be taken.

Q:

A:

What is the cost of a NPC?

Fees are listed below and may be adjusted annually in accordance with CPI. Fees are gazetted by the Government of South Australia. The fee is

based on the average cost to produce a NPC based on staff time, CrimTrac charges, consumables etc.

Q:

A:

Am I eligible for the fee to be reduced?

The cost of processing this request will be reduced if you meet one of the concession criteria (see Concession Criteria below). An Express Service is

not subject to any fee concessions.

Q:

A:

If I require a refund, how do I apply for one?

All applications for refunds must be made within 3 months from the lodgement date. Please forward your request in writing together with supporting

documentation to the postal address listed above stating why a refund should be considered.

Q:

A:

How long is my NPC valid?

This depends on the policy of the organisation you are presenting your NPC to. There is a time lapse between the recording of convictions by courts

and the updating of the criminal records databases of police jurisdictions. This certificate only reflects the completeness and accuracy of these

records and systems on the date of issue.

Q:

A:

I am living interstate or overseas, can I apply for a NPC?

No, National Police Certificates will only be prepared for those people resident in South Australia. South Australian residents who may be living

overseas should refer their request to the Australian Federal Police www.afp.gov.au or their email address vetting@afp.gov.au. Residents of other

states should direct their enquiry to the police service of the state or territory in which they reside.

Q:

A:

Can I apply for a NPC on behalf of someone else who lives in SA?

You can only apply on behalf of someone if you hold Power of Attorney. Documents to verify this must be produced. A copy must be attached with the

application. The original must be sighted by a SAPOL employee or equivalent.

SAPOL permits someone else to collect your certificate, however, you must complete the application form yourself and identify the person collecting

your certificate at the time you submit your application.

Q:

A:

How can I collect my NPC?

You may request that the NPC is collected from any police station, or mailed to your postal address. You must provide suitable identification at the

time of collection. Having a NPC posted to you is undertaken at your own risk. SAPOL holds no responsibility for any loss or unauthorised access

which may occur. You need to indicate on the form whether the NPC is to be sent to your postal or residential address.

You may collect the NPC from Adelaide Police Station if it is urgently required.

Someone else may collect a NPC for you, if they have a signed letter of authority. You are required to identify the person collecting your NPC on the

application form, and you must provide them with a letter or authority.

To ensure the security and privacy of your information, applicants are unable to vary to collection method after the form has been submitted.

Q:

A:

What if the information on my NPC is incorrect?

SAPOL provides the opportunity for the public to correct their records via mechanisms available under the Freedom Of Information Act. Please

submit a PD361 – Application for Amendment of Personal Records form which is available from any Police Station. Please outline your concerns and

provide a copy of the disputed evidence.

Q:

A:

How can I obtain further information?

Telephone or email the Records Release Unit via the contact details listed on the front of this form. Alternatively, you are able to access information

and the application via SAPOL’s Internet site www.police.sa.gov.au. Look for National Police Certificate in the Site Map.



PLEASE NOTE THAT BY SIGNING THE APPLICATION FORM :

• You hereby consent to the release of full details of any person history and any other relevant information that any Australian State/Federal/Territories Police

or Law Enforcement Agency may have in its possession with reference to you. This includes any convictions imposed on you that are spent or rehabilitated

(however described) under State/Territory/ Federal Legislation.

• You agree, should there be any doubts as to your identity, to voluntarily submit a set of fingerprints suitable for the requirements of the fingerprint experts.

• You acknowledge without this consent being provided spent or rehabilitated convictions within certain States may not be disclosed.

• In consideration of the release of the said information, you hereby release and discharge and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the State of South

Australia, each of the Australian State/Federal/Territory Police or Law Enforcement Agencies and their employees, servants and agents from and against all

claims, demands, actions, suits, proceedings, costs and damages whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with the release or use of the

information.

CONCESSION CRITERIA FEES – Valid to 30 June 2006

Concessions are available for people that meet the following criteria:



• Current State concession card issued by FACS

<H1 style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">Individual $44.00 </H1>

• Totally and permanently incapacitated disability pensioner.

• Receipt of Commonwealth unemployment or sickness benefits or State financial

<H1 style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">Concession $32.00 </H1>

Assistance.



• Holder of a student identification card issued under State Transport Authority Act

Volunteer $28.50



1974 or proof of full time student status



• Holder of a current pensioner health benefits or concession card issued by the

Volunteer working with Vulnerable Groups (VOAN) $0



Commonwealth Government.



• Proof of financial hardship by providing evidence of receiving one of the following

<H1 style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt">Fingerprints $90.50 extra </H1>

Benefits from Centrelink not more than 4 weeks ago: -Crisis Payment, Special

Benefit Payment, or Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment





Express Service $21.00 extra