Thanks Matt and Karo. Well we're in a funny little city called Webb City, Joplin. South West Missouri. Funny really cause I have been a singer all my life and people have often told me I am like a modern day Aussie Janis Joplin. Andrews Dad came from Ohio and I really do like the look of it around there. Wedo have plans of heading back to Oz though in 3 or 4 years time. And Matt I think I can remember or guess what that job is but I ain't saying either. Best of luck but I am sure you wont need it.

Now the wedding, this will be my first and Andrews second but he seems a little more concerned about it all being just right than me. (God I love my man) but we'll see as the time gets closer. Don't even have a dress yet (supposed to be making it & Andrews shirt) and don't have the money for a sewing machine yet. MMmmm.

And Lunamel and Meauxna still glad for any food info but there is so much more here now available for me even in the super markets than when I was here last year.

Take care all,
Stella.

Welcome to America, Stella!!!

Sorry I haven't got back with you on that--didn't know where in the US you were til now. I googled natural foods and got several hits for your city, so I'd suggest you make the rounds. You should be able to find decent gluten free goods, and things like canned tomatoes w/out sugar in the most basic 'health food' store.

Otherwise, let's brainstorm how close you are to civilization.

Congrats Stella, it is wonderful to finally be here with your love isnt it?

We didnt get married until 2 weeks before the 90 days, apparently it isnt necessary to file before the I94 expires, it just pays to get the SSN well before then as I think you need at least 14 days left on the I94. Also some people (the bank in my case) have no knowledge of the visa and just see it as expired so the sooner you have the NOA for AOS the better.

Its a lot to plan in a short time, I still wish we could have had the 9 months like the Aussie fiance visa, but there ya go!

Hello all.

I hope that all those together had a wonderful 4th!! For those still apart, I'm hoping it's just a matter of time

We had a great one. I'm freaking out right now trying to buy tix to Australia for the xmas holiday. Sheesh. It's SO expensive but we HAVE to go...

Any tips? Anyone ever use a travel agent??

karo,

you might try AAA if you are a member. i believe they are pretty competative.

matt

hi everyone

well we made it to the states....got married on the 1st july and it was perfect ...well...a few things forgotten like the rings and the music..and even the marriage licence lol..but all in all our day turned out perfect..91F but when we got to the canal boat it cooled down ...just put my aussie mate that came over for the wedding on the plane...
just waiting for our marriage certificate to go get my ssn and then start the AOS process...lol...
hope all is well with everyone
its great waking up next to the man i have waited 4 years to be with...we are happy as...

have a good one ..
karo why dont u try qantas with the deals of extra trips within oz...

ok talk to u later
take care
kath

LOL Kath Glad it turned out perfect though.




Karo
We've been lookin at kayak.com and so far that is coming up trumps as far as good prices..so could be worth a look for flights out here to Oz.

Stella
Congrats darlin'....good to hear all is going well for you.


Only a couple of weeks until Im out of here and off to the US so am busy busy with all the last minute things and saying my goodbyes to family etc.

congratulations kath and rob, all the best.

matt

Congratulations, glad you made it

Congrats Kath n Rob....(K)

lu

My fiance and I have travelled between LA and Australia so many times I think I've got it sussed!! Best fares - Qantas.com - they have personal TVs which not all airlines have and makes the trip sooo much more tolerable! Although risky, I find that they usually bring out specials 6-8 weeks before travel time. I have seen Thanksgiving and Xmas specials from as low as US$700 plus taxes (LAX-Syd).

I hear ya!

But my last flight I was kinda peeved the cabin crew were complete bitches.

yah the personal entertainment centres are the best out there ... some of the movies at times suck but its better than nothin on a long flight....and plus Qantas has a no crash record

hey thanks for all the help guys. It is risky to wait but I might just do it anyway. Stewart already has his ticket so worst case, he goes, I stay...you nkow? It is his sister's wedding so not AS much of a big deal if I don't go and to be honest - i've done that darn flight so many times too I'm sick of it Twice within 6 months.

CONGRATS KATH!!! So glad your wedding was good!

hope all are well

Hey Karo, there is a US mob called the "Travel Team". I don't know but they looked like they had some real good deals for US cit's.

...And a very big congratualations to the new Mr & Mrs Dragons.

Stella.

hi ya all

thanks for all the congrats...

its pouring down here ..i havent seen rain like this in years.wish oz could get rain like this...

hey stella how u doing hope all is great for you down your way....will have to give ya a ring one day would love to hear another aussie voice...everywhere i go people keep saying ohh i love your accent keep talking...i just say dont say that or i wiont say anything lol...i suppose i will get use to it i feel like im the only aussie in toledo lol ...i did bump into a couple of ladies who live in the next town who were new zealand but her hubby was aussie..it was the first time in four visits that i came across our accent...she stopped us cos robbie was wearing the vb tshirt an i was wearing my sydney tshirt...was a pleasant meeting...

went an got my social security number yesterday...will look into starting my aos next week...

question....does all the paperwork for aos ead and the ap get posted to chicago...my office is cleveland....matt can you remember what you did seein your at the same office...
take care all
kath

((kath n rob))
well its been raining here in melb this past week with little breaks so we are getting rain.......


hope all is well hun!

hugs to rob!

kath,

i posted everything to the lockbox and they distributed it from there. when are you planning on travelling? only reason i ask is because i sent my aos app in around mid september last year and had my green card in feb of this year, so it might be a waste of money applying for ap.

matt

thanks matt

so what ya saying is when i get my green card i can travel overseas an come back in with no problems...i thought it was 2 years that i couldnt go out of the country an come back in with an ap...i only want the ap just in case i have to do an emergency flight home my mum is 81 an although in good health i want it in my hand just in case....now i dont know what to do wait the 5 or so months or go for my AP....
anyone else got any thoughts on it i would appreciate it
take care kath

exactly...as long as you've got your green card (conditional or not) you're sweet.

only reason i mentioned not bothering with the ap is because i have seen on this board that more often than not you get the green card before the ap...hence waste of money (for me anyway). but, in your case it may be a better idea to apply for it...they may actually get it to you quickly.

btw...when you guys get settled we have to meet up somewhere.

matt

hi matt
thanks for the ino mate

oh yeah for sure mate.....would be nice to go for a barbie someplace...
we got married at provison metro park do u know of it matt.in grand rapids..its gorgeous...

when u get time let me know and will organise one weeked to go out with u an yours ... be nice to talk to another aussie ...im suffering withdrawals already lol

take care
kath

Hi all,

I just posted this on a post in the DCF thread, I thought I might get a better answer here. I'm about to book my medical check soon, and I'm trying to chase down the best way of getting all my blood test/immunisation stuff done in one go.

Lets say I'm a person between the ages of 18 and 64 who's moved around quite a lot in their lifetime (and there's probably others in a similar situation) and thus trying to chase down what immunisations I've had over the years is probably a difficult task and I would rather just get one blood test which indicates everything that the examining doctor might want to see, is the below list sufficient to cover everything?

* Td immunisation
* Varicella (Chicken pox) immunisation/evidence of previous exposure
* MMR immunisation
* Test for HIV
* Test for Syphilis

Is that list complete and if I have the blood test done external to the panel doctor will that be ok? (I know for immunisations it might be but I'm wondering about the HIV and syphilis tests)

Thanks
AussieDude

hi aussie dude

go to your local doc an get the blood test for the above things...now as them to see how your ammune system is for the above... also for your hiv an syphilis..ones.. you have to get the back of one of the pages signed by the person taking the blood sample and take that along with you to your medical...i did the above an it saved me heaps of money....

which state of oz u in..
if i have forgotten anything im sure someone else will add mate
take care
kath

Hey!

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I did forget to mention I'm in NSW (Sydney).

When you say sign back of one of the pages, do you mean the results from the blood test place or one of the pages in the medical check forms?

AussieDude

hi ya
i will look up the one im talking about aussie dude...im about to go to bed its 3.26am here at the mo..but promise to look it up to get the precise page for you.. the page im talking about is the one that if u look on the back off down the bottom medical personell has to sign..if u have your package for the medical u will find it im sure.. but will look for u tomorrow
see ya
kath

Hey Kath,

Yeah no worries, please go to bed! Hope is all is well in the Buckeye state.

AussieDude

hey AussieDude.

on your medical forms that you get from sydney in packet 3 on the front of, i think it is the first form right down the bottom there is a place that has to be signed by the doctor performing your medical, blood test, and xray. So if you go and get the blood test for hiv and syphilis done at your regular doc make sure you take this form and your passport with you. who ever takes your blood for these test has to sign it to say that yes this is the person whos name appear on the blood test and that they have sighted your passport. You also have to have this done for your xray as well. when i had my medical in Tassie the consular doctor that i rang said those test had to be done by him or someone authorised by him but others have had no problem geting them done before hand, so maybe just ring the consular doctor office and find out. cant hurt to ask the question.If done with cons doc it will cost you cash no medicare. On your blood test for immunisation your normal gp can do a blood test for those and you can just get a print out to take with you.... Make sure you photo copy those print outs if you get them and keep them for your records. you might need them for adjusting your status once in the usa. hope this helps.. if you need anything else feel free to pm me


angela

hi Kath, thats is all true- you dont HAVE to wait 2 years and if you get the advance parole document you can travel as soon as thats been approved.

I dont want to be a wet blanket, but i applied for my AOS on Aug 12 2005 and still dont have a green card in my hand. I was sent a letter saying welcome to America, so I am assuming its approved, but...still no green card. I have booked an infopass appointment in Miami for July 24 (the earliest I could) so will know more then. I have seen plenty go through like Matt's and can only hope yours would too, but its very frustrating sitting here and worrying about when I can actually book a trip 'home'

cheers

I got a question about assets and bank accounts. My fiance, who will eventually be my wife in September has money in her personal bank account in Australia from selling her car recently. We're trying to figure out the smartest/best way to transfer her funds over to US dollars.

Would it be best for her to just wait until we're married to open up a joint account and then transfer her funds over? If so, will those funds be charged transfer fees? We're talking about a couple thousand dollars here.

Or would it be best for her to just withdraw all of it and hand carry it with her when she comes here to the US on her Spouse Visa. I know you have to declare it upon entering right? And I told her that it might look suspicios to the POE guys. They might wonder if all that money will be used to pay me off, which of course is ridiculous. But POE guys can be quite anal sometimes. I don't know... what should we do?

Have you thought about just leaving it in Aus? And then use it as an emergency fund? Maybe with an ATM card? I have an AUS dollar account in Melborn from years ago. It just sits their earning interest. But if I ever need it...well...I have it.

Joel

I transferred some money to the US a few months ago. Honestly, the transfer + exchange fee is only on the order $20-50, you're not going to lose that much on that (compared to how much money you're transferring).

The exchange rate would probably have a slightly higher impact, think $100 for every 1 cent change for $10000. (That is if she has around $10000, if the exchange rate is 0.73, then its worth US$7300 vs US$7400 if the rate is 0.74).

Either way, if her funds are Aussie dollars, someone somewhere will charge a comission for changing to US$. For security sake, I recommend she does not carry that kind of cash on her.

As with Joel's post, ATM cards for major Aussie banks all work in US ATMs (look for the Cirrus symbol). There might be a charge of few dollars for every use + rate conversion fees so when she does withdraw its best for her to draw it out in large chunks. Ask her to talk to her bank, I'm sure they'll let her know.

AussieDude

I am in Sydney and had my medical done with Dr Anthony Millar in the city. I had blood tests to check my immunity level prior to the medical including one for HIV. I didnt get anything signed and it was ok by the Doc. for me anyway, I am not sure whether it is always the case. If you are going through Dr Millar, perhaps call and ask the lady in the office. She is a real sweetie. They just called the pathology for the HIV and measles results as they hadnt come back yet. I had the syphilis one done at the medical. They called me to let me know I needed MMR as my immunity to measles was non existant and asked me to fax a letter from the doc to state that I had it done. Hope this helps.

Lorelle

Thanks for the info Lorelle,

I'm going to call Dr Millar's office today and ask, I'll put up their reply.

AussieDude

I transferred some money to the US a few months ago. Honestly, the transfer + exchange fee is only on the order $20-50, you're not going to lose that much on that (compared to how much money you're transferring).

The exchange rate would probably have a slightly higher impact, think $100 for every 1 cent change for $10000. (That is if she has around $10000, if the exchange rate is 0.73, then its worth US$7300 vs US$7400 if the rate is 0.74).

Either way, if her funds are Aussie dollars, someone somewhere will charge a comission for changing to US$. For security sake, I recommend she does not carry that kind of cash on her.

As with Joel's post, ATM cards for major Aussie banks all work in US ATMs (look for the Cirrus symbol). There might be a charge of few dollars for every use + rate conversion fees so when she does withdraw its best for her to draw it out in large chunks. Ask her to talk to her bank, I'm sure they'll let her know.

AussieDude
[/quote]

I guess it would be best to just transfer it over to another bank account.

I guess it would be best to just transfer it over to another bank account.
[/quote]


Im sure your fiancee could get a bank cheque in her name when she closes the account. Its a safe way to carry the money and can be cancelled if it were lost. When she opens an ac in the USA with ID, she can deposit it there and then. I think...?

Hi all,

I called Dr Millar's office and asked about whether getting a blood test to check for the following would be an exhaustive list:

*Td vaccination
*Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination/exposure
*MMR vaccination
*HIV
*Syphilis

They said that should be it, as long as whoever takes the blood sights my passport and signs the second page where it says laboratory technician.

I also asked about whether I needed a case number to come in for a medical check and I was told no, the case numbers only become apparent when an interview is booked. That seems a little puzzling, but since I can book the medical and get it done, and since the results are kept with me to take to the consulate, I can't see a problem with booking the medical anytime (as long as I have the forms).

For those of you wondering why I might be pointing this out, because of the recent changes, you can't get packet 3 anymore without having filed the I-130 first. Previously, you could just go and pick up the I-130 and packet 3 at the same time, thus saving some time. These days, you have to be married first, file the I-130 and then they send out packet 3 to you.

AussieDude

Hmmmmmmm I guess they dont have standard rules, as I said I didnt have anything signed nor my passport sighted....interesting. Glad you got your answers. They are great at Dr Millars. Oh one thing....when you have the blood test done through your own doctor it supposedly is not under medicare as it is for a visa. Like another member they at first told me yes so I didnt pay anything. They then realised their error and sent me a bill. Too bad lol no way.

hi ya wenchie
how you doing mate.. what date ya heading our way...

wow u got billed did ya .. all mine got done on medicare ...havent receiived a bill at all

life here is good mate...except damm social security shelia didnt site my marriage cert when i asked her if she needed to now i gotta go back in tomorrow and let um site it ...stupid woman.. i felt there was something wrong when i was leaving that damm office..
never mind will get it sorted out tomorrow hopefully

talk to u soon
take care
kath

Hiya Kath Doing great here but busy busy with last minute stuff. I fly out on the 23rd (next Sunday) Finally!!

Yeah incompetence for something that is routine amazes me. Hope you get it sorted ok.

Im so excited aye. I have to almost pinch myself knowing that in only a week I will be home with my hubby. When I first got the email from Dan that he had booked my ticket, I had the biggest smile on my face but at the same time the biggest pain in my tummy...Im going to miss my kids and not looking forward to the farewell at the airport. I know my daughter is going to lose it

You take care

Lorelle

Oh LOrelle I am glad you are FINALLY getting over here to be with your pirate That's great news.

Kath - glad to hear everything is going well (With the SS exception - but they are never perfect)

Things here are fine. We have been super busy with family reunions, weddings, etc. My new job is excellent...glad to be here...trying to book these damn tickets for xmas - but I think I'm just going to wait it out. If I get them, I do, if I don't, i don't. not the end of the world if I don't go...you know?


Matt - any job news yet? I know you've been keeping SOMETHING under wraps for a while!!

STewart and the bank: He just left his money in his australian bank for when we go back. It's only a few thousand so it's not THAT much.
I'm no help!!

Good luck to everyone going through the process now!!!

hi all,

for the curious: i do have a new job but it hasn't been "confirmed" yet. when i get the nod i'll let you all know.

drum roll please...chanin and i are expecting a baby around mid january. yes, i know she is now 13+ weeks pregnant but we wanted to make sure everything was ok before we told everyone.

so that was the news i have been keeping under my hat. we have been having tests etc and in 2 weeks she has the amniocentesis test, which checks for autism (sp?), downs syndrome etc as well as being 99% accurate for the sex, which we will find out.

well, gotta go to work.

matt

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO Matt. Congratulations to you both.......wonderful news.

WOW MATT! That is amazing! Congrats!!! I am so excited for both you and your wife

aussie aussie aussie .....OI OI OI!!!!!

fantastic news matt ..congrats to you an your wife...so happy for you two are we gunna be having a baby boom with all the aussies immigrating huh...lol

dont add me to the list plz lol....

now this is something to celebrate whooo hoooo good on ya mate!!!!
and cant wait for the other news of your new job either...
take care
kath

As my poll states - I am SO ready to be preggo!! BUT not for about two years I'd say...

I can't wait. I am really just so stoked for you Matt. What are you hoping for? Boy or girl?

thank you guys.

i'm hoping for a boy because i have two daughters with my first wife. but as long as it has all it's fingers and toes and is somewhat normal (unlike me ) i don't mind...but i really hope it's a boy.

chanin would like a girl (understandably) but she's not over fussed either.

matt

Morning, Afternoon and/or Evening to everyone...

YES!!! I am still alive and kicking, no longer screaming, well not always, hehehehe

Congrats Matt on the baby news and so glad that wenchie and her man will be together soon. Hiya Kath, Karo and anyone else I forgot, only had a quick read through, thought I better put a post on here to let yous know (keepin up with the aussie talk) that everything here is still going great. We got married on the 30th June as planned and it all went according to plan and was sooo beautiful...

Mike is still on holidays, he goes back to work in about a week and a half, dreading that.

I held off getting my SSN til after we got married, went to the office when we got the marriage license and guess what, well two things, I found out that I was temporarily authorised to work since I got here, sheesh they coulda told me at the POE, anyways I was too busy getting stuff done so it doesn't matter really, but it would of been nice to know and then they tell me because we are already married my name is changed and they wouldn't do the SSN until the AOS is done and my name is changed with Immigration, great.. oh well $hit happens..

Anyways warm regards to everyone, off to my man again....

KAFFY! Great photos of your wedding - you guys look soooo happy. I am so glad it went well!!!

hi kaffy kat

how you doing mate...i went to social but didnt get told i couldnt get one as u did....so i went in search of a solution just in case they end up sending me a letter stating i cant get one until AOS is done...

here is the link to another visajourney posts about this mate

ssn number after marriage

have a read .. i pirnted it out so i would have it on hand..

happy to hear ya wedding went well...you got married the day before us ...

hope the above helps mate
take care
kath

hi everyone,

just wanted to let you all know that the other bit of news i had i can now reveal...

today i was offered a job by first energy, who is a major electricity supplier here in northeast ohio/northwest pennsylvania.

here is a job description from their website, as it can explain better than i can what i'll be doing:

The Associate Distribution Specialist will assist the Facilities Supervisor in the day to day operations of security / facilities management activities such as: assess field service buildings for security and environmental issues, manage associated contractor work while monitoring their performance, determine and plan minor security/environmental facility needs, prepare cost estimates for security projects, manage contractor schedules, assist with the managing of financial assets and outcomes for the facility group as a whole, resolve internal customer complaints while staying within budget constraints as set. Inspect and maintain Kantek and Prox regional security systems in addition to monitoring substation and/or lines shop security incidences involving, but not limited to theft, vandalism, assault, robbery, sabotage, and etc. The respective candidate must be available to respond to off-hours emergencies and complete follow-up actions to correct the problem.

just goes to show that not all security guards/ bodyguards/ private investigators are knuckle dragging neanderthals!!

i've been doing this sort of work for about 18 years now so it's right up my alley. the benefits are great, but the holidays are a bit low (2 weeks for the first 5 years then 3 weeks after that) but the monet is fantastic so i can live with it.

hope all is going as well for everyone.

matt

whooooooooooo hooooooooooooo matt....good for you mate..hope u enjoy your new position ...when do u start mate

that is really good news matt
take care out there
kath