Thanks for that Lunamel!

I am at that stage of can't wait anymore, can't sit still just want to get on the plane! Seriously though am waiting for packet 3. Medical and Police check done, so will be able to send it off quickly. Our whole process has been pretty long even getting to NVC took a month.

I will be moving over to Colorado Springs hoping to get there by mid Feb but at this rate.....

Hey, I am actually checking out shipping some of my stuff over the USA. Sent some emails to get quotes and only heard from one. Not sure what company to go through. I only have about 10 boxes and a small antique dresser so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Girlfrmoz, it must be frustrating having to wait so long, but hopefully it will go a bit quicker for you from here on in! At least you get to enjoy a bit more of the Australian summer, rather than having to jump into the cold here, but that's not much consolation when you miss your fella! Have you spent much time over in Colorado Springs before? How did you and your guy meet?

Elle, for the I-864 you will need copies of your hubbies tax return, or tax transcripts from the IRS, as well as the W-2s. It's different for the K-1 process with the I-134, as far as I understand, but you definitely need them for DCF. If he can't find copies of his tax returns, he should contact the IRS ASAP to get the transcipts sent -- I think it takes 2-3 weeks? Hope the stress isn't getting to you still!

hi elle
if he cant find his tax transcripts tell him to go to this website copy of past returns there is a charge of $29.95U.S. but it is alot quicker than waiting weeks for it...we did this because we couldnt find robbies 2005 ones...you get it the next day and just print it out ... we got it for the AOS interview but we didnt need it in the end lol..we had copies of his tax returns from the K1 process and just sent them in for AOS..hope it helps mate....

hey there girlfromoz
welcome to the thread...it is frustrating i agree but i tell ya it disapears once you are here ...even the first smile of him greeting you at the airport it disapears...hope you hear something really soon..glad ya found us...

no real news here...got a parcel from my boy yesterday ...he sent us belated birthday cards and a chrissy card our first one....he also put in a cd of pics of him and where he is living in queensland with his dad...he is looking well even put some weight on in his face... robbie was just watchin me looking at me ..i turned to him and said im ok ..i think he thought it would upset me seeing pics ...but im fine...waiting for my parcel from my daughter she got me some aussie coffee lol
i organised my daughters xmas present through ebay she dont know i have done it either lol...for my boy im sending money over for him so he can get some fishing gear thats what he wanted ...my family im sending money over and letting my sis organise it...but one thing i do want her to get is phonecards for them....

what ya'll working out for your families back home in oz...???

take care
kath

http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/15134/p800.pdf


NSW NATIONAL POLICE CLEARANCE FORMS,

AND INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Q: Who will receive the National Police Certificate?

A: National Police Certificates will only be released,
to the person or organisation nominated by the applicant,
in the consent section of the application form.
No copies or duplicates will be released.



Q: How long will it take to process my application?

A: Applicants should allow a minimum of ten (10) business days,
for name and date of birth checks to be processed,
and fifteen (15) business days for name, date of birth and fingerprint checks.
National Police Certificates will be mailed to the person,
or organisation nominated in the consent section of the application form.



Q: How can I obtain further information on NCHRC?

A: Further information on NCHRC is available at www.police.nsw.gov.au or through the NSW Police Criminal Records Section on (02) 88357888.


Hope that helps.
Cheers
Paul.

I'm in Adelaide South Australia and had my,
NATIONAL POLICE CHECK,
including Fringerprints
Just Tell them it' for Visa Catagory,
no problems.

Did the Digital Scanning of Both hands fingerprints,
both palm prints and both inner side of hands,
that runs from little finger to wrist.

Cost $139.40. I paid Cash as they don't have EFTPOS...

And have a option to pick it up local copshop,
Or i can have it mailed out to me.
I chose to pick it up from my local Copshop,
when it is available.

Thanks Kath, I know you are right...am just frustrated with how long everything is taking us and you know how you go through stages of sookiness and missing them well, that's where I am at right now but trying to be strong. I am generally a happy person but sometimes I wish I was tougher.

Lunamel, I met my SO on the internet. He's in the military so we talked for about 7mths online and phone when he was in Iraq until he got back and we could meet. This last visit was the hardest, I just got back from CO Springs in October and I loved being there with him but it was the worst leaving him this time. I had tears all the way home on the plane even though I tried not to. I told him to be business like at the airport so I wouldn't cry and I was OK until i got on the plane then that was it!! All down hill from there. What about you? How did you meet your SO?

Nice to talk to you all
Lyndel

your most welcome lyndel...our relationship was 4 years of back an forth...it is probably the toughest thing i have ever done...and i know all about the sooky la la times ..but stay strong and think positively that the process wont beat you ..nice talkin to ya too...ohh met mine on the net too..lol

take care
kath

I feel so lucky compared to many of you, because I met my hubby while I was over here in New York studying. We haven't had to spend too much time apart through this process, and I feel incredibly fortunate about that as I know how hard it is for many of you. Mind you, we still met online -- seems to be the most common thing these days, doesn't it?

Kath, it must be exciting having the parcels arrive. We just got one from my folks for Christmas -- not sure what's there yet, it's all wrapped up, but I'm looking forward to Christmas to find out! I've sent some things off to them too, but I find it hard getting organized enough to make sure things arrive there in time -- I tend to be one of those last-minute Christmas people...

Being apart stinks. Don't I know that - but the great thiung is that being together is totally worth it.

Almost time to leave YAY

hi there

im with you on being not organised lunamel...my hubby is a shift worker 2nd shift...so i hate to ask him can he go to the post office before work ya know...and there isnt any close to us either or i would walk...i know if he read this he would say all ya gotta do is ask an i would dals..lol...but he has been doing this shift working for 20 odd years and it has stuffed his sleeping patterns up terriblly so his sleep is more important to me than getting up early to run an errand for me...so he is off on the 22nd (unless jeep changes its mind) so will post everything then to the family that i have collected over the last 6 months here...sending money anyways to my sis to get stuff anyways..

lol i got my EAD approved.. now i know it sounds a big deal to ya's but 7 weeks ago i got my AOS approved with no interview in CSC....i received the card today in the mail and it is valid for a year...
i havent seen anywhere on the CSC update transferee listing thread..that people have been getting their EAD cards... i reckon they just new i was pissed off cos we paid for it an send us one anyways lol...it just dont make any sense to me is all lol..

well thats it from me...but wait it aint lol

ohhh caroline what ya think of the cricket at the mo....fancy the invincible aussies getting beat lol...sorry thats me pommie coming out of me..my mother would be so proud lol...(im stirring here) not into cricket its a boring game to me grew up with having to watch it in the days when kids didnt have tv's in their bedrooms lol

take care
kath

hi lumanel

found a post in the uk section and thought you might be interested in this restraunt that is aussie...

aussie restraunt in NY

kath

omg kath -- would you believe that i'm actually going there tonight, with some american friends who couldn't make it to the wedding?! i've been there once before, but about 2 years ago. They had a tim tam icecream special that night that was just amazing, i'm hoping they have it again! i'll let you know what we end up having -- yum, I'm getting hungry now just thinking about it!

I was in Australia playing with Kangaroos this time last week and of course spending quality time with the wifey... sheesh, I can only imagine how the Aussies feel about being away from home.

Hey David,

Did you know that the kangaroos in Canberra are a pest. I know they are beautiful and all but there are so many here and because of the drought they come down into the city looking for water and they get on the roads everywhere and end up being hit by cars. Very sad but true. We even have one that sleeps on the front lawn at my work.....seriously.

Dear other Aussies,
On a lighter note....if and when (if ever) I am approved I have to go to JFK cause I need the EAD stamp. My SO's mum is sick and we need me to be working in case of travel costs. Can anyone recommend the best way to do it from Sydney. If i fly direct I have to stop in LA so that becomes the POE, same with Honolulu and Vancouver. I am thinking maybe I will have to fly to London first and then across the Atlantic to NY. Maybe Tokyo??

Thanks
Lyndel

If you look at www.zuji.com.au you’ll find Asiana Airlines fly from Sydney to Seoul to New York – fares look reasonable too.

Hey Lyndel. There are a few asian airlines you can fly that will go directly to JFK. JAL (Japan Airlines) often have cheapish flights to the US, stopping in Tokyo and going on from there -- I know they also fly direct Tokyo to JFK. Another good option, which will be alot quicker than going through Asia, is Air Tahiti Nui. They only fly from Sydney in Australia, but you can go Sydney -- Tahiti -- JFK. A friend of mine has flown them before and says they're pretty good. Perhaps you can squeeze in a stop-over on the beach on the way too

Kath, the restaurant last night was really good -- they didn't have tim tam icecream, but had a sticky date pudding instead -- yum!

BTW Lyndel: I just had a look at the Air Tahiti Nui site, and their fares look quite reasonable for a February departure (that's when you're looking at going, right?). I say reasonable in a relative sense, of course, because these trans-pacific flights are always so long and expensive But I think it might be your best option: www.airtahitinui.com

Thanks for the help and info folks, sounds like either tahiti (mmm sun and sand) or tokyo would be the go. Will definitely check it out and hey it's worth the effort for the EAD stamp. I think we will need it. I just hope he doesn't get orders to deploy again to Iraq before I get there with all the talk of them upping the number of troops over there substantially. That would just be a killer after our long wait so far.

Once again thank you appreciate the info.

Hey, Sticky date pudding in the US, mmm hope I can get that in Colorado Springs. Is that common over there or more an Aussie food??

Oops forgot I had another question, my Australian AFP certificate looks pretty pathetic for somethign that was $130. Just says 'not adversely recorded in Australian police indices'. and the heading says "Overseas Visa Application, Police Certificate - Fingerprint Check" but I had a character check done as well. Was everyone elses the same??? Would hate to have to do it again took a month to get an appt for fingerprinting as I am in Canberra where they do the checks for recruits for the AFP and government employees.

hi girl
thats sounds about right mate...keep a copy for yourself too..you could show prospective employers ...

fingers crossed they dont deploy ya fiance too...

i hope it aint too long before your over here with him girl...

kath

Hi Guys!

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice of the I-864! Kath - I think if Eric doesn't find the latest copy of his tax return I will definitely use that site! Might be too late to rely on the free IRS service.

I'm really at my wits end...it doesnt even look like Eric will fly out here because of the airfares and ugh we found one last night and it was 5Am his time and I wish he just took his credit card out and gave me the numbers so I could have booked it for him as now the flights are gone...and its just really taking its toll on me.....I wish he would be more compromising under the circumstances, I understand he doesnt want to do a flyover in Chicago especially at this time of the year with flights being delayed but under the circumstances its like what choice do we have.

The I-130 was filed over 3 months ago and I dont know if I have the energy to chase that up and we really needed this vacation to work out this visa crap...im just so fn exhausted with everything and its hard to talk to him cuz he thinks im being a nag and i probably am but i am just so wanting to move there cuz its been too long, i cant do this anymore...just sooooooo tired.........

Hi Elle,

I'm sorry to hear that you may not get to vacation together, visits are so important while we are all doing this Visa crap. I know exactly what you mean about being over it! We may be in different places with our visa process but I feel like that too and my SO has been not that helpful lately and says to stop hassling when i ask about paperwork. He just says don't worry. That and the waiting just wears you out. Hang in there we'll make it!

Oh and Kath, thanks for the kind thoughts. It's hard though I am seriously over immigration at the moment. The waiting is a killer!!! grrrr

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!!!!

Awwww.. hang in there!! It will happen, though I know it always seems like its going to take its sweet butt time getting there!! I will keep you in my thoughts.

Hi Lyndel,

You can fly Air Tahiti Nui from Sydney and they fly via Papeete to JFK. My 2 boys are flying with them in just over a week. The airfare with them is quite good but they only fly maybe 2 or 3 times a week to New York from Sydney. Hope this helps you and maybe you can call a travel agent for details or check the air tahiti nui website

Bye for now, Susan

OOPS..........I see someone has already given you this info Lyndel.......sorry

Thanks Caroline...

The best birthday gift would be knowing when my wifes final visa interview will be. The consulate should have recieved her DS2001 last week on Tuesday, it has been 7 days... so we're hoping to hear from them soon.

We got packet 3 today...talk about lift my spirits!! Except my man has gone home for Christmas and is partying and I can't contact him grrrr. Oh well at least we got it!

Hey David, good luck....hope you hear about your interview soon.

whooo hooo girl ...congrats

i bet that was a great surprise for you...

take care
kath
p.s good on ya sending it back the same day ..way to go...

Thanks Kath...am so worried about having to wait because of the Christmas break that I thought it best to.

Hey Densusan, don't be sorry, thank you for the thought. It's great that everyone helps out here.

Ugh. i'm sick sick sick. Great way to start a holiday, eh? I got some super strong anti biotic that SHOULD knock it all out, but right now I feel like crap.

Take care everyone.

Congrats on getting packet 3 Lyndel -- it shouldn't be too long now!

Caroline, sorry to hear you're sick, what a bummer! If you're stuffed up when you fly to Australia, I really recommend getting some "Ear Planes" (I think that's the right name?) for the flight. I had the flu over thanksgiving when we flew up to Boston, and I was really worried about my ears, but these ear plugs really did the trick!

hi ya

lunamel glad you enjoyed your night out at the restraunt sure was a funny me posting it an u going lol

hi girl...good thinking about xmas hols mate...it shouldnt be too long before you hear something about your interview...

hi caroline...awwww sweetie fancy getting sick this time of year..when do fly out...i hope you feel alot better before you are on the plane mate..you take care of yourself...hope stewart is ok too

on our side no snow ..dont look like it will come either in the next week...upside is robbie is off for 3 weeks confirmed jeep is closing down for maintenance so im rapt...cant believe i have been here 6 months on chrissy day..its gone so fast...

take care me aussie mates
kath

K1 ...EAD...amendments

hi there

i was reading this today thought it might be interesting for you read...i know one of you wants to work when you arrive in the states...this is about amendments that the odbudsmen has recommended..its not concrete as yet i dont think...

the link with take you to the thread..just wanted you guys to be aware of it ....

kath

Hi Kath,

Thanks for adding that. Yes, I read it and I hope it doesn't come in at JFK before I get there. I so frustrated with everything right now, that would just top it off!!!

We're still waiting to hear from the Consulate. We sent out packet 3 on 11 December, and we haven't heard from them yet. Let me know if you hear from them and I'll be sure to post any news I get on here too!

Hi David,

Yes, of course, I'll let you know. Looking at the timelines you should hear any day now. The Christmas holidays may be delaying it a bit if staff are on holidays.

Hopefully one of us will hear soon.

I looked on the Consulate website and the only dates that they are closed for the Holidays in December is the 25th and 30th. So they are there, but yes, if they are short staffed, then maybe that's why it's taking a bit longer.

Hi everyone

I havent been around much but have been keeping up on every ones news. keep hanging in there it is all worth it in the end.

Kath hey mate how have you been doing.

Well i went for my California drivers license yesterday and passed with flying colours. I got 100% and the drive only took about 10 mins. So now after the new year i will start job hunting. The cold here in the desert is unreall. It has been down to -10 and -11 ( aust temp ) most mornings but the worst part unlike in aust there is no frost But dam it has been cold. How is everyone else coping with the weather?

angela

It's been in the high 30'sC here last couple of days....phuuueeeeee.....! But typical to Melbourne it's already looking like a cool Christmas....let's hope hot roast turkey's on the menu...

MERRY CHRISTMAS...!!! everyone and have a safe New Years....

hi there angela

doing well here...been cold here but the sun has been shining quite a bit..my wish of a white chrissy wont happen though..
actually i have felt colder...but were just started winter so we will see huh lol

i have applied for a part time job a jeep robbie got a form to elect a person for a posiiton...these dont come around too often and it is good pay..so i applied ..only a few days a week so that will gt me my own money to save up for the kids to come over...
went for blood test an a mamagram the other day ...damm doc wants to know whats going on in every damm part of my body lol...i was shocked when i looked up all the abbreviated names of the tests..lol..im the kinda person who only goes to the docs when i am sick...if im well why go well thats my philosophy lol...told the doc you wont be seein me that often...lol...but over here they seem to be very heavily into preventative medicine...i went for a registration appointment with the docs ...and it ended up costing us 102 dollars after the damm insurance.. i frieked...if it wasnt for robbie convincing me to go for the tests i wouldnt of bothered purely because of the cost....

not gone for my licence yet...will do that when im ready at knowing where things are more clearly to me...

hi girl
yeah i thought of you as soon as i read that thread..fingers crossed it wont go through that quickly..lol...

well im gunna go for a walk..take care everyone have a happy and safe christmas and those of you that are over here dont get too down because of family at home....me im getting there....
take care
kath

David hope you don't have too much more waiting to do but I'm sure you will hear soon. Just wondered if Stephanie has had any luck with finding someone to ship her things?

No snow here either Kath which is very very unusual but I guess there is always next year. I think all of us over here will miss our families at Christmas...........I think most of all I will miss my little grandson. My 2 youngest boys arrive here on the 29th December and I am literally counting down the hours!
Goodluck with the job application.........fingers x'd for ya.

To all of you back in Oz and still waiting......HANG IN THERE.......it's tough being apart but it WILL happen and you will be together before you know it.

Have a safe and happy christmas,
Susan

Yes, she actually found a company but she doesn't plan on sending anything right now. Regardless of the time that it might take to get here, there really isn't anything she has that can't wait.

Densusan and Kath, I heard there is a blizzard in Colorado, that's where I'm heading. Oh what fun it will be to leave Sydney in Summer clothes and manage to carry enough warm things to rug up when I get to JFK and then Denver.....brrrrrr!

David, what is the name of the shipping people you are using? I still need to get that organised. I don't have much to take but I still want some of my things from home shipped over.

Hi everyone,

I thought i'd pop in over here, as we are about to embark on the Visa Journey ourselves. I'm the oz citizen and hubby is the Us citizen. hubby has been living here for 5 1/2 years now and, we have 2 kids and one on the way. We are currently living in Sydney and are moving to Roswell New Mexico where hubby is from.

I've been working on and looking into the paperwork. I've finally had time to sit down and get it filled out. We are looking at filing after Christmas, so i'm very very nervous there.

We are working on other stuff like, taxes, joint sponsors, criminal history checks etc.

I'm nervous about the move, but thats because i will miss my family and i have kids to think of in this move. I'm excited at the same time, stressed etc, i guess this is all normal.


Well i just wanted to pop into the thread and say hello and that we are jumping on the visa journey wagon.


Also, can anyone tell me, on the walk in on thursdays to lodge our application, do we go to the US Citizen section, or do we have to wait in the normal area? We've always gone to the US Citizen section when filing birth abroads for the kids, as hubby is living here.

Merry christmas to everyone, happy and safe new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Emerald

Hi everyone

Happy Christmas to you all! I'm getting geared up for Monday, as we're having my hubby's mother and brother over on Christmas day -- it's the first time I've cooked for them, so I'm a bit nervous! But I got a Chrissy pudding from home and some cake too, so I'm looking forward to that.

Lyndel, I think I posted about the guy I used to send some stuff over, but maybe you didn't see it. The company is Frieghtbiz and they pick up from the main cities in Australia as far as I know (they're based in Sydney but I was in Melbourne which wasn't a problem). They specialize in smaller moves, and I was actually sent to them by OISS Worlwide movers as my shipment was too small for them (20 boxes -- 400kg -- I have too many books!). It worked out pretty cheaply, especially if you arrange to pick the goods up yourself at this end (otherwise you need to pay someone to clear customs and things for you over here). The email is freightbiz@bigpond.com

Hi Emerald, glad you've made it over here. When you go in for the walk-in, you need the immigrant visa section because you're applying for an immigrant visa. The US citizen section is only for matters relating to the US citizen, not you. When you go in, push the top button on the ticket machine, that's the immigrant visa button. And make sure you get there early, as there is bound to be a bit of a wait.

Hope you all have a great holiday
Chris

And Kath, good luck with the job -- hope it all works out for you, it will be good to have some extra cash I bet! Hope you get to talk to your kids over Chrissy too

Greetings all from Geelong! We got here safe and sound but I got AWFUL sick...Feeling better today, but it hasn't been fun so far begin sick. It's FREEZING here. Apparantly it was 37 the day before we got here...the day we got here it was 17...and today I think it's even lower. It's cold and rainy, which is good because they are on stage 4 water restrictions here...rain is good.

Not much to report. We are totally ready for the cricket tomorrow. Cricket is al the buzz here as Warne just retired and so did McGrath. Everyone is freaking out

Anyway Happy Holidays to all!

much love,
Caroline

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope Santa visited you all and for those in the USA, one more sleep!

All I want for Christmas is a VISA!!!!

Hey Lunamel...must have missed your first posting about the shipping people so thanks for posting it again will definitely check them out after Christmas. Good luck with cooking for your in-laws I'm sure it will all turn out fine!

Caroline, it's cold up here in Canberra too but at least it's sunny. Hope it clears up a bit for the cricket for you. Apparently, it's so cold there's snow at Mt Bulla, that should put out any fires that are still there!

Christmas hugs to all
Lyndel

Wife got an RFE in the mail, stating she forgot to tick whether she's had previous military service... of course she hasn't so she ticked no. But that wasn't the only question they asked. On the DS-230 Part I on the previous residences, they asked her where she was living between 1993 to 1995... she has clearly put on there where she was living between 1993-2001. Besides, Section 20 asked for previous places you've lived since turning 16. Well my wife turned 16 in 1995! Clearly an address that started in 1993 fully covers all the necessary information that section 20 was asking for. Sheesh, do these people actually take the time to look at these applications?! My wife corrected her mistakes, but left the address part just the way it is because there was nothing to correct. I've emailed the consulate to inform them that section 20 was correct and that the dates that were being asked were clearly defined on the list. Sheesh, there goes another two weeks of waiting!

hi david
sorry to hear about the RFE mate... maybe when she sends it back send another copy of her birth certificate and highlight her date of birth might be something for them to see more clearly...im with you on do they even read the applications....fingers crossed that it doesnt take too long for an answer from them...

ohh bugga just read your signature she sent it back the same day so disregard the above lol

had a wonderful chrissie here got spoilt rotten ...rang all the family was good they were in one place for a change..rang my kids and my daughter was rapt with her pressie...and my boy appreciated the money instead of something...

now for eating all the left overs lol.....and what to do on new years eve..

take care
kath