I have reviewed a lot of the posts in this forum, which have been incredibly helpful, but I still have a few questions:

1. Assuming my fiance can get back into the US on another VWP and we get married here, does anyone know if the Sydney Embassy will send Packet 3 to him in the US?

2. Is the only appointment I need to be in Sydney for the first interview? i.e., if we send everything in beforehand and get an interview date, can I just fly over there for it (with the info) and then fly back that week?

3. If we get everything into the embassy before the interview date (med, police, etc.) is it possible that there will only be one interview and the visa will be granted at it? Thanks--I was just a bit confused about these things...

Trina

Well, I have a little information that may be helpful, but there are many more who are much wiser, so take my words with a grain of salt.

Question 1 -- I have no clue!

Question 2 -- You're correct that you only need to be physically present to file your I-130 and I-864. I am flying in, dropping off the petition, and flying back in the same week. Whether that will work or not? Well, we'll find out in two weeks!

Question 3 -- Where is your fiance's residency in Aus? If he is from NSW, then you will have to file your paperwork before he can be granted an interview date. (Which could be a month or so out from when you ask for it.) If not, it's possible to file everything on the same day, as you have heard of other lucky couples being able to. First, though, before I babble more -- where is he from?

Warning: The police check and the medical can ONLY be done in Australia. They will not accept medicals from the USA, trust me, we've now paid for both.

As meauxna wrote in another post, it is best to have him go back to Aus and stay there and join him to file. Trust me -- as heartbreaking as it is to be apart, this path is much faster than other options. You'll make it!

I hope this helps a little. I don't have much to offer, but I'll keep an eye out to see if I can help any more.

Keep your chin up! You're on the right path.

Thank you! His family is on the Gold Coast but we were planning on going to Sydney. He may fly to Thailand for a month and then restart his time here until we get to Oz. I guess that is a better idea then filing the I-130 here... If there was a good plan to avoid him leaving, I would feel better as they might not let him back in! I know that you have been there...thanks for the understanding.

Holy crap, chick! You're talking the long way 'round to earn some FF miles! Wish I could go in your stead and hang out for awhile.. you won't even recover from that flight! (by the way: No Jet Lag homeopathic tablets make it a snappo--may have to mail order them now; Trader Joes and Powells uit selling 'em, or try one of the Nature's type stores. The pharmacist might even make you some custom).

Anyway, Consulate's not going to know/care if you are hanging around in Australia. It's not required.

Trina, check with the other Australians, but I don't see anything shaky in your post except trying to get readmitted on the VWP. If he's just used up 3 months here, it's a strong possibility he won't be let back in. American 2-week-vacation mentality and all. It's a long flight from Thailand to get turned back around (make sure he's got the No Jet Lag tabs, lol!).

I know! If I could stay longer, you know I would! But, I already used up two weeks for our "honeymoon" in January (when I sent him back when his VWP ran out) and we hope to get across to Nashville at some point so my family can meet this guy! I'm lucky enough to have 4 weeks vacation a year, but this is still stretching it to use up 3 weeks before April!! So, over and back I go! At least it's before daylight savings makes the time zone diff even bigger.

So, "No Jet Lag" pills, huh? I'll look into those. I've already fallen in love with ginger tablets for the motion sickness -- won't fly without them now! Trader Joe's . . . sigh. I miss Trader Joe's . . . I miss Powell's even more . . . Ah well. I'll dig around online.

Trina -- If you file DCF going to Sydney is your choice! But, since your sweetie is from Queensland it gives you some cooler options than I have with my honey, I think . . . I'll take a look at our Packet 3 materials and let you know what I find out for you soon, k?

Oh -- I found that I'm getting really good plane fares sent to my email from United since I signed up in their Mileage Plus program. They're not always to Oz, but I've seen at least one to Sydney that was amazing. (Didn't buy it, shoot!) Worth doing, it's free, and hey! Miles rack up quick when you fly 7,000 miles to visit in-laws! I'm not advertising, really, just been amazed at a few deals I've seen in the last weeks.

I saw somewhere you are worried about money.

it's more money to have him fly to Oz, fly bak the the US and then the two of you fly there and back together...

then have him fly there, you fly there, you fly home together.

Just my observations