PerthtoMass

Hi Bryan,

I used this information to reseach the requirements in Perth. I had no problems:

http://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/police-checks/national-police-checks.aspx

best of luck...

If and when she has a visa - not before

Hi Folks,

Thanks for your replies and congratulations. I would just like to mention that due to being married and applying for a CR/IR visa there was little focus on our relationship at the interview. What proved most important was ensuring all paperwork was present and that we met the financial requirements.

We were very conservative in our planning and had both a Co-Sponsor and the sale of our house provided enough assets in its own right. I went to our bank in Perth and requested a Transaction List on all our accounts which the CO was pleased to see. (I just gave her the summary page which showed the balance of all accounts)

Cross your t’s and dot your i’s…I do know of one Aussie recently whose visa was held up due to misunderstanding the financial requirements….Best wishes and Good luck to you all

Hi All,

Firstly thankyou – to all, not just the experts, but also to all of my fellow JV travellers who were willing to ask questions, you have helped me so very much. The below dates are all in 2013:

I received Case Closed at NVC - 28th February

Interview Scheduled for Sydney - 30th April

I emailed Sydney requesting earlier interview - 7th March

Received email from Sydney stated I must reply to that email on March 28th to confirm my request for an earlier interview - 8th March

I emailed reply to Sydney confirming request for earlier interview - 28th March

Received email from Sydney stating I was on Early Interview Request Waiting List – 4th April

Received email from Sydney – Interview Reschedule notice (for 16th April) – 8th April

Attended Interview in Sydney - 16th April APPROVED

Received email from Sydney – Visa Package Issued 17th April

Visa In Hand – 19th April

The interview was smooth:

My interview was conducted on the 16th of April, 2013 at 9 AM and it was an enjoyable experience. The staff are all professional, kind, and friendly.

I travelled from Perth the day before, so I made sure I checked out exactly where I needed to be as soon as I arrived in Sydney. I went to the MLC Centre around 8.45am.After we got up to the tenth floor, the consulate doors opened and I was the second one through.

At reception staff checked my passport and placed a tick next to my name on the master list. I then placed all of my things on the security screening belt. I had to take any electronic devices out of my bag. I passed through security and deposited my excess gear, but took my paperwork with me.

I sat waiting until called to take the lift up to the 59th floor to my interview conducted. I took the relevant immigrant visa ticket from the ticket machine and sat. It was tense in the waiting room and each and every child present could feel it, and were naturally confused and misbehaving. My number was called and I went up to window number 4. A woman took my passport, the platinum envelope, and my visa photographs and my medical envelope.

My number was called and I went up to window number 4, again – I can’t remember why but when finished was told to take a seat again to await the final visa interview.

I stayed very busy chatting with a diversity lottery winner to stay distracted and as calm as possible… I was then called to window 1 (my interview window) and the consular officer inside was a truly nice and kind woman.

She asked some general admin questions, took my fingerprints, and then asked me to swear an oath that everything I say is true to the best of my knowledge

She then proceeded to ask me these questions while looking through my file:

Have you been to the USA before? How many times?

How long was your longest stay?

Have you ever had any issues with USA immigration?

Have you ever been arrested?

She looked through my proof of no criminal record carefully, then asked:

Have you ever resided in another country for longer than 6 months?

Were you born in Australia? When did you immigrate here?

Have you ever been married? Any children?

Has your husband ever been married? When was he divorced, Any children?

What does your husband do – what will he do in the US

What work do I plan to do in the US – She smiled broadly when I said ‘entry level anything’

She looked at my proof of no criminal record overseas and my citizenship certificate, flipped through my file again.

I felt very comfortable as the officer was smiling the whole time. This made me comfortable enough to supply a lot of extra information and I talked freely. As we had already provided the affidavit and supporting documents in our petition, looked again at the petition files, compared them to the information in my file and said after a while "Everything looks fine here." Then she handed me a small white slip that said "Congratulations your visa has been approved!" A very insubstantial tiny little document to record such a monumental life changing outcome – I nearly laughed

She then told me that the following steps are:

I will receive a sealed envelope with my visa, which I will have to hand carry with my chest X-ray to customs when I arrive in America. I will be taken aside to secondary and the officers will open the documents there.

She was very thorough and informative. When I walked out of the building I felt weird, so much time was spent getting to this point... I just desperately wanted my family with me to share the moment; instead I called my husband to tell him the good news. I couldn’t wait to get back on the plane to my husband and our daughter. When I arrived at Perth airport I could see our daughter jumping up and down with joy, I doubt I will ever forget that moment…

I am currently waiting on my NOA2, in Perth, Western Australia (5.5 months now) but I was wondering about medicals. I have read before that they perform vision and hearing tests as part of the exam... I'm wondering how they go about (or what they do) dealing with someone with a hearing loss?? It is something I have had from birth and while it is classed as severe, I wear hearing aids & do not at all rely on ASL. I function just fine within the 'normal' community (I have a job, etc). I suppose my question here is, can they simply fail my medical because they don't like the fact I am hard of hearing??

Another question I had was about the Interviews. I've noticed pretty much all Aussies have to head to Sydney, NSW for it... Is this the case for those in Perth, Western Australia, too?? Because that would really put a dent in our savings if I have to fly all the way across the whole country for just a few hours! Of course, I'll still do it, but it would be nice to hear from any other Western Australians who have been experienced/been through this, so that I can prepare myself!

Thanks so much, I appreciate any responses.

Hi charlottelizabeth,

I too am in Perth, and yes we have to got to Sydney!

About your medical, I am certainly no expert but I am confident your hearing loss wont be a big issue, use the search button (top right) to refine your information search - use key words.

I attended the Altone Medical Centre for my medical - Dr Elizabeth Sinclair. She was wonderful and the staff there were more than helpful.I suggest you might be able to phone the centre to ask your question also. Tell them you are calling about American Visa requirements and they may be able to check with the doctor and call you back.

best wishes,

Gabby

I received the following information from my shipper and thourght it may be beneficial to share:

IMPORTANT ALERT

Potential Delay to shipments entering the USA

As a result of automatic federal budget cuts that took effect on March 1st the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that it will reduce its work hours and cut overtime immediately. CBP estimates that these actions may cause delays up to several hours for truck shipments at land border crossings, increase passenger processing times by approximately 50%, and delay container examinations up to 5 days or more at major seaports. As a result of these delays additional charges may apply.

Hello. I am an American citizen and married an Australian citizen in 2008. I moved to Australia and became a resident. I moved back to the US to help my father who lost his house and income because of the economy. My husband stayed in Australia to work. I am a resident of Australia but currently live in the US. Can we still go through DCF because I am a resident, I did live in Australia for more than 6 months and my husband is currently in Sydney? Does anyone know how strict they are in Sydney regarding me actually being in Sydney to file the I-130 to do the DCF?

Thanks guys. We have been trying to work out how to be together for 4 years. If this can work it would be a blessing for sure.

Hi dwoodhall - Welcome to VJ

Unfortunately there is no DCF available in Australia. Please see below the attached US Embassy information to assist you.

Best of luck with your journey.

http://canberra.usembassy.gov/i-130.html

Any fees?

Well of course Saylin - Heavenly Fees must be paid by all! But dont worry I have a PLAN!

Picture this;

All of us grateful VJers can donate to a fund to build a statue of your likeness from your online photo (you look just a little like lady liberty btw):

We have said statue erected outside the NVC office standing in a tremendous pond:

All following grateful VJers can toss their donations into the pond (in the currency of their original country):

NVC staff to collect this on your behalf (in grateful thanks to you for their ongoing employment) and Whallu - Saylins Heavenly Fees Paid in Full!

Yes Saylin is a saint :innocent:

Im thinking she is definately gonna go to heaven one day - no forms to fill in and no questions asked

It's sort of in between none of the above and the embassy. USCIS will be notified later after the package has been sent to them after POE. NVC no longer has your case and could care less where you live. If you can contact the US embassy and tell them you've moved, see if they can update your case. If not, just bring a new I-864 and DS-230 with you to the interview showing the new address of where you're living. Explain to them why you're giving them new forms (you moved). Use the actual physical address of where you are.

Saylin Thankyou!

I cant find adequate words to express my gratitude to you for giving your time, your expertise and your kindness to us all...

Is everyone receiving a letter pretty quickly after the interview date is assigned?

Good question RFQ and possibly good to list our info for those behind us' My details are:

Case closed 02/28/2013 - confirmed in phone call

Email advise 03/06/2013

Gabby

Go to your page and to the right there's a button "Edit Profile". Go there then

1. Change Signature

2. add what you want text (Timeline), Ticker

Whatever save and you are done.

Thanks for posting that dwheels. I have now got a timeline signature - you are just too cool !!!!

I'm living in Gippsland, Victoria. Thanks for the reply

Cool!

Ozgirl you may like to begin filling in your timeline as it makes it easier for people to get to know your situation and more accurately respond to your questions. Click on my timeline under my Aussie flag and you will see what I mean...

Hi Fellow VJers and the Gurus,

I have been hanging out in the April Interviews thread where lots of happy people are approaching the finish line...

I have been searching, searching, searching and need some accurate advise, pretty please?

I am the Beneficiary (in Aus with my USC)

 My case has been closed and my interview date has been set at 30th April 2013

(I have sent an email to Sydney embassy requesting early interview)

 We move house on 18th March 2013

Question - After we move house, which of the following bodies must I inform:

• Uscis

• NVC

• US Embassy Sydney

• None of the above

Next Question:

• Must I provide our new physical address

OR

• May I provide the address of the person who will continue to collect and forward our mail when we leave Aus

I look forward to you reply/ies

Many thanks,

Gabby

Hi Saylin and Co'

I have been hanging out in the April Interviews thread where lots of happy people are approaching the finish line...

I have been searching, searching, searching and need some accurate advise, pretty please?

I am the Beneficiary (in Aus with my USC)

* My case has been closed and my interview date has been set at 30th April 2013 (I have sent an email to Sydney embassy requesting early interview)

* We move house on 18th March 2013

Question - After we move house, which of the following bodies must I inform:

Uscis

NVC

US Embassy Sydney

Non of the above

Next Question:

Must I provide our new physical address

OR

May I provide the address of the person who will continue to collect and forward our mail when we leave Aus

I look forward to you reply/ies

many thanks,

Gabby

Hi Saylin and Co'

I have been hanging out in the April Interviews thread where lots of happy people are approaching the finish line...

I have been searching, searching, searching and need some accurate advise, pretty please?

I am the Beneficiary (in Aus with my USC)

* My case has been closed and my interview date has been set at 30th April 2013 (I have sent an email to Sydney embassy requesting early interview)

* We move house on 18th March 2013

Question - After we move house, which of the following bodies must I inform:

Uscis

NVC

US Embassy Sydney

Non of the above

Next Question:

Must I provide our new physical address

OR

May I provide the address of the person who will continue to collect and forward our mail when we leave Aus

I look forward to you reply/ies

many thanks,

Gabby

Hi Saylin and Co'

I have been hanging out in the April Interviews thread where lots of happy people are approaching the finish line...

I have been searching, searching, searching and need some accurate advise, pretty please?

I am the Beneficiary (in Aus with my USC)

* My case has been closed and my interview date has been set at 30th April 2013 (I have sent an email to Sydney embassy requesting early interview)

* We move house on 18th March 2013

Question - After we move house, which of the following bodies must I inform:

Uscis

NVC

US Embassy Sydney

Non of the above

Next Question:

Must I provide our new physical address

OR

May I provide the address of the person who will continue to collect and forward our mail when we leave Aus

I look forward to you reply/ies

many thanks,

Gabby

Hi Saylin and Co'

I have been hanging out in the April Interviews thread where lots of happy people are approaching the finish line...

I have been searching, searching, searching and need some accurate advise, pretty please?

I am the Beneficiary (in Aus with my USC)

* My case has been closed and my interview date has been set at 30th April 2013 (I have sent an email to Sydney embassy requesting early interview)

* We move house on 18th March 2013

Question - After we move house, which of the following bodies must I inform:

Uscis

NVC

US Embassy Sydney

Non of the above

Next Question:

Must I provide our new physical address

OR

May I provide the address of the person who will continue to collect and forward our mail when we leave Aus

I look forward to you reply/ies

many thanks,

Gabby

Hi Saylin and Co'

I have been hanging out in the April Interviews thread where lots of happy people are approaching the finish line...

I have been searching, searching, searching and need some accurate advise, pretty please?

I am the Beneficiary (in Aus with my USC)

* My case has been closed and my interview date has been set at 30th April 2013 (I have sent an email to Sydney embassy requesting early interview)

* We move house on 18th March 2013

Question - After we move house, which of the following bodies must I inform:

Uscis

NVC

US Embassy Sydney

Non of the above

Next Question:

Must I provide our new physical address

OR

May I provide the address of the person who will continue to collect and forward our mail when we leave Aus

I look forward to you reply/ies

many thanks,

Gabby

G'day people.

I've just joined today on the hope of finding some friends and getting advice. I love reading all the approvals and I'm happy for each of you with dreams come true. Hope to see you round the forums very soon.

Onya Ozgirl, where you from?

Thank you! And you know, your interview date is my birthday! Hope your interview is stress free!

Oh nice! - I like the symmetry in that...

Thank you oohpartiv! hope you get your interview date SOON!!!

Interview this morning. APPROVED! I will post details later but just wanted to share the good news.

I know a lot of people are still waiting patiently for NOA2s or even waiting for your interview to be scheduled after your NOA2. I also understand that a lot of members here get frustrated when they see those of us who have been fortunate to get through the process quickly. PLEASE don't be disappointed to hear that we are now complete. I'm sharing the news with people who understand the process, whether it be long or short, challenging or easy, we're all trying to reunite with our families. And each of our journeys is as important to us as the next person. I was fortunate to get through it quickly. I would like to stay involved here and offer whatever help I can to those who are still waiting or new members coming to the boards.

Thank you everyone for your ongoing support! I would NOT have been nearly as prepared for this process without the guidance and knowledge of VisaJourney members!

Dear Mrs Hogan,

Firstly - congratulations!

Secondly - I must admit to feeling selfishly jealous as you sped through this process - though mine journey has been smooth - I cant complain

Thirdly - thank you so much for your kind and respectful post, you are clearly a person of dignity and honour

Fourthly - Your willingness to give back to this community underlines my third point

And finaly - again - thank you

Hi All,

dwheels may I respectfully request that you add the following details to your list (I am certain I will mess it up if left to my own devices)

details:

perthtomass interview date April 30 2013 - I have sent an email requesting an earlier date

austex interview date April 8 2013 - Another Aussie (with a nice early date - lucky ducky!!!!)

Many thanks,

Gabby

I am hoping t be out of here by end of month a few weeks before and will stay maybe a month after at least after our 2nd anniversary May 3rd ;) get that IR1.

Fantastic - Hope you have A GREAT time. Cool timing with the IR-1