Tamzo27

Hi All,

I've been MIA once again..but things have been crazy since we moved to NYC...so please excuse me. I went to get my biometrics the other day for AOS and my work authorization. Everything went well...Except a few days ago, I got the dreaded yellow slip (RFE) I am very confused about it. It says that the "info provided on I-864 Affadavit for Support and the info provided with the form , the peititioner's household income for the last tax yr/current income does not meet 125%. of the poverty line calcu;ated on form I-864. Submit proff that the petitioners/substitute sponsor's household income exceeds 125%...

The reason why I'm confused is that my husband makes a great salary...has a lot of money in his stock account (we also provided that as proof) and the thing that confuses me the most...is that we submitted this exact info when we were filing for the K1 visa..and they didn't say it didnt meet the criteria?? HELP, PLS?!?!

Thanks!

Niphredil (or any other people for that matter),

When you got your medical done, did the doctor's office forward the forms or did they send it to you? My wife said the doctor's office sent the original paperwork to her. Also, the packet 3 info tells her to bring it with her to the interview. I recall in the past that people had the doctor's office forward the paperwork? Has something changed or was I misunderstanding (or maybe it applied to K visas only)?

Thanks!

-Alex

Ironically, after writing the above post about no touches since 7/31, my husband received an e-mail tonight saying his EAD has been ordered!

Ok...what is going on..I am normally a very patient person..but am very confused as to why our check hasn't even been cashed yet!! We sent in my AOS July 30th..I know the fee increase must have backlogged it..but c'mon...still no check cashed or NOA1? I am beginning to get very very worried..any thoughts??

UPDATE: I got a letter for my biometrics appointment on Wednesday. It is in on August 31st. It is the first thing I've heard too! No NOA1 just the biometrics appointment.

CONGRATS! You're so lucky! I filed for AOS on July 30th and UPS says it was delivered on July 31st...Haven't heard anything and am getting VERY worried?!!? Any thoughts?? I thought that the backlog may be due to the fee increase...and ppl getting confused by that, so maybe that's slowing down! I want my EAD already!!!

tamzo..

that fee $1020 - is that all up or is that just for a medical or TB skin test?

That doesn't include the skin test...that is just for filing AOS...

Hi ALL

Am slowly settling into NYC life...very fast paced..but it's really exciting and great...my mom's friend from high school runs her own ad/marketing agency here and offered me an internship..which will be an amazing opportunity for me!!

Congrats on your license Kath and the job..both awesome news. I filed my AOS on July 30th...sucks that I had to pay $1020 ...but if I had filed earlier I would have only had to pay $580..so that was really shitty!! I had no choice really...the doc was taking ages to get my TB Skin test results- still think that is outrageous..considering we already paid for a TB chest x-ray in Australia!! I am getting a bit worried..cos the USCIS still hasn't cashed our check and we filed nearly 2 wks ago...wondering why this is? I tracked down the package and it was delivered..just wondering why they're taking so long! Any input is welcome!

PHEW! That's enough from me!! Hope you're all well!!

hi ya calcheng

there are a few other things to consider too...if you get a friday interview and your fiance doesn't live in the sydney area (meaning other state) get her to stay the weekend and pick up the visa on the monday..

also there is a thing called public holidays that gets in the way too...because the american embassey gets the american public holidays plus the australian so look out for that also..

also there has been a few aussie's that received their passports in the mail longer than sharyna about a week i think it was...so if your fiance can stay longer or go back the next day to pick it up in the afternoon...i would do so...

good luck to you both hope the interview isnt too far down the track ...what with this apec meeting thing going on ...

hi sharyna.. what type of coffee are you after...i buy the international roast from the link i told ya about...

hope everyone is going well ohh ohhh tomorrow vylex and mrs vylex get married again whoooo hoooo...

cant wait to see some pics vylex if ya dont mind sharing...

take care all

kath

Hi Kath!!

Sorry to hear about your horrible experience..I can definitely relate..the exact thing happened to me a few weeks ago when I needed to take SuperShuttle to the airport for an early morning flight...

I get a call , an automated message at 5:15 am saying that my shuttle will be there in 10 mins..so I'm all ready, and waiting.

2 mins later, the phone rings again - another automated message - saying that the shuttle is waiting outside for me...so I go outside...wait 10 mins, then come back in - get the landline to call them and see where they are...they say they're 1.5 miles away, this is at 5:30ish.

At 5:40 it still hasn't come, I call again..am outside..calling again...now the operator pages the driver and the driver says he's 1 mile away.

5:45 - still not there...I call a 3rd time.. same story..the driver will be there soon, he's under 1 mile away. Keep in mind, I have the phone in my hand and I'm outside waiting.

5:55 - still not there!!!! I call a 4th time..this time the operator puts me onto a supervisor who advises me that the driver couldn't find our place, tried calling me several times and left.

I went ballistic and crazy...I said "I am going to miss my flight..get a driver to me now, I dont care what it takes, I have paid already..it is not good enough that he couldnt find me and left..and obviously some lying is going on..because I have been outside with the phone in my hands the whole time, and it hasn't been ringing at all..I'll tell you what happened, your driver looked probably for 5-10 mins, got lazy and left. You can't do this to people..I am going to miss my flight, I have relied on you to provide a service..and you CANNOT let me down like this, I have paid already.I want a refund!!!"

Her (the supervisor's) response "Sorry Ma'am, there are no available drivers, I suggest you get a cab, and yes..you will get a refund" So..I did get a refund in the end..but I agree with you Kath..the thing that pissed me off the most was that they didn't give a ######...it was "my problem" not theirs..anyway..lesson learned; always have a backup.

Am slowly settling into NYC life...very fast paced..but it's really exciting and great...my mom's friend from high school runs her own ad/marketing agency here and offered me an internship..which will be an amazing opportunity for me!!

Congrats on your license Kath and the job..both awesome news. I filed my AOS on July 30th...suck that I had to pay $1020 ...but if I had filed earlier I would have only had to pay $580..so that was really shitty!! I had no choice really...the doc was taking ages to get my TB Skin test results- still think that is outrageous..considering we already paid for a TB chest x-ray in Australia!! I am getting a bit worried..cos the USCIS still hasn't cashed our check and we filed nearly 2 wks ago...wondering why this is? I tracked down the package and it was delivered..just wondering why they're taking so long! Any input is welcome!

PHEW! That's enough from me!! Hope you're all well!!

hi ya all

sorry to hear ya not well loke...probably the different altitude your in now that you caught some bug ... hope it gets better for you mate..hate being sick...but you have to sleep to get well also mate so if your tired just sleep your body needs it ...

hi ya pris how you going mate.. hanging in there...is it getting any warmer for you there...i still that image of you walking to work all rugged up lol

ohhh that bacon ... now ya know what i have been compalining about.. and the american bacon is alot more fatty and streaky lol...i took a similar photo for my daughter cos she coudlnt understand what i was complaining about first thing she said was where is the bacon lol....and i took photo's before i left oz cos the american friends coudlnt understand how wonderful our bacon was they were like wow that looks nice lol

sharyna..get your fiance to ring the drivers place cos im thinking that you might have to pass the learners test then you can drive on your aussie licence for 30 days.. but it all depends on the state mate...get ya fiance to ring up only way really to find out unless you go on the website to look but then you might not get the answer...

work is going well.. i went on the registers for the first time on tuesday went well pretty much the same as oz but they use coupons and they process the cheques themselves at the registers...ohhhh by the way.. if you do get a job or go out to the mall by yourself and your relying on public transport or a cab..

A) make sure your bus does go passed to pick you up at the time told by the bus company..

B) if your ordering a cab...ask someone who is the best cab company in your town...

now the reason for the above hints is this is what happened to me on monday...

my shift ended at 6.30pm...i asked to start early an finish early to catch the bus at 6.35pm..

i rang the bus company on monday explained where i wanted to go and where i would be catching it from

she told me the time but failed to tell me that the bus runs along jackman ave .. i was sitting at the bus stop on the corner of jackman and alexis where it will run along alexis..needless to say i was cheesed off no other buses for the rest of the night .. i sat there waiting just in case till 7.15pm

at that time i walk back over the road to work.. looked up a cab in the phone book... i booked in a cab she said to me i will try (bells should of rang at that statement)...

8.20pm i rang again a bloke said another half an hour...

i was getting quite distressed...rang back at 9.35pm and was practically called a liar because he reckons he didnt have a booking for alexis...he said to me why have you been waiting 2 hours i said to get home its the only way i can get home....with that steamy conversation i decided to start walking home...

i walked for about 20mins and there comes my husband (and me thinking oh robbie please come and find me not home ) he turned the corner and first thing he shouts is you ok.. he pulled in the car park near the intersection i got in and i just spilled me guts about what happened.. it took me ages after we got home to settle down...

so please either have a contact number of a friend that could pick you up .. or get the number prior of a good reliable cab company and learn from my experience...at the moment im writing a letter to the company involved i know it will do no good but they need to be told off..what really got me was he couldnt give a shiet about what had happened to me he just kept stating he is backedup tonight.. nothing about ohh sorry to hear that m'am will get there immediately..nothing

hi to all that i hadnt mentioned...keep ya chins up

kath

Hi All..

I am new to AOS process...and am starting to put all my paperwork together, something that is freaking me out- is that I see if you came on a k1, you do not need to go through a whole medical examination again (good news!) but you need to submit a copy of your vaccination results from the medical you had before entering the U.S. Huge problem - I do not have those records, I gave all that info to Border Patrol, when I entered the U.S, and I stupidly do not have a copy...so now what?? Help/Advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hi,

I am new to AOS process...and am starting to put all my paperwork together, something that is freaking me out- is that I see if you came on a k1, you do not need to go through a whole medical examination again (good news!) but you need to submit a copy of your vaccination results from the medical you had before entering the U.S. Huge problem - I do not have those records, I gave all that info to Border Patrol, when I entered the U.S, and I stupidly do not have a copy...so now what?? Help/Advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

I got my TIMTAMS today too!! Thank you sooo much, Vylex...you really are a sweety, I second what Kath said...it was such a nice surprise to get them sooo quickly!!! Thanks again!!!!

hi sharyna

i was pretty shocked about it too thats why i mention it to others so they wont be.....was nothing to get embarassed about at least it aint as invasive as a pap smear mate over in 3 seconds.... good on ya for emailing the embassey best way to find out exactly what they are on about ... hope you dont bruise and your right there are some that dont know how to take blood....you will be fine ...good luck ..as the receptionist if you will be getting a copy of the medical if not request one...

hi loke

when you go in to pick up the results and they dont give you a copy ask for one..they should have a copy in their files to photo copy mate..

and yeah i feel as though i havent got a job lol...i would get your other shots in oz loke...at least you can put them on medicare ...i dont know what rings insurance is like and it might cost you over here...to give you an idea of what im talking about...i went in to the docs not cos i was sick but to register as a new patient...he examine me i took him a copy of my medical i just had in oz and he ordered blood work and a mamagram (which i was not impressed about) cos over here they start doing them at 40 unike oz they start at 50...

now robert has good insurance...for the docs it cost $175.00 insurance paid $70.45 we ended up having to pay out of our pockets $104.55...i was so shocked it cost that much just to go register as a new patient...then i went for like a full blood work done...the total included my mamagram which was $487.00 we had to pay $45.45...its quite a hard system to get use to robbie tried to explain it to me ..something to do with your insurance has a co-pay thing (deductible) that you have to pay ..robs is $150 a year when u reach that in a year you dont have to pay...so if rings has a good insurance get ya tetnus shot over here mate...but to save money i would get it before you come over...

hi vylex

whooooooooooooo hooooooooooooo the tim tams arrived..thanks for them and i couldnt believe it only took one day..you posted them saturday and i got them this morning (mon) that is the quickest i have ever got anything in the mail here lol..i put them in the freezer straight away..nothing like the smell of our famous tim tams...thanks ever so much ya sweetie...

later all

kath

Thanks so much for the info and your well wishes, Kath- really appreciate it!!! How long on avg does the whole AOS process take..ie: How long will it take for me to get work authorization...getting quite restless already...cannot wait to kick start my career in NYC!! My fiancee is going into the hedge fund industry...investing stocks etc...working on Wall St!! pretty crazy...

Thanks for the Tim Tams Vylex....very kind and sweet of you!!! I'll blame you when I put on the extra KGS...or should I say POUNDS haha

hi ya tamzo

good to see ya still kicking mate..

here is a link to the info ya want..you have to notify USCIS within 10 days of moving..you can do this online or post it in.. the form is AR-11...

CHANGING ADDRESS WITH USCIS

so when you get to NYC i would do that as soon as you get the time...then when your ready to do your AOS just fill it in normally with your current address and with your other address...all will be fine tam...

now for the congrats...

that is so cool your fiance got a promotion..what line of work is he in...NY will be a big difference from california hope all goes well for you...congrats again..

take care

kath

I'LL HAVE TIM TAMS ,VYLEX!!! YUMM.I actually bought 2 packs with me, as presents and ended up eating both of them!!! haha I am really missing those.

Sorry I have been a bit MIA again.Things have been quite crazy.My fiance got an amazing job offer in NYC!!!! So we're moving there at the end of next month..as if moving across continents wasn't enough...not I have to move cross country (California-->NYC) haha..but I'm excited and very proud of him. So...my question is..what do we do in terms of paperwork?? Do we have to change anything with anyone?? ie:our address... what happens with AOS now??? We are moving at the end of July, and are planning on doing the civil ceremony mid July. So what steps do we take?We're both a tad stressed out at the moment..the move itself is a bit daunting..so my head is in a bit of mess...trying to figure out what we need to do in terms of this process.I have my SSN already, if that makes any difference??? Hope you're all well.

Congrats on your job at HD, Hammy..sounds like fun!!!

hi vylex ...

when you heading downunder mate...bet your counting lol..

Hi Kath,

Yes I am counting the days LOL! I fly back to Oz August 11th. This time though, I bring a plane load of friends and family.

There is still a lot left to do before the wedding. It sure is making time fly. I remember when 2 months before seeing Vy would seem like eternity. Now I am scared to run out of time before taking care of my wedding tasks.

Looking back on this, I guess I'm outside the norm for males in that I am actively involved in a good portion of the planning. It's hard doing it from this side of the world but at the same time I can concentrate on things without getting bombarded from all directions like the poor wifey. I think I spend a good part of the time comforting her...and boy does it take a lot out of me.

On a different note:

WHO WANTS TIM-TAMS?

I have way more than I can eat and in celebration of my NOA2 I'd like to mail it out a few packs to any transplanted Oz members that are craving these sinfully good snacks but can't get hold of them.

If any of you folks are interested, just PM the address you'd like me to send it to. Enjoy while supplies last!

hi there tamzo

great to hear your doing well now...how do you like nth carolina..my friend is in raleigh at the moment...

when is your wedding going to be...

hi loke and rings

well thats what were here for ... to support one another and maybe put a smile on someones face when they need it..if you have patience through this process and can tuff the wait out together you will be right together when it happens...fingers crossed for your announcement of approval to be soon guys ...keep smiling...

hey there girlfromoz

how you doing ...good to hear that your with an agency hope you get something good luck to ya chookie...i know what you mean about not caring about how much you will be getting paid that is how im feeling..its the fact your getting the opportunity of getting out of the place huh and meeting and mixing with the natives hehehe (no offense to our yanky friends in here) will give ya a ring when we get back from hocking hills..were going camping for 4 days...

hi hammy

good luck with the job hunting...now ya know why i was going crazy lol is there a good bus service where you are living...here it really sux i have caught the bus once and that was last week ...

looking forward to hearing some more approval posts and interview reviews from you lot...we got some coming up soon too..the 30th rings a bell..

take care

kath

Hey there Kath! (guardian angel! haha) How are you doing? I am actually in Northern CALIFORNIA...Not Carolina haha..settling in...but finding it hard to meet ppl my age and establish a group of friends.I know that I only recently arrived..but when I was here last yr for 9 mths..I found it very hard to meet ppl my age.(I am 22)...Wedding date: we're thinking of mid-end of July...we would do it sooner, but my boy has alot on his plate at the moment...he has 2 job interviews in NYC next week and a lot of business travel coming up...yay..I'll be home alone:( sucks..I think that's when the homesickness kicks in.Oh well..I knw things only get easier.Hope you're all doing well! xox

Hey Valkyrie WOOOOOHOOOO Congrats on your Approval..

Best of luck with your Interview Kath.. OI OI OI

Rings as I said before.. you will get yours by the end of May 07 Relax

I hope you are next inline Lyndel as I am in the Line behind you!!

I gotta get a Job.. I need a Job.. I need A CAR..

I need to get my Licence.. I need

Have a Interview to sign up with A Job Agency here in Massachusetts

Tomorrow (Wednesday @ 6.30pm)..

Only time Cheryl can Drive me down there, And they are open till 7pm.

They have called me like 3 times for me to go in and fill out their paperwork.

Fingers Crossed they find me a job within walking distance ( 3-5 Miles from Home).

Hope all is well with everyone and ya'all feeling the Love

Cheers

Paul

Hey Hampster!

Goodluck with getting a job...boy..I feel ya...I need a job, a car...ahhhhhhh...It's a horrible feeling being so dependant on someone else again!!! How are you getting a job?Did you get a temp EAD stamp??? Goodluck with everything!!!

Thanks Jezz and Girlfromoz!

I really do appreciate the input.

Jezz, you're right, I have told him to try to come on a different visa. He's going to try to come on an employment based visa so that we can be together without the pressures of getting married. I told him straight up that, it's the marriage that I don't want to deal with, and not him.

Girlfromoz, I have been thinking about telling him to go through with his interview and just get the visa. But then I realized, if he does come over, I am the type of person that really can't be true to myself if it hurts someone else. If things weren't working out, I'd be too scared to tell him that and see him off to australia again. I just don't think 3 months is enough time for us, especially since we are still extremely young. So we decided together that we shouldn't finish up the interview process and find another way to have him come over. It will make for less hurt feelings later on.

One of the biggest reasons I had to call it off was because, for the past 5 years, I've really only been in a relationship with one guy...Corey. And more than half the time, it was mainly online. I wasn't getting out with my friends or anything. I've started to do that, and I really enjoy it. Spending time out, doing things other 22 year olds do is so much fun! I mean for the first time ever, I was drunk like 2 weeks ago and I'm 22!! That played a big factor in calling things off. My parents/family and his family think I did the right thing. They didn't think we were ready for marriage, but they just never said anything because they believe that it's my life and my decisions. So I am thankful for having family like that.

But yeah, maybe later on down the road, we will be together again but for now.. I really am not ready for marriage. He knows that if he comes over on a different visa, we can definitely start over, but until then we're both going to be single. He's definitely looking at other options though, that's for sure. It's just going to be a bit harder..and lots longer but it should pay off in the end.

So if i cancel my k1 now.. how will that affect my chances of using it again with him later on down the road? I don't see myself getting involved with anyone else overseas again, so I'm not too worried, but what if we decide we want to use it again say..5 years down the track?

All opinions welcomed!

Wow Seren! That is brave...it's crazy, because at some points in your post it sounded a little like me.I am also 22, my bf is nearly 25...in the past we have also both felt as if we're too young to go through with such a huge, life-changing decision. A marriage is a big deal, it's something that cannot be taken lightly. We have had many doubts in the past, but last yr I came to live with him for 9 mths, so that was some sort of trial..atleast that's the way I see it in retrospect. If you feel like you have been held back in a sense from going out etc etc..then your decision is a wise one.No-one but yourself can tell you if your decision was right...but stay true to yuorself..and I believe if there is a will there is a way...you will find a way to be together somehow.We looked into work/student visas for me a few yrs ago- and nothing came through.We both know we want to marry eachother...and 3 mths..is a bit too soon...but we are going with the flow in that regard.I really admire you...if you need to chat more..pls msg me..and I am more than happy to listen/help!

On another note...ahhh not having a job is driving me crazy!!!Went to the SS office today-said my SSN will be sent to me in 2 wks or less.Just wish I could work!!!

Hope everyone is doing well and adjusting and settling in nicely.

Kath-sorry this is so delayed, I am currently located in Northern California..I am better now, my cold lasted only a few days...prob due to all the zinc,vitamin C and echinacea vitamins I took!!

Oh..and the solution the all the great and fatty junk food here- working out everyday!!! haha

Hi All!!

Sorry I have been MIA for a bit...arrived in Northern California last Monday afternoon...I have flown a lot..but that flight was a killer!!! Perth-->KL-->Taipei-->LAX-->San Jose! I was dead when I arrived...and then I got a cold:( not fun! Anyhow...slowly settling in..amazing to be here...with my partner in crime haha. I am going to apply for my SSN next week, they say you should only apply 2 weeks after arriving so your info is entered into the system.

Had a great POE officer at LAX...nice old guy...very friendly..Jokingly asked me if the Aussie guys are upset to have lost me to an American?!haha he was the complete opposite of the majority of the POE officers..they're all so serious, intimidating and stern. I also thought I would try my luck and ask him for an temp EAD stamp- didn't think I had anything to lose...he didn't exactly know what I was talking about..had to consult his guidebook of rules???and then proceeded to tell me that I can work on a k1 visa soon....which I have heard is not the case...

phew! So how is everyone else??

So glad it's beginning to be summer here...am definitely not missing the Aussie winter blues!

Hi all!

Sorry I have been MIA for a bit!!! I am leaving on Sunday, midnight (Perth-->Kuala Lumpar-->LAX)

so I have just been organizing everything..buying last minute stuff..wiring money through etc. Hope everyone is doing well..and have been successful in their interviews (those who have gone)

I am sure I have asked this before...but how long does it take to get SSN etc...when will I be able to wrk?? :)

Thanks!

Hi Tamzo!

I'm embarassed cos I didn't make myself clear... I meant photocopies in addition to all my originals So tamzo, did you have photocopies along with the originals of everything or just only photocopies of birth cert, divorce/death cert, police cert, court and military records? (where applicable)?

And I think I can help you out on that question of yours... The answer is, you can't leave the country until your AOS is fully processed and you've got your 'green card' in your hand. UNLESS you apply for AP (Advance Parole) and of course pay the $$$. By all accounts getting AP is pretty straight forward.

Hi Jezz,

don't be sorry- this whole process is sooooo confusing at times! I only had photocopies of my birth certificate, other things weren't applicable- so to answer your question..originals of everything (ie:boarding passes, affidavit of support, emails, photos, chat transcripts- all originals) but birth certificate and other things = photocopies

Thanks for answering my question! Hope I helped!

Hey Jezz,

You need all ORIGINALS of documents...not photocopies for the interview.Make sure everything is in order...they're very strict about that..You need photocopies of birth certificate...I took my original police certificate.

They didn't check all the additional info I put together (additional photos, emails/chat transcripts etc etc) but it's better to have more than less..and be safer than sorry, as most would agree. You don't need your X-ray with you, but need your medical results. You do however, need to take your X-RAY with you to the U.S..and carry it in your hand luggage incase they ask for it..but you don't need to take it to the interview.

Hope it goes very smoothy, and let me know if you have further questions or are unsure about anything- I had my interview 2 wks ago, so things are still fresh in my mind and I'm happy to help! Good luck!!

Now a question for everyone- does anyone know how long one has to be in the U.S on a k1? ie: when can I leave the country for a vacation??? thanks!!

I have another question for you guys regarding the interview...

My instructions letter in packet 3 seems to state that I'd need photocopies of ALL documents except for photos. The follow-up letter with my interview letter makes mention of only photocopies of birth cert, divorce/death cert, police cert, court and military records.

Did you take along photocopies of everything else for example passports, medical records, forms etc? If so, did you include it in the bundle or did you keep it in your bag for just in case?

I'm assuming that you keep your evidence of relationship until interviewed at the next window.

I'm also assuming that the silly x-ray has served its purpose and doesn't need to accompany you to the interview.

I'm also assuming that you attached your two passport photographs to the DS-156's prior to the interview.

I know these questions are stupid, but I'm hopeless and if I don't ask them I will stupidly worry

Thank you thank you thank you.

IM SO EXCITED!!!! Two people from or going to Baltimore??? **waves** to jezz and mugz

HEY!!! I'll be moving to Baltimore County!!!

jezz - Not sure where Pax River is...but I'm just glad there are aussies in Bmore heeheehee..edit: which part of Sydney you from??

mugz - which part of Bmore you from?

Paul - congrats on selling the car!

Kath - thanks for the info re: customs! I will read it very shortly!

Becuz im a dork...

GO RAVENS!

Hey that is exciting! *waves back*

Okay, the city is Lexington Park in St. Marys County, I'll give you directions... start in Baltimore, follow the Chesapeake river south... no, keep going... keep going....still not there yet.... okay, that little river is the Paxuent river... swim across and you're there! (watch out for navy folk though;) ).

If you keep going south you're swimming again, and then you're in VA... and you've gone too far

I'll be flying into Baltimore but I'm starting off in LA, Tonys family live in LA and they're looking forward to meeting me so I'll be there for about a week to get aquainted before I move into my new home in MD.

*waves again to all the MD people*

Jess

Hey folks!

So nice to hear that y'all are coming to the Baltimore area. Welcome! Jess, those were some nice directions you had for everyone - LOL.

I am actually in the suburbs of Baltimore, Harford county to be particular and about 25 miles north of Baltimore city.

Glad to know we have a few things in common. If there is anything I can help you with as far as the Baltimore metro area is concerned, please feel free to contact me.

My fiancee is in Perth - anyone of you from that area? We are gearing up for the interview so lets hope all goes well and she can come join me ASAP.

Catch you all later. Take care

Muqeem

Muqueem- I am from Perth...if you'd like help with anything, or if your fiancee would like some help with anything- just give me a shout out and I'd be more than happy to help! goodluck with everything!

YAYYYYYYYY!!!!! THE CONSULATE SENT ME MY VISA TODAY!! Just when I was beginning to worry a tad, I came home from work to find it on my doorstep!!!! I am so elated and relieved after everything..!!!! I cannot stop looking at it.

Sharyna- don't worry- try hang in there..my NOA2 took 2 mths...that's the average time...after NOA2 time flies by very very quickly, it's all worth it though!!!

wahoooooooooooo

Hi Jezz,

Are you from Perth? I had to go collect my medical results and take them with me to the consulate- I have never heard of them sending it to the consulate directly?? Good luck with everything!

dammy hammy your on a roll mate gawd i would of done the same thing as you reporting him...did he leave a card in the letter box

whooo hooo...now all ya gotta do is come back and tell us ya got a good deal on ya flight and you hit the jackpot mate..lol and he was lucky you were happy to get ya hands on the packet or i can well imagine you givin him a mouth or fist full lol

good for you ..have you stopped looking at the visa yet lol

now tamzo has yours arrived yet..????

hi pris

why do you think i need hobbies ..i got heaps im doing some ceramics when they arrive im doing a wedding plate to put on the wall ..and some other things too...

i can knit all sorts of pattern use to knit all my kids jumper until they could tell me i dont want to wear that lol..i can sew .. made my own wedding dress ...i have green thumbs ...lol ohh and i write stories lol

and ya right about the volunteering...its a wonder they didnt tell me to get a police check for the 10 moths i been in the country lol...

kath

OK..I am getting a tad worried now!! Hampster's visa has arrived..yet mine is nowhere to be seen!!! My interview was exactly 1 week ago...I am getting worried......is there somehow I can track it??? Congrats Hampster!! Must feel amazing to finally have it in your hand!!!

congrats to you fantastic news...glad you had a really good time in sydney...how come you didnt go back the next day to pick your visa up? that way you wouldnt have to wait for the postman...did you go back to the post office in perth and tell that lady off ..i know i would of been correcting her for sure...

so what happens to the $130 that you paid out in the first place did you get a refund? Im so happy for you that it all worked out in the end for you...we were all worried about you lol not hearing from you lol

and another aussie bites the dust...dont forget to put in an interview review in...may 7th huh that will come around quickly for you..was ya fiance rapt...smiling ear to ear for you..may the POE go smoothly for you...and your most welcome with the help was my pleasure...when you getting married? dont forget to fill in your timeline ...

hi ya lyndel...wow 2 days huh...are you all packed and ready...you still on mushy foods or are you on solids yet..

sitting hear remembering the emotional rollercoaster you will be going through right now...dont forget to get photo's taken at the airport with your family and start a scrapbook of your new life mate...if we dont see you in the next few days you take care and arrive here safely ...

hi hammy

pester that postman everyday this week lol...how is your packing going and what date you moving here...

good day for the aussie's....so who do we have next in line waiting for their packet 4....

seren...moonie...rings...anyone else....

i havent started my volunteer work yet cos my doc hasnt sent the reference in yet and my personal reference person never received anything from the hosp so still waiting for that...

take care you lot

kath

This is what my lovely wifee Cheryl posted earlier this week in different forum

NorthernGirl Apr 15 2007, 06:17 AM

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;#entry838387

So, we did it! Paul went for the interview yesterday (Friday the 13th..heehee),

and walked out with his "Welcome to America" paperwork!

Yippee-Yahoo! Just some loose ends to tie up in Oz,

and he'll be on his way home.

We're shooting for his arrival on the weekend of May 12th,

as our anniversary is on Sunday, May 13th.

Lucky #13

Thanks to All for your support and well wishes and the best to everyone on their visa journey!

~Cheryl

Cheers

Paul

haha thanks Kath- feel very relieved!! I went into the post office the other day and corrected them...and got my refund as I kept the receipt..so that was good...it's a pity some ppl really don't knw how to do their job properly!!!

haha thanks Kath for your concern..am fine..just very busy doing all the touristy stuff while in Sydney-had a lot of fun there! P.S Will the consulate send my passport back with my visa????? They have it!!!

Hi All!

Well, I am finally back from my 5 day trip to Sydney and my interview!! Everything went well..except a minor hiccup...the $130 processing fee to the consualte was a money order cheque (the lady at the post office here in Perth told me that's what I needed- I wasn't so sure..so I trusted that she knew better!) I got to the lady who checks the paperwork..she wasn't very nice/patient and she asked where my receipt was...and I responded that she was looking right at it (stuck to the outside of my passport) she responded that this is not the receipt..it's a receipt showing that I paid $130 to the US consulate general..but in the form of a money order..and that I cannot have my interview right now!! My stomach sank....and I felt a huge lump in my chest and throat...she then proceeded to say that if I went downstairs and paid another $130 at the post office get the correct receipt..I can then go back through security checks and up to her at level 59 and signal her..and she will see to me right away (that was nice of her)..I rushed downstairs...went to the post office..saw that it was only opening in 40 mins..so had to wait until it opened..ran back up to Level 10 for security checks again and then proceeded up to level 59...she checked all my paperwork..said it was fine and then told me to take a seat for my interview..which went very smoothly..A young American man interviewed me..and was very warm and friendly (it seems that most people have been interviewed by him in the Syd consulate) it lasted all of 5 mins..he didn't even ask to see all the additional evidence and paperwork I prepared..he said the petition was good enough and then said..."Visa Approved!" I am now awaiting to receive the brown envelope that most people refer to...am I allowed to open this by the way?? I really would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart- you've been a huge help through this somewhat stressful and overwhelming time...especially Kath- you're amazing...you have been such a huge help!! U.S here I come...May 7th!!!