MandyP AUS

Hi Shani & Koonj,

It says somewhere in the pack 3 you need a name check and finger print by the AFP (not NSW).

I printed out this webpage (http://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/police-checks/national-police-checks.aspx) and highlighted the part that says "Where a fingerprint check is required, it is your responsibility to obtain a full set of fingerprints from your local police jurisdiction. The original of the fingerprints must be posted with your completed application form. Please note that fingerprints taken using a "Livescan" system cannot be accepted."

I also had the form and all documents ready to go in an addressed and stamped envelop so they could mail it if they refused to give it to me.

The Policeman I was dealing with was confused and had to check with a supervisor but they released it to me without much arguing.

Just know that the AFP will charge you for just a name check if you don't get the finger prints right. and then when it comes to your interview you'll be given an "addition information required" thing and it'll take longer to get your visa.

GOOD LUCK!

CORRECTION!!!!

Don't let the local police station you go to talk you into getting "Scanned" print and don't let them walk away with your ink prints. A HARD COPY must be attached to your AFP check application.

Local Police do will not know what you are supposed to do so have the application filled out, attached the photo copies of your ID and take printed copy of the following website

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

and highlight this paragraph!!!

"Where a fingerprint check is required, it is your responsibility to obtain a full set of fingerprints from your local police jurisdiction. The original of the fingerprints must be posted with your completed application form. Please note that fingerprints taken using a "Livescan" system cannot be accepted."

Hi,

I've been having some issues applying for an AFP check.

First up, your local police station will have no idea on what you need, you have to have INK finger prints done so don't believe them when they say you can just have scanned prints, the AFP wont accept it and they'll just charge you for a name check (wasted $42 there).

Second, give the ink finger prints more than a week to actually reach the AFP. Otherwise they will once again charge you only for a name check (another $42 wasted).

Has anyone else had this problem?

Your noa2

That's what I was afraid of. Thank you for confirming though. Just gotta take a deep breath and be patient.

"Based on timeline data, your I129f may be adjudicated between December 29, 2014 and January 14, 2015*. "

Does that mean I'll get my visa between those dates or the NOA2?

I have decided i am going through jet pets also, they sent me a youtube video of what it is like in the cargo hold for the animals and promised me it is every comfortable.

I was quoted $4500 for 2 cats and 1 english bulldog from Melbourne to New york and then we will drive them up to New Hampshire. I'm SO nervous!

I would love to see that you tube clip. is it available or do I need to ask them for it? I thin it would help if I knew they weren't going to the great abyss.

They do have a very good rep and lots of good testimonies.

Do you have a flight date yet? or know which airline you are going with?

Hi Allie,

I'm an Aug 1st filer. I was very excited to get my NOA1. we're also being processed in the TCS.

Good luck!

I'm going with JetPet to move my two cats from Melbourne to Maine. The company has been very good so far with answering all my annoying paranoid over protective crazy cat lady questions. It is expensive though (AUS$3000 for two cats). They also supply the correct travel containers (delivered for AUS$480 to my place int he outer eastern suburbs). Despite the price I'm sticking with them because my cats will be picked up from my house, flown to Sydney, checked by a vet before flying out of Sydney and checked again at LAX. they'll also be given time out of the crate which was important to me. They can also coordinate my flights with theirs so I'm not too far away if something happens.

As much as it will stress me and them out I wont be taking them in the cabin as they are prone to doing nervous poos/vomits in the car and I don't want to be the reason a flight gets diverted because all the passengers are passing out from the smell of cat poo/vomit.

Your petition has gone to TSC (Texas service center) because your Fiance lives in Maine (Maine applicants go to TSC) and the wait time for TSC is currently at 6-7 months for NOA2. There are Aussies who applied in early January who are still waiting for their NOA2

Unfortunately in order to get your case to NVC then an interview at Sydney consulate in October, you'd have to have your NOA2 Next month which is VERY unlikely.

To be fair, I would expect a December/January approval for NOA2 then an interview for March/April

Wow, really. Thank you for the reality check.

And the interview is only done in Sydney right? so I'll need to book a trip for that when the time comes (it's not done in Melbourne embassy)?

Sorry this has gone a bit off topic.

We've found it's not the actual fees that are the killer, but all the little stuff that adds up- like getting the proper copies of certificates, papers and shots if moving pets, criminal record check, not to mention travel expenses if you're visiting in between. If you live a distance from the medical clinic, and/or the consulate then factor in travelling for that as well. And don't forget about clothes and stuff if moving to a different climate!

Perhaps it might be better if I stay ignorant!

Thanks

Oh...I clearly had an unrealistic time frame in mind. My fiancee thought I would be back in the states by November (4 months).

I've been researching this for months and still am as clueless as when I started!

People seem to have some really differing timelines, some are short and some take years.

Right, I think I need to prepare an unemployment survival kit!

I've been on two months long service leave just hanging out at my fiancees house, I guess it'll be the same just without expendable income.

Thanks for the help.

Is there a comprehensive list of expenses somewhere on this site? I'd like to prepared for it as much as possible. I had no idea the medical alone would be so much!

Thank you bunnygirl. Any tips on how you stop yourself from going crazy in that time? lol

How long does it generally take to go the EAD? I dont think it will take me long to get a job but I'm wondering how long I can expect to be unemployable.