ausqueen

I moved just over a year ago from Sydney, Australia. When I was looking at how to tranfer my money (also more than $10000), the simplest way proved to be - direct wire.

I had no account in my name at the time here in the US. Sent it all to my now husband's account (paid a single bank fee of $35 for an iternational transfer!). Without any problem.

Once I got here, we added my name to his account so I had access to my money And a few months later when we reached AOS stage, we used those bank statements as proof of "comingling our assests". Without any problem!

Good luck with your money transfer!

My Fiance is going to be leaving Singapore in June to come to the US... What is the cheapest/easiest way to ship all of her belongings?

Depends how much she's got.

Check with the airline she is flying. It might be least expensive to pay excess baggage fee. Again, depends on how much stuff there is.

I came from Sydney to SF on United. I am United Mileage Club member. They let me check in FIVE (5) suitcases at no charge at all... ask and you will find out!

Good luck!

The only medical document we were allowed to keep after the K1 interview was a sparsely populated "Vaccination Document Worksheet" ...

Unfortunately, I think we will need to get my wife's vaccinations updated. Since we had gone through the K1, vaccinations were not required. Can anyone else that went through the K1 confirm this?

Hi the.ronin,

I don't know how to quote from more than one post in the same reply so I copied parts of two of your posts into the same quote above

Anyway... I've adjusted from K-1 (check my signature). Medical is valid for 12 months. If you are filing for AOS within that time you don't need to have another medical.

Vaccinations are not REQUIRED for K-1 but many consulates do the whole thing. Sydney does. Your wife's consulate does. The "Vaccination Document Worksheet" your wife was given after the medical is all you need. It probably has a few "checks" to indicate that vaccine is "not age appropriate" or date when it was given, or date the lab tests confirming immunisation were done. Don't worry - it is "a sparsely populated" worksheet. Just have it transcribed as other posters advised.

I even went as far as filing only this copy from the medical, and was never asked to supply an official I-693A. But I guess I was just lucky. Don't try if you don't mind possible rfe delay

Good luck with AOS!

PS: Have you checked the bottom left corner of the vaccine worksheet? Under "2.Results" - it will tell you if it is complete or not.

tito - what I said in my earlier post was in response to your sending all migrating spouses back from where they came from, saying that we don't have right to stay in the US should marriage fail, as if our efforts to build life for ourselves, together with our USC spouse, doesn't count. And remember, I am talking about bona fide marriages, and genuine break ups. That's what I mean by I've earned my right to continue on my own.

When I left, I didn't leave any "back up plans" in case my marriage doesn't work - I gave it all and now I want to settle down and live. And... no, I don't feel like going back where I would have to start all over yet again. We, the migrating spouses lost a lot by first move across Pacific, Atlantic, or whatever boarder we crossed. Why would we want to lose again by uprooting once more?

There is a value in being in a fulfilling marriage. That's what's worth risking it all for. That's why we are in US. Both spouses are supposed to equally gain by being happily married. When they are not - I guess they feel things are not working out so they divorce. The door to those things we so loved back home was closed when we moved here. Our life back home is NOT "available" to us any more. We sold homes, quit jobs, closed bank accounts, moved children, furniture, etc. etc.

We all spent thousands of dollars on trips to visit, on shipping cost and all that. So what if USC spouse ends up covering some costs?Why is your money more valued than mine? Just because you are a USC and I am an "alien"? You afraid you might end up paying for support? Well... if you (I mean: a USC) figure out you can't stay married, please DO move on and let us "aliens" adjust status on our own and work to support ourselves. We are not stupid or incapable just because we are from another country. Hope you don't mind that! Because that's what realisitc is! There are smart and capable people everywhere! Just let us be!

Traditions Way - hope you will find the right answer to your question, and the help you need to get your happiness and joy back in life! Best wishes!

StillThePrettiest - exactly! Every single thing the migrating spouse does is a "one way street" for one single reason: love and marriage

tito - what are you bitter about??? Have you left your life behind when you moved to US to be with your beloved spouse? Regretting it? Are you the USC spouse who spent some money on your migrating wife/husband's move to the US? Regretting it? Get over it! Or start a thread and ask for some support on these forums. It might help you.

But , whatever you do... do not insult us who migrated here for one and one reason only: because we love our husband or wife and we willingly gave up EVERYTHING to start from zero here. Do not put us in the same category with people committing visa fraud! And do not assume that every failed marriage screams "visa fraud". Like someone said before me... you don't know what the OP has been through in her marriage.

And, do not insult us by diminishing our sacrifice - "(family, loved ones, whatever it is they leave behind)" - as if that's not enough!!! How about: OUR WHOLE LIFE... people, land, beauty, customs, work, money... and a lot more! Stop being so arrogant! America is not a perfect place to be (just like no place is), and had it not been for love... many of us wouldn't be here. Everything was better back home! Everything! But I am willing to work hard to make this country my new "home". That is the choice I made. And I made that choice because my husband calls this country home.

I now have a 2 yr Green Card. Haven forbid, should my marriage fail - I think I've "earned" every right to try and make life for myself, on my own here, should I choose to do so - USCIS approval pending, of course

Get off your self-righteous throne thinking you are called to deny me that right - even if only on this forum!

Phew!... now I am ready to move on, to read other threads!

(waves a big hello to all NON-fraudsters out there)

We have a regular holiday that we go on with a group of friends and the way my timeline is going it's likely I'll have only been in a job (if I'm lucky) 3 - 5 months maximum.

Do you think getting time off so early in my working career would be an issue, and is it 'cheeky' to ask for unpaid leave? Is this something that I ask at the interviewing stage, or try and obtain later on once I'm working?

I'd say mention it in advance, i.e. once you get an indication that you are being seriously considered for the job. More chance that they will be ok with your pre-planned holiday than if you ask for a leave 3 or 5 months into employment.

My USC husband started a new job last September, but told them about our plan to take a 3 week vacation this Easter. No problem. Company even offered him another 2 weeks work from offshore so we can stay longer (Europe trip). He is a software developer so it is easy to work off-site. But it certainly helped that he told them before all paperwork was signed. Hope you get a great job once you arrive AND get to enjoy your holiday

AOS form? meaning the supplement form?

Yes, sorry sharyna (didn't mean to confuse you) - whatever the number of that form is for medical. I think I-693 is full medical and I-693A is just the supplement i.e. vaccine record.

I myself haven't used the form, never went to CS for that, just filed the copy from Sydney that I was given at the medical and USCIS accepted it... no one ever asked for the proper form. I guess whoever processed my paperwork somehow missed it

I am Muslim & went to Cathlic school. It is possible to get perfect 10 on Catholic Religion subject while maintaining being a Muslim. What I believe has nothing to do with my grade on that subject.

No need to be defensive. Nobody is bashing the organization (at least not me). I am just saying personally I have never seen job ad like that.

Hey... I agree with you.

And I guess I was replying more to what alen said (OP), even if I included your quote. I thought he was "blaming" the employer where it wasn't deserved, so... yeah, I felt like chiming in To me it just seemed that OP had read too much into that job ad and shared his very strong reaction with us, so I felt like offering a different "reading".

I know about having a non-Catholic students in a Catholic school. And of course you can learn the subject and get straight "A" without changing your faith. By the way, well done for earning top marks for religion class and keeping your own

Oops... double post!

the doctor for me sent everything to the embassy then immigration i'm guessing has everything that the embassy had.... but i do have the copy of the vaccinations he gave me and checked me for.... so hopefully that should be enough....

we'll see...

our cat has been sick so tomorrow we're doing the social security number thing then applying for the AOS - luckily my adorable husband has already added me to his insurance, electric bill etc so my name is on those... and will further add to proof .....

Well, when we were at visa stage back home we were told that medical was valid for 12 months. Also, we were told that if you file for AOS within those 12 months you do not need another medical but only vacc sheet to be transcribed officially (by Civil Surgeon) on AOS form. Although, you hear from people about CSs saying they need full medical (very expensive !!!) - but you have to insist on needing only vacc sheet transcribed (minimal charge).

Surely a programmer just programs and doesn't minister ?

Otherwise they should advertise for a minister who can program.

When we opened our bank accounts they asked us which church we belonged to and they didn't like it when we said non. The smiles went and we slunk out of there.

Well, it looks like they are advertising for a programmer who can minister

Were you trying to open an account at some church bank catering for "members only"??? Never heard of a bank asking such a question!

But if being religious IS requirement to be a programmer - a job which I think what you believe in does not affect how good you do your job, personally I have never seen that.

If it was a programming job at... IBM or for some employer who does "everyday" things - obviously, potential employee's religious belief would have nothing to do with their suitability for employment. But this company states in their job ad that their specialty is religious ministry so they want you to be able to do the job at the level they need.

For argument sake, let's say that a part of job description is "to develop an interactive bible program for sunday School, year 1 to 5". Wouldn't you think that they want you to share their beliefs before they let you teach their children? Besides, they are very specific about the job: "(if you) want to use your Peoplesoft experience to directly further the cause for Christ, then we ask that you consider contacting us...".

This is just a simple job ad posted by some Christian Church that knows what they need and that wants to keep doing their job well. Give them a break.

To the OP: I understand your frustration and/or disappointment but I'd say they are both misdirected here. Religion, Jesus, or some organised Church are not discriminating against your wife for her lack of religious conviction. I hope she finds a great job soon. Good luck!

We emigrated to Florida 3 months ago and my wife is a 'Peoplesoft' programmer and has been looking for her speciality

Today she got the first sniff of the right job but look what it says !

'Because this client is a ministry organization they require all employees to be dedicated to the Great Commission as defined by Jesus Christ in the Holy Bible. If you are a bible believing follower of Jesus Christ and want to use your Peoplesoft experience to directly further the cause for Christ, then we ask that you consider contacting us so we can explore this opportunity together.'

Surely barring applicants on grounds of religion or colour is illegal in the U.S. ?

It's exactly the same as - 'no dogs, no blacks, no irish '

As it happens, we regard all religions as mere superstition, but I feel just as sorry for say a moslem or jew etc etc who was an ace peoplesoft programmer but barred from applying on religious grounds

These people would get shut down in the UK...

alan

I think reading the job ad again would help you understand better and realise that your thread title is misleading and a bit over the top.

'Because this client is a ministry organization they require all employees to be dedicated to the Great Commission as defined by Jesus Christ in the Holy Bible."

It is simply a job requirement. Because of the kind of organization they are and the work they do. What's so strange about that? You wouldn't want to apply for a job for which you dont meet requirements.

Not every IT job is suitable for every IT expert out there - some jobs require specific expertise, work experience etc - every employer advertises jobs to suit their company goals. If this particular employer is a "ministry" organization isn't it logical that as their employee you have to be able to do that ministry - whatever it is?

I don't think this has anything to do with "religious intolerance" as you put it. Just a job ad...

TracyOz... on the medical forms, the panel physician I saw here in Melbourne gave me a copy of Appendix C and the vaccination grid "for my own records". If he doesn't give you a copy, I'm sure you can ask. It's handy info to have for the future. Especially for your little kiddies who will need to have certain boosters as they grow up!

On top of that... for us who enter US on K-1 visa... that vaccination supplement is a MUST for AOS application later on. If you apply for AOS within 12 months of the medical - you will not need the costly, full medical here - only vaccine supplement sheet transcribed by Civil Surgeon to the form... I-693A I think. But it is a compulsory part of AOS filing package. So... make sure you do get the copy or ask for it if not given to you.

If you file jointly, your joint return must declare worldwide income of both spouses. If you want to file jointly, and your spouse was a nonresident alien, see chapter 1 of IRS Publication 519. Basically, you send a letter saying that the alien spouse wants to be considered a resident, and you want to file a joint return.

lucyrich,

you mean I paid my taxes back home and now I have to declare my income from Australia to... what? Get money back from US government or pay taxes again - this time to US government???

And if I became LPR only over a month ago (AOS approved end November) - do I consider myself "nonresident alien" for the first 7 months of my life in US or what?

Could you please explain a bit what you said here earlier? Or... anyone else who knows this stuff

Thanks heaps!

i have a copy of the license/marriage certificate that the preacher gave us. do you think that will be enough to be able to use to file for the AOS?

thoughts? i have to file before 4th feb

Sharyna,

congratulations on your recent wedding! You don't "have to" file before your I-94 expires. You only had to get married by then. Getting married makes your status ok untill you file and are approved for AOS. Just file as soon as you can, so you get your GC sooner and all the "perks" that come with it

I don't think marriage licence you got from the preacher would be accepted. Those are more for your record, but they are not an official government document. Don't stress though - just wait for your regular marriage cert and file after you get it.

A big hello and best wishes to everyone else !

I'm asking that everyone refraining posting on this thread unless you've got some advice. Thanks.

Good luck with getting your cheque back! And soon!

For future EURO birthday gifts - give your sister in law your bank acc number. WaMu will charge you only $10 for international incoming transfer. And you get your money in a day or two! (I have a free checking account with them).

Hope your wife has calmed down by now and is doing ok, given she is pregnant and all. If I were her... I would also expect you to find a way to make up to her for trauma suffered

I am also in CA - and found that after my I-94 expired I was not eligible to apply for a licence, until I received either my EAD card, or I-551 stamp after my Adjustment of Status interview. During this time I was legally unable to drive, because, my "foreign" licence was only valid for use here for 30 days after you have established residence.

Another Aussie in Cali here.

I didn't even try for my DL untill I got EAD. Had to do knowledge test, passed and got "temporary DL" valid for 2 months and was told that I had to do driving test within that time. Passed driving about 3 weeks ago, still waiting for DL in mail.

However, to drive a rental car (at least ZIPCAR insists) - I had to have my driving record from RTA (=DMV) in Sydney so I can drive using my Aus licence. ZIPCAR doesn't let you drive their car untill your state DL is 12 months old! So now I have two valid and usable DLs!

drewjoy,

what other name do you have???

If you are applying for K-1 as your signature says, you can't be married.

So... you can't have "maiden" and "married" name yet. You should only have your "normal" i.e. legal name you use all the time!

Good luck with the interview

To correct my own reply above as my comp is playing up, can't click on any links, can't edit my own post, and I mixed up the OP and the first reply. Oops!

What I meant to say is:

drewjoy,

If you are already filing for AOS (I can't open your timeline link to see where you are in the process) - then you use the name you put on your AOS application forms. It is better to use your married name. That way USCIS will have you registered under your married name straight away. It will also save you some hassle (and money!) later on.

Wherever you go, carry your marriage certificate to prove change of name untill you receive EAD and/or Green Card later.

Good luck with the whole process

hi im new here and i just want to ask if its ok if is ok that the surname i used in my form 693 is my maiden name? the lady told us that she will used my maiden name bcoz my medical name in the phils is my maiden name. hope i cod have a feedback to u guys! thanks and belated merry xmas to all of u...

drewjoy,

what other name do you have???

If you are applying for K-1 as your signature says, you can't be married.

So... you can't have "maiden" and "married" name yet. You should only have your "normal" i.e. legal name you use all the time!

Good luck with the interview

My interview is coming up in January, and I just wanted to ask ALL those who were approved at their interview to list the EXACT support documents they took to prove their marriage. I'm nervous and just want to see if I have enough stuff.

So far, we have:

Joint Credit Card

Bank statement

Affidavits from family members

Letter from our landlord, who happens to be my husband's cousin (to serve as lease)

Letter saying my spouse has requested that I be added to his health insurance.

Is this enough?? What did YOU take w/ you?

On top of all the general documents listed in the interview letter, we took this:

- letter from my husband's employer

- IRS transcripts for '06 '05 and '04

- 3 months worth of payslips

- joint bank statements

- joint cheque book & cards

- life insurance

- health insurance

- PG&E bills (the only one we have in both names)

- online grocery shopping records in my name, but delivered to our address

- ZIPZAR rental account showing both names

- my temporary DL showing my married name and our home address

- my Sydney RTA (=DMV) driving report showing my maiden name, but addressed to me on our home address in SF

Just go by what's in your Interview letter, point by point, and add anything you have to prove you are "combining" your lives, you are living together, you are establishing your day to day life as a couple, as a family.

Good luck!

If you decide to order the tax return transcropt from the IRS.....you can order it free on their website, it will take several months to get it, so I wouldn't let that hold up getting the 864 back in.

I don't know about the website ordering, but you can order free IRS transcripts over the phone and receive them in 10 days or so!

Nanusia... I've adjusted from K-1. When I filed for AOS in July, I sent only last year's tax, as per instructions on I-485 (if USC makes above poverty line) and that was fine. My AOS interview was Nov 21 in San Francisco. My interview letter specifically said 3 years of tax returns. But at the interview... the only thing officer took from us was "proof of our life together" i.e. bank stuff, insurances, lease and a few wedding pics. She didn't even ask about tax returns! At all!

But you never know untill you walk into that little office what they will ask for. You have to be ready to hand in anything and everything they list, because some officers do ask for more detailed proof.

Tracy, good luck!

The boilerplate language of the interview letter encompasses many types of petitions and sponsors.

Follow the directions on the I864 that apply to your situation.

You mean, interview appt. letters are NOT standard??? Not even within the same visa type??? OP is filing from K-1 which I also did recently and still remember the details.

Don't tell me USCIS is sending each one of us personalized interview invitations relating to our individual case??? Would be nice but I doubt

As selly said: on I-485 instructions for filing it specifically says that if you are making 125% you need to file ONLY last year's tax info. You are ok.

On AOS interview letter, which hopefully will be received within few months of filing - it specifically says to bring the last THREE years of tax return.

So... you will need three years tax info pretty soon anyway. Call IRS and order transcripts for the 2 years you filed (transcripts are free, you get them within a week or two), and by the time you get interview appointment - you might even have your 2007 return filed. Even if you don't file for 2007 and can still provide only 2006 and 2005 - as zgt said - a letter explaining you were a student etc will be fine. You are ok.

Now... try to relax, try not to worry too much and... speedy approval!

Hello Guys,

I just got ASC Appointment notice indicating my biometric schedule which is on January 4, 2008. I am wondering how I know if this is for AOS or I765? At the bottom of the notice where my application numbers for the two with barcodes.. and at the top is code 3. Please I need clarifications...

thanks and Merry Christmas...

riza

biometrics appt is for the whole AOS package! you do it once only. and if you applied for Advance Parole... that's included as well!

no need to worry at all