jennybeni

Buying a home...

Hi everyone! My now-husband Steve moved over here from Aus in Feb. and we really want to buy a home next year. Does anyone have information about the possibilities of getting a mortgage together, as he'll obviously have a limited credit history? I think my credit history should be pretty good. Any info and/or personal experiences would be a GREAT help!!!

Thanks!!

Jen

Hi All! Quick question about sending in the Adjustment of Status packet...

I don't understand what the VJ guide suggests for the medical report and vaccination supplement form. As a K-1er, should my fiance just send in a copy of the medical report/xray/vaccination report that he got in Sydney, or is there a separate form we need to fill out? OR, does he have to get another medical?

Thanks for all your help!!

Congrats to all those who have received approvals and are making their way through the end of this process!!!

Just a lil update...

Steve arrived in the US about a month ago now, and everything is great!! He came in through JFK, so he got a work stamp (although it looks reallly dodgy!). AND, he already got a job working with a company called Australian Landscaping and Construction, which is actually owned by a couple Aussie guys so it is perfect for him! He manages groups of workers and sort of oversees different projects. He really likes it, and they gave him a company truck and fuel card as well. Plus, they are really easy about the work stamp stuff and getting time off for the wedding because at least one of them has been through this whole thing before. He also went in to apply for a S.S. number a couple weeks ago and all went well, so should be arriving any day now.

We're so excited to finally be together!!!! I'm loving every minute of this.

Good luck and best wishes to everyone - finally getting to be together forever

Take care

Nevermind - just saw that I don't have to file that Supplement!

Hi everyone! Question about adjustment of status ---

was (now regretfully) looking ahead to what kinds of additional paperwork we'll have to do for adjustment of status after we're married... on the visa journey guide it did not mention this, but on the USCIS website they listed a form Supplement A to I-485, to be filed along with the I-485 form. This supplement has a fee of $1,000 in addition to the $1,000-something fee for the regular I-485. Is this correct?????

Thanks for all your help!

Just wanted to send a lil update!

Steve arrived in the US about 3 weeks ago now, and everything is great!! He came in through JFK, so he got a work stamp (although it looks reallly dodgy!). AND, he already got a job working with a company called Australian Landscaping and Construction, which is actually owned by a couple Aussie guys so it is perfect for him! He's a manager of groups of workers and sort of oversees different projects. He really likes it, and they gave him a company truck and fuel card as well. Plus, they are really easy about the work stamp stuff and getting time off for the wedding because at least one of them has been through this whole thing before. He also went in to apply for a S.S. number last week and all went well, so he should be getting the card soon.

We're so excited to finally be together!!!! I'm loving every minute of this. I hope all is well for all the other Aussies and Americans in this thread! It's great to read about how others are doing.

Take care

OH OH OH MY GOD............................................................

WE GOT THE APPROVAL...

JUST CHECKED MY email...

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL *** The last processing action taken on your case

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent. On February 5, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E).

Was jumping around the house screaming OMGOD the kids and I were all doing HIGH 5's.... then I had to WAKE up my darling man LOL... it was like 2.00am in Cleveland right now... <grin>

what an AMAZING feeling... and I fly out to the USA tomorrow to spend some time with him... WHAT PERFECT timing....

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE else who have also received theirs too.... WHOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

have a GREAT day

Tracy

:-)

congrats, Tracy!!!! and have a great trip in the U.S.

Hi,

So my fiance had is K-1 approved and fly in on Feb 12th. He is from New Zealand and the only way to get to NY from New Zealand is by changing planes. There is no direct flight to JFK. I am picking him up at JFK as I live 50 minutes from that airport but he has to change planes in LAX as he did when he was on holiday.

My question is, will he have to do all the K-Visa forms at LAX or will that be done at JFK or both. I understand JFK is the only place that can stamp the EAD on his passport or I-94 and I am just worried that he will still be able to get that despite needing to change planes at LAX. I know you have to get your bags etc at LAX and transfer them to the domestic connections. Please let me know. He really needs the EAD.

Thanks

Did you already buy the flights?? My fiance is from Australia and although most of the flights stop through LAX, we bought one that actually goes around the other way, stopping in Korea and then straight on to JFK (for the sole purpose of most likely getting the EAD). If you can't find a flight like that from NZ, you could always get one to Asia or Europe or something and then one from there to JFK. (Of course, only if you haven't bought them yet).

Best wishes!

Approved for visa!!!!

Hoorayyyyyyyyyyyy... Steve had his visa interview in Sydney today (30 Jan) at 8am, which went very smoothly despite a couple hours of waiting. He was thanked several times for having everything ready and in order, and the only questions they asked were when we were getting married and where we'd be living. Easy!! Nothing about the affidavit or any other forms, and no asking for evidence of our relationship. Oh well! He's leaving from Sydney tonight so they're sending his visa via Express Post.

Only 2 weeks and 6 days now!!!...but who's counting So many of us are so close now - just think how far we've come!!! Thanks to all fellow July-filers for their information and support - you've been a tremendous help to us both.

We got approved!!!! Now the only thing separating us is 3 more weeks of waiting (well, and 10,000-odd miles).

Steve had his interview today at 8am and, other than a couple hours of waiting, it went very smoothly. A couple of the officers even thanked him profusely for having everything ready and in the right order!! He said that more than once he saw other people go up and say "ohh... you need that?" when they had just told everyone to have their things ready. Some people are ridiculous!

The only questions they asked were when we're getting married and where we'd be living - nothing about the affidavit or any other forms!

We are both so excited!!! Thanks so much to all in this thread for all the information and support. Hugs!

Hey guys!

Steve just got his interview date in the mail - January 30!!!! We are very excited. He'll probably come over a couple weeks after that (if all goes well, of course). We're not stressing too much, esp after what you all have said about the Sydney interview - just have to get all our paperwork in order.

Thanks for all the info!

Pat, did you say the fee change was after Jan. 31? I think his letter said to pay $150-something so I am really hoping we don't wind up having to buy 2 receipts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS....

Yay to everyone starting the year off with excitement Pat CONGRATULATIONS on your interview girlie.. HOW exciting...

Katz...

can you PLEASE do me a HUGE HUGE favor being that you are the most recent to have received Packet 3 from Sydney... let me know if it was only the following 4 forms..

and could you please check the top right hand corner of the ones you received for the "expiry date"

Only reason I ask is that up until Xmas they were available as downloadables from the Sydney US consulate website, but now they are not LOL... typical - and I want to check whether or not the ones that I downloaded are the most recent..

For example the forms that I currently have

DS2053

DS3024

DS3025

DS3026

all have an expiry date of May 2007 in that top corner. Is that the same as what you have or different?? If different would you be so kind to scan in the new forms (good print quality resolution) and post them in the VJ gallery for folks to download..

It's just that I am jumping the gun a little LOL... I am not expecting my NOA2 until either late this month, or sometime in February - and really not expecting the interview till April... HOWEVER I am actually flying over to the USA on the 7th Feb to spend Feb and March with my darling man - purely to do some pre-wedding organising and other stuff, and it is much better than hanging out here (even though I am leaving my kiddos behind with their Dad during that time) - but they will be back at school, and now that my house was sold and we are only a fortnight away from moving out of it - all my stuff is packed, all I would be doing is sitting around in an empty hollow house all day twiddling my thumbs LOL... yadda yadda yadda... LOL.. However I expect that during my absence that Packet 3 will turn up, and I will have EVERYTHING ready to go, my eldest son and I have already done our police and fingerprint checks, I have all birth certs, divorce papers, affadavits (re: permission for the kids moving) and I also am pre-doing the medicals (we have an appointment for next week), so that while I am away - as soon as that Packet turns up (my ex) is kindly posting off the statement of readiness for me (grin - already signed - just waiting for the file number - all paperwork required is ready and sitting in a folder - and what isn't I will accumulate while I am in the USA)... I tell yah making all these arrangements for one person is hectic, when you are doing it with kiddos as well - ahhhhhh juggling time frames, appointments, airfares, school and more is just CRAZY...

have a GREAT day (and thanks in advance)

Tracy

;-)

Hi Tracy! I wanted to help you but I am confused... I thought the forms in packet 3 were DS-230, DS-156, and I-134. These are still downloadable from the website, and the 2 DS's have a 2010 expiration date. I think I am totally confused

Hi all!

Just a quick question... I'm going on a K-1 visa. I just received packet three yesterday, and now currently filling out form "DS-230 part 1, Biographic Data". On question 14, where the spouse's information is, it says "Date of Marriage (mm-dd-yyyy)". We're obviously not married yet... So what do I put in that space? Just "N/A" "NONE"?

Hi Katz!

My fiance had his packet 3 sent from Sydney, and on the form apparently the consulate hand-wrote in "to-be" Spouse for that question. So he filled out my information and put our projected date of marriage. We figure the date is in the future so we're obviously not married yet, plus they must have wrote in "to-be" for a reason. Just our take on it. Did they do that on yours too?

Hey Courtney - your wedding date is supposed to be 08 right? We have the same one

I have been silently reading alot...I am SO excited that this part of the journey could be over in a matter of weeks for some of us! Best wishes to everyone as we get through this final leg of being apart from our loves.

I'm home! I got home on the last flight out of Sydney last night. Relieved that it's all over and done with.

A summary:

Got to the Consulate just before 7.30am, waited for about 10 minutes and then they'll let us up. There were about 10 of us who went up in one batch and then surely but surely more and more people kept coming through even before the security guards arrived. In the end, I was third in line for security checks and first as an "IV" applicant and got to sit in the "special row" . At just after 8am they let us "IV" applicants up the elevator (there were 4 of us) and as luck would have it, I got into the elevator first so I got out last meaning I was last in line when we went in to Level 59.

The first couple (they were K1 too) had the wrong visa processing fee so the fiancee had to go to the post office to get the right one. That held up the proceedings quite a bit. The other guy in line was an American citizen that just needed a visa so he was in and out. Then up went the second guy (he was a young guy and he probably wasn't a K1). Then me! I got up there just after 9am, gave the lovely lady all my paperwork, she told me to sit down (and admire the view from L59) while she looked over my stuff. I pointed out the I-134s for Zach and his parents aren't there but all the supporting evidence were (plus I put unsigned copies of the I-134s so she could see exactly what she'll be eventually getting). About 20 minutes later she was all done and told me to wait for the interviewer. She even wished me "Good Luck!". She was lovely and really put me at ease.

Then 10 minutes later, I got called up to the next window and the Consulate guy and I just started having a "casual chat". He asked the mandatory "So, you're engaged?" and then it went on from there. He made a comment that I will love Missouri (they had a massive poster of the Gateway Arch by the computers so that was a good omen for me). Chat, chat, chat and then a couple of minutes later he told me I was approved PENDING I get the signed I-134s in. I told him it is definitely on its way (and when I got home last night, one set of it was waiting on my bed!). I left my passport with them (he offered to give it back but I knew I had to just give it back anyway so I thought they might aswell keep it) and then we said our pleasantries goodbye and I got out of there!

So there you have it! Conditionally approved! Yay! Now we can start planning our Missouri wedding, look at one way flights and go from there - I just realised there's sooooooooooooooo much to do between now and when I eventually leave. Tomorrow I put in my resignation at work and now seriously preparing for the big move. Any pointers?

At the end of the day, I didn't need to freak out and I did calm down as soon as I got there and waiting (as impatient it got at times) really helped me out. And I truly believe that without you guys and the abundant knowledge out here on VJ, I would have been more nervous - because after reading reviews and getting your comments and advice, it really helped to know how the day was going to go so there was no "surprises". So everybody, THANK YOU!

P.S. As I took the shuttle to the airport from my hotel, I had a lovely couple from LA who also stayed at the Radisson with me. And get this, when we started conversing and I told them I was moving to Missouri and just had my Consulate appointment today, the guy is actually an IMMIGRATION AGENT/LAWYER - so he helps out people like me/us! Talk about small world, hey?

Aw Pat that is awesome!! Congrats!!!!! When are you going to leave?

Hi lovely people

Thank you so much for all your posts of concern but it turns out I'M A BIT DYSLEXIC because the letter and the website actually said "January 31, 2008" and here I was thinking that any interviews after "DECEMBER 31". I think because of my anxiousness it kept making me think I needed to pay the new fee (and also the fact that they wrote it on my sheet that I needed to pay $157.20 (so it wasn't entirely my fault)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So at the end of it all I'm covered. Phew. BUT THANKS for all your advice. I would go insane without you guys!

BTW, my email to the Consulate was answered first thing this morning and they pointed out my BIG mistake at reading

I've just photocopied all my documents three times over. I'm going to check it once, twice, three times more between now and my 7.20am flight out to Sydney tomorrow morning.

This may well be my last post until I come home Wednesday. Send me good vibes for Wednesday morning!!!

P.S. Have a lovely New Year's Eve festivities this evening/tomorrow evening (wherever you may be!)

xx

Good luck Pat! We'll be thinking of you!

Happy New Years to all

In the packet three, do you get medical exam information and a list of required immunizations? Or does it get sent in packet four?

Hi!! You do get the medical exam info in packet 3, and I think it has info about required immunizations too. When you call to schedule your medical, you can check with the physician on the immunizations you need for your age group. I think it's basically MMR, Td (tetanus/diptheria), and Vacirella.

Merry Christmas to you!!

Well, I got my Christmas wish (but not exactly too ecstatic about it though)....got my interview date for January 2. I should be really happy but I've got enough stress to worry about right now and then they gave me a week & 2 days!!!!!!!!!! (I know, I know, I should be grateful).

I'm not mentally prepared for this so I think we're going to ask, beg, plead for a re-schedule

But on a happier note, have a lovely Christmas everybody!!!!!!!!!!!! (wherever you may be....)

Wowww that is quick!!! Maybe they had a cancellation. Will you have all your paperwork ready? I know what you mean by not being mentally prepared though. My fiance is going to send in his packet 3 on the 2nd, so maybe we'll get a quick interview too

Happy Christmas to you too!!

Hey guys!

On average... How long does Sydney take to mail out packet three?

It took about 8 days for us. I'd say give it a week or two.

Ahh, sweet. Thanks.

Uhm... One more question... Sorry...

The "sponsor's financial responsibility under the social security act." thingy, do we get a copy of that form in package three? I saw a pdf of it, but it seemed blurred. What exactly do I do with it? Just send the form off to my fiance so he can sign it, and then send it back to me?

It took exactly 8 days for us to receive packet 3 too! About the financial responsibility thing, my fiance did not receive that in his packet 3, so I have no idea how we're supposed to get it for the interview...? I sort of figured if we needed it, they'd have sent it, but then somewhere on here it says Sydney requires it. So maybe someone else can help us out?

Tax returns question...

Hi All!

I am just wondering - I keep reading people talk about having 3 years tax returns for the interview, but on the I-134 it mentions nothing about these unless you are self-employed. Are these just a back-up that is sometimes requested? If so, why would this not be listed on the I-134 directions?

Thanks for your help!!

Affidavit of Support question...

Hi All!

I am just wondering - I keep reading people talk about having 3 years tax returns for the interview, but on the I-134 it mentions nothing about these unless you are self-employed. Are these just a back-up that is sometimes requested? If so, why would this not be listed on the I-134 directions?

Thanks for your help!!

I'm done with the medical part...now on to the home stretch!

The medical was painless and quick. Dr. Miller is one very busy man! I got there half an hour early and Joan went through my paperwork making sure everything was in order. It was handy to have that extra time to sort through it and have it explained to me

I went in, the Dr. asked me some questions, did some stamping and then I laid down on the examining table and he took my blood pressure, listened to my heart and that was it! Done, all paperwork signed.

The last bit was Joan putting all the documents in the order that the Consulate apparently like to have it. She advised me not to unravel it and if I do, to put it back the way it was Joan is definitely on the ball with this one! She wished me good luck and left the clinic.

We're hoping to send off the interview form tomorrow and wait for a date. I'm seriously asking Santa for Zach and I to find out our interview date BEFORE Christmas. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will happen by mid-January!!!!

Before I go, with the Affidavit of Support, Zach mentioned that he read somewhere that the form needs to be verified by a USCIS agent? Is this correct?

Good luck with everybody as they go through the process. HD, all the best with your medical too!

Hi! It says on the Affidavit of Support instructions that the form needs to be sworn before a USCIS officer OR a notary public. USCIS does it for free, notary public there is a charge - I called a place today though and they said it's only $5. I hope you find out about your interview date before Xmas too! Then, I'm only a couple weeks behind you

question about police check...

my fiance got it done today and i asked if (being in queensland) they told him it would be sent directly to the consulate (since I read that on one of the consulate websites). He said there was a question that said "if you are applying for a visa and would like your results sent to the consulate, enter the address here". he just left if blank since he thought he needed to bring it to the interview. I'm assuming that's ok - he'll just get it at his house and take it to the interview rather than them already having it - am i right??

Hmm...my form never asked for it to be sent to the Consulate. I really hope it doesn't have to be sent there directly! Well, I have mine here at home, sealed (and I'm too afraid to open it unless that's not a no-no).

If I read the instructions one more time I think I'm going to go crazy

This is what it said on the page i read...

Return of police certificates for NSW and Queensland residents

For NSW and Queensland residents, your police record will be sent directly to the U.S. Consulate in Sydney by the police department, and the Criminal Records Section will notify you that this has been done. If you do not receive this notification within 3 weeks of your application, we strongly recommend that you ascertain the status of your records by checking at the police station where you initially made your request.

So, I think it's only for NSW and Queenslanders. But, I also have read posts from people in NSW saying they took their original certificate to their interview. So, who knows?! I think we're both ok. Are you almost ready to send in your packet 3?? We're still waiting for my fiance to receive his. I'm hoping to get it all together to send in the checklist before xmas since he's going away that week... but it may have to be just after the new year. It's getting so exciting!

question about police check...

my fiance got it done today and i asked if (being in queensland) they told him it would be sent directly to the consulate (since I read that on one of the consulate websites). He said there was a question that said "if you are applying for a visa and would like your results sent to the consulate, enter the address here". he just left if blank since he thought he needed to bring it to the interview. I'm assuming that's ok - he'll just get it at his house and take it to the interview rather than them already having it - am i right??

What's the difference between the AUS size and the US size passport photos? When I was visiting in Aus in June my fiance and I got passport photos taken (I'm assuming AUS-type photos), and I handed them in with my I-129F petition so they were ok for that. Now online I'm seeing huge square pictures as US style passport photos...so I held up one of the photos I had taken in AUS to my U.S. passport, and they are the same exact size! I'm confused...

Hi jennybeni

I got my passport photos (for my medical) last night and asked the lady at the picture place what the difference was. She said that US passport photos are SQUARE and it requires more of your head showing (I don't exactly know what that meant though, all photos require my head to be shown!). With Australian photos it cost $9.95 for 4. The US photos costs $9.95 for only 2. So here's hoping my medicals require Aussie ones because that's what I got...

Speaking of medicals...I have arranged to go into Dr. Miller's office tomorrow morning to pick up my request forms for my X-Ray and Blood Test. I have an appointment at the X-Ray place at 9.15am and I will get my blood test at IMVS the same time. Then on Thursday night I get my Tetanus and Hep B jab.

And this morning, the police station called me saying my police check was done. Yay!

So I think we'll be doing the Interview Request Form soon-ish. Yay! I'm still aiming for a mid-January interview date and an early February departure to the US. Fingers crossed!

hmm...thanks for the info! guess i'll just have him get the square ones just in case so he can bring both sizes and they can pick which they want for what! that's so dumb though, the picture in my own U.S. passport is not a square at all.

Hopefully I'll be a couple weeks behind you - my fiance ordered his police check today and is getting his immunity test done on saturday! yay for almost being done with this part of the process!!