Liam and Sam

Hi there- I am posting this in response to a personal message- I can't seem to figure out how to upload an attachment to a personal message, so I am uploading it here. For anyone else who may be interested, I am trying to attach a template of the letter I faxed to the Sydney Consulate to request the opening of a provisional file once I learned our case was approved and sent by NVC. We never received official notice that a provisional file was opened, but my fiance received his packet 3 within 2 days of our case leaving NVC, so I believe it did speed up the process. Hope this helps!

P.S. Does anyone know how to attach a file to a personal message? Thanks!

Thank you!! I went ahead and had my fiance fax it in yesterday. I'm not sure what kind of a time difference it will make (as far as I know my case should be there by now) but maybe they'll go ahead and issue packet 3 a bit quicker. Originally we were hoping to have the interview in May while I'm visiting but I'm not sure if we have enough time now. He went and requested the police check yesterday and the lady said it would take 4-6 weeks to be processed (but the Consulate's web site says that if they don't receive it in 3wks to call the police station and track it down ..)

I was reading some other posts and saw that the Consulate is requesting all documents be mailed in prior to the interview now. Is this really the case? I was hoping I could just bring the I-134 and supporting docs with me in May rather than snail mail them. Also, do they send the medical information in packet 3 or packet 4?? Just curious if he can do this next week instead of waiting on them.

what type of wedding are you having when you guys come on the visa? Will you just use town hall and a have a bigger wedding later on? or having a small wedding only when you get together with close friends and family? I was thinking just town hall but now i'm thinking i really would like a small one for just family and a few close friends at the beach during sunset with a jp. And coming home and having a cookout it would be in july sometime. What do you guys think? I just want it to be a lil more special than town hall and married within 10 mins in a regular old building u know? what are your thoughts on this?

We decided to run away for a weekend to a small bed and breakfast and get married just the two of us. The elopement package includes everything - we just have to show up dressed. It was a nice alternative to the town hall and the stress of getting something bigger together. They even provide a mini reception for two complete with a small cake and champagne. The other neat thing is it's somewhere neither of us has been before so it'll feel like we've gone somewhere special and had at least a taste of a honeymoon!

The beach idea sounds beautiful. I have a feeling that it's going to be a hot summer so I'm sure everyone would love a casual cookout afterwards to mingle and have a good time.

What is the price of a medical in the US anyways?? I was kinda looking like this: o_O when I heard the price in my country :/

It would depend on the insurance and if it lands under preventative care or not... which I doubt... not sure of exact amount though.

yea it would be great to have a Moving Here and Your New Life In America forum, to talk about settling in and our new lives together to talk and ask about anything also questions about AOS we could help each other lots I love this forum <3

Since you mentioned it - I was wondering about the medical exam in relation to AOS. I've heard that the medical results from the K1 should be used in the AOS petition and it would be very expensive to have them redone in the US. How long are the results good for?? I'm sure this was answered somewhere else but if someone could give the rest of us a heads up that would be much appreciated!

Liam will be getting his medical done soon but won't be able to enter the US immediately upon visa approval (but definitely within the six month window) - I worry that his medicals will expire and we'll be spending even more money to get them redone.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Guys,

I 've noticed that most of petitions of the end of the February were

approved and most of petitions of the beginning of the Feb.(1-8) besides

ours have not approved yet. What it might depends from in your

opinion?

It felt like this was happenening with January filers at one time too. Hang in there!

I got my visa interview date today!! woohooo!! Medical tomorrow also, to be honest i am shocked at how fast its gone. I was preparing myself for at least a 6 month wait, but its 3 months from initial filing to interview date! Can you believe that!

I know one reason is that we were very much prepared and have everything in order, this is in no small part due to all of you here! Thank you!

Big congrats & good luck! I am envious that it's going by so quickly for you! I just called NVC this morning and my case finally arrived on Friday. They said the turn around is about a week... I really hope it's a matter of days like most others. I was so excited to hear it got there safely (still having immigration nightmares despite my NOA2) that I forgot to ask the new case number - will have to give them a call tonight I suppose. Congrats again!

I find called DoS is easier - you get through faster, and they WILL give you your NVC reference.

Ihave to callthem tonight to see if my file arrived at the embassy yet.

Someone told me that you have to have your new NVC case number in order to DoS. ..Thanks for the heads up!

I got my visa interview date today!! woohooo!! Medical tomorrow also, to be honest i am shocked at how fast its gone. I was preparing myself for at least a 6 month wait, but its 3 months from initial filing to interview date! Can you believe that!

I know one reason is that we were very much prepared and have everything in order, this is in no small part due to all of you here! Thank you!

Big congrats & good luck! I am envious that it's going by so quickly for you! I just called NVC this morning and my case finally arrived on Friday. They said the turn around is about a week... I really hope it's a matter of days like most others. I was so excited to hear it got there safely (still having immigration nightmares despite my NOA2) that I forgot to ask the new case number - will have to give them a call tonight I suppose. Congrats again!

Please note the following if you are considering filing an I-130 petition:

Unlike filing petitions in the United States, petitions submitted overseas must be submitted in person by the U.S. citizen, not by mail.

To be eligible to file a petition in Australia, the petitioner must have maintained continuous residency in Australia for a minimum of the preceding six months. In addition, he/she must be able to show permission to reside in Australia and demonstrate that he/she has been doing so for at least six months before filing the petition.

If the petitioner is a member of the U.S. military stationed outside of the U.S., a copy of his/her orders must accompany the I-130 petition.

I am a dual citizen of Australia & Canada. Due to waiting times of over a year with the backlog in Canada, my US Citizen husband and I were planning on filing DCF in Australia because it is much faster. For a long time, Australia was one of the few countries who did not require proof of 6 months residency, even as recently as last year.

However, being the cautious person I am, I thought I'd better double check that they were still allowing non-resident USC to file in person in Sydney without the 6 month residency before we booked tickets to fly over & a good thing I did. Their response is above - I guess they have come into line with all the other consulates around the world.

So there is the update! Bummer for us... If anyone has gotten around the residency requirement for the USC recently, you'll have to let me know.

Good luck to all.

We ran into the same thing. I thought for sure we had found a loop hole to be together sooner... nope. Thank God I had emailed and asked or else we would have been filing K3 instead and waiting longer! Unfortunately the only other alternative is having the USC file the fiance visa to migrate to Australia instead of the US (it's a lot faster in some cases).

There were also people reported getting it on easter sunday so I think they also do it on saturdays

I received my approval on a Sunday but wasn't actually notified via email until Monday morning (sometime between 7-8am).

lol, btw, looking at your timing, it said case forwarded to NVC. how did u know that? did you call VSC? or USCIS put updates on their site?

It was the last day that USCIS ever touched my case (day after my approval) so I assumed that that's the day they sent it and closed out my stuff in their system.

our stuff got to the NVC and was turned around the next day and sent. guess we got lucky heh

Nah, NVC is fast. The problem is the CSC, they are sending out NOA2's, but not sending the paperwork to the NVC in a timely manner. You went through Vermont, so have nothing to worry about.

Does anyone know if the NVC is open on the weekends? Just wondering if they would receive mail on a Saturday.

i don't think they do. i called then today and the lady told me it's not in the system yet and ask me to call back next week, :whistle:

i figured they don't have it yet, since it's only been 2-3 days since my noa2. i just want to call anyway, lol :devil:

I've noticed that other's timelines show their stuff getting there within a matter of a day or two... but mine hasn't made it yet. I am definitely not worried, just restless. I wonder if NVC documents how many times you call in because I do it twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. I can't help it..

our stuff got to the NVC and was turned around the next day and sent. guess we got lucky heh

Nah, NVC is fast. The problem is the CSC, they are sending out NOA2's, but not sending the paperwork to the NVC in a timely manner. You went through Vermont, so have nothing to worry about.

Does anyone know if the NVC is open on the weekends? Just wondering if they would receive mail on a Saturday.

No approval, no touches, no thing for us.

But I do have some good news today... I GOT A NEW JOB!

That's right, no more Starbucks soon. I will be working at a bank, at their top branch in North Jersey. That's right, a real job, working with people my own age. LOL.

I'm actually kind of upset though, believe it or not. It's that whole "major life change drpression thing".. I really love my co-workers, and I love the job too. It just that the pay is horrendous, the work is extrememly physical and upper management (Target, not Starbucks) treats us poorly.

Something interesting about the new job is that its full-time, but only a four day work week. Every other weekend off, with three days off per week. Sounds like it could be nice. Wish it was Mon-Fri like a regular office job, but I guess that won't happen for me.

My dad is going to stay at the house to provide childcare until Gerry gets here, whenever that finally is. Can't see it happening before mid-July now.

So yep, that's my good news. Now I get to look forward to the stress of giving notice to the current job.

I know it won't make you feel better (because I know how restless I was too) but our case stopped being touched and then we were approved 2 weeks later. It'll be soon!!! And congrats on the job!!! I worked at Target a couple of years ago and the upper management attitude was the same there too... Walmart paid better if you can believe it.

Congrats on your approval

You would want to contact the NVC on Tuesdays that is when updates occur.

Just curious - how did you find out it was Tuesdays?? I called this morning to get an udpate and they said the standard 2-4 weeks line and that it wasn't there yet.. I won't stress over calling them everyday if it's truly a Tuesday deal.

Thanks for the responses! I was getting worried there for a second. Will try tomorrow I guess ...

By the way, Amanda+Stephen - how were you able to tell your case left VSC?? Now I'm frantically gathering up all information related to the next step... I am sooo ready to get this show on the road!!

As Gaye stated, just called the NVC - basically, my file was touched the day after approval (from USCIS site), I assumed that was the day it left for NVC, because never updated on the USCIS site again. I was going to call 2 days later, but I figured they had probably just received it (and that was Good Friday) so I waited and called on Monday and gave the USCIS case number and answered the other questions (beneficiary name and DOB) and the man informed me it had arrived on Friday and couldn't tell me anything else, he suggested calling back in a week. I called back on Tuesday, and a woman informed me it was leaving the NVC that day. I'd say give it two days, and then call. Then using the posts here about DHL, we were able to track our package (it was the only one going to Frankfurt all last week!)

And then the unfortunate part, we had hoped packet 3 would come while I was still visiting, so we could do the forms together. We left to catch the train to Cologne on Saturday around noon. My flight was yesterday morning. Anyhow, when he got back home, he had Packet 3 waiting for him ... so now I'm busy scrambling to get things filled out on my end that I need to send him. If only had been one day sooner!!

Anyhow, calling the NVC is a breeze, but do it either early in the morning or late at night East Coast time ... otherwise it will loop you through the automated system once and then pass you back, and tell you all representatives are busy and then hang up on you

It all starts moving a lot faster now .... so happy for you!!!

Ok so just tried calling NVC to see if the case had arrived. The lady told me it would take 2-4 weeks and to check back at the END of April.... I'm really hoping she doesn't know what she's talking about. I even told her that it was a K1 visa and gave her the receipt number she asked for and she indicated that it hasn't been received yet. I think I may try calling the DoS instead.

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to the Aussie forum as well.. although, I'm the American. Just wanted to drop in and say hi and ask a few quick questions. We received our NOA2 recently and our case made it to NVC today - hopefully it'll be on it's way over the ocean within the next few days. In an effort to get things ready beforehand I was going to have Liam get the police record check done next week. I know that QLD sends the records straight to the Consulate but I saw someone mention they had to put the Consulate's address on the form. This is a dumb question but should he use their main address?

U.S. Consulate General

MLC Centre

Level 59

19-29 Martin Place

Sydney, NSW 2000

Just wanted to double check - knowing my luck there would be a "special" address or something and it'd get lost. Ha. Also, how long does it generally take them to submit the clearance to the Consulate?

We are crossing our fingers (and toes) that we can get an interview scheduled during my visit in May so we could fly down there together. Thus why we want to get the checklist back to them asap.

Also, he'll be scheduling his medicals with one of the doctors in Bris - any tips I should know about? Does he have to wait for packet 3 to call them up? I've already let him know to schedule vaccinations with his usual doctor and claim on MediCare (is printing results on letterhead good enough or do they need to use a special form?)

Thanks in advance for answering my many questions!!!

Honestly all this varies from state to state, county to county. I know for where I am (and i've just recently checked into these questions) that for our marriage license all he has to produce is his passport. No SSN required. For his Driver's License... he will need to show his passport (to verify who he is with a pic) and his SSN # (which by the time we are ready to get his license he will have. He will also have to pass the driving and vision tests. Your best bet is to contact the county in which you will be residing.. explain to them your situation and status and they will be able to advise accordingly.

I'm actually surprised at how easy what we need to do will be to get done.... but that's a good thing!

I was actually wondering about Texas and couldn't seem to find any concrete info.. haha, how excited he'll be when he finds out he probably has to redo the driving tests!

Congratulations! I hope this is a sign of another busy week!

This will help you track your case from NVC to USEM

Thank you! It's amazing that people figured out how to track this stuff without even getting the actual number.

Thanks for all the replies on what to do next!!! Knowing that in a week our case could potentially be flying over the ocean to its final destination is comforting. Things do indeed speed up from this point forward.

I know it's a bit far fetched but we would love love to go to Sydney together for the interview when I'm down there in May. I'm not relying on it, but it would definitely be a nice way to end the process.

Thanks again.

Let's give some SEXY DANCE for LIAM & SAMANTHA , NOA 2: 3-30-2008

VSC, Pls keep them coming!!!!

for those who are still waiting: Never let go of HOPE. One day you will see that it has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?'

JANUARY FILERS W/ NOA2 :

NAME                      DATE FILED               NOA1               NOA2  
1. Olga & Gene               01-02                 01-08           2008-02-24 
2. Iain & Kati               01-18                 01-31           2008-02-24 
3. Darren & Dawn             01-28                 01-31           2008-02-25 
4. Marcel & Melodie          01-25                 01-30           2008-02-25 
5. L & T                     01-07                 01-14           2008-02-25 
6. Priscilla & Eric          01-12                 01-18           2008-02-27 
7. Femi & Noel               01-12                 01-15           2008-02-28 
8. Noo & Bill                01-25                 02-05           2008-02-29 
9. Paul & Susan              01-03                 01-24           2008-02-29 
10.Louis & Catherine         01-11                 01-24           2008-02-29 
11.Mina & Fred               01-04                 01-08           2008-02-29 
12.Mauricio & Stephanie      01-11                 01-17           2008-02-29 
13.Ritesh & Lisa             01-05                 01-15           2008-03-02 
14.jomylyn & michael         01-04                 01-14           2008-03-03 
15.Yohann & Monica           01-10                 01-15           2008-03-03 
16.Scott & Micki             01-18                 01-23           2008-03-04 
17.Rod & Jenni               01-22                 01-24           2008-03-04 
18.Jennifer & Steven         01-19                 01-31           2008-03-04  
19.Alejandro & Wanda         01-17                 01-18           2008-03-05 
20.Aidan & Ashley            01-18                 01-25           2008-03-05 
21.Marco & Nicole            01-04                 01-09           2008-03-05 
22.Justyna & Dominik         01-14                 01-25           2008-03-05 
23.Rhoge & Frank             01-22                 01-25           2008-03-05 
24.Rich & Nicole             01-17                 01-23           2008-03-05 
25.Gosia & Brian             01-05                 01-09           2008-03-05 
26.Abby & Eric               01-28                 02-11           2008-03-06 
27.G & J                     01-25                 02-02           2008-03-06 
28.Geoff & April             01-25                 01-29           2008-03-07 
29.Irina & Vu                01-18                 01-22           2008-03-11 
30.Trang & Bill              01-23                 01-25           2008-03-12 
31.Tim & Schmissa            01-16                 01-22           2008-03-12 
32.Chris & Monica            01-18                 01-22           2008-03-12 
33.Bella & Joe               01-19                 01-25           2008-03-13 
34.Natasha & Brian           01-14                 01-18           2008-03-13 
35.Sally & Jay               01-31                 02-11           2008-03-14 
36.Mike & Amber              01-30                 02-05           2008-03-14  
37.Santos & Donna            01-04                 01-12           2008-03-17 
38.Steve & Patti             01-10                 01-14           2008-03-17 
39.Juliana & Andre           01-17                 01-22           2008-03-18  
40.Gaye & Ricky              01-29                 02-04           2008-03-18 
41.Ria & Stephen             01-16                 01-18           2008-03-18 
42.Miriam & Simon            01-16                 01-28           2008-03-18 
43.Stephen & Amanda          01-31                 02-05           2008-03-19 
44.Azzeddine & Kathleen      01-08                 01-14           2008-03-26        
45.Lilliput/Rosehall & Trelawny 01-07              01-11           2008-03-27         
46.Liam & Samantha           01-14                 01-16           2008-03-30        

UPCOMING APPROVALS (approvals coming very very soon):

NAME                         Date Filed                 NOA1                               
1.E & L                     01-01                      01-15
2.Manisha & Ravi            01-03 
3.Mary & Tor                01-04             
4.R & R                     01-08                      01-11
5.Alba Lucia & James Claydon 01-09                     01-15
6.Gerry & Karen             01-10                      01-14
7.Jiang & He                01-10 
8.Ksusha & Pasha             01-12                      01-16
9.TL & LN                    01-12                      01-15
10.SS & PS                   01-14                      01-16
11.Gamal & Erin              01-16                      02-04
12.Mounia & Herol            01-17                      01-24
13.Mary Grace & Eric         01-21                      02-20
14.lina & ray                01-23                      02-01
15.nkem & obim               01-24                      02-02
16.Mohammed & Rebecca        01-26             
17.Paul & Kate               01-28 
18.Casper & Nichole          01-28                      01-30                    
19.Kim & Emily               01-29                      01-30
20.Anne & Drew               01-30                      02-12
21.James & Nikki             01-31                      03-05

What would we do without you!!! I had no idea how good it would feel to see our name move on that list!!!

By the way, Amanda+Stephen - how were you able to tell your case left VSC?? Now I'm frantically gathering up all information related to the next step... I am sooo ready to get this show on the road!!

So this morning I woke up and checked my status and no change - I get to work and decide, what the heck I'll feed the urge and check again. I burst into tears when I saw this:

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On March 30, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

I can't even describe how shocked I am. I for sure thought we'd be waiting longer.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PRAYERS!!!! I do hope this is a sign that VSC will start cranking them out again this week and no one will be left waiting.

Just took a look at Igor's List and saw that an approval was given from VSC for someone who received their NOA1 in March... .. wait up!!! What about January??

What happened to everyone??? It's gotten so quiet.. are we all just quietly hoping??

Tomorrow is Sunday - best of luck to everyone..

Approval came today! Thanks to everyone for their support and wishes, Despite my up and down days, you guys have all been awesome!!!

I'm crossing fingers for everyone else now.........

Congrats! I have a question - did you check more than once today? Just wondering if you checked it and then it appeared later on or something.