faith0922

As far as I can remember, you pay the immigrant visa fee when you lodge the I-130. You don't need to pay any additional fee when you go to your final interview.

Good luck!

What stage of the process are you in now? I had to go through this in 2008 and was approved (took approx 3 months from date of filing i-130). But we decided to extend our stay here in Australia. Since the visa was only good for 6 months, we have to go through the whole process again.

For those who have been through the final interview through the process at DCF, do I need to send a receipt of payment with my DS2001 and supporting documents package? I have looked high and low for an amount, or details on what to pay and how to do it and I just can't seem to find it. I do see on people's timelines that a payment was made for an I-864 but I'm not sure this applies to me.

Does anyone have any assistance on this matter? Thanks

Hello everyone...

I'm filing for DCF (once again). Kaffy, how are things going on your end?

My green card was approved some time in August 2008, but since it's only good for 6 months and e we decided to delay our move, it has now expired. So we're repeating the whole process ALL OVER AGAIN!

hdouthit, there is sort of an interview when your husband files the I-130, but the main immigrant visa interview will be after the I-130 has been approved and all the paperworks have been done (as kaffy has mentioned). In my experience, it took approximately 3 months to complete the whole process from the date of filing the Petition. And we filed from Perth, so it might be at least a week faster if you are filing it in the east coast.

Hello,

I'm just wondering if anyone knows whether it's possible to extend a DCF-granted spouse visa?

My husband an I have are still waiting for a decision on our current temporary (457) visa in Australia. If this is denied, we may not have enough time to repeat the whole DCF process again, as we will have 28 days (after Australian visa denial) to make arrangements to depart the country. Like all of you, we don't want to be separated.

Thanks

We stayed at Rydges World Square. It's about 10-15 minutes walk from the Consulate. A little bit pricey, in my opinion, but we excused ourselves as our trip to Sydney also doubled as a weekend getaway.

Hey Davis, questions are alright. I guess that's why this forum is here. You're welcome anyway.

Now to answer your next question. You will need to sign Part I of DS-230, but not Part 2. You will sign Part 2 during the visa interview.

Kaffy, I understand your concern about the name they put in your Green Card. I wonder if there's a way to find out before they send it to you?

Hi all! Sorry I had been idle for a while. had been busy catching up with work, and also trying to tidy up my work so that whenever we move, the transition would be smooth for whoever replaces me.

Nice to hear that things seem to be working out well for you kaffy and loz.

There's a good chance that we'll be moving to Philadelphia before the end of the year.

Davis, you'll have to list all prior visits to the US. On the Instructions area on top of the page it states "If there is insufficient room on the form, answer on a

separate sheet using the same numbers that appear on the form."

Kaffy, were you told how long it would take before you receive your "green card"? In the pre-departure notice it says it could take months, just wondering if you were given an estimate of how many months.

Cheers!

Hi guys, how are things going on your end?

Good to hear some good news for your Loz.

Thanks for sharing your POE experience Kaffy!

Btw, I received my visa and the "sealed envelope" on Monday. So we're good to go whenever we need to (as long as we leave within 6 months).

That's terrible!!!

Sorry to hear that loz... hopefully they will give him an appointment asap.

Hi kerstinh,

Like kaffy, I also just recently completed the DCF process in Australia. It's best if you can read through this thread, as it has a detailed information of our recent experiences with the DCF process here in Australia. The process has been surprisingly easy and simple.

Click on this link and scroll down to the "Police Certificates" section, there you will see if you'd need to file for a police clearance from Germany.

Re: contacting the consulate for help, I think it's best to contact Sydney Consulate (SydneyIV@state.gov) if you have specific questions, because the immigrant visas are processed through them. I've had luck receiving answers from them within a couple of them.

Good luck!!!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks to all of you!!!

Hedda&Liam, our Packet 3 was sent 3 weeks after we filed I-130 in Perth. If I remember it right, Kaffy's took only 2 weeks? So there's a good chance you'll receive your Packet 3 within 2-3 weeks. Where did you file your I-130?

It may also be a good idea to email them and ask for updates after a week or two.

Hi guys,

Just wanted to share my good news, my visa was approved yesterday (26 Aug '08)!!!

Thank you all for your help and support...this forum has made our visa journey a lot easier than if we had done it on our own...despite the few minor bumps, it has been a pretty smooth journey.

Good luck to all those who are still going through the process...All the best guys!!!

Hi bellamarie,

We were also asked to provide proof of domicile. My husband has been out of USA (in Australia specifically) for about 7 years now. On my interview, we provided evidence that he has taken the steps to re-establish domicile through printed emails of job offers. Apparently, that was sufficient enough and my visa was approved on the spot. Having a joint sponsor probably helped our case as well. Here is part of the document sent to us re: proof of domicile.

How can a petitioner establish domicile?

When a sponsor has clearly not maintained domicile in the United States, he/she will need to re-establish a U.S. domicile in order for him/her to be a sponsor. The sponsor may make a number of steps to show that he/she considers the United States his/her principal place of residence. Examples of things he/she can do are given below:

* Find a job (or job offer) in the United States

* Locate a place to live in the United States

* Register children in U.S. schools

* Make arrangements to give up (relinquish) residence abroad

* Evidence of current U.S. bank accounts

* Other evidence of a U.S. residence

If the sponsor establishes U.S. domicile, it is not necessary for the sponsor to go to the United States before the sponsored family members. However, the sponsored immigrant may not enter the United States before the sponsor returns to the United States to live. The sponsored immigrant must travel with the sponsor or after the sponsor has entered the United States.

Hope this helps. Good luck!!!

Hi guys,

I just want to add myself to the list of successful JUNE '08 DCF filers!!! My visa was approved yesterday (26 Aug 2008).

Thank you all for the help and support, this forum has certainly made the first part of our visa journey so much easier.

Cheers!!!

Hey guys, we just woke up from a late night flight from Sydney.

The first part of my visa journey is finally over!!!

Here's a recollection of what happened on my visa interview day:

My appointment was at 8am. We arrived at reception 10 minutes early. There were a couple of people ahead of us on the queue, but in no time it was our turn. Showed my appointment letter to the security officer, but since the letter only had "my name" on it he almost didn't let my husband to go in with me. After explaining that he needed to provide evidence of his domicile, he made a quick call "upstairs" to check if my husband (USC) can be allowed to go up with me, we were allowed to proceed. ( It's amazing how fast those elevators are, we were up to level 59 in a flash!)

After going through a second security check, we went in the consulate, took a number, waited for less than 5 minutes and was called to a window. The CO took my documents (passport, 1 passport picture, Australian Police clearance, 3kg prepaid satchel, and hubby's proof of domicile), and after spending a couple of minutes checking that my files are in order, asked me to pay the visa fee and wait to be called back at the same window. The cashier window was still closed, so we had to wait for about 10 minutes, then paid the visa fee ($460.00). Hmmm... wonder why kaffy was lucky to get by with a $20 discount?

Anyway, after paying, we went back to the first window, she took my receipt, and asked what my status in Australia was. I told her that I'm a dependent on my husband's 457 visa. My Australian visa was in my old passport, which I wasn't sure whether I left it in the hotel room or in my purse at security. She (consular officer) said they would need to see my old passport as proof my status in Australia, and I told her I will give it to them as soon as possible. But seeing that everything else was alright, she asked us to take a seat and wait to be called again. I was then called to another window where my fingerprints were taken, then asked to take a seat and wait to be called once again.

After another few minutes, we were called to a third window where I was asked to sign Part II of my DS-230 form. The consular officer asked me when was I planning to fly out, and since we really don't have a definite date yet, I looked at my husband who then explained the situation that when and where we fly out/to will depend on which job he accepts. He also asked me what I do. After telling him my profession, he thought it shouldn't be a problem getting a job (which I do hope will be the case). He told us that other than needing to see my old passport, everything else seems to be in order, and if I bring back my old passport later in the day, MY VISA will be mailed to me within a couple of days and it will be valid for 6 months from the date of approval!

That was it! Those were the two interview questions.

We went back to Level 10. Luckily, my old passport was in my bag! We then went back up to Level 59, went thru the same security check, took another number and took a seat. Gladly we didn't have to wait for our number to

be called, one of the COs noticed us, and just asked for my passport. Then we were on our way!

If not for leaving my old passport behind, it would've only taken us under 45 minutes, but still it was a total of only a few minutes over an hour.

It's such a relief that the first part is over! THANK YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH!!! This forum and your support has really made this visa journey so much easier ...

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Glad to hear you're home kaffy! Good luck on the job hunt.

Loz, any news from the Consulate?

Good luck on your visa journey Davis! I forgot to look for Lindt cafe...although we did have our fill of sweets (probably more than enough) while we were in Sydney.

Welcome to the forum Hedda&Liam, hope you also have a smooth visa journey... Good luck!

My interview's not till Tuesday, but we're leaving for Sydney tomorrow. It will be my first time to see Sydney, and we thought we needed a break anyway, so decided to take advantage of the trip. Not really nervous about my interview (unless there's something I missed, then I should be really nervous). More excited about the trip, really. (hehe, i know it sounds ridiculous, but you have to understand... Perth is soooo far away!!!)

Anyway...

Good luck on the petition, Davis!

Kaffy, have you received your visa?

Loz, how are you doing and have you heard from the Consulate?

still no visa package and no response from the Consulate either (I sent off another email to them this morning)

Sorry to hear that kaffy. Hope you get it soon...real soon

Thanks for the greetings!

My Packet 4 was sent via email. Hope yours will be emailed soon. When was the last time you emailed them? Perhaps another email won't hurt?

Congrats on the car, Loz! Good luck on the move to Alabama..

Just got PACKET 4 today!!! It was surprisingly quick since I only sent it last week.

My interview date is on the 26th of August. I'm so happy!!! will be booking to fly to Sydney soon!

Loz, have you heard back from the Consulate?

Nice to hear you're doing well, Loz. No, I haven't heard anything from the consulate yet. It would be nice to hear confirmation that they received the packet 3. Just hang in there. Hopefully you'll hear from the Consulate soon.

I'm thankful we're not in a rush to get my visa now.

Wooohooo!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! :dance: So happy for you!!!

Seems like a pretty smooth interview. Hopefully mine will be as smooth as yours. We've been married for almost 3 years now... so hope they don't give me a hard time.

Congratulations again...and have a safe trip to the US of A.

Wow this thread has been pretty inspiring I am gearing up to have my wife file the I-130 form here in Sydney

I have 2 question at what stage do I need to provide my birth certificate as I am having to get a new birth certificate from the Uk and worried that it could delay things.

My wife has been over here from 2002 and as such never files her US taxes I have spoken to 3 different tax agents in the US and as she earns less than 85.700 and does not have any earning in the US I have been told she does not need to fill her taxes is this correct.

Lets hope my Petition is approved as fast as yours :-)

Welcome to the thread Davis!

I didn't provide my birth certificate when we filed for the petition. I just presented my passport as proof of identity. But once your petition is approved you will need to provide it with the Packet 3 documents.

Your wife will need to back file her previous years' taxes even if her income here is not taxable in the US. My husband (USC) did not file his taxes for several years either, but eventually we had to do it this year for my US visa application. We had a tax agent do this for us. He was very helpful in clearing up our confusion regarding taxes and US migration. I suggest you consult with a US tax consultant here in Australia, as they would be more familiar with tax issues/questions in relation to US migration. There is a list of tax agents from the US Embassy website, or if you want I can give you the contact details of the consultant we used. My husband only filed for the 3 most recent years (as advised by the tax consultant), because this is all that's needed in the I-864 (Affidavit of Support).

We also had to have a co-sponsor since his Australian income is not recognized as continuing income once we move back to the US.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

hooray I got my Japanese Police Certificate! The date stamped on the envelope is 2008.7.7 so who knows it could've been there the whole time yay it means I am all set and provided my interview goes well tomorrow I should be flying out on the 22nd

Congrats Kaffy!!! :dance: Hope your interview goes well today. Let us know how it goes,,,and perhaps some tips, too. ;)

I got my Aus police certificate yesterday as well. So really the only thing to wait for/look forward to is the visa interview.

Loz, hope you're settling fine in the US. Any updates on your hubby's application?

Good luck!

Thanks kaffy. I was starting to worry whether I got enough proof and how I was going to send a thick stack of documents. I'll just bring them on my interview as well.

Still no definite date as to when he needs to go. It seems like our move is moved to sometime in October or even January.

hi guys, glad to see your both moving forward in the application.

Sorry to hear you had to go back to the US without your hubby Loz, hope he joins you real soon. It will be a nightmare for us if my hubby has to leave for the US before my visa is approved, coz once he goes, my Aus visa will be gone too. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like he's needed in the US by early September.

Kaffy, hope your japanese certificate arrives soon.

Update on my application: Finally got my medical results on Friday. Unfortunately, my Aus police clearance hasn't arrived yet. Like kaffy, I also emailed Sydney and asked permission to send DS-2001 (minus the Aus police check), and they were quick in responding and gave me a go-ahead. So I'll be posting DS-2001 tomorrow!!!

One question though, the checklist in DS-2001 did not ask for proof of bonafide marriage. Did you send proof of bona fide marriage with your DS-2001? Or are those documents to be presented on the day of the interview?