Aussie MarineWife

Then you need a co-sponsor. Goodluck!

Hey there,

My husband and I got married at 21 and filed an I-130 (We are now 22) and are almost finished with our application at the NVC. We have had no problems so far, (afterall its legal to get married so its not like theres anything wrong!) As long as you two have enough proof that your relationship is legitimate theres no reason for you to be concerned

My dog is very very picky and wont eat wet dog food.. I usually have to microwave her chicken giblets to eat.. but she has no problem eating dry food.. Actually my vet recommended I feed her dry Cat food.. this was before I found out she liked giblets.. apparently if you keep the dog on an all round dry food diet dry cat food has more nutrients that look after the dogs teeth and other things!!

I've noticed the caged dog thing in the states too. My mate over there keeps her two boxers in a cage at night.. have never seen that here in OZ.

I received NOA2 on the 28th of September, and I literally got an email from USCIS saying my I-130 petition was approved and received at NVC two days ago!

If you wait for correspondence from the NVC you are going to be waiting a LOOONG Time! Dont wait for them... Be proactive and ring the NVC and ask for your case number and IIN so you can pay your AOS fee and then send an email with your partners choice of agent. Ive had to call the NVC a number of times, and Im always successful when I call at 7.29am EST time!!!!!! I get put on hold for 20 mins, but atleast you get to talk to a real person.. So far the automatic voice system doesnt even recognise my original USCIS Case number!!! So dont rely on it being updated either! Keep trying with the NVC... put it on speed dial and keep trying all hours of the day if you arent successful early morning.. Just make sure you always have your NOA1 receipt number ready to quote and have all your questions ready to role so you arent stunned when you finally get through to someone

I just want things to be consistent when I go for my consulate appointment.. Ill think Ill leave it out because I booked my trip for the maximum of three months that the waiver allows, but im expecting my interview back in Sydney to pop up with in that time providing we don't get any RFE'S etc.. So I might leave the states early which makes it difficult to put down an expected leave date.. I think Ill go with Samoray's suggestion about leaving it out haha

Hi guys,

Im visiting the US in early December under the Visa waiver program because my hubby gets back from military service in Afghanistan then!! I know the risks involved but theres really nothing that could get in the way of stopping me from at least trying! ANYWAY.. We are at the point where we have both payed the IV fee at the NVC And i-864 bill.. and have to wait for the hub to get back to sign the forms and then we will be sending both the I-864 and DS-230 off whilst I am visiting in the states. Im just not sure what to put on the DS-230 when it asks for the date and return dates for previous entries into the states... should I include in that response the present entry date (providing I get let through LAX airport)? Or can I just let it be.. (ive already filled in the forms thats all).

Cheers, Nicole

Hey, dont rely on getting automatic return emails from NVC, because you typically wont get one. I have emailed them several times, and have had a reply from NVC in about 12-14 days without ever getting an automatic response. I sent my emails multiple times thinking it wasnt going through, and now im getting multiple replies (Another one this morning in fact).. so just be patient they are getting through.

@ Harpa

OK, I will use normal postal mail so address is correct. Thanks!

@ pushbrk

I will change my cover letter and application assembly according to your suggestions. I will also NOT include a CD but print the pictures accordingly. Thank you!

I still need to make sure I input my wife's Swiss address correctly... that's on me.

Now, I AM a Newb. I was using an immigration lawyer but I found him to be incompetent and wanting to overcharge. So, I have a couple more questions I'd really appreciate confirmation on.

1. I petition for the I-130 only, right? I don't petition for anything else until the I-130 gets approved? (doesn't matter if I went K-3 or CR1?)

2. Any estimate as to how long it will take for an I-130 to get approved?

Thank you all!

Yep your petition for I-130 is correct because you are already married right?

As for how long it takes.. I sent in my I-130 Back in the beginning of April. I received my NOA2 on the 28th of Sept.. so Thats a little over 5 months processing time.. I think the most recent timeline is about 5-6 months.. I kept checking online around the 4 month mark.. and found out the case was approved a month before the notice arrived in the mail.. which has definitely helped speed things up when you get to the NVC stage. Once you send in your I-130 and get your NOA1 you can use the receipt number to sign up at the USCIS for email updates and to check the status of your case. Good luck

I changed My address online at the USCIS website and it was no problem whatsoever.

My husband also changed his address at one point by calling them. They are really helpful, we have gone through several addresses with the military and it hasn't caused any delays in our case at all.

We used colour copies and black and white copies interchangeably and we had no RFE'S I dont think its an issue which one you use

As a female choosing to change your name to your husbands name, or a variation thereof is a great feeling... suddenly interrupted by the knowledge that we need to change our name in Australia and wondering how. Changing your name when you marry overseas isn't as simple as if you married in Australia so this is a small guide (with a few links ) to explain the process a little better. Please read this entire post before continuing. Also, please be aware that I am referring to Aussie's by BIRTH because I believe there are other steps involved if you are naturalised (such as changing your naturalisation certificate, and home countries birth certificate, passport etc).

First, you don't HAVE to change your name to your husbands. You also don't HAVE to change your name in Australia if you don't want to. It is perfectly fine to travel in your maiden issue BUT the issue arises when you have to book the tickets... if you Aussie passport says Jones, you book in Jones, but then on the way back to the US you will need to show your Aussie passport, US greencard and marriage licence to prove the name change from passport to greencard... confusing if you ask me but entirely possible (I could be over-thinking it but makes sense to me anyway ) Also, if you change your name in the 12 months following your marriage you are entitled to a "gratis" passport (meaning free) .. more info on that to follow.

So, in order to change your passport, you first need a name change document. If you married in Australia this is as simple as your marriage licence, BUT in our case, being married overseas means we need to actually officially change our name with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) in your birth state and obtain an official "Name change certificate" (example from Vic below). If you were born overseas (but got an Aussie passport through naturalisation), the foreign marriage licence should be accepted (links below) BUT if you were born in Australia you MUST apply for an official name change certificate. The Australian Passport office does NOT accept foreign marriage licences if you are an Aussie by birth.

Also, depending on your state, they will most likely not accept the foreign marriage licence to change your driver's licence name and bank accounts (like Victoria does) so you'll need that name change certificate for that too.

The process is this:

APPLY FOR LEGAL NAME CHANGE:-

First, you will need to apply for a name change at the RBDM in your state. You will need to find the website for your state so you can find out your specific state requirements (here is a list of the RBDM's: http://australia.gov.au/topics/law-and-justice/births-deaths-and-marriages-registries ) or here are the specific links below:

ACT:

- name change info: http://www.ors.act.gov.au/bdm/WebPages/bdm2.html

- fees: http://www.ors.act.gov.au/bdm/WebPages/bdm_forms.html $129 at the time of posting

- form: http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/af/2009-168/current/pdf/2009-168.pdf

NSW:

- name change info: http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/changeName/changeName.htm

- fees: http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/OurFees.htm $140 for standard at the time of posting

- form: http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/PDF%20forms/04-ChangeNameAdult-Web180210.pdf

N.T:

- name change info: http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/bdm/faq.shtml

- fees: http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/bdm/fees.shtml looks to be $30 here but when you look at the form (below) it says you must also pay to get the certified copy which is $25 so $55 all up

- form: http://www.nt.gov.au/justice/bdm/documents/bdm/s2_con_adult.pdf

QLD:

- name change info: http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice-services/births-deaths-and-marriages/change-of-name and http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice-services/births-deaths-and-marriages/change-of-name/change-your-name

- fees: In the second link above, $135 at the time of posting

- form: http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/7474/bdm-change-name-adult-application-form.pdf

S.A:

- name change info: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/bdm/ (sorry only the form has the info that I can find, this is the main RBDM page)

- fees: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/bdm/fees.html#Change_of_Name ($187.50 at the time of posting)

- form: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/assets/files/change_name_adult.pdf

TAS:

- name change info: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/changeofname/howtoregister

- fees: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/fee_schedule#Change_of_Name_Fee $146.30 at the time of posting

- form: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/87111/CON_Form_2007.pdf

VIC:

- name change info: https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/CA2574F700805DE7/page/Change+of+name-Changing+your+name?OpenDocument&1=40-Change+of+name~&2=10-Changing+your+name~&3=~

- fees: https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/CA2574F700805DE7/page/Listing-Bar+Menu+Buttons-Fees+and+turnaround?OpenDocument&1=0-Listing~&2=-Bar+Menu+Buttons~&3=30-Fees+and+turnaround~ ($87.20 at the time of posting)

- form: https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/CA256902000FE154/Lookup/BDMApplication_Forms/$file/changeofname.pdf

- Notes: it can take around a month to get the form back unless you pay to expedite which takes that down to 3 days (excluding post days of course). They WILL send it overseas to you if need (most of us it will be).

W.A:

- name change info: http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/C/change_of_name.aspx?uid=1698-8961-4534-1476 and http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/M/marriages.aspx and http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/H/how_to_register_an_adult_s_change_of_name.aspx

- fees: http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/C/change_of_name_fees.aspx?uid=5445-2312-5618-5857 $156 at the time of posting

- form: http://www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au/_files/register_name_change.pdf

Now, before you get excited, you will need to send off your ORIGINAL birth certificate, if you have it (some states like N.T require you to sign a Statutory Declaration if you do NOT include the certificate). In the cases of SA and VIC (which are the only ones I know) you will, on successfully changing your name, get a name change document AND a new birth certificate listing your new married name but fear not, it does still list your birth name. On the Vic licence on the back will be your name change history.

Do NOT send original documents (except the birth certificate). All documents must be certified, or if you're doing this overseas a notary is fine.

Vic Name Change Certificate example:

APPLY FOR AUSSIE PASSPORT:-

Once you have received your Name Change Certificate you can go ahead and get your new passport! You will need to send in your marriage licence AND name change certificate to obtain the gratis passport I believe.

Regarding the "gratis" passport, here is a link: https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/FAQ.aspx#faq10 basically you need to have at least 2 years left on your passport, and have applied in the 12 months of getting married. That said, I am unable to find anything on any of the international sites that mention the gratis passport and how to ensure you don't pay for it but when I've actually called and spoken to them which they recommend you do here: https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Queries/Fees.aspx . Personally, I'm thinking of printing the page that talks about gratis above, and highlighting the section on gratis passports. I will probably have to pay a postal fee which is fine but when I have spoken with my chosen embassy about it, I'll let you know

Here is the "How to Apply" form from the Australian Embassy in DC: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/PassportsUS.html which is the "head office" in the US, much like the US embassy in Sydney is the "head office" in Australia for the US embassies. There are a few embassies in the US where you can interview and send your information to: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/Consulates.html

You can fill in the Application form online here: https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Forms/Passport/Overseas/OverseasPassport_0.aspx When it asks "are you applying for a renewal" you must select NO because you are changing your name and not keeping the same name. This will give you all the options to change your name and enter the name change document info. At the end of answering the questions it will give you a PDF document to print which is the passport form that you can also fill in hand-written if you wish if you have the physical form. The form is called PC8 and here are the actual instructions for the form: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/PassportsPC8.html

Here is a list of documents they accept for name changing a passport: https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Requirements/NameChangeWhatDocs.aspx just in case some of you don't trust me Also here: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/PassportsFAQ.html in the FAQ's when it asks for name change you will see the where they mention the name change certificate vs marriage licence, and also directly under the grey box re name changes, information regarding the use of guarantors.

When asked for a guarantor you may leave this section blank (on the online form) so it prints blank or you can fill in the person information if you know it (so they only need to sign). There are special requirements for a guarantor being, it must be a person from a certain profession who has known you for more than 2 years and is not related to you by marriage or birth. They do NOT need to be an Aussie. If, like me, you haven't been in the US long enough to have one of those people, you can print the form and send it back to Australia, with your photos, for the person to fill in the appropriate places, and do their "thing" on the back of the photos. Here is the guarantor information: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/PassportsGua.html

Do NOT send original documents (except the birth certificate). All documents must be certified, or if you're doing this overseas a notary is fine.

When it asks for pictures, if you're having a hard time finding a place to take Aussie photos, here is a link someone sent me a while ago: http://www.epassportphoto.com/ which allows you to print photos in the correct countries size for free. I haven't used it myself yet (and will try and find an actual place first before I do) but I am told it's reliable so I hope some of you find it helpful. Here are the photo requirements: https://www.passports.gov.au/web/requirements/photos.aspx

Remember to read the instructions regarding printing on the "weird" American paper size as it's NOT an issue, there are just some requirements mentioned on the FIRST page when you click on the Aussie passport form link

So there you go. Once you have printed the form and sent it off, you can track your application here: https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Appl/ApplEntryPoint.aspx using your form number and receipt. There are different ways to pay (I will be paying for FedEx not regular post) and it depends on your embassy, mentioned here: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/PassportsFee.html . If you are applying through the LA or DC office and if you want to pay by Visa or Mastercard card, you will need to print this authority: http://www.usa.embassy.gov.au/whwh/PassportsCCA.html Just print the page like you would a normal website and it will print properly.

Also, if you passport is undamaged they will deactivate it and return it to you. If it is damaged they won't return it. Just to be safe, take some photocopies of your visa (if it's in there) and any other important things you might need at a later date.

If I've forgotten anything please let me know, or if you have any questions. This doesn't seem like it's in the wrong spot because there is no ONLY Australia area (yes there is a regional spot but it's not JUST Australia) so as this happens AFTER moving here this location seemed appropriate so Mods/Organiser, please do not move

Hey I just thought I should add this for anyone in Australia looking to do the same thing.. If you change your name at the BDM and present this certificate with your foreign (USA) Marriage certificate they completely waive the fee and you get your new passport for free.. as long as you change your passport within one year of getting married! Cudo's for Australia

Hi all,

I went for my finger printing today at my local police station and they used a computerized system saying that they dont use the old-school black ink method anymore. Does anyone know if this is going to be a problem when I send this in with the NVC? Because some other guy was there at the police station going through the same immigrant process for Canada and he said they only accept ink prints over there. The Constable pretty much said to us.. 'too bad'!!!

Hey Guys,

I thought you might benefit from this, When I went to visit my Husband in May after receiving our NOA1 for the i-130 I had no problems entering the country. When I arrived at LAX they asked why I was there and I said to visit friends and family, they asked to see my return ticket. And wella. No drama whatsoever. I also had bought travel insurance to show that I was visiting temporarily.

I am also visiting America in 15 days. My case is now at the NVC I am going because my husband gets back from military service in Aghanistan and I wouldnt miss his return for anything! I will be taking my NOA2 with me and a letter from my employer. But I am not too worried, seriously honesty is the best policy and if you are legitimate you will have legitimate proof.

Not me, but one of my girlfriends was in a similar situation. You need to collect every single bit of evidence you have because the purpose is to check that you have a legitimate relationship. So this will include any photos.. photos of the two of you with friends, or even eachothers family, photos together etc...

as well as bank deposits to show your financial lies with eachother, emails, skype transcripts, receipts of things that you have bought for eachother (flowers or even skype credit, phone bills) these will be very important for the interview once you get to that stage.

As for your wait, I lodged my petition back on April 2nd and got my NOA2 on Sept 28th, which was just short of 6 months. So hold tight it will come

I have sent the ds-2030 6 times and no reply either but once i used the above method i got a reply very fast

I guess there is nothing wrong with appointing yourself but they really suggest that you appoint someone who lives in the US

You know we're almost done with NVC and neither I nor my wife have received any kind of paperwork from NVC in the mail till this moment

It's all through email.

I wish it goes fast for you

Good Luck

whatever!!! i copied what you wrote look up i put it wrong in all my posts

but we know what we're talking about!!

I wrote that bold so that maybe someone else might benefit from it theres a few people who might stress about what the heck a DS-2030 is haha I know you and I know what we mean haha. Ok well im going to try this method you suggested.. but you didnt answer my initial question, did you have to generate your own barcode when you scanned it? Thanks for your help I apreciate it.. and the fact that youve gotten that far without paperwork is a good thing to know

Hey Guys,

My case has now been with the NVC for almost 2 months and I still dont have any automated voice messages available!!!!

I havent had a reply after emailing out my DS-2030 which was 12 days ago now. Ive spoken to an operater about 4 times now.. getting ahead a little more each time. My husband and I havent received any paper work or emails either.. so we are working with Jame's shortcuts.. It doesnt help that hes on active military duty in Afghanistan, we probably will never get any mail, He hasnt gotten some of the letters i sent to him from way back in July if thats any sort of indication!

Well I just thought I'd see how everyone else is going, and whether they are experiencing huge delays on automatic voice updates and email replies.. I wish I had known about getting our case expedited.. I guess theres no point because my Husband comes back in 3 weeks right?

I MEAN DS-3032!!!!

Thankyou! Samoray, but will I have to generate a barcode if I scan the DS-2030 and send it via email because I dont have the actual hardcopy sent from the NVC aparently. And I havent got an automatic reply that they received my emails which Ive sent no less than 4 times lol.. a little too devoted you think? hehe

My email format has been exactly as you pasted, except im wondering whether the delay is because I appointed myself as the choice of agent? I did this because again my husband isnt likely to get his normal mailing address returned to normal for a good few weeks when he gets back so I thought It would be a little bit more reliable if I had myself appointed! (My hubby has pretty much been the bystander responding to 'sign here' tabs along the way heheehe).

Hey Guys,

My case has now been with the NVC for almost 2 months and I still dont have any automated voice messages available!!!!

I havent had a reply after emailing out my DS-2030 which was 12 days ago now. Ive spoken to an operater about 4 times now.. getting ahead a little more each time. My husband and I havent received any paper work or emails either.. so we are working with Jame's shortcuts.. It doesnt help that hes on active military duty in Afghanistan, we probably will never get any mail, He hasnt gotten some of the letters i sent to him from way back in July if thats any sort of indication!

Well I just thought I'd see how everyone else is going, and whether they are experiencing huge delays on automatic voice updates and email replies.. I wish I had known about getting our case expedited.. I guess theres no point because my Husband comes back in 3 weeks right?

Thankyou! I was using google Chrome, as soon as I made the switch it processed cheers!!!

Hi there, I changed my name to my married name and filed my I-130 application under my Married name, making sure I sent in photo copies of the change of name cert etc with my application. I think it looks more favourably on you if you do oficially change your name because its just one more peice of info to show your relationship is legit. Just make sure you change over other things aswell like your drivers licence, passport, bank details etc. And ofcourse make sure you fill in your maiden name in the I-130 section which asks you to report previous names.

Hi All,

My husband is a USC in Afghanistan with the US Marines, and all of his mail has been cut off, so I've been calling the NVC back and forth gathering Case numbers and IIN numbers because we have received no mail. Anyway I have our IIN and can successfully log in to the page which has our AOS invoice, but when I click to pay the fee nothing happens, the screen refreshes but remains exactly the same. Has anyone had the same problem or knows what I can do to fix this? Its already been 2 months since our NOA2, and with no actual hard copies of anything to go by other than reference numbers from calling the NVC themselves, im worried my case will get delayed