ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Approved!!!
good.gif YAY.. CONGRATULATIONS... good.gif
have a GREAT, GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-05 18:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE FOR CRIMES NEVER COMMITTED!!!!
Hi Mirla... don't know what I did wrong with trying to put that ombudsmans' link in there.
You have received some excellent advice, I still feel that your case is one that should be sent to the ombudsman to look at - that office is just trying to understand where all the problems lie in the various centers, and then make recommendations in to the USCIS for making systems run smoother.. without our input the whole system will never change..

So since I can't seem to correctly Link in blush.gif
I have tried again... , about half way down the page is the information about contacting the ombudsman or the one for case submissions...

http://www.dhs.gov/x...orial_0482.shtm

have a GREAT day
Tracy

Edited by TracyOz, 06 November 2007 - 04:16 PM.

TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-06 16:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE FOR CRIMES NEVER COMMITTED!!!!
WOW Mirla... that is so bad...
I think that your file is one that you should take to the ombudsman..
here is a link to the page, and if you go about half way down it says "CONTact the CIS Ombudsman" and there is a clickable link for "Case Problems"
with everything that I was reading about over there, I definitely think that your situation falls into an area that they would be interested in following up on.

OMBUDSMAN LINK

I hope that it might help and keep us all informed.
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-06 02:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFiling while she is visiting in the U.S.
I AGREE ... FILE, FILE, FILE.....

We were totally under the impression that we couldn't file while I was over there... so we held off for almost 2 months and waited till I was flying out of the country before it was posted.... only to discover (LOL... since then and the good threads here at VJ) that we COULD have filed during my US stay...

Man oh man... 2 months... that would make a huge difference on all of the lengthy delays we are going through now...

So FILE I say.. <grin> FILE...

Just make sure you fill in the section on the I-129F that asks if they are currently in the USA what their I-94 number is and the date they are leaving.

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-13 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDo you think USCIS looks at this website?
I am sure they do... or at least someone/people from the department do... I mean the USCIS is a business after all and public favor/critisism is important for them to be aware of in some way shape or form, if only to help improve how they are perceived... for us to think that they don't (or don't have somebody - even if an outside source) monitoring immigration boards... well VJ is actually the largest board about this sort of stuff, and the most regularly used... so I am SURE that there are some flag words/threads that someone is monitoring ... I however doubt that any of the actual "adjudicating staff" go home after their 6-8-10+ hour shift and quickly log-on to VJ just to here our woes/questions/and other such stuff... that would definitely be like taking work home..

LOL... whistling.gif all I can say to them if they are - hey find my application then "google" me - faster than an FBI check to check up on who I am, what I do, etc... <grin> would be all too easy LOLOLOL

have a GREAT day
Tracy

Edited by TracyOz, 18 November 2007 - 01:16 AM.

TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-18 01:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresother names used
common law name usage... legal (yes EVEN in the USA) and can definitely be used (I know because all 3 of my children - by common law are referred to by my maiden name, and I was able to get passports for each of them in that context)..

The MOST important thing is as MUCH SUPPORTING EVIDENCE/DOCUMENTS that you can compile as possible (and this does also include what we are supplying to the USCIS) is an affidavit/declaration by you about the "surname usage" That you (B/Certificate # xxx has been "commonly using" the surname for no illegal intent of xxx since xxxx that you have many records and letters etc... that indicates this) ... PLUS you will need other documentary evidence that this is how you have been referred to ... and approximately since when... Such as School Records, Medical records, employment etc. etc. etc...

MORE than what you need would be best LOL... saves the RFE's... and YES absolutely put the (other names known as or used) on the forms with a notation of "see attachments x through x" to confirm this...

hope that helps
have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-18 01:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Timeline from Interview
My suggestion would be to make sure the tickets that you purchase have the ability for "changing" their date, without too high of a penalty being incurred (oh and MAKING sure that you have travel insurance organised as well)..
One thing about booking tickets well in advance is that you can sometimes pick up excellent travel deals (HOWEVER, read the fine print - many of those "extra deals" are non-changeable tickets).
One never knows what delays could happen at the interview stage or the visa preparation stage, so while it is VERY very tempting to book those tickets to the USA as quickly as possible after your interview date.

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-06 16:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPacket 3 came yesterday
"Yay" - light at the end of the tunnel for you... for this part of the journey anyway.... Have FUN filling out those forms...
have a GREAT day
Tracy

and as a Great Wise Man... Mr Walt Disney so aptly puts it...
All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them....
and
BELIEVE - if you can dream it, you can DO it...
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-22 18:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOur Journey Begins!!
Good Luck with everything... whereabouts in Aus is your SO located? I am in Adelaide and this weekend is HOT HOT HOT... <grin> while my SO is in getting down to winter parkas and warmer gear I had my kiddos at the beach this morning soaking up some good old Aussie "mega" sun rays...

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-18 01:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPACKET 3 QUESTION...
The certified Marriage Certificate... along with your birth Certificate & divorce decree is more to help show the "chain of a name-change" if one has occurred... as well as the obvious (re: divorce) to show you are legally able to get married.

HONESTLY even if you THINK you might not need it... YOU ARE STILL BEST to get it... would hate to go to the point of the interview and all because of one or two sheets of paper not get approved.. kwim?

hope that helps
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-24 19:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresBugging me!!!!!!!!!!
good.gif Breathe easy <grin> My USC darling man... filled out our I-129F and on it is listed all 3 of my children... we didn't need to fill out a separate application for them...

The separate "stuff" comes from the time of the interview onward... The dependent child will need to have ALL of those extra things filled out separately (such as the DS156, the G325, the medicals and all the rest)...
But not to stress out right now, and as the time comes - you can always ask here and everyone will help you out...

In the meantime just make sure that your fiancee' has her childs' full birth certificate on hand and ready... Along with a Affidavit or Court order that will allow her to move her child O/S...

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-29 02:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresFile a K1 then wait out of country question
LOL... Oh Mike WE COULD ONLY wish that the average approval time at CSC was ONLY 11 days... we would all be very happy little vegemites.. <grin>

No what that particular stat means is that there is an average time from you sending your I-129F to the CSC centre and them "acknowledging" via a NOA-1 (notice of action) that they have "received it"... however with that being said there is a bit of a backlog there at the moment, and those NOA-1s are taking anything from short 11 days up to over a month..

The approval is the NOA-2 which is taking approximately 100-150 days AFTER THE NOA-1.. (it is in between your NOA1 & NOA2) that you might receive RFE's (requests for further evidence).

THEN once the NOA-2 is given, the file gets forwarded to the NVC in New Hampshire.. (which can also take anything from a week to 5/6 weeks) THEN it is processed there, THEN it is forwarded to your fiancee's country consulate where they will process it (LOL) then they will send to your fiancee' a packet of instructions - which they have to fill in and foward back... BEFORE an interview date is set...

as I said at the start an 11 day approval... OH WHAT A BLISS that would be <grin>

Good luck... and just make sure you take your time with filling out your I-129F and add anything extra to it that you "think" they might need to help ensure that you don't get an RFE (check the guides and example forms here at VJ) to give you some extra advice...

have a GREAT day
Tracy
,
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-22 19:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureswhat ds forms for the children of fiancee
For fiancee'
DS156-k and DS-156

for kiddos
DS-156 and (if a male child over the age of ?) DS-157

hope that helps
Tracy

LOL - you do have to laugh when you see that they say "paperwork reduction act" yet all of the forms we have to fill in (and get copies of etc..)...
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-08 02:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresDifferent name without official documents
This is known as "common law usage" and is actually quite legal and acceptable in the USA as LONG as you have some various forms and affidavits etc. to indicate your "known as name".. and as long as your "common law name usuage hasn't been done because of illegal methods"

For example all of my children have always used my (maiden) name as their surname (this is not what their birth certificates are in though).

They have Australian passports issued in their common usuage name
They also have bank accounts issued in this common usage name

For this (Visa process) and also for anything else that we have ever had to do
Not only do I attach a copy of their passport to everything, and also a copy of a page of their bank statement
We have a letter from their school that states that is they name they are known as and have always been known as
We also have an affidavit from a family friend that states they have always known them by this name
We also have an affidavit from both myself and also their father that indicates this as well.

I just attach all of those extra sheets of paperwork to everything else that I put together, as well as (indicate) - other names known as on forms.

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-03 19:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuick question about the Biographic Data form...
oooh that was an interesting thing that they put on your form JenniBenni....
I will take that into consideration myself in my pre-preparation of these forms and will fill out one with NONE and one with my spouse to be... (theory better to have more information than less LOL)..

have a GREAT day
Tracy
;-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-10 19:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures90 day visitor under 'visa waiver programme'
I think that it totally depends on the mood of the POE operator... BUT I do concur that from all accounts they really will question you and maybe deny you if you are spending more time in the USA than out of it..
My experience of 2007 on the VWP was like this..

Jan 2007 - in the USA for 3 weeks.. left mid February.
March 2007 - returned to the USA and stayed for almost the full 90 days until the end of May
(so I was only back here in Australia for 6 weeks even though I had been in the USA for 14 just beforehand - so it doesn't work for the above theory that you have to be out of the USA for the "gap" to be the same as what you were there)..
Mid July 2007 - returned to the USA and was there for about 76 out of the 90 days leaving at the end of September

I was not questioned any differently at any of those times.
Really they are looking/questioning folks who they believe are trying to buck the system or get around it - if you are doing nothing wrong and are not trying to twist their system, and you have strong ties back in your homeland - the problems should be minimal.

have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-13 17:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion regarding Fiance name change
Common Law Name change - is quite legal and valid (without official deed poll name change documents).. However you must supply further proof about the fact that the name has been used and for roughly how long.

Eg:- a Stat Dec. (or affidavit) from a couple of people (with a photograph of your fiance on this declaration). stating that I (blah blah) have known (blah blah blah) shown in this photo for x number of years, I have only known them as the following name;-
Have these documents notarized or witnessed by a JP.

Also include anything else that shows use of that surname, especially anything official (legal) from that country - such as drivers licence, medical records, school records, bank statement, tax file number etc.

Along with a statement (affidavit or similar) from the actual finance stating that this is their birth certificate number, registered on x date and that since x date they have gone by the surname of x.

Hope that helps (I know it means more paperwork whistling.gif grin but what the hey? During this process there is really nothing like another couple of trees being chopped down for our photocopying is there?? regardless of the fact that on the bottom of all the forms that we have to fill in it refers to the paperwork reduction act... LOL... big joke).

have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-19 15:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam Instructions (applicant to sign page) - australia??
Hi All...

Re: K-1 Medical Examination.
Apart from the beautiful documents that are available here on VJ (the actual forms that the Dr. fills in)
does anyone actually have a copy of the Medical Examination Instructions that are sent out from the Consulate (preferably the one that comes in Australia)

I am specifically after the sheet that really only has 2 parts on it (generally appears in your pack after the list of Aussie Drs. to go to)

and has.

Section 1 - Principal Applicant to complete this section
(my passport, or other official identification...blah blah blah...........................
name
p/port number
place of issue.... blah blah..
AND signature IN PRESENCE of panel physician)

Section 2 - to be completed by PHYSICIAN, X-ray & blood test supervisors...

I am satisfied that the person being examined.... blah blah blah...

signature of physician............

signature of xray super...................

signature of lab. technician.......................


<grin> YOUR help would be HUGELY APPRECIATED... I am trying to pre-organise all of our medicals and stuff (as I am going to be away for a couple of months), we have our Medical appointment - BUT without this specific form (the x-rays and bloods) can't be done... ....

If it could be scanned in (High Resolution) and uploaded to the gallery that would be GREAT... or alternately send me a PM and I will forward you my email addy..

THANKS in advance
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-22 23:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPeople just dont get it, do they?
NOPE they don't "get it" and never will - I have become extremely select with who in my circle I talk to about this stuff now, for a couple of reasons.

Firstly LOL... they DONT GET IT... grin... and secondly I realise that I can become pretty passionate about the whole topic and process and length of time etc.. and I know that if I go on about it (their eyes glaze over) blush.gif so instead I focus on them and what is going on in their worlds etc... and then when the topic turns (as it invariably does) to our situation, I shrug my shoulders and just say "hey in the hands of the US Immigration department .... still waiting, waiting, waiting".... then I go onto something else like how excited I am that Steve is coming over here for Xmas.... or talking about wedding plans and stuff (that they do understand) and then (as a gentle reminder to them LOL) I say something like "wow can you believe that this time next year my kiddos and I will be living over there and won't be here for our little chit/chats".... normally stops them in their tracks a little... but basically I really keep a lot of my excitement (and disappointment/frustration) about this process to a very small handful of people....AND OF COURSE to those here on the VJ board (LOL) cause everyone here not only understands.... but when things like approvals, touches, and interviews etc. come up WE ARE THRILLED and excited for the recipient, cause we DO UNDERSTAND....

have a GREAT day... and keep on smiling... every day that passes now brings you all one day closer together... good.gif
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-03 18:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresVideo news story showing struggles of separated couples
Well Rebecca - the first thing would be to do the story justice and realise the pain and heartache that most people are going through - I have seen many stories written that focus on immigration - but not necessarily on LEGAL immigration - so there are many who do not realise what we actually go through - emotionally, financially, and just plain "go through" due to being separated from our loved ones... Spend some more time reading through the various posts and you will discover many people who you could contact - they might not be in your area though.

we would LOVE to see what angle you would like to take this - Vj'ers have been burned in the past through articles appearing, and some rather nasty comments being made about how lovelorn we are so most are quite wary.

come on VJ'ers if given the right information who knows how this might help..

have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-29 04:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnotary?
there is actually nothing in the initial application of I-129F that you need notarized before sending in your application..
do ensure that you have copies of your birth/marriage (if any) and divorce (if any) attached to your application and ENSURE THAT you keep in a safe place the ORIGINAL CERTIFIED COPIES of those items.

After that there are some items (aka the i-134 Affidavit of support) and a few other things that will have to be notarized.
Check the Guides (tab) up the top for further help.

have a GREAT day and hope that helps
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-24 01:52:00
Asia: East and PacificAussies - where are you living in the USA
Hey Parys..
PM me your details... I found you one...
have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-27 17:34:00
Asia: East and PacificAussies - where are you living in the USA
OOOOh I hear yah on your "girls" I have 2 little ones... Rascal and Starbuck (ummm yes I love coffee LOL) one is a maltese-shitzu the other a maltese-lahasa apso (they THINK they are human) unfortunately I have made the decision that the flights and then the quarantine for our girls when they are so so so used to ruling the house would be cruel and unthinkable... so they are staying here with my ex. and my son who is "following to join" LOL who HAPPENS to work at Starbucks at the moment... <grin> my two that are moving with me are a little upset that their "sisters" aren't coming with us... but they do understand how cruel it would be to put them through it... so I am bribing them with a pet of their choice when we move... UMMMM LOL... i think I might end up regretting that decision... <grin>

oh Kath HAVE you tried the outlet stores... this comes from a gal who (aussie as I am) have spent a LOT of time in the USA in the past 12 years... more so in the past 2 years... and <grin> A LOT of time shopping <double grin> but seriously you cannot go past the outlet stores such as Timberland (end of season) winter coat sale, I picked up $300 "pull apart" jackets for my sons only 2 winters back (it has an inner fleece jacket that comes out, and the outside is waterproof/wind proof etc) for ONLY $60 bucks US... you couldn't go wrong with that... admittedly back here in ADL they haven't used it (together as the two) but certainly did when we were at the Grand Canyon the other year while it was FREEZING and snowing... Another place to score - real bargains is the Columbia brand jackets... they have a LOT of sales (especially at Dicks and at Kohls) and they have a similar sort of jacket, a fleece "zip out inner" with a weather proof outer... and I LOVE that the jackets in the USA are longer at the back to cover your BUTT LOL...

and Kath a BBQ or something could/would be great - my fiance is fascianated by us Aussies - he believes I don't have a strong accent (possibly because I deal with the americans so often and am there so often for work, that I have worked out "how to speak" so they understand me <grin> that would be slow slow talking - normally I talk at a thousand miles an hour... <grin>) but when he has spoken with my family he is amazed at how each of us sound so very different LOL...

keep the ideas and the conversation flowing folks... I LOVE IT... and it is helping to kill these HORRIBLE waiting times...
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-25 03:10:00
Asia: East and PacificAussies - where are you living in the USA
<grin> ahhh yes the potato peeler... discovered that problem when I was last there (we have bought a house in Chagrin Falls/Bainbridge area)...
will be great if we could one day perhaps have a get together....

Very true about the Aussie winter coats... THEY DO NOT HOLD UP to true USA winters... as I discovered earlier this year... sheesh I FROZE when I visited there.. ESPECIALLY having lived in the more "climatic" Adelaide for the past decade... so I agree... don't bother packing it - buy new when there...

Vegemite... (double check) LOL... took over a few jars the other month, will be sending my fiance' back with a few after his visit here at Xmas (even though he and his kids HATE the stuff) I and mine LOVE it... so all of us will be certainly bringing a stash when we move... and it is on all of our friends/families' "gotta send us list - with TimTams"...

RE: Geelong CATS "ouch" I did live in Geelong for about 2 years as a child - went to Bell Post Hill PS... BUT I (AND my kiddos) are ONE-EYED... GUESS IT??? LOL... Magpie fans... True blue, black and whites... and we are VERY EXCITED to discover that Collingwood has a sister "magpie-afl" club in both NY and also in TX... (apparantly AFL is one of the fastest growing "interest" sports in the USA over the past 3 years)... so will be looking forward to that.

have a GREAT day folks and keep on commenting
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-25 00:55:00
Asia: East and PacificAussies - where are you living in the USA
Hi all - just thought I would see where y'all are living and where you came from... and WHAT Aussie "thing" do you wish you had made sure you packed and took with you?? I just want to ensure I don't forget it... whistling.gif LOL..

Me - Born and Raised in Melbourne (Dandenong area actually) moved to the ACT, currently live in Adelaide. And will be moving to my DARLING SO with my kiddos - Cleveland Ohio.. Certainly will be a SHOCK to our system from the warmth and beach setting to the cold and snowy areas... <grin>

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-24 18:59:00
Asia: East and PacificTrying to find a.........
oooh and Parys did want to let you know that the steamer is on its way... and you might just find a little "treat" inside it too... good.gif

have a GREAT day folks..... I am .... well I am starting to prepare now for the total SILLY season... <grin> my kiddos have just over one week left of school before (Aus school summer holidays ---- ahhhh so much to do and with them at home for 7 weeks... gonna not be too easy LOL... )... and it is 2 weeks from today and my honey arrives from (cold and snowing cleveland) I tell yah if he was here today I think he would just about die, it is 37 (celcius) here in Adelaide today, nasty hot wind though... but from the photos that he sent me through that were taken an hour ago in his yard with snow on the ground.... brrrrrrrrr.... while I don't know how much I am going to enjoy that, I know that my kiddos are looking forward to it for next year...

Packing, schmacking LOL... that seems to be all I have been doing since getting back here at the end of September... I am SO SO OVER IT... I have SLOWLY but surely been going through every room in the house - not only for this process, but because I sold my house and my settlement falls at the end of January, so it all has to be sorted out... most of my furniture and household effects are actually moving over to my ex's house, where my eldest son will be living - so that makes one thing fairly easy... and for shipping to the USA we (myself and 2 youngest ones) really will just be taking about 16 (packing boxes) worth of personal effects, memorabilia, etc... I really HOPE that they (movers) don't have to "actually" repack everything - I will have to ask them, I have been pretty good about it (ummm ####### would be the word), making sure each box only weighs a specific amount, and I have created a full packing list of each one - put one copy inside each box, have put one copy (in a ziplock) on the outside of the box, kept a copy for my records ... and have put one copy into a folder to leave with my ex (as the boxes are going to be stored with him for a while and we will ship them over later next year, when the finances have recovered a little from the K-1/AOS & airline travel "shock to the bank accounts" process LOL)...

Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-05 18:41:00
Asia: East and PacificTrying to find a.........
Hey Parys...
I think I PM'd you about this.

Found you one YAY LOL.. let me know if you want me to get it.. PM me with your details.

have a GREAT day
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-27 17:30:00
Asia: East and PacificTrying to find a.........
good.gif Hey Parys NO PROBLEMS.... I will let you know via email or PM all of the details - and really it is NOT A problem or drama for me at all.... so you can rest your mind and know that come hell or high water you WILL HAVE A PUDDING steamer for Xmas <grin>

I know myself with the times that I have spent over there, how frustrating the (differences) in shopping for "stuff" can be - like what we are used to here in Australia for cooking etc... head into a store looking for a specific thing... (in the land of EVERYTHING) grin, but not be able to find it... not just "cookware" but also ingredients...

And knowing that Vegemite has to take a bit of a "remakeover" and removal of some ingredients before it is allowed back on the "importing for selling" stakes over there, and my kids and I THRIVE on the stuff - means that we will be taking some big jars with us when we move, we will be sending my fiance back (after he visits here at Xmas) with a couple of jars to put in the pantry in preparation for our arrival LOL... and whenever anyone is over visiting us next year they too will be under strict instructions to bring it... (along with Berocca - which also is difficult to find an exact substitue - kwim? )

have a GREAT day folks, and thanx for those indications about the transporting of goods... I won't be worrying too much about quotes till next year, and even then some of mine and my kiddos stuff is going into storage here with my eldest son - so I can save up for its' removal as just our airfares and all of the paperwork & fees for (me and kids) is sucking up my funds at this moment (without removalists thrown on top) LOL... but when the kids and I go we will definitely be in the "excess baggage" run with between 3-4 cases each... (at only $100 buckaroonies) for extra cases ontop of our standard 3 we are allowed (only because of our F/Flyer status) we will get around 12 x 32kilos of stuff in during our move... that is quite a fair bit... <grin>

Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-20 16:07:00
Asia: East and PacificTrying to find a.........
I am going to Westfield Marion tomorrow or Thursday... happy to look for you and see what they have (I think General Trader had some in the other day)... I am sure they aren't too exxie$$ and pretty easy to send so if I find one I will let you know and if you want me to send it across then I am more than happy to do so...

BTW - noticed you are from ADL ... and used Grace Bros. Removals...
Could I have more info on what you moved and what it cost you to do so?
I won't be moving furniture, just boxes of "stuff" LOL... (including a pudding steamer <grin> - plus a few necessary other Aussie items that I know are VERY difficult to come by in the USA)...

another question - you had posted a while back about (no region DVD players)... WAS wondering how you went with that - multi-region.. My kiddos and I have so many DVD's that they have accumulated I WOULD hate for them not to work over there - kwim?

have a GREAT day & do let me know about the Steamer... cause seriously it is no problem if I can locate one
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-11-20 02:24:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hidie Ho all...
just wanted to give you a bit of an update about what has been going on...
A crazy couple of weeks have gone by, I was in the USA until the 6th May and flew back to Adelaide - MAN I was missing my kiddos SO MUCH by then.
We packed a bunch of stuff up and then headed to Sydney for the interview - they had emailed me a couple of times about what extras I need to bring (and my boys each had to have another vaccination before the interview) so no dramas.
Interview set for the 13th May 11.00am... We all go in, wait wait wait.... and then this really MEAN woman behind the counter called me up - started shoving papers at me under the glass and said that there would be a problem with my youngest two as their birth certs. didn't match their passports... I totally froze and then tears streamed down my face - as I got out "ummmm what are you talking about and why hasn't someone mentioned this to me before now.... like they found missing vaccinations in my huge pile of stuff - but something as GLARING as different names didn't raise a flag with them".... she curtly told me "I just work here and prepare the documents for your interviewing officer - and from what I see you will NOT be issued visas"..... The kids and I sat back down in total shock WAITING for the interviewing officer (Brad).....
Finally called up to him - and with my tear stained face I just looked at him as he went through everything, I told him that I thought that they would be asking me questions about mine and Steves' relationship - he said ummmm there was no need as they have no doubts about the validity of that ... (so that is a good start).

But the big problem is that my kids have their fathers' names on their birth certs, but in their passports they all have my maiden name as their surname - and there isn't a legal paper trail for that . I told him that they have been commonly referred to as that for over a decade and that OBVIOUSLY the Australian Government aren't going to just issue Passports "willy nilly" unless they are satisfied about the identity of the person and that my kids have each held 3 passports (2 expired) over the past decade and all are in the same surname, and that medically and school wise and in all personal aspects they use this surname (I also had included affidavits from various people including their father) which stipulated this.
Brad suggested me going and organising a Change of name via Deed poll - UMMMMMM hellooooo that takes weeks - and the fact that their Dad was in Adelaide - how on earth could I do that being we had flights booked for the 16th May... PURELY BECAUSE OF THE PREVIOUS EMAILS from the Consulate that had advised me that I didn't need anything else at my interview and that there wouldn't be a problem.

I also informed him that "common usage" of a name was legal both in Australia and also in the USA as long as you weren't doing it for fraud or illegal things...

He ummed and ahhed and finally said that while he would approve our visas (YAY) there was no guarantee that we would actually get through POE in LAX on the friday and that it would be entirely up to the POE immigration officer and whether or not he picked it up when going through our envelopes.... or whether it would be an issue.

So we left - feeling good but flat if you know what I mean?
We went back the next day and collected our passports with the visa stamps in them, along with our "envelopes".

Boarded our plane on the Friday - I had used points and upgraded the kids and I to business class - which I thought would be a nice way for that long journey and a nice way for "me" to just stress until we got through POE at LAX.... Great flight and all the staff were wonderful with the kids especially when they heard my story and where we were going etc...

Got to LAX - ummmm so did about 10 other flights at the same time LOL... the immigration area was packed (and I mean PACKED) it took about an hour before we even got close to the front of the line and then we were directed to this officer (who appeared gruff) he unceremoniously ripped open our envelopes - all the while I am just holding my breath and holding back tears.... we were with him for about 35minutes or a little more while he went through everything - then YAY YAY YAY - he stamped our passports, drew a line throuugh our visas, put all of our paperwork into a pile - reminded me that I have to marry within 90 days and then "welcome to america".... I was so relieved you have no idea.
We went to baggage claimed our 8 bags LOL.... put them on the transfer belt and through the glass window I could see my fiance Steve waving to us - MAN OH MAN what a wonderful site (he had flown from Cleveland to meet us and fly back to cleveland with us)..... I literally fell into his arms (great to see him and yes I missed him, but I think the tears of relief that waved over me was the main reason).

We then continued on with our extremely long day - flying to Chicago and then Cleveland - arriving here at home around 35 hours after getting to Sydney airport.... and now we are all just getting over jet-lag and the (cold/flu) that my daughter and I managed to pick up...

So onward we go - the wedding is on the 31st and SO MUCH to do between now and then LOL...

there you have it in a nutshell
now I must go and have a coffee
have a GREAT day folks
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-05-19 12:08:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
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
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-02-06 02:46:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hidie Ho fellow Aussies...

Oh my I am feeling rather excited now... (nope - no NOA-2 yet though crying.gif ) BUT I am heading off to the USA in only 3 days to see my darling man... and the BEST thing is that he "thinks" I am flying in 2 days later than I actually am, so cannot wait to see the look of surprise on his face when I get there (we are staying with his Bro & Sis-in-law for a couple of weeks until we "close" on our house over there).... so his brother is actually sneaking out of the house to come and get me from the airport... HOW fun...

Anyway - apart from that - in this nightmare process wacko.gif wacko.gif
My kiddos and I went off and spent a LONG day with our medicals today .... went into town saw the receptionist to collect the requests for bloods & x-rays. Then went and had the X-rays done, then went and had our blood tests done - went back to the x-ray place picked up our films and then went for the medical appointment - all was fine and dandy. Have to go and pick up the final report on Wednesday with the blood results but that is no dramas... All up almost $1000 poorer blink.gif and 8 hours of time taken to do all of that... BUT at least it is done..

Now I am assuming that while I am O/S our NOA-2 will come through, and hopefully be forwarded onto Sydney and hopefully they will send out packet 3 well before I come back...
I have already filled in & signed the statement of Readiness (left the date blank), and put the Part 1 of the DS230 for each of us - which I will leave here, so that as soon as the Packet 3 turns up, my friend can date the statement and post it straight back to the Sydney consulate... I am TRULY hoping that I will be returning here to Aus, literally with only enough time to pack up the rest of mine and the kiddos stuff and for us to fly up to Sydney go to the interview - wait for our visas and then fly straight out from there... SO WE WILL see what transpires over the next 6-8 weeks won't we??? LOL...

have a GREAT day folks and hopefully we will see some shining happy faces over this coming week with approvals and good news for all.
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-02-04 07:59:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hi Katz
re:- the fingerprints yada yada .... my eldest son and I both had to do them, and here in SA - when the letter came back from them to say we were clear etc. they also sent back the original (fingerprinting) sheet so I have that as well (LOL... and copies too)... hey who REALLY ever said that there is a paperwork reduction act in place... certainly for this process there ISN'T with the amount of trees we are all taking down by making sure we have everything in duplicate (and then extra copies for just in case)..

Oh and thanks for the lead for that form as well, Wendy emailed it to me - SO YAY I can go ahead and get these silly medicals,bloods and xrays out of the way well in advance...

CONGRATS to everyone who have received their visas and NOA-2's and other stuff in the past week or so as well - HOW bloomin' EXCITING for you...

have a GREAT day folks
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-31 17:22:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
good.gif WOW - so many exciting positive signs on this thread - WTG and congratulations good.gif

I have a bit of a question - and ANY help would be appreciated..
SO....

Re: K-1 Medical Examination.
Apart from the documents that are available here on VJ (the actual forms that the Dr. fills in) I understand that there is a sheet in Packet 3, one that lists all the doctors and then one that has something on it to be signed... by applicant (in front of dr. etc)...

so does anyone actually have a copy of the Medical Examination Instructions that are sent out from the Sydney Consulate..

I am specifically after the sheet that really only has 2 parts on it (generally appears in your pack after the list of Aussie Drs. to go to)

and has.

Section 1 - Principal Applicant to complete this section
(my passport, or other official identification...blah blah blah...........................
name
p/port number
place of issue.... blah blah..
AND signature IN PRESENCE of panel physician)

Section 2 - to be completed by PHYSICIAN, X-ray & blood test supervisors...

I am satisfied that the person being examined.... blah blah blah...

signature of physician............

signature of xray super...................

signature of lab. technician.......................


<grin> YOUR help would be HUGELY APPRECIATED... I am trying to pre-organise all of our medicals (having 3 kiddos to also go through this process - and juggling all of our schedules is a nightmare for this experience LOL) - if you know what I mean, (and I am going to be away for a couple of months - during which time we anticipate that both the NOA2 and then the Packet 3 will arrive here),

we have our Medical appointment booked for early next week (4th) - BUT I have been told by the receptionist there that without this specific form (the x-rays and bloods) can't be done, and even they would prefer not to do the appointment .... what a PAIN and they at the Dr's don't keep "spares" of this form on hand..... crying.gif so if anyone can help out I will be one happy little vegemite.... ....

If anyone has a copy of it and if it could be scanned in (High Resolution) and uploaded to the gallery that would be GREAT... or alternately send me a PM and I will forward you my email addy so that you could email it to me directly as a PDF or JPEG.

THANKS in advance
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-28 17:44:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hidie Ho fellow Aussies...

hey Patricia... COOL on getting your ticket (ummm what is this about the mandatory 4 hour layover???) is that only when you are entering on the actual K-1 visa (in case of questioning time etc)..

I have never heard of that, all I know is that normally coming in from Australia via LAX ongoing to other cities you do have to allow plenty of time between connections just because there can be delays, but I am totally unaware of the 4 hour timeframe.

and HEY I hear you on all the stuff that you are missing out on being there for... I am just so glad that I was in the USA last September when Steve and I purchased a house together (YAY our closing date on that is on February 18th) - and I will be over there for it... <grin> and while there we are trading in his car (jeep wrangler LOL) to purchase a larger vehicle to seat our new blended family... I CANNOT wait to see him (LOL - even though he only left here like 3 weeks ago)... I'm flying over on the 7th Feb and staying for about 8 weeks - through our settlement and also to do some of the organising of our wedding (which we HOPE at this stage will take place at the end of MAY - as long as our NOA2 arrives sometime in Feb/March and then all the papers get to Sydney for a late April interview... SO keep your fingers crossed for us).. Actually this week my children and I have our X-Rays and Blood tests to be done, and then have an appt. with Dr. Miller on the 4th Feb for the medical..

Another question for you Patricia - when you had your medical with Dr. Miller, did you ask for an extra copy of the medical report to be given to you?? I am thinking that I will (for our own records - especially the vaccination stuff, as I will need all of that information to enroll my kidlets in school over there)..

have a GREAT day guys - me - WELL my house here in ADL actually "finally" settles this coming friday - so it is ACTION stations at the final packing & moving for us now over into our "temporary" accomodation - which we didn't think we would have to do - however the delays have caused us to have to ... darn frustrating really...

Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-20 15:26:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hi yah folks...
KATZ - that would be great if you could scan in those medical instructions - and post them in the gallery could end up helping others on this site as well in the future.
AND I am relieved to know they are still sending out the expired date medical forms - that is a relief actually LOL...

One thing I HATE with this process - apart from the time, the delays, the costs, and the separation (oh is that all) <grin>.... is the fact of trying to stay organised and "ahead of the game" but then constantly having to check the dates of the forms that the US Imm. want, incase they have been changed or updated... kwim??

JenniBenni - don't worry the WHOLE thing is confusing - those other forms you mentioned are still downloadable, it was just the medical forms that used to be (and are now not) which is where my concern came in that those forms were now updated.

Patricia.... I HEAR you -
it's a bit like running a LONG marathon... you start out and know it is going to take time - but then in the distance you can see the finishing line, and suddenly even KNOWING it is there, and just around the corner - you start to run out of steam, energy, breath and become dehydrated (ummmm not hard in the few 41+ degree days we have just had here - hey)... I am feeling VERY much like you, especially after having Steve here for the 2 weeks over Xmas - it was heartbreaking to say "see yah" at the airport last week, even though I know I am seeing him in another 4 weeks - why is it that the 2 weeks he was here FLEW by in a blink, but the week he has been gone has totally DRAGGED to a point it feels like a whole MONTH has gone by LOL...

Oh and re: your airfares...
Just as an FYI while $1900 one way is GREAT from ADL.... for the dates that you are looking at, you might find that for a similar price - maybe even less for a return ticket (which can be valid for around a year - and gives you some of the fare for coming back to visit your family done already)...
check out www.bestflights.com.au (I use them all the time for my flights over there - and FOLKS I also used them (Australian site) when we booked Steve's trip over here from Cleveland - they actually were $1000 less than ANY of the USA travel sites for the journey USA-AUS-USA.. I KNOW that at the moment Bestflights.com.au have a AirNZ return ticket ex. ADL for $1400 + 400 taxes (ish) for travel April to June (doesn't suit you I know)....
But in my experience of USA travel, both for work and for personal - in the past 4 years I have done 8 or 9 trips over there, including a bunch of (USA domestic), I tend to book the (AUS-USA-AUS) portion ex Sydney with Bestflights, (or directly with United) then I book the ADL-SYD component (directly with qantas), and any of the USA domestic legs I find that I get a better deal if I use either Expedia, or Travelocity - than I would have if I book the entire journey through an agent or one site... (if that makes sense)...

AND don't forget your travel insurance - as I do not believe you can be added to his health insurance until you are married...
a GREAT place to look at T/Insurance (I purchase a one year policy each year) and under this policy each trip can be for a period of 90 days.. which I found to be WAY way cheaper than anything else out there...

is through www.1cover.com.au

a one year coverage for a single person is around $325 AUS - it covers Australian Domestic travel as well, and even though because of the visas we are all going in under, the moment we travel over there for our marriages, after 90 days of being there you won't be able to use it for any claims - but believe me I don't think you will not find a 90 day to the USA travel insurance policy for less than $325.

SOME great and exciting news though - he got back to Cleveland last Friday - and FINALLY on Tuesday of this week his house sold...(we've had it on the market since September) to be closed/settled by the 31st Jan.... we had to take a bit of a cut in the price - but being that we did really well on the sale of my house at the end of 2007 that made up for it ... and to have his gone now and off our shoulders is such a relief - and JUST in time, for the closing on the house he and I purchased over there back in Sept. (our settlement for it is on the 18th Feb)...

alrightie think I bored you all long enough LOL...
have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-10 18:12:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS....
good.gif Yay to everyone starting the year off with excitement good.gif 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 whistling.gif 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
;-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2008-01-09 18:41:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Great Information Pat, thanks...

A favor if you don't mind... but what specific forms did you have to use for the Doc.

Were they/are they - the ones available on the Consulate website - would you mind looking at this link to check for me.. <grin> cheeky I know..

http://canberra.usem...s/iv/forms.html

DS-2053
DS-3024
DS-3025
DS-3026

and what was the current expiry date on them - the ones on the consulate site show an expiry in the top right corner of 05/31/2007.

There is a long reason as to why I ask - but the short of it is this - at the rate that all this is going we will be getting our NOA-2 in February sometime, and then something from the consulate in Sydney in March/early April with a chance for a late April interview... HOWEVER I am actually flying to the USA in early February - and will not be heading back here to Aus until "approx" when the interview date is.... using that time over there for wedding plans and a bunch of other stuff (and it gives my kiddos a chance for some full-on quality time with their Dad, before they move - kwim?)

So in preparation for that I will be filling out and having ready all the forms and everything that they need sent back (on their checklist) so that a friend of mine can just post it from here in ADL and once they get it I can organise the interview date... (complicated I know, but sheesh what isn't in this process)??? LOL... actually complicated it isn't - just frustrating, expensive and time consuming, and SO MUCH PAPERWORK and rigamorale ... <grin>

Therefore organising the Xray/Bloods/Physical is of a high priority for me (forduring January) ... and trying to work it to suit me and 3 kids is a pain in the butt at the best of times kwim??

thanks Patricia
have a GREAT day
Tracy
:-)
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-06 22:55:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
just a quickie...

re: the passport photos...
and yes aren't they exxie...
BUT when you get the first set done and paid for... scan them into your computer and then print out extras yourself on photo paper

AND/Or - go to one of the kiosks and set up the "image" to print a few onto one sheet of photo paper (way way less expensive) than getting more printed by the person doing the passport photos... (LOL - oh BELIEVE me - with 4 of us having to do this) and the way I see it - we need 2 or 3 for the medical - plus I think we need a couple more around the interview and then we need a few for the AOS forms (G325 again) .... I think I have totalled it that we will be needing somewhere around 12-15 EACH between now and filing all the paperwork for AOS... and I believe that as long as the photos have been taken somewhere in the previous 6 months or so they are fine (or as long as there is no dramatic change to appearance)... kwim? and at $30 (Aus) for 4 piccies and needing around 12+ (that is like $100 per person - sheesh we'd be up for about $400+ .... ummmm that is like ridiculous kwim?)

thanks guys for your comments about the dress and stuff - it has left the USA and should be here late this week or early next week (before my fiance arrives) LOL... so I have a few girlfriends coming over for drinks on the night that it arrives so they can give me their honest to goodness opinion <grin - get em drunk first>... and yep Kath I agree, keeping the cost down was really what I was after, we are having a relatively smallish wedding/reception - just Steve's family (although he is one of 7 siblings - so SMALL is not totally true <grin> - with them, their partners & their kids suddenly we have a mini party happening LOL... ) and a few of our friends from over there - and now with the fact that it looks to be a (almost summer) late May wedding, we will be having the ceremony and the reception at the house that we have purchased over there (there is a lake out in the backyard that will make a perfect background) so our costs are being cut left right and centre (I am even thinking McDonalds happy meals LOLOL)

and yes thanks Susan for your thoughts on our 4 legged friends... and while I would love to take them - I am also thinking about my (eldest) who is staying here with my ex. my "girls" love them both to pieces and having the "girls" around will help allieviate them missing (my 2 kiddos) that are moving with me...

have a GREAT day guys
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-04 18:05:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
good.gif Thanks for that Pat, I could read it all perfectly... GOOD luck, keep us posted good.gif

hey Jennibenni - good to meet you on the board, and keep letting us know how things are going for you too..

and HD - yes isn't my dress stunning... I am SO excited it isn't funny good.gif and seriously with all the stress and frustration of this "waiting waiting waiting" game LOL.. just knowing that my dress is on its way has put a wonderful spring and bounce in my step and voice in the last day or so.... OH AND I AM JUST ABOUT BESIDE myself getting ready for my darling fiance to arrive here in a little over 2 weeks... I CANNOT wait (having him here for my birthday and Xmas - what a wonderful gift)... and he finally gets the opportunity to meet the rest of "his new family"... LOL...

have a GREAT day folks
Tracy
TracyOzFemaleAustralia2007-12-03 18:19:00