Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Australia and New Zealand	LAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi	QUOTE (Matt & Kari @ Oct 7 2009, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I did my medical last week, only did one vaccine (ADT), xray and immunity test. I came in for the results today. That's one major stress gone now as I passed it. When collecting the results I had a shot for Rubella, yes you heard right...even though I had it as a baby and my mother got it, I'm still not immune - so that has the doc surprised, which was a feat in itself. Kari's documents is on the way here, then hopefully if the AFP has actually done anything with my prints and application, should get police clearance back next week. They have a habit of calls being dropped once you try the magic number for the application inquiries. I'm sure if we ring about Osama sightings, that's more likely to be answered than a call about Police Clearances I have to be careful with all the forms as I have not yet filled them, though did the DS 230 asap. Those will be done before the Fedex pack arrives with our I-134 and then ready to send off for Packet 4 I just rang today for mine at the brisbane one and it looks like you have to do it at clinic and can not take your own results in.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-08 02:03:00
Australia and New Zealand	LAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi	Just got my pkt3 today via email so now for medicals etc	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-08 01:56:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	I've been doing the same thing too. I hope our neighbours don't see me peering out the window all time and think I'm spying on everyone. It looks so pretty outside with everything covered in snow. Where in the US are you Jason? We're just outside of Washington DC and we got so much snow from the blizzard on the weekend. We got out the tape measure when we were shovelling the driveway and it was at 17" and still snowing. I can't believe how much snow we got and it has started again tonight. I'm happy because it means my man doesn't have to go to work again tomorrow. It would be nice if he gets all week off. I'm going to have to get my butt into gear and start looking at the AOS stuff so I'm prepared for when we get to that point too. I am in Colorado and it is so beautiful!! I can see the "front range" from my lounge room and on a clear day it is just breathtaking. Yes I have seen the news reports on all the snow and it looks crazy and can understand why your man is not working due to the snow. Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2010-02-10 16:19:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Hi people! I thought I better check in and tell you all I got here safely and without any dramas. I've been here for just over a week and the time has just flown by. I've hardly been online since I got here because my man was on leave and I feel bad about sitting online while he's at home. I flew from Brisbane to LAX with V Australia. I thought they were just as good as the times I've gone with Qantas. The vego food I got was pretty good considering it was airline food. I knew before hand that I'd have to pay $135 for my second suitcase which I thought was reasonable. I thought I'd be able to stuff everything into one suitcase but realised the day before that it wasn't going to happen (what the heck was I thinking???) I had to rush out and get another suitcase the day before I left. So then I was also able to bring the clothes and shoes that were in the 'maybe' pile. The first one was 32.1kg and the second one 22kg and then I had a small carry-on suitcase as well. I could only just fit all my stuff on the luggage trolley when I got to LA. Lol. My POE went very quickly. There was hardly any line at immigration and customs when I got there and I only had to wait about 5 minutes for my bags. Then I had to wait about 3 hours for my connecting flight to Washington DC. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time between my connecting flight. I went with Virgin America and I was really happy that they didn't charge me for my baggage. I was supposed to pay $20 for each suitcase but I think they must have forgot. Lucky for me! I was also lucky that on both flights there was a spare seat between me and the next person. It was nice to have a little extra room. I slept most of the way to DC and I was so glad to be there after a 22 hour journey. I was tired but it was so good to see Dwight there waiting for me at the baggage carousel after 10 months waiting. It was kind of crazy going from 30 something degree C heat in Brisbane to below 0 here. Saturday it snowed all day and again last night and they are forecasting another snow storm for the weekend. It's so pretty outside with everything covered in white snow. I'm so happy to finally be here with my man in my new home....it's so nice and cosy I hear what you are saying about the snow, my girl just laughs at me and say's "how cute" as I sit staring out the window at the snow! But it is so crazy coming from Brisbane to see it. Now it is time for me to start getting the paperwork in place for the AOS I guess, what are all you guys doing on this? Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2010-02-08 17:57:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	So for the people who have done the AOS and those of us that are about to start that side of things what are the things that need to get taken care of first? ie does anyone thing take longer than others for this part? Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2010-01-03 17:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (Giggles @ Dec 28 2009, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> That's good you made it there safely Miss Natalie. I was wondering what V Australia was like as I haven't travelled with them before. By the looks of their website the looked pretty decent to me. I just booked a one way ticket with them to LAX for $690. Today I'm going to book the rest of my journey to DC which I've seen for US$119. All up it will cost about AU$825.....I can't believe how cheap we could get a one way ticket. Qantas was more than $2000. I have a $650 credit with Qantas which I might end up having to forfeit unless I decide to come back some time next year. That is a good deal on flights, Mine is about $1800 to Denver but I have bikes and all sorts so the excess luggage was the reason for extra costs for me.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-28 22:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (TheCockyLockies @ Dec 23 2009, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Me 3!! (I feel the pain). I came here at the end of Aug. and married a month ago. So, it's almost 4 months that I've sat and waited .... and still waiting. I can't drive and cant go anywhere. My hubby works Mon-Fri, so i sit at home til he gets home. Just like you, I sit infront of the tv with my laptop on. I can't even walk out pass the community gate that we live in becuase hubby has warned me about getting abducted around Florida (I hear it on the news all the time). It can be scary... I have tried walking out to get to the store... cars honking and people staring and gawking. And not being able to work and having an income coming regularly have been hard to take. I wish I could go back to work soon! I think your mom is paying alot for that phone card. When I use to call my hubby then, I used a $10 phonecard with 1,030 mins in it. I lived in Sydney tho so I dunno if you can get it in Melb. Its called "Today China" - I usually buy if from an Asian store. Anyways, it's all worth it. Can be lonely sometimes but I'm really happy to be here. Have you guys used Skype much or is there something I am missing on why not to use? I am about to leave (in a month) and I think about a lot of these things daily, I hope I can cope until I get use to it all. My girl says I am easy to understand but then she has talk for over a year to me so I would hope she could understand me	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-22 20:42:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (Giggles @ Dec 21 2009, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks guys! I can't believe the day we've been waiting for is almost here....just one more sleep!! I flew down this morning and have just been wandering around the city. I even went by Martin Place so I knew exactly where I have to go in the morning. I'm soooo excited but starting to get nervous. I'm going to try to get an early night because I hardly slept last night. I was already getting excited but I doubt I'll get much sleep tonight either. Good luck also Lyekka and Damo. I'm sure we'll both have some good news to share with everyone tomorrow. Good luck for tomorrow.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-21 03:18:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (TerriandEric @ Dec 15 2009, 06:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Best of luck for it all Chris. A quick question for everyone -- In regards to the medical, I know they are valid for 12 months after being done as well as the police check. As I have to have a medical done for my 12 year old daughter, will it pose any issue for us to look into getting our medicals done sooner rather then later? I am also looking at doing the police check in advance as well so that thing may run a little smoother considering I have to organise my son who has opted to stay behind here with my parents to finish out Year 11 & 12. From all I have read on this site I dont think it would matter but at the same time I am just wanting to make things a little smoother as there is not just me to worry about in the process. Has anyone else in the Australian group had children go through the journey with them? Any input would be greatly appreciated. You generally can't do your medical until you have your case number which you won't get until your NVC approval if I remember correctly.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-15 05:20:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Dec 15 2009, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll write a longer review for the consular review section, but in a nutshell it was all pretty smooth. First one in, first one out, very friendly CO, though she did ask me a fair few questions and kept calling Alex my boyfriend....did not even get asked to show my evidence (darn it, it was so good!) and I should have my visa by Friday!!! congratz	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-15 02:22:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Dec 10 2009, 06:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey guys, sorry i haven't been around much lately. I went over and visited Janet from Oct 17 - Dec 8. Tomorrow we send in packet 3 and hopefully find out Monday when the interview date is. I have my return trip booked for Jan 23 so hopefully it's all complete by then! Love to you all! Good luck and I think you should be good to make you Jan date based on how quick they are doing interviews.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-10 06:26:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (Giggles @ Dec 9 2009, 11:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I just got P4 and and my interview date is December 22 like I thought. Yippeeee!!!!!! I'm so excited!!! congratz and good luck	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-09 01:41:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Wahoo !!! I got it!!! So excited now the real fun begins getting ready to leave! So it was quite easy if you have your stuff in order I guess. I got there about 7.30 for my 8am and was all done and out by 9.00 so was pretty quick really. Pretty standard questions - how did you meet? - have you been to the US? - Have you meet her family & has she meet yours? she looked at some of my extra photos from our recent holiday on the Gold Coast. Hope everyone else has an easy and quick process. Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-12-01 05:00:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	OK I am all packed got all my paperwork ready and fingers crossed all goes to plan!! Leaving for Sydney straight after work Monday for 8am Tues interview!! Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-29 05:21:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 26 2009, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Giggles @ Nov 25 2009, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I had my medical exam with Dr Yates today. Astrid, basically it went the same as yours. I did my urine test first and then waited about 10 minutes to see the doctor. We went through the vaccination sheet and the questions on the medical exam worksheet. Then he asked me to undress to my underwear and he checked my weight and height, gave me the Boostrix and MMR vaccines. Then he listened to my breath/lungs and heart (from my back and front), did a breast exam, pressed around on my belly, took my blood sample and then asked if I had any ankle problems. I sat up he tapped my knee to test my reflex, check in my ears, eyes and open my mouth and say ahh. Next came the part which I thought was a bit weird....he asked me to stand up turn towards the wall bend over and touch my toes (butt towards him and all I'm wearing is my underwear. #######??) I did it quickly without really thinking about it but then I started to think about it.....was he checking out my butt??? I can't think why it was necessary to turn around and bend over infront of him (standing about 2m away). Couldn't he have seen if I could touch my toes when I'm facing him? Does anyone know if there was a legitimate reason for this? I then had to stand on my toes and turn back towards him, squat, stand up and raise my arms above my head which I guess was all to see if i had any injuries/problems. I got dressed and then he asked me to read the bottom row on the eye chart (don't need to be nearly naked for that). He told me everything was all good and the exam was over. Then I went and got my x-ray done. Everything was done in about 1.25 hours and all up it cost me $541 (exam, x-ray, blood test $466, MMR $30 & Boostrix $45). Now I just have to wait to get the results which should be Friday (maybe) or Monday. Hmmm...that does sound really weird. Why did he get you to do all that bending over and stuff? I didn't have to do that. I think unless you had a prior injury or problem like arthritis or something, there isn't a need to do that. And you can tell what someone's movement is like with clothes on. My trainer at my gym got me to do similar things like that to see what my flexibility and posture was like, and I did in my street clothes! I really think it's not needed for us to be near-naked for the whole exam. The more I think about it, the more it weirds me out. I actually feel kind of dirty. Have any male VJ'ers gone to see Dr Yates? Can you tell us about your experiences? I swear, if the guys don't have to be undressed for it, I am going to flip my lid. nope sounds exactly how mine went I was in my boxer short only for the bending over thing. must just be how they do it I guess.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-26 02:16:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 24 2009, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Vanessa - thankyou for explaining! They have changed how you pay the visa fee since I was last issued a visa three years ago. How I described it above was how it was when I got my student visa. How they do it now isn't fair though, since you are paying more than the equivalent of $131 usd oh, and I am flying down the night before, because my appointment is so early, but because of what happened to you Good luck with your interview! Yeah it would be better if it was calculated on the current exchange rate, but I figure it is a crazy expensive process anyway so an extra $10 or so does not make a difference. I have given up counting the cost as it is silly how much it all is really I just want my visa so I can get to my girl. It is near now.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-24 18:29:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Hi all So this is a bit of a random question but one I am sure we all have to think about and deal with at some point and that is what type of things have you needed or need to do before you leave to be with your loved one? Has anyone seen a list of things needed to do to make the move less stressful? Things I am thinking about is Do you close your aussie bank a/c's cancel insurances? What to do about your aussie super? I am just trying to get my head around all these little things so I am not having to try and deal with them from the other side of the world. Good luck to all my fellow interviewers over the next few weeks, it is getting so close and we will all be with our loved ones very soon!! Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-23 16:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 23 2009, 09:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Don'tWhateverMe @ Nov 23 2009, 02:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 23 2009, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Interview date - December 15, at 8am!! Was hoping to get in on the 8th, but all the appointments for that day must have been taken. It's all good! We both got the appointment letter in the email today, and I am not missing anything, just got to bring the passport, payment, evidence etc...Will bring extra passport pics just in case too! On my letter though, under additional comments was "FormDS194RefusalSupplemental 02/20/08". Does anyone know what it means, or does everyone have that on their letter? Yay - Congrats Astrid ... Thanks! Oh, to everyone waiting to pay their visa fee, I think you can just go ahead and pay it, and not wait for your P4 letter....the reason I say that is that the amount you pay to Aus Post is linked to the exchange rate, my letter says I have to pay $157 AUD, but it also says "subject to change". I just checked the exchange rate, it's more like 140-ish now. So when I go tot pay it, I guess I just tell them that I need to pay a US visa fee, and what it is worth in USD, and let them figure out the exchange. Just looked at airfares, looks like its going to be about $160 to fly there and back....and for once, Virgin Blue is cheaper than JetMaggot! (sorry, I have a vendetta against Jetstar). Going to stay at the YHA Central Sydney or Railway square, for 41.50 a night. Cheap and central is good in my book! Wonder if I will happen across any other Vj'ers while I am there? I am going to pay my fee tomorrow and it says I need to pay $157.20 so we will see I guess	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-23 06:30:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (NewYorkSydney @ Nov 17 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey All, My visa was approved this morning... It was very simple and easy and the whole thing took at most no more then 40 mins. I got there at around 10.15am for an 11am appointment. I was called to the first window in a matter of minutes to pass over my passport, receipt, pics and envelope. Then asked to sit back down for 5mins. I was then called for finerprints. The actual interview took no more then 5 mins and the questions I was asked are as follows. I was actually out of there before the 11am interview time. - How did you meet - Has your fiance been out to visit you - Have you been to the US - How long was longest stay in the US - How are you planning on getting married - When do you intend to leave for the US - How many times has your fiance been to Australia All fairy simple and then had to sign the document stating I intend to marry within 90 days and declare that all I have said is the truth. I also asked how much time should I allow at customs in LAX as i will be heading to NY and she said that I should allow atleast 3 hours to do the other set of interviews at POE. What a relief this is all done now.. I will be heading to the US towards the end of feb 10 Good luck to all those that have interviews coming up Carol What type of relationship evidence did you take and how much? I am so nervous about all this stuff. I have booked my flights and Hotel so it is just a waiting game now until the day and just hope it all goes smooth. This forum has been such a help along the way I am not sure how I would have made it without the advice of the friendly people on here. Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-18 06:32:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (NewYorkSydney @ Nov 17 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey All, My visa was approved this morning... It was very simple and easy and the whole thing took at most no more then 40 mins. I got there at around 10.15am for an 11am appointment. I was called to the first window in a matter of minutes to pass over my passport, receipt, pics and envelope. Then asked to sit back down for 5mins. I was then called for finerprints. The actual interview took no more then 5 mins and the questions I was asked are as follows. I was actually out of there before the 11am interview time. - How did you meet - Has your fiance been out to visit you - Have you been to the US - How long was longest stay in the US - How are you planning on getting married - When do you intend to leave for the US - How many times has your fiance been to Australia All fairy simple and then had to sign the document stating I intend to marry within 90 days and declare that all I have said is the truth. I also asked how much time should I allow at customs in LAX as i will be heading to NY and she said that I should allow atleast 3 hours to do the other set of interviews at POE. What a relief this is all done now.. I will be heading to the US towards the end of feb 10 Good luck to all those that have interviews coming up Carol Congratz I bet it is such a relief to get it all done and now to be able to relax a bit and get ready for this life changing move.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-17 07:35:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	****** news flash ****** Got my interview date Dec 1st 8 am WOW it is so close now, I am so nervous about what they will ask and what I need to take etc it is crazy. I am booking my flights tonight, what is the hotel near there again as I will fly down night before since it is a 8am interview time. Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-16 01:56:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	posting my packet 3 back today so lets see how long before they schedule an interview? would like to get it done before Christmas if I can	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-10 18:01:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 2 2009, 07:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Booked my medical today, for November 12th, with Dr Yates in Brisbane. Total cost looks like $481, which includes the Medical, Chest Xray and Blood test. A $100 deposit is required to be paid, nonrefundable and must be paid at least two days before my appointment. If I don't show up, I lose the deposit. My one went quite quick was all done in around 1.5hrs Only had to get two shots which was about $90 extra I think so all pretty quick. will be sending back all my paperwork either Friday or Monday and then just wait for interview	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-04 03:42:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	how long from when you get the visa do you have before you have to leave Australia and enter the US? I had heard 90 days or 3 months but not sure how accurate this is and just want to check as I want to enter on or about the 12th Feb so just want to try and time stuff as it looks like I could get my interview pretty quick once lodged based on others times.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-01 20:28:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 1 2009, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> WE GOT APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!! Alex just called me and I can't stop crying!!!!! Tell you what, the buggers at CSC had me worried. The last touch we received on the 27th was our approval, but they didn't update the system to reflect that, it just looked like another touch! Alex got the NOA2 in the mail today. I'M SO HAPPY! congratz	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-11-01 02:56:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Medical done today and should be able to collect Monday yay!!! So I am filling in my DS-156K form and it wants "evidence of engagement to your fiance" and "evidence of financial support" can anyone give me ideas what to use for these? Thanks all It is getting so close, p.s has anyone had police report done in QLD? do they send you a notice when they forward it to the consulate? Jason Edited by zaskar, 29 October 2009 - 01:52 AM.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-29 01:49:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (Miss Natalie @ Oct 13 2009, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lyekka @ Oct 13 2009, 02:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Oct 12 2009, 07:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (lyekka @ Oct 12 2009, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Oct 12 2009, 12:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Was supposed to have my medical today with Dr. Charles in Port Melbourne, but about 30 mins before i was set to head up there they rang to tell me the X-ray machine was broken! So i'm rescheduled for Wednesday now. Hello everyone Im not from Australia but my fiance is there in Melbourne atm.. I read this had a little oh ####### reaction. Did they say when they would have it fixed by? My fiance has his appointment there next week, so wanted to give him a heads up about this. Sorry to hear about your medical getting postponed, that really sux! hugs! Jules Hey Jules! Yeah they have me rescheduled for tomorrow so it looks like it was a one day problem. I'll post here and let you know what their situation is. Thanks so much! Damo is getting his fingerprinting done tomorrow, so that will be nice to get out of the way. His medical appt. is not until the 26th so all should be good. Cool part is Dr charles is right close to his work in port melb so he only has to take a half day off for that yay! He is still grumbling about going lol. I told him it wouldnt be to bad, but he hates doctors, so funny. Wow grats on such a fast interview date! Thats so exciting! I would love for ours to be that quick, hopefully they will give us enough notice because I'm flying over for it. hehe. Hopefully qantas will have some of their great sales they have been having lately /fingers crossed. Good luck on your interview! Cant wait to see how it goes! Thanks for letting me chat with you guys Jules Thanks! yes, packet 4 was emailed to me We didn't expect it so soon, and were hoping for early November when Brian is here for a visit. But I'm not complaining - lets get this over with! I am looking at flights now. The appointment is not till 11am, so I could take a red eye over from Adelaide but I am scared about delays and things like that. So I am thinking about heading over the night before, but lord knows the process isn't cheap and do I really want to spend more money on accommodation? Hmmm decisions, decisions. Any thoughts? I am thinking the same about the over night but it is the most important interview to date I will have so I will go day before so I can make sure delays etc are not a factor! Good luck with your interview.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-13 03:11:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Oct 12 2009, 08:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Vanessa&Tony @ Oct 11 2009, 01:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Oct 10 2009, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We're doing ok...we keep moving up Igor's list which is awesome, but no touches on the USCIS site yet. We...or at least, I, am in full wedding planning mode. We haven't set a date as such, but we are aiming for February 20th, We have a place for the ceremony and reception lined up (Alex's boss graciously offered us the use of her home and beautiful garden for free!), I have my dress (yay), and we are on the lookout for caterers and someone to make our wedding cupcake tower (cupcakes om nom nom), so as soon as we know that I am golden, we are going to book! It's such a hassle though, trying to find wedding vendors and stuff when you are on the other side of the world...plus, Alex being a bloke, isn't too into the details and stuff. A tad frustrating but we are getting there. Hey, USCIS! I'm ready to hurry up and get hitched, but you're slowing me down here! I never used the Igor's list, I used this one: http://www.visajourn...ge=k1historical According to this they're processing July 8th at the moment at VSC. Fingers crossed they process nice and quick for you Oooo wedding planning!! I did a bit of mine from Australia but it was SUCH a pain. You can't book anything so it was all just kinda ideas and stuff. It's really nice that Alex's boss is allowing the use of her home. That makes life a bit easier Now you just need a celebrant Me, I have almost everything ready... I need to finalise/pay deposits on photographer, videographer and DJ. I'm working on my Order of Service now. I'm looking forward to receiving my US bank card. My first US account. Woot! lol I know, its frustrating when you can't just go ahead and book anything! At least now all we really need to book is the caterer, who don't need that much notice anyway, get a baker organised for our cake... and the celebrant, we already know who we are going to use, he specialises in last minute weddings We just need to tell him the date. I've been so lucky, I have many friends, or friends of friends who are willing to do my mum and I's hair and makeup, and a friend of mine who I worked with on my college newspaper will hopefully be doing our pics! Saves us money, and its so great to have people we already know and trust help us on the big day! Thank god I lived in LA for all that time, or I'd be screwed! Are you doing a lot of your stuff DIY, like your invites? Thats what I am doing, I can't wait to make them! I'm making my own veil too, with mum's help. We balked when we sa the pricetags on the ones at bridal salons. $150 for 15 dollars worth of tulle and a 20 cent hair comb. I'll pass! Which bank are you going with....I am with Chase/WaMu, as is my fiance. They are PRICKS though, I've lost count of how many times we have been screwed by them. I really wouldn't mind switching to Wells Fargo, except it would be a right pain in the ####### for Alex, because of how many things he has linked to his bank....meh. Miss Natalie, my wedding day twin, hopefully!! We're getting married in Santa Clarita, north of los angeles. Girl, we are all going to have to pass round our happy snaps as each of our big days roll around! OOOOHH....just checked timeline projections...I can now expect an approval between October 31st and November 7!! holy ####### that is soon! I'm just hoping like crazy that I don't get stuck in any name checks or any thing....I have prior visa to the states and lived there for two and a half years, but I played by the rules perfectly. I've just heard that it can slow people down. I think I need to get calling my local panel doctor and cop shop to organise everything SOON! yeah no touches for me just got an email so don't pay too much attention to website.	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-12 05:43:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	does anyone know a good cheap hotel near the consulate?	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-12 05:20:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (Vanessa&Tony @ Oct 12 2009, 05:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Oct 9 2009, 10:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey, I am a brisvegas person too, who are you seeing your your medical? any info about that and how your police check went would be amazing!! I'm expecting my NOA2 at the beginning of next month and I'm worried about getting all this done before the end of January 2010...I have a return ticket I can use back to the States and I'd hate to not be able to use it Vanessa.....SO HAPPY you are back with your FH! I got a bit emotional when I read about you being back with Tony, I can't wait to be back with Alex an d it reminded me of the last time we had an airport reunion. It's only been four months apart but it feels like a lifetime!! Good luck with all the wedding planning, can't wait to see pictures of you looking like a beautiful bride Donna, I hope you get your case approval soon so you can get back for your first anniversary...I'm thinking happy thoughts for all of you! Oooo return ticket? Maybe keep in mind changing the return date. i heard from my flight person that it's not that expensive to change the return leg. It'd be HEAPS cheaper than buying a new ticket so maybe ask a flight place about that and see how much you should save... just in case. I'm sure you read that I bought my ticket before we had been approved. It was VERY stressful wondering about that, so look into the cost now and it shouldn't be as bad... *fingers crossed* you're okay though. Seeing you said you're expecting NOA2 in Nov though, I think you should be okay. Just make sure you have all the P3 stuff ready to go because I waited 3 weeks till interview date. GOOD LUCK!! I am very happy to be back with Tony It's just so surreal some days. I sit here and think "wow... only 2 months ago I was missing hugs and kisses". I remember the awful months of waiting, and now it's just.. normal. /happy sigh If you can get to a post office they do it and have pretty good rates too, I think they use american express. I use them all the time	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-12 02:03:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Just received my pkt 3 via email today so will be doing lots of reading now to make sure I have it all Medical is only a week in brisbane so that is good, will do police check next week Wahoo it is so close. J	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-10-07 21:41:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Got my approval yesterday so this post is going to be so much help now as I begin this part of the journey! Thank you so much for spending the time to document it all. Regards Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-09-29 21:51:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Immunization Requirements is where I found some info on it is all	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-09-01 02:57:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	QUOTE (mrsemcee @ Sep 1 2009, 12:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Huge congrats guys!!! Sorry it's taken me so long to reply but yes, I got my gp to refer me for a complete blood test, I took in the list I needed for immigration and yes, I'm getting all the needles ahead of time, because hep A & B are done in three lots and others which I need. I'm lucky my gp is familiar with immigration shots, so that helps. Also, I'd reccomend the police check being done asap koz I rang querying mine from early august and it still hasn't been sent!!!! Vanessa and Tony, once again many congrats!!!! Hi, So you need Hep A & B? I thought you would only need those if under 18yrs for B and under 6 for A? I am a little worried as I can not find my records for all these, I know I will need a tetnis booster but the rest is age dependent I thought. Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-09-01 02:40:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Has anyone used a blood test to show what vaccinations they have had as I have absolutely no idea where my records would be. And the one I need can I just get my local GP to do and then have her print a report or something to take to my medical? Thanks Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-08-18 02:43:00
Australia and New Zealand	Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date	Thanks for such a comprehensive post on your experiences this will help me and my fiancé a lot as we travel this road. Regards Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-08-11 02:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police report question	Thanks that is a relief	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-08-18 04:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police report question	So has anybody had to do this before?	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-08-18 02:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police report question	QUOTE (zaskar @ Aug 11 2009, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So I have a question for any Australians I live in Qld now but lived in Vic when aged 16 moved a few months before my 17th birthday My question is I know I need a police report from there but do I also need to get my fingerprints taken at a Victorian police station also for the report or can I just get the report as I will be getting my fingerprints taken here in QLD Just trying to get a head start on what I need to do so it goes as smooth as possible Jason OK I should add I am a N.Z citizen but am a permanent resident of Australia After reading again do I even need to worry that I lived in VIC as it is still the same country?	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-08-11 05:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police report question	So I have a question for any Australians I live in Qld now but lived in Vic when aged 16 moved a few months before my 17th birthday My question is I know I need a police report from there but do I also need to get my fingerprints taken at a Victorian police station also for the report or can I just get the report as I will be getting my fingerprints taken here in QLD Just trying to get a head start on what I need to do so it goes as smooth as possible Jason	zaskar	Male	Australia	2009-08-11 03:18:00