ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thanks Vanessa - I wasnt too bothered by the immigration side of things. My question related more to the fact I've been added to Ted's medical insurance despite the fact I have no social security number yet. An unexpected turn of events means that I'll be needing to make use of the insurance but I wanted to see if there was going to be the possibility they could deny the coverage based on my status or lack thereof...
CareBearFemaleAustralia2011-01-03 19:39:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
So I have a question :D What exactly am I currently "classed" as status wise.

I entered on the K1 on 29 October, married Ted within the 90 days and am sending off our AOS papers this week. I know I'm not a permanent resident as I dont have a green card yet so what exactly am I classed as?

Ta muchly
CareBearFemaleAustralia2011-01-03 13:31:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Happy New Year everyone :) I have had an awesome day out and about with the husband (love that word!!!) - even found some New Zealand Manuka honey in a supermarket up the road which totally made my day!!!

Wishing you all an awesome 2011 - and for kiwibird - you have nothing to fear *hugs*
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-31 21:10:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Merry Christmas everyone :D Hope you're having the most wonderful of days.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-25 12:47:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
thanks for the brilliant idea Astrid - I have no sales experience unfortunately but I'm still going to try for every office and retail job going. I know something will fall into my lap when its supposed to :)

Posting from somewhere different tonight - currently in Las Cruces, New Mexico which is our overnight stop on our road trip from Fort Worth Texas to Prescott Arizona. Even drove on Texan highways for the first time ever today lol :) Happy days :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-18 22:04:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LOL I plan on applying for anything thats on offer and throwing my CV at anything thats not lol. Havent applied for EAD Nick - AOS etc goes in at the end of the month when we get back from Arizona.

I didnt want to lodge it mid November in case the biometrics was set while we were away - didnt know until a few days ago that Dallas is so frigging slow its going to take months anyway :(
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-10 21:33:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LOL I was a paralegal, earned over 60k. I'm currently enforced unemployed and addicted to daytime television.....I'll take Walmart and $5 an hour to get out of this house once I get my EAD :D :D :D

Thanks girls - its nice to know that I'm not alone in my frustrations!! You made me smile :)

PS - nice to hear you're having a blast Nick - do try not to break any major bones lol.

Edited by CareBear, 10 December 2010 - 08:31 PM.

CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-10 20:30:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Well you can add me to the crying list too - I had a massive bawl for a couple of hours on Wednesday night - was terribly homesick and missing the family, not great!

We're going to Arizona for Xmas to spend it with Teds mum and dad. 2 day drive each way with 6 days in Prescott and apparently the Grand Canyon is only a 90 minute drive from their home so that will be a day trip on my list. Problem is because we're going there we havent really bothered doing anything Xmas decoration wise here which probably isnt helping my moods. That and being on one income so for the first time in my life I have to watch my spending so I've def got the Xmas mehs lol. Oh well I just need to keep reminding myself to be grateful its not another Xmas apart and next year I can work again :)

Sorry to hear about your hospital visit Terri - hope you are well on the mend now.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-10 08:29:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Oh Terri you poor thing. I've lost my wallet before, painful in your home country but what a nuisance having to replace all that here. Thinking of you and hope you get your replacement cards really soon *hugs*
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-03 22:19:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Depends what part of Australia you're doing the medical in - I wasnt allowed to book my medical at the Brisbane Medical Centre in Anzac Square until I had my NVC assigned case number (and that isn't given until after NOA2). Not sure what other states do.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-01 22:50:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Hi all! Just saying hi in the regional forum while I wait for some word from USCIS.

Oh! I do have a question though. My fiance in Australia started working on a work visa to move over.. but is now working on a K-1 visa. He got his police checks from Australia and New Zealand a couple months ago. Will he have to repeat these? Or how long are they valid for? Just wondering!

And woot.. met on Wow here, too!


Just a heads up that if he got the New Zealand police check by applying to the Ministry of Justice and getting a letter back its not valid for the K1 visa. I did that and the Sydney Consulate would not accept it. There is no way of getting a police check directly from New Zealand Police. You need to fill in the form provided by the Consulate and they will get it on your fiancee's behalf (they provided me with the privacy form for signing as part of Packet 3). It delayed my visa being issued by about 2 weeks - man I was annoyed lol.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-12-01 08:53:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Hi Guys,

Just thought I'd introduce myself. Name is Brett and I'm living on the Gold Coast. New to this whole procedure and my fiancé in Portland OR is about to post our I-129F application this week. Glad to see so many positive outcomes here and makes us feel that we should be ok unless we stupidly forget something in a package along the way. I'd just like to thank all of you for sharing your experiences on here, we've found them invaluable as well as heart-warming to see people bought together despite some interesting challenges.

Take Care,

Brett.

*Edit: Oh yeah Chris and Mara, we too met in WoW :)


Hey Brett welcome to the madhouse :) I'm an ex Gold Coaster (lived in Arundel, worked in Bundall) - have been in the USA since end October so any help you need feel free to holler!

And massive congrats T&I - isnt it the most wonderful feeling in the world to hear APPROVED :dance:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-30 08:34:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

hey guys quick question....do you pay the fee for the visa at the post office or in Sydney?


At the Post Office. You take the receipt with you to the interview at Sydney and hand it over with the express post envelope when asked :D
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-27 17:54:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Happy thanksgiving ladies :) Happy to see your AOS is moving along Kaye even if you did get a RFE (fingers crossed its nothing big at all!!)

I'm waiting for my marriage certificate to arrive before I can send all the paperwork off. I'm thinking of delaying it until end of December as we're off to Arizona for Xmas 18 to 28 December and I'm a little worried that if I send it off end November the biometrics appointment could be set for the time we're away.....or am I worrying unnecessarily and they're not that quick?

We have a very large turkey defrosting in the fridge, and all the condiments in the cupboard. I'm even attempting making a pecan pie so happy days to all :D
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-23 15:14:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Sounds like a fantastic way to spend the winter Nick, well done to you :)

I need to think about AOS...one day lol
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-23 08:43:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

:dance: WE GOT OUR INTERVIEW :dance: Nov 30th 8am. So excited.


Congratulations you're almost there :) Will you plan to reunite in the US before the Christmas holidays or after?

So excited for you!!!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-17 10:20:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Opps I forgot the good bit - may I present the happy bride and groom :)

Attached File  082b.jpg   34.23KB   12 downloads
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-14 22:25:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
It was a great wedding and a good day :) Taking the completed marriage license back to the government office tomorrow and once the marriage cert is received we'll be sending in the AOS. Used Vanessa's link to fill it all in - thanks hon :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-14 18:10:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

:bonk: Me and my man are just on pins and needles. He sent packet 3 in on the 11/5, because it took such an insane amount of time for him to get my stuff in the mail and even longer for his police check to get back we are totatly stressed. Our petition expires 12/2, how long does it generally take to get an interview date after you send packet 3 in. We have verified that they did recieve it. I can't wait until this is over. Just craziness.


I think it took about 2 weeks from memory for me to get notification of the interview date and the interview was 2 1/2 weeks after I was notified :) Good luck you're almost there!!

Nice to see you Nick - sounds like you're having a blast and settling in just fine.

Biggest hugs Jess - I know you're frustrated as right now but it will happen before you know it.

Wedding is in 5 hours - still hasnt quite sunk in yet lol.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-13 11:09:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey Kitty - welcome to the madhouse :) Good luck with your AOS.

Cheers
Carey
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-09 23:09:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Oh Kaye I'm so so so sorry regarding the passing of your Dad. I truly wished that you would get home in time but I like the idea of your mum to come visit once the colder months have passed. My nanna passed away on my brothers birthday 10+ years ago so we do the same, celebrate her life every year whilst we celebrate the birthday.

The most massive of hugs to you - please holler if you need a shoulder to lean on.

Take Care
Carey xox
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-07 10:18:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thanks for the advice on the wedding day accessories Kaye but we're not really having that sort of wedding. It is very simple and utterly budget conscious lol. We had a great day out shopping today though - I cannot believe we rented an entire tuxedo for Ted - pants, shirt, tie, jacket, cufflinks, shoes, socks for $90!!!!!! Are you kidding me??? And good old Macy's were having a sale so my step daughters utterly gorgeous dress was only $50! So happy :) Plus got my engagement ring resized today so finally its on my finger! I cant believe I'll be married this time next week - very cool :dance:

Thinking of you and your family every day - did you get your biometrics date yet? And I completely agree that living here is so different to the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast. I know I'm still in suburbia but I'm currently quite enjoying not busting it every day at work - I have no idea how long this happy bliss will last but for now very happy sighs :D


What's the latest update with you too Jess?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-06 18:22:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thanks girls - I rarely get sick but man did I go down hard!!! Am finally on the mend I think and picked up my personal effects from the air cargo building today so tomorrow its time to unpack and get back into some sort of vague routine. Oh and we went and got the marriage licence today so 11 days til I'm a Mrs :)

Hey Kaye I forgot to say I had the absolute hysterical giggles right before I saw Ted at the terminal. So remember all your advice about looking ravishing, moisturised etc? Emm yes no - so 13 hour flight, no sleep. Get to LA and an hour before me next flight I spill half a cup of coffee down my white singlet and brown jacket. Makeup accidentally got packed - I swear to goodness I was a wild haired, coffee reeking, red eyed lunatic! And just before I walked out into the baggage hall where Ted was waiting I remembered your email and I was almost sick I was laughing so hard!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-11-02 22:14:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Yay Kaye pleased to see the AP is processing really quickly (well quickly by USCIS standards lol)

My POE at LAX was a breeze - they took they envelope at the Immigration line window, stamped by passport, stapled in the I94 and off I went to pick up my bag and leave - quite painless and quick really :)

Have now been here about 2 days but went down hard with a cold and chest infection yesterday afternoon. Luckily it was after we had been out to the cargo building to pick up my dog. Holy cow I feel so ill its feral!!! So been in bed sleeping most of today - feel so sorry for Ted, he's trying to be loving and I'm awful when I'm sick lmao!!

Thanks for all the kind wishes and support before I headed stateside it was muchly appreciated :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-31 21:29:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
OMG Kaye it just sounds like a right nighmare - red tape at its finest isnt it!!! I've printed out all the stuff regarding SS numbers from VJ. Am going to give it 2 weeks from arrival and then head into the office armed with the paper proof reasons as to why I am allowed one - fingers crossed that it will be smooth sailing.

2 sleeps to go now - a final chore list to deal with. My dog leaves tomorrow morning so this is my last day with him. I finished up work last night. I cannot believe that after 4 1/2 years with the guy I didnt even get a farewell card - just a handshake and a muttered thanks - I was quite upset last night that the amount of effort I'd put in over the years amounted to so little in his eyes. I'm mentally and physically exhausted and am also looking forward to getting on that plane and just switching off for a little while!!!

Keep us posted on how the AP goes. Am thinking of you every day and crossing everything I have that you'll be able to get home in time.

Massive hugs
Carey
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-26 15:54:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Ohhh that sounds stunning - scheme away boy!!! October 29 is flyday so 6 sleeps to go. On the final countdown now and starting to get very excited - if for nothing else than the fact I only have 2 more days at work - then 2 days off to finish things up then I'm outta here boys and girls :thumbs:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-23 04:06:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Vanessa's threads rock - one of my jobs at work this week is to print out all the paperwork for AOS and a few tidbits from her guide so I can fill in the papers ready for filing straight after the wedding.

Hey Nick I'm off to visit our mate the freight fowarder this morning - my final road trip to Brisbane until I go to the airport :) Woot very exciting!!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-19 15:26:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thinking of you Kaye - hope you get your AP nice and quick *hugs*
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-15 16:13:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Awww I get a special mention - pffft :rofl: Sounds like you're having a blast Nick - now get off your butt and got get a job :P

I'm having a panic attack today - I've decided its all too scary and I'm staying in Oz!!!!!!! Just havent told Ted yet :hehe:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-11 18:49:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone could send me a copy or an example of the note from the bank official for the I-134 Affidavit? Just trying to help my fiance on her end so we can be prepared for this NOA2 to arrive!


Hey :) We didnt file a note from the bank official with the I-134 affidavit and we were approved just fine. We file the I-134, letter from his employer confirming employment and salary, 3 years of tax transcripts and the last 6 pay stubs from his work.

Cheers
Carey
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-10 20:11:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
It snowed one afternoon when I was over this past March - went to an ice hockey game, came out and it was snowing!!! I'm too precious for snow lmao :)

The in laws are in Prescott, AZ so its a 10 day trip planned with driving taking up 4 days of that (2 each way) - looking forward to seeing something new :D
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-08 17:08:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Been there done that Jess love - isnt it fantastic!!! Have converted all my savings and the lowest rate I got was 93 cents which made me happy :) Will be doing one final buyup when I get my final pay in a couple of weeks - hoping it will be dollar for dollar by then :D
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-07 23:54:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
You're telling me - its finally started to warm up on the Gold Coast - had a couple of high 20s days here this week - and I'm heading to the mainland equivalent of Antarctica!!!!! cant wait to see what my dog thinks of it all :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-07 21:36:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
That's awesome!!! LOL re snow I was just not 10 minutes ago having a conversation with Ted about Texas, winter, snow and even more snow in Arizona at Christmas (where we are visiting his parents)......and I'm a kiwi and never seen snow lmao :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-07 21:10:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Oh Congrats again Terri :dance: - when do you start and what is it doing?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-07 19:30:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Way to go Terri and Eric :dance: Now you can relax for a little while :) well done!!!!!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-10-05 19:55:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Yeah I saw them - $55 extra for AOS (including the $5 increase for biometrics) but a price reduction for finance - gee they had to put them up now? Pfffft I wanna refund lmao :innocent:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-09-30 15:33:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey Bacon & Terri - awesome to see that things are moving in the right direction :thumbs:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-09-29 18:14:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thanks Nick - I was kind of expecting that may happen (extra charges) as it did when I shipped stuff from NZ to Oz 7 years ago.

Glad it went okay for you - am happy now to send my stuff with them too :D

And it sounds like you're having a blast with your sister - good stuff :thumbs:

Edited by CareBear, 20 September 2010 - 11:14 PM.

CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-09-20 23:13:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Cool thanks Nick :) I wouldnt be too concerned if mine arrived a week after it was supposed to as what is in the boxes isnt urgently required - mostly household stuffs. Even arriving a week later is still a tonne faster and cheaper than shipping!

Thanks for the heads up - really appreciate it :D

How's Denver?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-09-18 18:21:00