ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Have a fantastic honeymoon Kaye - enjoy all the new sights and relax :)

Sorry to hear about your Dad's cancer coming back - fingers crossed its a very slow mover and you have many years together yet *hugs*

Wow re your friend of a friends daughter - that would truly suck!!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-16 21:24:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

My man is gonna bring his dog too, did you have to get the rabies shot for your dog? I thought aus was a rabies free country but wasnt sure if they still need it. Other then that did you have to do anything special?


Aus is a rabies free country but its a requirement that Texas (dont die laughing but my dog is called Texas, is 7 1/2 years old and now I'm marrying a Texan - oh the irony) has a rabies shot before he enters the US. That and proof that he has had his annual vaccinations was the only thing needed for him.

The pet handler that is transporting him is attending to the shot prior to him flying - they pick him up from mums house 2 days after I fly out, transport him to Brisbane, fly him to Sydney where he overnights, has the rabies shot and a final health check over, next day he flies to San Francisco where he clears customs and dependent on the time of day will either fly straight through to Dallas that night or the next morning. Not a cheap exercise @ A$2400 but I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and just cannot bear to be parted from him.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-16 21:21:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Oi cheeky brat :rofl: Carey is quite common as a first name too - just normally for a boy :whistle:

How did you go with the packing and measuring on the weekend?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-16 17:09:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
As far as I was aware your ticket name has to match your passport so I would book 2 separate tickets as suggested - maiden going over and married coming back (if you're intending to change your passport whilst here).

I had an issue flying out of the States when the airline entered my boarding pass reversing my names - so my surname was showing as my maiden name.

Even though it was the same 2 names but reversed as my passport security wouldnt let me go through into the gate lounges, they made me return to the ticket counter and have it amended.

Not the same situation but my 2 cents worth :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-16 03:52:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey Jess - the waiting with nothing happening is the hardest part - I'm sure in the 91 days between NOA1 and 2 I stressed more than I've done in years. Massive hugs that something will happen for you soon.

LOL Nick I've just had visions of you with a tape measure and a lot of under breath muttering! Good luck with that and OMG only a month? Wow that's going quick mate!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-13 05:41:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LOL the roadtrip comment was definitely tongue in cheek - we're flying with Virgin and training it to the hotel - there will be no cars in sight near us :)

As for Sunrise - well emmmm watch this space as stranger things have happened :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-13 02:02:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thank you Kaye - hope you have the loveliest honeymoon and look forward to hearing from you when you return :)

LOL Nick I already have an airline ticket - I booked it while it was on sale figuring worse case scenario I would change the flight date if needed. My POE (fingers crossed) will be LAX on 29 October 2010. Once I have the visa in my hand I just have to book in the freight and dog and I'm good to go - it will be chill and relax time the last 2 months (and a few parties to boot :dance: )

Speaking of which my 2 best friends are coming to Sydney with me - their final hurrah road trip if you will :) I know they cant come with me to the consulate but after we'll be hitting the town for lunch and shopping before flying back to the coast that night. Is a great day today indeedy :dance:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-12 22:38:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I finally got my interview email :dance:

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 08.00am.

Now the panic sets in :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-12 19:06:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Geez you're SUCH a boy :rofl:

Corrugated Cardboard Box
431mm x 406mm x 596mm is a tea chest :whistle:

As for the New Zealand Police Certificate - lucky you!!!

I'm assuming you have your passport back by now and are just counting down the days :) I'm envious :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-12 04:17:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
He said he only needs a couple of days notice but bear in mind when you drop off your stuff it sits in some sort of security warehouse for 7 days before shipping - some new security rule or other!

And my boxes are 3 of those standard cardboard "tea chest" size, one large one containing pictures and a clear plastic storage bag containing a rolled up mattress memory foam - but he seemed to be more interested in the weight.

You're a kiwi? did you have to provide a New Zealand police certificate for your file? and if so did you send them the ministry of justice letter or did you fill out their letter addressed to NZ Police and let them get one?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-12 03:29:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Good luck with the car - I was lucky that one of my besties bought mine in June and then lent me her old car to drive until I go - one less problem to deal with.

I'm air freighting 4 boxes and 1 bag totalling 100 kgs. The cost is $700 but that's no insurance and I have to deliver them to Eagle Farm (no biggy there).

Sure use me as a referral if you like - he'll probably mutter that crazy kiwi under his breath :P :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-11 22:33:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Congratulations on your upcoming honeymoon - I'm sure that will be a lovely trip to be savoured :D

How did you get on with the freight contact Nick - was he any use to you?

As for me its been 7 days since I sent in packet 3 but no news yet - fingers crossed for an interview date email soon :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-11 04:15:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Ohhhh WTG Nick :dance: But if you're shitting yourself you may want to change your undies before flying hey :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-08 17:53:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Im so tired of dealing with stupid paper work and stupid people :devil:

Okay sent the first packet 3 form off asap last week. Sent the balance of packet 3 on Wednesday of this week. Tonight in my email I get this..

Dear Visa Applicant,

Thank you for sending the DS230 to our office which we received on August 02, 2010.

Question 30 indicates that you have lived in more than one country for periods of six months or more since reaching the age of sixteen.

You are, therefore, required to obtain a police certificate from New Zealand (along with the Australian Police Certificate). Please find the attached instructions for obtaining this police certificate.

Now I did obtain one of these directly from the Ministry of Justice in New Zealand and included it in my 2nd envelope. I'm assuming at this stage they haven't gotten to that yet so havent seen it. I replied and said as much (nicely despite the fact I have had a very feral day). However in reading through the New Zealand VJ forum thread people there have stated that the US Consulate in NZ wont accept one you've obtained yourself. So dilema - do I wait and see what the Oz US Consulate says after they've put all my stuff together? Or should I fill in the attached form and send it back to them just in case?

Ideas? Grrrrrrrr :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-06 02:30:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LOL Nick they're being really slow - I lodged Mum's and mine 3 weeks ago - I got mine last week but Mum didnt get hers until today - they must have run out of money :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-05 07:52:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Heya :) You're just a couple of weeks behind me :) My K1 NOA2 was July 13 and I returned packet 3 to Sydney yesterday, just waiting for an interview date now :) Congratulations to you.

Okay re vaccinations - I didnt have my childhood vaccine records either so get your partner to go to his local GP and get a blood test to prove immunity. They then provide a letter confirming what he has immunity for and he takes this with him to his medical.

With regards to what to send him now, you need to send your original signed affidavit of support and supporting documents as he will need to return these as part of the packet 3 return. The rest of the documents he returns are supplied by himself.

Any other questions just holler :)

Cheers
Carey
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-05 01:30:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT well done :dance:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-03 06:31:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LMAO :D Good luck with the interview - I'm sure you'll fly through.

Anzac Square rang me tonight to say the results are done and they're being express posted to be tomorrow. I'll take the balance of my packet 3 docs to work with me on Wednesday and should be able to shoot it away to Sydney Wednesday night for Thursday delivery.

Wow the end is so close its really exciting!!!
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-02 04:05:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
I've heard smart dress is the way to go - I'm pretty much planning to wear corporate work clothes - but try the bogan look and let us know how you get on :P
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-02 01:45:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LOL Nick - this is mine :bonk: I'm the hammer the boss is the idiot :whistle:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-08-01 23:24:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
I would have to agree with heading to the police station. I got mine (albeit in QLD) by going to the local cop shop, filling in a form to search based on my names (maiden and married), paying $156 and then they took my fingerprints while I was there. 9 days later I got back a police certificate issued by Queensland Police Service and that's what I'm sending in with my packet 3.

Regards
Carey
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-31 23:14:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey Jess :) yeah Ted got packet 3 in his email while I was sleeping Thursday night so it was in my email Friday morning when I woke yay :) So the first "send me immediately form" was sent express post to Sydney yesterday, the balance will follow end of next week once my medical results are back. And then all I need if my interview date :)

And yeah I'm on the Gold Coast as well so not needing warm just yet. Then again when I last saw Ted in Dallas in March it snowed lol - not sure if I'm ready for that extreme yet but at least I'll get 2 winters back to back :)

Any news your end?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-30 23:50:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Ignore the above question - I googled it on VJ and answered the question - first 2 pages only are on their way today :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-29 17:43:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
OK I'm out from under my rock - sleep was great and getting packet 3 overnight was even greater LOL - home stretch babies :)

But now I've confused myself. Instructions say send back DS230 Part 1 biographic data immediately. Not problem I have it filled in and ready to go BUT dont quite understand if I am to send part 2 with the form also. It only refers to part 1, doesnt refer to part 2 anywhere else in the checklist and says on the forms part 1 and 2 constitute the complete application.

I think in the absence of hearing from anyone before the end of the day I'll just send both :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-29 16:11:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Not even the whole "I'm an active duty military united states citizen please let me talk to someone" worked.


LMAO Jess - dang there goes my plan B and I dont even have a military partner :) I'm glad you got to speak to him yesterday though - would have brightened your day for sure.

I hate the not being able to just ring up and find out thing. I'm also part of the April filers VSC thread and a guy there got NOA2 on 30 July. His file hasnt reached NVC with both spots saying they dont have it. He now has to refile a duplicate petition. Another VJer came forward yesterday - same NOA2 date, also VSC - same problem!!!

Now I'm paranoid that my files going to disappear between NVC and the consulate. The lack of appearance of packet 3 is driving me nuts - over over over waiting I want this finished :) *back under my rock now* :P
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-29 04:31:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Yeah annoying re the super. They said the rules may change in the future but at this stage no as we have the right to retire here whether we take that option or not.

As for me I've just returned from Brisbane, medical is now done and dusted and the results will be sent next week but looks good at this stage :) A massive thank you to Sassyandswoop's medical review thread - I printed it out and took it with me so directions etc easy as and knowing what to expect was great :)

Still waiting for packet 3 though.....grrrrrrr lol
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-28 23:31:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
I can tell you now on the super front its a big fat nothing. You're not allowed to take it with you as you have the "right" to retire in Australia whether you take it up or not. You can of course draw on it at retirement age but that's about it right now. I'm going to park mine into a fund which pays lower fees since there will be no further contributions after I leave work and hope they change the rules in the future :)

Good luck with the sell up :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-27 23:12:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

So I had my interview yesterday, will post about it later, but in short, I was in and out (including clearing security and waiting for the lift up) in about 45 minutes, and APPROVED! :dance:


CONGRATS TO YOU :dance: :dance: another all sorted :) When do you plan to leave?
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-27 22:35:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LOL Bex - I HATE PATIENT!!!!!

And there was another package delivered to the consulate on Monday morning (26th) so I vote that one is yours :P
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-27 20:08:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Okies - NOA2 was dated 13 July, NVC said file sent to Sydney 19 July, according to DHL track it was received Friday afternoon (if that is my file). No sign of packet 3 yet (yes I am an impatient #######) so do I sit and wait (if so how long for?), email them? ring them? suggestions would be lovely ta :rofl:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-27 19:00:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LMAO Bex - that proposal would have brilliant - you're ripe for Green Card fraud now - u watch the girlies line up :D Bwahahahahhahaa - freight details are on the work pc so I'll put them here in the morning for you. Have got the medical on Thursday - so looking forward to that (especially the day off work bit!!!). Will ring the embassey on Friday if no sign of packet 3 before then - cant be far away!

And dont get me started on the dead work bit - I used to do 4-5 sets of docs a week at work this time last year, I havent done ONE this month :( am so freaking bored!!

Edited by CareBear, 27 July 2010 - 05:31 AM.

CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-27 05:30:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Pfffft get a life boy :rofl: Very cool - I'll be thinking of you next week :D I am however waiting waiting waiting for packet 3 ...... and completely over working!!! lol
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-27 00:18:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Thanks very much Kaffy - one less thing now on my mind :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 21:51:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Right I have a visa question for those who have recently entered the US. When I went to visit Ted in March I went on a tourist visa under the visa waiver program so I had to pre-register with the US 72 hours prior to flying.

As I'm entering this time on a K1 visa and not under the VWP do I still need to do the pre-register thingy? Or do I just rock up to the aiport on the day with my passport and visa and she'll be right lol.
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 21:34:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
I think you'll be surprised re V with regards to service, entertainment and food. I flew Sydney to LA on the last trip and I hate long distance flights - I mean really what to do for 12 and a half hours stuck in a tin can lol. But their entertainment system was awesome and so advanced. Touch screens, games, music, latest movies I swear it went past in a blink of an eye. And the food was really yummy too (and I'm a fussy eater lol). I got seats that I requested both there and back - I hate being in the back of the plane and on the return trip I was in a bulkhead seat.

The only diff this time is last time was a night flight so I slept quite a bit (also very unusual for me) but this time is a day flight so I'll be a bit more awake for more of it - but honestly it was the smoothest, most comfortable flight I've ever had and I've done the States 4 times and a few other long distance destinations as well. You'll have a blast!!!

And ditto on the business class jealousy comment :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 20:15:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

I've always flown Air NZ to the US, I have an American friend living in Sydney who has flown with V Australia twice and not had any problems, judging by the great prices I think I'll go with them. Do they have a more restrictive baggage limit than other carriers?

Thanks guys :)


Hey hey :) For V Australia to/from the USA the website says "International Economy 2 pieces maximum 32kg (70lb) in total (for all pieces combined) 158cm (62in) per piece" so I'm thinking thats about the same as Air NZ. Are you a kiwi too???
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 19:49:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey hey :) Any news on your NOA2 yet??

No re flying out. I'm anticipating at this stage my interview will be end August or early September but I'm not booked to fly out until 29 October. I bought the ticket while it was on sale but wanted to give myself extra time in case we got stuck at NVC etc. Worst case scenario $200 to push the date back but we seem to be well on track :)

Flying with V Australia - I flew them in March when I visited Ted and they were fantastic, the journey went smooth as and the hostesses were incredibly sympathetic when I cried the whole way home lol - even gave me a bulkhead seat with extra leg room to try and cheer me up :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 01:14:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Mine were Aus sized - which you can get at the post office! :D


Coolest thanks mate - I've still got some of those left over from when I got new ones for the I-129F :)
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 00:40:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Bex - medical question - on the instruction form for the Anzac Square Medical Centre it says I need to bring 3 recent standard passport photographs. Do they want US sized or Australian sized ones?

Cheers
Carey
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-22 00:34:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
LMFAO @ Bex - love the bosses reaction but well done - now you can just enjoy the journey instead of having to be sneaky about it :dance:
CareBearFemaleAustralia2010-07-21 21:57:00