ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
just curious on who poeple used when they moved stuff to the US, any recomendations or advice?

I'm in melbourne at the moment and will be moving to Charlotte, NC wont be alot of stuff, but too much to mail/take with me

Edited by Warren and Cindy, 16 October 2009 - 10:35 AM.

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-10-16 10:35:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
YAY Packet 3 arrived by email!!

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-10-07 20:11:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
QUOTE (Rings @ Oct 7 2009, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you plan on vacationing in America without hassles then it would be best to Naturalize so you can re-enter as a citizen and not have to ever go through customs or file for DCF which would not only be a pain in the butt, but can very well delay your vacation plans if it's not approved quick enough. Not to mention if your husband had a family emergency and had to come back to America you would not be able to come with him unless you had an re-entry permit and that is something you are not planning on getting so he would have to come alone.

I am having a hard time figuring out why you would want to hand over your greencard if you plan any sort of re-entry in the future. It makes no sense because you are going to be out of staus.

QUOTE (Warren and Cindy @ Oct 6 2009, 03:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Vanessa&Tony @ Oct 7 2009, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Becky @ Oct 7 2009, 04:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for taking the time to look in to this for me. We're going through Melbourne, not Sydney, on the way back to Aus., so it's a no-go on the Consulate in Sydney. I'll contact them, though, and see what they suggest.
I have been in the US for almost 4 years now, and I have previously considered becoming a dual citizen but decided against it. I haven't applied for a re-entry permit as we won't be moving back to the US. Plus my residence in Aus. will negate my Greencard anyway (long term commitments in Aus) so it's best to just turn it in now. I know to some it might seem like a big waste of effort going through the whole procedure to get here, but this is the best situation for us, and my family and I are looking forward to continuing our journey back home. I just want to make sure I can holiday in the US in the future without any hassles.


Obviously you're more than entitled to do what is best for you and your family but I am curious why you don't want dual. Not being rude or judgmental, I just wondered if there's a negative I haven't thought about... Would you mind telling me what your reasons are? I'm dual with the UK and Australia and so far haven't seen ANY negatives except making sure I keep the passports up-to-date.

Thanks in advance biggrin.gif


Yeah curious myself for when I get to that stage in the process.

And a quick question, when can you? thanks in advance smile.gif


When can you naturalize? 3 years after arrival in the US if you are married to a USC


thought it was 3 smile.gif thx biggrin.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-10-06 21:18:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
QUOTE (Vanessa&Tony @ Oct 7 2009, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Becky @ Oct 7 2009, 04:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for taking the time to look in to this for me. We're going through Melbourne, not Sydney, on the way back to Aus., so it's a no-go on the Consulate in Sydney. I'll contact them, though, and see what they suggest.
I have been in the US for almost 4 years now, and I have previously considered becoming a dual citizen but decided against it. I haven't applied for a re-entry permit as we won't be moving back to the US. Plus my residence in Aus. will negate my Greencard anyway (long term commitments in Aus) so it's best to just turn it in now. I know to some it might seem like a big waste of effort going through the whole procedure to get here, but this is the best situation for us, and my family and I are looking forward to continuing our journey back home. I just want to make sure I can holiday in the US in the future without any hassles.


Obviously you're more than entitled to do what is best for you and your family but I am curious why you don't want dual. Not being rude or judgmental, I just wondered if there's a negative I haven't thought about... Would you mind telling me what your reasons are? I'm dual with the UK and Australia and so far haven't seen ANY negatives except making sure I keep the passports up-to-date.

Thanks in advance biggrin.gif


Yeah curious myself for when I get to that stage in the process.

And a quick question, when can you? thanks in advance smile.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-10-06 16:57:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Sep 28 2009, 11:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We had our I-129F approved on September 18....and I called today (10 days later) and NVC still don't have it?? How long does it generally take until they get the package? Anyone know?....most timelines i see it's only a few days.


Did you get a touch the day after your NOA2 like we did which I assume was it being sent to NVC.

It might have been sent to sydney already, lets hope so smile.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-09-28 11:24:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

YAY!!!!!

*does happy dance*


*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On September 24, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Check My Case Status and Check Processing Times.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-09-24 16:47:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
QUOTE (Jayde @ Sep 17 2009, 09:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys, congrats to you all on the progress you are making, I thought I'd just post a quickie, to let you know that I have completed this journey that started in 2004.

Today 176 people from 46 countries were naturalized in the 1st ceremony of the day. I arrived at 7.20am for my 7.30 appointment to find few parking places left (there is a multi there) and a queue right through to the back of the carpark. The ceremony was officiated by the Head of the USCIS office and was finished well before 9am.

Since then I have been to the SS office to change my status and completed my voters registration. We copied my certificate and gave it over at the passport office with the application, it seems strange to let the piece of paper that has cost approx $2000:00 and so many frustrations out of my hands after less than 3 hours. Because you have to hand in the green card on naturalising and can only travel on a US passport after, I feel it is important to get the passport without delay, so another $100:00 had to be budgeted for.

It may seem a long way off if you are at the beginning of your journey, but thought Id drop in to let you know there is an end to it! Unless of course like us, you now have to turn around and get the Aussie spouse visa.


Grats and thank you, reading these forums and having people chat about various stages, hints advice, their journey's make it much easier to deal with, its just the waiting that seems to be the killer atm ><
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-09-17 12:42:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
QUOTE (Vanessa&Tony @ Sep 16 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys. Just letting you know I've now arrived in the USA! I've updated my thread with my experience (here's a quickie link to the POE one - http://www.visajourn...h...&p=3314339) and.. yeah smile.gif Woohoo!

I will update again when I do AOS but I wanted to wish you all the best of luck.

Hugs
V* smile.gif


Yay *wave*

Glad to see you made it!!

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-09-16 03:39:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
*hugs* to Kaye, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Hi Sophie, welcome smile.gif

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-08-28 10:56:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
hi everyone biggrin.gif

June K1 filer here. I'm from Melbourne and my Fiancee is from Virginia where I hope to join her asap lol

I should have scanned harder to find the good threads, missed this one >< but thanks to seeing where Vanessa posted i spotted this thread biggrin.gif

first of all to all ALF fans here, go blues, I did a little search on who shows AFL in the states and did find that Setanta Sports did have the rights but that they have stopped showing AFL now and that ESPN from next year will be showing AFL, and that espn360.com is also now showing whats left of this season, from what i have read a week or so ago, so look there;

http://espn.go.com/b...n...el=3577604 (its mixed in with the american football)

*Waves at Vanessa*

Edited by Warren and Cindy, 27 August 2009 - 10:36 AM.

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-08-27 10:34:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
good luck at the interviews biggrin.gif

Note on SS#

I thought to see what would happen with applying a week after i arrived, as we were at the office updating Cindy's and guess what, i recieved my SS card yesterday, so my details were in there 1 week after POE, so don't wait 2 weeks to apply

We just got back from our honeymoon too smile.gif spent 5 days in Kissimmee FL, Cindy and i had a great time biggrin.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-12-05 12:46:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (sera77 @ Nov 24 2009, 10:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fiance's Visa APPROVED today!!!!!

Here before Christmas, we're so happy.....

dancin5hr.gif kicking.gif


grats smile.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-26 08:09:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 23 2009, 08:13 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?


Grats!!! biggrin.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-26 08:04:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (NewYorkSydney @ Nov 17 2009, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey All,

My visa was approved this morning... kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

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



Grats!!
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-16 22:50:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (zaskar @ Nov 16 2009, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
****** 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


I stayed at Travelodge Phillip Street, its like 10 min walk from the train line to/from the airport (St James Station) and the same distance to the MLC centre

Note on the MLC centre, enterance is via corner King Street and Castlereagh Street

Edited by Warren and Cindy, 16 November 2009 - 12:15 PM.

Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-16 12:14:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Venessa....wedding pics!! biggrin.gif

thanks smile.gif i'll be applying for AOS around that time too, we should keep in closer contact smile.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-13 13:02:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 12 2009, 11:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well the consulate must have heard me whinging and we got packet three today, at lunchtime! I sent back the DS-230 today while I was at work (I hope I don't get in trouble for filling it out in pen, and handwriting my additional answers!) It was sent via email to both Alex and I, so they must have gotten my email from when I contacted them a few days back asking if they had my packet yet smile.gif I should get my medical results on Monday or Tuesday, and hopefully have the police check by next week (it's been two weeks since I filed for it), so then I can send the rest of packet three and get my interview. Whoo hoo!


YAY!!!!! Grats!!!

you might get an interview before xmas ir you get all your stuff in soon biggrin.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-12 14:24:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (sera77 @ Nov 10 2009, 10:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just wanted to update...
K sent in his package 3 materials monday by express mail and was emailed the next day with his visa interview date of Nov 24th!
Talk about fast responses, the sydney embassy certainly doesn't waste much time in setting these up. They must have received his package, gone through it and set up an interview date, emailed it out within a matter of a few hours.....
smile.gif
S.


lucky you, me they made us hang for 3 days tongue.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-10 11:04:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 9 2009, 11:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
On another note, a question about the Ds-230, 1 & 2. Questions 14 through 18 ask for my spouses name and information. I say "N/A" since alex is still my fiance and not my spouse, right?


I put N/A as well, like you said we are not married yet. During the interview the interviewer scribbled "To be" next to spouse and asked me to fill in Cindy's details in those spots, I think it was a test at how well I knew Cindy's details. So just put "N/A" biggrin.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-09 12:01:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 5 2009, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks...yeah, Ive been for a visa interview before and I had to leave everything downstairs except for my visa stuff. Will go get an expanding folder today.

In terms of evidence, what did you bring to your interview?


Photos, skype logs, gtalk logs (well not all, there was 700+ chats lol), phone logs, samples of chats, samples of email, receipts for the rings, receipts for flowers and birday card and xmas cards
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-04 18:29:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Nov 4 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats Warren and Cindy!

Got Alex's package in the mail today with his Affidavit of Support and all that jazz. I'm going to list what he sent me, plus what I am considering as bringing as evidence to the interview to our show ongoing relationship. Can you guys give me your opinion on it, what I can skip and what I may be missing?

Alex sent me -

I-134, filled in and signed
HIs most recent Federal and State tax return
A letter from his employer, on company letterhead, stating his continued employ there since November 2003, his role at the company and his current salary.
Letter from Chase bank, stating how long his account has been open, and his current balance (it's a fax, will it matter?)
Three recent paychecks
A year's worth of bank statements from WaMu/Chase
An etrade printout showing the worth of his stocks
The sale agreement of his car, showing it's worth
Our NOA1
His Birth Certificate (A certified copy from the LA county clerk, he has never had the 'original')
Both the envelopes and notes that I have sent him over the past few months

We got our NOA2 hardcopy the day after he sent this to me, so he is sending that, plus an updated letter of intent today.

For our proof of ongoing relationship, I'm bringing -
Printouts of his Verizon phone bill, showing phonecalls and texts to and from Australia (I'm on vodafone prepaid so I don't have proof...only on my actual phone!)
Printouts of our Skype call logs
A selection of emails over the time since I came back to Australia (should include all the naughty ones, lol)
The notebook with all our wedding planning stuff in it
Pics from our engagement party and from my college graduation in June, the last lot of pictures of us together
And of course, my copy of our original submission

Thankyou for any input you can give me! Hope you are all having a good week smile.gif


there can never be too much info smile.gif take it all.

Word of warning, only thing you can take upstairs with you is your paper work, everything else must be left down stairs, have it all in a single file you can carry, i went to office works and got and expanding folder to put it all in, not that they asked me for any of it lol but its safer to have more than you need smile.gif
Warren and CindyMaleAustralia2009-11-04 11:01:00