ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandAustralian police certificates.

This might be off topic, but if the police check with fingerprints is valid for 12 months, could I get it now while i'm waiting for NOA2?

 

It's not off topic.  The answer is:  it depends. 

 

If you live in Queensland or New South Wales, you need to wait until you have a case number from NVC - because QLD and NSW send your Police Certificate directly to the Consulate, and you need that case number.  If you are not in Australia or live in other states/territories, you may be able to go ahead and get them done and sent to you. 

 

Sweetswinks, I'm sorry - I can't see if you are a K-1 or IR-1 from this reply page.  Right now, the K-1 is taking about 5-6 months from start-to-finish and the IR-1/CR-1 is taking 11 to 14 months.  If you are an IR-1/CR-1, I suggest you wait until you KNOW your case is at the NVC.  It's taking 4 to 6 weeks from the time the NVC gets your file until you get a case number.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-03-09 11:03:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian police certificates.

Any Aussies from QLD out there?  When I go to the Police Certificate site for Queensland, it says that the police report is delivered directly to the US Consulate.  Therefore, my spouse will not be able to turn it in with her IV documents.  May I assume that NVC will know this, and not hold us up waiting for a police certificate that will never be sent to NVC?

 

The Australian Federal Police site says that QLD police send the prints directly to the US Consulate in Sydney.  Guess that means we have to get our NVC number so that it can be married up at the Consulate, right?

 

Who has gone through this?  Any hints?

 

Thanks!

 

Sukie

 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-02-03 06:56:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Medical Question

Thanks to both of you.  Breathing a little easier now!!!!!

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-03-21 17:21:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Medical Question

Hi folks.  My partner and I are at NVC at the moment, and preparing for the next steps (medical and police certificate).

 

Our wonderful NVC forum co-ordinator has suggested (strongly) that beneficiaries need to take their medical history files to the medical examination.  My partner is nearing 60 years old, and her files must be over 200 pages long!!!!

 

She and her physician have been working on getting all immunizations up to date, including titers to prove immunity.  But does she really need to take her WHOLE medical history files (including all past chest x-rays) to the panel physician?  I thought the US was looking for communicable diseases - not peering into medical-history-since-childhood.

 

Have any of you "passed" without taking your whole medical file with you?  We've got nothing to hide, but why does she need records of her shoulder bone spur surgery or her appendectomy or her IVF treatment?  Can't she just put those down on the form the panel physician will have her fill out?

 

Thanks.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-03-21 15:39:00
Australia and New Zealandsydney interview

yes yes yes we got a date, have a lot to do now

doing the happy dance

cheers to all for the assistance with questions

so glad didn't pay $3000 to the lawyer ...........

 

 

:goofy:

 

If you are there on July 1st, then we can meet!

 

Sukie in Oz
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-21 01:16:00
Australia and New ZealandApproved at Interview but still no visa - any advice?

Hi There,

 

This website has been such a great help through my own IR1 visa journey, that I haven't had to create an account and post anything until now. 

 

On the 20th of May I attended my interview at the Sydney Embassy. I was told that my visa was approved and given a slip of paper that "Congratulations, your visa is approved/. You should receive your visa within...." (I'm sure those of you who have been through this know what I'm referring to.)

 

I was over the moon. I went back home to QLD, handed in my notice at my work and residence, and waited eagerly for my passport to arrive. After 5 days, I had no word, so I checked the CEAC website and saw my status was still showing at "READY"  (for interview). I sent off an email to the SydneyIV email address and received a pretty generic response back to wait. At day #11 the status on the CEAC website changed to "Administrative Processing".

 

Another email to CEAC and I finally received a response on Friday 20th June that my visa had never been under administrative processing and was with a visa official for processing and adjudication. On the same day the status on the CEAC website changed back to "READY" (for interview".

 

Does anyone know what this means, how many more months I am likely to wait and why this has happened. I would have thought that if I was missing paperwork that they would have asked for something but in over a month I've received no word at all requesting anything additional.

 

Emotionally I'm pretty much at the end of my ability to cope with all of this, being here on my own with my husband overseas. I'm hanging in limbo over a visa process that I started back in February 2013, and this I just can't find any mention of this happening to anyone else. Any advice or information if you've gone through a similar experience would really be appreciated. 

 

TabithaM, I am very shocked to hear of this.  The Sydney Consulate has always been thought of as one of the easiest and most efficient.

 

It almost sounds like your file got placed at the bottom of a pile on someone's desk, or that your Case Officer had a medical emergency and somehow you slipped through the cracks.  I've never heard of anyone who got the "Visa Approved" slip of paper (from Australia) going back until Administrative Processing.

 

I'm really sorry this has happened. If you cannot think of any reason that your visa would have been placed on hold, I'd be writing them every day.  I know there is no longer a phone number for customer service for Immigrant Visas, unfortunately. 

 

Best of luck - please let us know if things clear up!

 

Sukie in Oz

 


 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-22 21:41:00
Australia and New ZealandInterview this Tues

Our interview is in 17hrs if my math is right (2:30am cst here) as it'll be 10:45am in Australia on Tues. Wish us luck and congrats to all those w recent news

 

Best of luck!  We're one week behind you!!!

 

Are all of you going to the interview?  We wrote the Consulate two weeks ago to get the formal permission for me (USC) to attend our IR-1/CR-1 interview.  We haven't heard anything back!!!!

 

Sukie in Oz
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-23 02:36:00
Australia and New ZealandTo the Same sex coupes....

Thanks guys! I guess it doesnt matter, we were just curious! Were hoping to be pregnant in the next few months so just trying to figure out all the legalities of everything before it happens... so many different laws! As long as we are birth married and on the birth cert I guess we will be ok! Australia seems easier than the states for that though...

Totally unrelated... Congrats on your interview and approval! Did they ask any questions about your wife being in Aus with you for all this time? Did she come to the interview and sit with you? Im not sure if I shoukd bring De or not?

 

Lilsadie, I'm the USC, actually.  I tried to let Julie answer the questions, but I was standing beside her at the interview window.  The guy interviewing us "played along" when we were kind of joking.  That made it easier.

 

I used to live in Hong Kong, and I flew to Australia on business all the time - on a B1 visa.  Since we are both retired, the "all this time" didn't come up.  I have my Australian Permanent Residency (through de facto) - so I'm legal here.

 

Our attorney told us that the Consulates like to have the partner along - it shows legitimacy of the relationship.  I think you should go for it!

 

Just remember that you have to have WRITTEN permission for the US citizen to come.  When you get your interview letter, it will have a link to the Consulate - and you'll see the email address you write to for permission (depending on your type of visa).  It took them over a week to answer our email though - so plan ahead, and carry a copy of the email letter with you on the day.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-07-02 23:19:00
Australia and New ZealandTo the Same sex coupes....

Hello! My partner and I were talking about this last night and we are a little confused... (This could be a stupid question) 
When we get married in the USA are we legally married in all countries that have marriage equality? 
I know when we come home to Aus for visits we won't be but if we went to the UK or NZ are we? 
 
This whole thing is a bit confusing!!! 




It depends on the country. You will need to double-check with each country's rules.

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-30 01:15:00
Australia and New ZealandHow did you organize your paper work?

Hi guys, I'm sure this has been asked a million times but I cant find anything specific. Those of you who have had their interview how did you take the paper work to the interview?
I have:
Medical
Finger print/police check
Identifying docs (passport, birth cert, etc)
Copy of our initial application
Co sponsor documents
Copy of the DS thingy
Letter of intent from both of us
Way more evidence than we need

Am I missing anything and how do I arrange it?
I had it all in plastic pockets in a binder but iveseen thats a no no...?
Thanks guys,, its all getting very close and real now!!!












 

Lilsadie,

 

We had plastic see-through folders. Security did not blink.   We were an IR-1/CR-1 - so the list might be slightly different.

 

Folder #1 - no sleeves - just loose in the folder

 

Julie (beneficiary) had the following in her folder - as we anticipated we might need (but did not need) these things at security:

 

Copy of email authorizing me (petitioner) to attend the interview with her.

Copy of Interview Letter

Copy of the DS-260 receipt

Passport pictures

Medical Envelope

(Her police report was sent directly to the Consulate since she is from Queensland)

3kg Express Post Envelope

 

Folder #2 (plastic sleeves for each thing)

 

Copies of everything we had submitted to USCIS and NVC - all forms, all civil documents, payment receipts

 

PLUS:  2013 Tax Transcript and updated I-864 (Sponsor form)

 

Folder #3 (plastic sleeves for each thing)

 

Bonafide marriage evidence

 

Item #4

 

Wedding photo album

 

 

What they looked at:

 

Passport pictures

Medical

Express Mail Envelope

 

That's it!!!  They did NOT take my 2013 tax transcript, even though I was told to bring it.

 

They didn't fuss about anything.  But here is a hint...if your medical report is on a CD-rom - be sure to tell security that is what's on the disk.  Someone who interviewed at the same time as us had to return down to Security because they didn't let him take up the CD the first time.

 

Best of luck!

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-07-06 03:10:00
Australia and New ZealandInterview questions about U.S. visits

Hello everyone!

 

Anybody had any further questions regarding previous trips to usa prior to meeting your spouse?

 

I ask because my intervie at the Sydney U.S. consulate is in 12 days and I have visited the U.S. when I was 18 - 23 years old, 5 times over a 5 year period prior to meeting my fiancé because i was visiting friends there.

 

 

Any advice or feedback?

 

Sweetswinks,

 

We were asked how we met, and my spouse was asked some questions about her medical exam (we're nearly 60, and she has high blood pressure and a metal device closing up a hole in her heart). 

 

That's all we were asked.  Period.  We were not asked any specifics about her travel to the US.  She's traveled to the US about 6 times on the Visa Waiver Program in the last 5 years.

 

It was the easiest interview we've ever had!!!

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-07-02 21:52:00
Australia and New ZealandHow is everyone feeling about the interviews on Tuesday?

 

I thought that might be the case!!! Our attorney does as well. We got him recommended to us through Immigration equality. He is wonderful but I just don't know why she can't come... weird. Anyway! She gets super nervous so it might be a blessing in disguise! 

 

Don't be afraid to mention the fact that she is "downstairs waiting for me"!  You can bring her up to the 10th floor, and she can sit in the white chairs outside of the security area, but that's as far as she can go.  Actually, down on the plaza level is a food court.  If the weather is warm enough, she'd probably be more comfortable down there with a cup of good coffee and a pastry!

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-07-12 01:25:00
Australia and New ZealandHow is everyone feeling about the interviews on Tuesday?

 

Oh your so lucky! the flights and Hotel cost more than the bloody Visa!!! 

 

My partner is going to go through all the paper work tonight to see how much I need to get rid of lol. I just tried to add the MOST important things though! 

 

Im pissed though, we stupidly went through an attorney in the USA and they have told me not to bring my partner. They said that its not a good thing to do. I TOTALLY disagree with this as I've seen a few people do it with out issues. I'm sad that she will be sitting outside while i have my interview!! I feel like they will think thats stranger than not bring her... 

i think ill play dumb when I get to there and try to sneak her in. Cant hurt! 

 

Best of luck trying to sneak her, LilSadie, but I fear you will fail.  If her name is not on the official list, and you cannot produce the email allowing her to attend, they will NOT let her up.  Even as a US Citizen, she still has to make an appointment!

 

I'm soooo sorry your attorney said not to bring her.  My attorney (who specializes in same-sex cases) said it was a GOOD thing for the spouse/fiancee to be there!

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-07-11 23:51:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian police Certificate

OK - anybody else run into this with NVC?  I called tonight, expecting to get a "case complete", but the guy I talked to said we were getting a checklist for a Police Certificate.  We were expecting this - my partner is from Queensland, and the PCC gets sent directly to the Consulate.  BUT...I think NVC is VERY confused, as they are saying she needs TWO Police Certificates - one from Victoria and one from Queensland.  I think this is completely wrong, as the Australian PCC is a national one - not a state-by-state one.  You just have to apply through your state.

 

Has anyone run into this (IR-1/CR-1)???  How was it resolved?  I don't have the checklist yet - so I can't do anything yet.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-05-02 20:06:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Hi TheCaptain.

 

I ended up getting a name and fingerprint check from the AFP. Thanks for your help!

 

Question: Did you submit just your original police certificate, original + photocopy, or just photocopy? The NVC site says submit photocopy, the rep on phone last night says just send original. Confused again!

 

Cheers.

 

TheBigO

 

PS: the whole process seems to be flowing rather nicely.

 

Because my spouse is from QLD, no Police Certificate was submitted to NVC.  The Embassy received the original directly from the Queensland Police.

 

Please be aware that the US Consulate/Embassy websites are not always up-to-date.  And neither is the Adjudicator's Manual from NVC.

 

BigO - if it were me, I would submit the original AND a photocopy of your police cert to NVC, and keep a photocopy (or three) for yourself.

 

Sukie in NY
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-09-19 21:22:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

ok so we did our police check at our local station here in Queensland. The address I added on the form was ours. Was I supposed to add in the embassy address? How will it be directly sent to them? 

 

This part confuses me....

 

Any thoughts? 

 

Olives24, you were supposed to put the Sydney Consulate's address on the form.  If you get the results directly (and you might not), then be sure to send the results to NVC, who are really clueless about the whole process anyway.

 

But if you have not received the police report in 4 weeks, you need to call the Queensland Police to see where it is in process.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-08-11 05:28:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Good luck to those of you who have gotten a name check instead of a fingerprint check. 

 

As I know, oh, too well, the folks at NVC follow a manual that is outdated - and they will not budge for love nor money.  Too bad the Sydney Consulate doesn't seem to communicate with NVC about what actually is required.  My partner has had three names - maiden, first marriage, second marriage - so I'm guessing the Consulate would have told us to get a fingerprint check, anyway.

 

I've written the Consulate about my attending the interview with my spouse.  This is the 3rd business day - and no answer yet.

 

Sukie in Oz


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-17 01:13:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Does this apply to K1 visa applicants? I am reading from the U.S. embassy website http://canberra.usem...e_cert.html#nsw

Which says that a police certificate from NSW is all that is required.

 

Sweetswinks, all you need is a PCC that you obtain from your home state.  If you live in NSW, then you need to get your PCC through the NSW police.

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-07 06:14:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Sukie

thanks for posting

we did fingerprints and name check in our state and it was $120 for  both

my question....... Understand the check is only valid for 6 months, which ours was done 7 nov, as we have now been shipped to the NVC, would that mean we have to pay $120 to have both done again, or just the name check one?

thank you

 

Raz - if the NVC is not happy with your PCC, they will tell you what you need to do.  I believe the PCC has to be current (or you must produce an updated one) at the time of the interview - but I cannot put my hands on any website that says that for sure.

 

I also think you may get instructions from the Consulate regarding this if your report is out of date.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-05-08 16:32:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Thanks for this info! I am in total confusion over this PCC in Australia. I had my NSW police cert sent to me and I have it now, so I am waiting for case complete at NVC and then I will inform Sydney that I have it and hope that they will allow me to bring for interview. So just to clarify we do need fingerprints for the interview??

 

According to the checklist I got from NVC on May 7, a fingerprint check (as opposed to a name check) is required for all states.  But it seems the rules keep changing.  A person from the Netherlands, who lived in Australia for a year and is currently on the same timeframe as I am, was told by the US Consulate in Amsterdam that a name check was sufficient.  Supposedly the Consulate in Amsterdam consulted with the Consulate in Sydney for that answer.

 

NVC checklisted the guy though - for not having a fingerprint clearance.

 

It is so frustrating that the check 1) is not centralized and 2) that the NVC, DoS, and US Consulate in Sydney all have conflicting information on their websites!!!

 

In my opinion, to be safe, order a fingerprint check.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-05-08 16:30:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

Very useful. However the prices are wrong. NVC needs to update their information

 

I know - you are correct about the prices.  NVC says a fingerprint police report for QLD is $131.80.  And the QLD Police website says it is $181.00

 

I've been so frustrated, because QLD Police says one thing, Department of State says another, and US Embassy - Canberra site says yet another.

 

I wrote to Canberra 4 weeks ago trying to get the correct info (I wanted to front-load our PCC), but they did not deign to answer my email.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-05-07 19:15:00
Australia and New ZealandUpdated Australia Police Certification info - May 2014

I thought I would pass on this info, because there have been quite a few changes over the last few years.  I received a checklist on May 7, 2014, with the following instructions.  There is info specific to each State, as well as if you are applying from overseas.

 

Please note:  If you are applying from NSW or QLD, your PCC will be sent DIRECTLY to the US Consulate in Sydney (for immigrant visas).  NVC knows this.

 

Sukie

 

 

 

 

______CORRESPONDENCE INSTRUCTIONS:_________________________________
When responding to the National Visa Center, please include the bar code sheet that came with this
letter. Failure to include the bar code sheet may cause a delay in the processing of your case. The bar
code sheet should be placed on top of all documents being submitted for this case and mailed to the
address provided.



______AUSTRALIA POLICE CERT AVAILABLE TO APPLICANT:________________
Police certificates are required for each visa applicant aged 16 years and older. Applicants are required to
apply for a Police certificate ensuring that the certificate addresses all known names and/or aliases.
If you reside outside Australia
For information on how and where to apply, please refer to http://www.afp.gov.au/.
If you reside in Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Includes nationwide fingerprint check.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: The applicant may write or apply in person to have his/her fingerprints taken at the City
Police Station, London Circuit. Canberra, Act 2601. Telephone no. (02) 6256-7777.
.. Outside: Applicant must write the station with a formal request using the forms on the AFP website
www.afp.gov.au. Applicants must go to a local police station in their country of residence, acquire a
certified fingerprint form, and send this with an official request to the City Police Station.
For additional information on how and where to apply, please refer to http://www.afp.gov.au/.
If you reside in Northern Territory
Available. Includes nationwide fingerprint check. Cost: $60.00 for certificate with fingerprints.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: Applicant must complete an "Authority to Release Criminal History" form, which is available
by calling 08-8922-3344. The police station may fax it to them once they have received the request.
The applicant would then go to a local police station, acquire certified fingerprints, and send the
forms to:
The Office in Charge
Information Bureau
Berrimah Police Complex
P.O. Box 39764
Winnellie, NT 0821
.. Outside: Applicant may call the police station, request the aforementioned form, and submit it via
mail.
For additional information on how and where to apply, please refer to http://pfes.nt.gov.au/
If you reside in South Australia
Available. Includes nationwide fingerprint check. Cost: $86.00 certificate with fingerprints. Procedures
to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain clearances.
.. Inside: Applicants must obtain a "PD47" form, or an "Application of Personal Information" form
from any police station in South Australia. The form will need to be completed in the presence of a
police member who is required to witness the signature and see appropriate identification. Only a
personal application can be made unless the applicant is in another state or country. They must
contact the Records Release Unit at 08-8204-2455.
.. Outside: If living abroad or in another state, the applicant must call for the form to be sent to them
via fax or mail. They must go to a police station in their locale of residence, have the form certified
by a magistrate or notary public, and send the form and identification to the:
Records Release Unit
Adelaide Police Station
1 Angas Street
Adelaide 5000
If you reside in Tasmania
Available. Includes nationwide fingerprint check. Cost: $38.50 for certificate with fingerprints.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: Applicant may apply in person to have fingerprints taken at any police station within the
state. Applicants must complete a "police clearance application" form at the time of application.
.. Outside: Unlike other states, no form of consent or application is needed when an applicant is
outside Tasmania. All they need is to obtain fingerprints from their country of residence, with a letter
explaining the need for the form, as well as the necessary fee. Application should be sent to:
Commissioner of Police
G.P.O. Box 308c
Hobart, TAS 7001
Tel: 03-6230-2348
For additional information on how and where to apply, please refer to
http://police.tas.go...-record-checks/
If you reside in Victoria
Available. Includes nationwide fingerprint check. Cost: $106.10 for certificate with fingerprints.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: Applicant must be at least 17 years of age for certificates to be issued. Residents of Victoria
should phone their nearest police station to arrange appointments for fingerprints. Applicants need a
"Consent to Check and Release Criminal Record" form, which may be obtained by calling
Information Services at 1300 881 596. This form, a copy of identification, fingerprints and check or
money order may then be sent to:
Manager
Information Resources Section
Central Records Branch
Victoria Police Center
P.O. Box 418
Melbourne 8005
.. Outside: Applicant must write the station with a formal request, attain the required aforementioned
form, and send a certified copy of his/her fingerprints, identification, and fees to the
above-mentioned address.
For additional information on how and where to apply, please refer to
http://www.police.vi...Document_ID=274
If you reside in Western Australia
Certificates are available, but only through the Australian Federal Police (AFP), at the cost of $103.00.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: Applicant can provide their own fingerprints which is usually completed by the Western
Australia (WA) Police Service (a courtesy type role that WA police provide, however, it is not
specifically their task). If this is the preferred option, the applicant is provided the appropriate
paperwork and contact details for the AFP Canberra office for which the applicant will be required to
send the information, fingerprints and fee.
.. Inside (Alternative): an applicant can have fingerprints taken at the AFP office in Perth for which the
fee is paid and the AFP Perth office facilitates the full process of sending the information,
fingerprints etc to the AFP office in Canberra. To be fingerprinted, an appointment must be
scheduled in advance. The required form may be acquired by calling 02-6256-7777 or through the
AFP's website (http://www.afp.gov.a...ice-checks.aspx).
.. Outside: Same as above. The only difference is that the applicant must go to a police station in their
country of residence in order to get a fingerprint record. They must send all the aforementioned items
as well as a copy of their passport as proof of identification to AFP Canberra.
For information on how and where to apply, please refer to
http://www.police.wa...27/Default.aspx
______AUSTRALIA POLICE CERT NSW/QUEENSLAND:________________________
Police Certificates are required for each visa applicant aged 16 years and older. Applicants are required
to apply for a Police certificate ensuring that the certificate addresses all known names and/or aliases.
If you reside in New South Wales
Include nationwide fingerprint check. Cost: $170.00 for certificate with fingerprints.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: Applicant must reside in New South Wales and apply in person at the police station nearest
their place of residence. Applicant must complete New South Wales Police Form P397A that can
ONLY be obtained from their local police station.
.. Outside: NSW applicants residing outside of Australia must apply for their Australian police
certificate through the Australian Federal Police in the ACT. Applicants should visit AFP's direct site
(http://www.afp.gov.a...ice-checks.aspx) to download the
instructions and forms for a Criminal History Check. Applicant is required to submit a set of
fingerprints. The fee is AUS $103.00 to apply for a Fingerprint and Name Application. Please follow
AFP's instructions carefully and supply all documents that AFP requires.
The general information telephone number to Criminal Records Section is (02) 8835-7722 and the fax
number is (02) 8835-7193.
For additional information on how and where to apply, please refer to http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/
If you reside in Queensland
Includes nationwide fingerprint check. Cost: $131.80 for certificate with fingerprints.
Procedures to be followed for visa applicants both inside and outside the country who wish to obtain
clearances:
.. Inside: Applicant must write or apply in person for a "QP349b" form, which is the "Application for
Police Certificate" and "QP349" form, if applicable, which is the "Copy of Own Criminal History,"
which costs an additional $36.50. This can be obtained by writing or calling the:
Visa Section
Queensland Police Service
GPO Box 1440
QLD 4001
Tel: 07-3364-6854
They must complete the form, attach fingerprints, a copy of identification and the required fee.
.. Outside: Same as above. Applicant must call the police station, request a faxed copy of the required
forms, and obtain fingerprints from the local police station in their country of residence. All forms
may then be mailed to the police station for processing.
For additional information on how and where to apply, please refer to
http://police.qld.go...ase/polcert.htm
If you are applying through the New South Wales or Queensland police, your police record will be
sent directly to the U.S. Consulate in Sydney. The Criminal Records Section of their offices will notify
you that this has been done. If you do not receive this notification within 4 weeks of your application, we
strongly recommend that you ascertain the status of your records by checking at the police station where
you initially made your request.
[999 05/05/2014] SYDXXXXXXXXXX














































































































































Edited by Kathryn41, 08 May 2014 - 10:03 PM.
to remove personally sensitive information

SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-05-07 11:23:00
USCIS Service CentersDo we have to wait until the end of 2013? NBC is killing me!!!

 

No they don't work saturdays thats just the date they announced they will start processing. I know as USCIS says that petitions are help at NBC at least 4 to 5 months and depending on your local office then it gets transferred. So do you even know where your petition is? Is it still at NBC or at your local office thats makes a difference. and some offices are crazy backlogged.

 

It's interesting, dwheels76, isn't it?  Another person on this forum found information saying that this new Division 8 will process "stand-alone" I-130s only.  The assumption (and I know assumptions can be dangerous) is that stand-alones will NOT be sent to the local offices.  Once the I-130 is adjudicated at Overland Park, KS, the paperwork will go directly to the NVC for the IR1/CR-1 and other family processes.  Local offices (at least MY local office) are too busy processing ROCs and Naturalization/Citizenship paperwork.

 

So if you submit a package with an I-130, and AOS documentation, this package will NOT go to Overland Park.  Just those of us starting the process for our loved ones with the I-130 only.

 

And...it appears that from May 2013 onward, most stand-alone I-130s have been held pending the opening of Overland Park, KS, Division 8.  Depressing, isn't it? 

 

Does anyone have a STANDALONE I-130 submitted from May 1st onward with any movement on it?  My NOA1 has the Overland Park address....

 

They've changed their process twice now since August 2012.  I'm sure the sequester in January 2013 has not helped ANY of us!

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-09-15 08:56:00
USCIS Service CentersDo we have to wait until the end of 2013? NBC is killing me!!!

 

The new service center (well its not new) will be open September 28th...

 

September 28th is a Saturday.  Are they working on the weekend now?  At least they are going to start processing soon.  I'm a June I-130 filer, and I've felt like absolutely NOTHING has happened so far (and I'm probably right!).

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-09-14 18:37:00
USCIS Service CentersUSCIS Processing Times Reports

florida4life,

 

Did you copy this off the law firm's site, or do you know someone at this firm?

 

The reason I ask is that the update mentions "the start of fiscal year 2013" which, since the USCIS fiscal year ends on September 30, would have been October-November 2012 - not 2013.

 

So I wonder how recent this news really is...

 

Do you have a little more info about the origin of this info?

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-11-07 13:28:00
USCIS Service CentersNew USCIS Processing Numbers Our on Dash for October

I also think we should blitz the major newspapers with a letter-to-the-editor piece about the pain that we are going through over the holiday and New Year seasons.  Most of us have a tie to a major holiday during this time of year, whether it is Hanukkah, Solstice, Kwanzaa, Christmas, New Years (and all the others I've left out because of my ignorance).

 

The big wigs don't give a rat's patootie (sorry, rats) about us.  But let's see if we could rally public opinion.  Can someone improve on the letter below?  I don't have the stats, but I know some of you are keeping up with them.

 

During this holiday season, there are xxx,xxx US citizens who are trying to unite their families.  Of these, approximately xxx,xxx are legally married couples who are finding themselves in two different countries, celebrating their holidays via Skype, email, telephone or letters.  The United States Department of Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) average (also know as "goal") for approving the US Citizen's petitions for their family members has now stretched from five months to 8.4 months.  During the month of September, USCIS's own statistics claimed that each of the service centers were "current" to February 12, 2013, meaning any petitions filed prior to this date were "being worked on".  After a whole month of "working on" petitions, the October statistics state that the service centers were "current" to February 13, 2013.  One whole month.  One measly day.

 

The most frustrating part of this "delay" is that we, as US Citizens, have paid $420 dollars for this petition.  Those of us who filed our petitions during January through July 2013 were given an average of five months for processing.  We are still waiting.  Who invests $420 for a tangible object (a piece of paper approving our petition) and isn't upset when up to 11 months later we still are waiting?

 

Both conservative and liberal constituencies in the US tout "Family Values".  What kind of family values splits spouses (and children) for months, causing financial and emotional trauma?

 

The USCIS needs to stop manipulating data and should start processing petitions.  It's already too late for xxx,xxx families for this holiday season.

 

 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-12-19 15:49:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)221g in Bangkok Embassy

221g is not a denial.

 

It's an "your visa is on hold until you produce the required documentation" paper.

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-11-14 07:28:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)WAIVER OF INADMISSIBILITY/ K-1 ViSA

Hello everyone,

 

Newbie here! My fiancee and I (been together 7.5yrs) are just starting the process of applying for our K-1 fiancee visa - packet almost completed, hope to mail it by the end of the week. We are a same-sex couple who were prompted to start the K-1 process due to the fact that I was denied return entry to the US almost a month ago and now I'm "stuck" in my home country, the Bahamas. The reason I was denied entry was because I was flagged at the Border when they noticed that for the past two years I had been travelling back and forth to Atlanta for a period of 5-6mths at a time. I didn't realize this was an offence because I would come home to renew my tourist visa before it expired every six months so in my mind I was never in violation of any laws. Before DOMA just recently passed and we learned my fiancee could sponsor me for a visa, we had no idea how long we would be apart so we made the decision - wrongly now I know - to have me travel back and forth and stay several months at a time in ATL with her. 

I was held for questioning for over 5hrs and although they did NOT bar me from ever entering the US again, nor did they did bar me for any length of time(like the 3yr or 10yr deal that they give some offenders for unlawful stay), they DID tell me that in order to return to the US, I need to get a new tourist visa from the embassy - no more travelling on my police record only as I had been doing - AND that I needed a waiver of inadmissibility. 

 

Here comes my question now: Since I was not barred for a specific length of time...it just says on my paperwork that my application for admission was withdrawn, do I still have to file for that waiver or will my K-1 visa once it is approved suffice?? Also, I cannot find the section under which I was inadmissible on any of the forms on the USCIS website.. I was given section number 212(a) 7 A (i) (I). I see every other section BUT that on the form 601 from their website, all I see are waivers for major crimes and major over-stays which I have none of that. Technically, I never even overstayed. Can someone please provide some clarity on this? My fiancee saw something online about the fact that I can apply at my K-1 interview? Is this true? Is this advisable or should I go ahead and file now? Man this is expensive waiver is almost $600, K-1 visa is almost $400 :/ Maybe I can just write a letter stating my circumstances and include that in the K-1 packet? 

 

I would really appreciate anyone's help on this matter. I've been searching all over and cannot find any answers. Thank you so much and I really apologize for the length of this post. smile.png

 

Jens,

 

May I suggest you contact www.masliah-soloway.com and get a free consultation?  This is the law firm that headed The DOMA Project, and they are now working with about 2,000 bi-national same-sex couples (including us).

 

I believe if you go to www.DOMAProject.org you will find a way to get in touch with them and ask your question.  It sounds as if money is tight, so that is why I'm suggesting this group - they do offer a free consultation.

 

Also, look up the Bi-national Same-sex forum here on VisaJourney.  You will find others of us there.

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-09-02 16:21:00
United KingdomContacting NVC Question

Trying to contact the NVC from the UK to check on interview date. Every time I call (00 1 603 334 0700) I get a busy tone. Has anyone tried calling them and did you have the same issue?

 

Hopefully you have a redial button on your phone.  You may have to dial and redial as many as 50 times to get through.  Sorry - not kidding.  As the other poster said, try at 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (is that noon in the UK?).  You'll just have to keep dialing.  I have only gotten through on the first try ONCE - and I've called at least 50 times throughout the process!

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-07 06:49:00
ChinaQuestion about police certificate

I had a similar thing happen in Australia when registering my de facto relationship with the Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.  They told me that they could only go up to the date that had been positively recorded in the records - which was seven days prior to the date I actually was filing the form.  So there was a week's gap in the dates.

 

It didn't matter in my case - I would not think it would matter in yours.

 

There just wasn't any way to get a certificate that matched the actual date - because there was always a week or so time lag.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-10-05 06:04:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)US Government Shutdown

US govt shutting down??? I've never heard of this before and it's happening when we are inches away from getting our visa??? This has got to be a joke. I didn't know my luck was this bad...

 

It is all about petty arguments between the Republicans and the Democrats - the two major political parties in the US.

 

The Republicans are very hostile towards the Affordable Care Act (also known as "Obamacare"), a law that helps lower income people, as well as people who are not currently working, to have medical insurance.

 

There needs to be a rise in the debt ceiling (how much debt the US can carry) in order to continue to pay people - and the Republicans have decided that they will NOT vote to raise the ceiling unless all the money that was to be budgeted for the Affordable Care Act is thrown out.  In other words, the ACA is being held hostage.

 

The Republicans threaten to "shut down the government", but they really will hurt a lot of people if they do, and they do NOT want to hurt their Party's reputation.

 

So it is really a pissing contest (sorry if this offends, but the pettiness of it all is hard to believe) between Obama and his party (Democrats) and the Republicans.

 

Quite frankly, I do not think it will happen.  We went through this last January, and there was a "last minute deal" that saved everything.  I think the politicians have "cried wolf" too often.  I may be wrong, but we'll see....

 

Sukie (USC)
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2013-09-22 16:29:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)question about getting the medical and police clearance as soon as possible

Hi, Semi.  No, unfortunately the Hong Kong police require the official "letter" requiring a Police Clearance.  I lived in Hong Kong for six years, and during that time I was applying for an Australian Permanent Resident Visa (like the US green card).  Like you, I wanted to pre-load the work as much as possible, but even though I showed up at the Police Office in Wan Chai, they turned me away until Australia issued the demand letter.

 

Good luck!

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-01-02 05:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I 130 petition approved

Hi 

 

I submitted I-130 petition for my mom in April 2013, then got the approval notice in Dec. 2013. Now the case has been transferred to NVC. After waited for 30 days, I contacted with NVC and they said they will send NVC processing instructions within 30 day.  

 

I know it will take few more months to get the interview for my mom at AIT (now she is in Taiwan).  The question is can she enter US now with the B2 visa? will this be considered of  immigration fraud? or should we just wait for all the processes done?

 

 

thanks a lot.

 

Lin

 

Yes, she may come visit on an existing B-2 visa.  However, she needs to be able to convince the immigration officer that she WILL go back to Taiwan if they figure out she is in the process of getting her green card. 

 

Sukie

 

 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-01-29 07:03:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)shortest time can possibly be spent at NVC?

At this point, the average time at NVC for 2014 is about 55 days from Case Number Assigned to Case Complete.  This does not count the time from USCIS until NVC assigns the case number.

 

Good luck!  I'm waiting for "Case Complete" - hopefully next week.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-04-26 18:15:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)HOW TO TRACK YOUR CASE FROM NVC TO EMBASSY

 

Quite the possibility! Keep us posted if your status changes today and I'll do the same!

 

Will do!

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-15 19:22:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)HOW TO TRACK YOUR CASE FROM NVC TO EMBASSY

 

My case changed on Ceac to "In transit" on US time Friday 13th June 2014/Australia time Saturday 14th June 2014.

 

I've checked EXP 12 JUN 2014A, EXP 13 JUN 2014A, and EXP 14 JUN 2014A but their are no shipments to Australia for these dates.

 

Does it mean the case is not really shipped?

 

A package left NVC on June 11th.  You received your case number on June 11th.  Snikit15 (CC: June 2)  and I (CC: June 4) both got interview letters on June 11th.  All three of us got "IN Transit" on June 13th.

 

The June 11th packet from NVC is out for delivery today in Australia, June 16th.  It could contain one, two, or three of our files.

 

UPDATE:  The packet was delivered at 9:13 a.m. Sydney time this morning.

 

This is the only packet for Sydney from June 8 - 15.  EXP 10 JUN 2014A

 

Sukie


Edited by Sukie, 15 June 2014 - 07:13 PM.

SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-15 19:04:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)HOW TO TRACK YOUR CASE FROM NVC TO EMBASSY

 

I don't think that's your case at all. Cases are only shipped AFTER an interview date is assigned. So, if your case was truly sent out on the 13th (I'd confirm with a NVC operator on Monday), then using the EXP 12 JUN 2014A was correct. But, since it was just sent out, it may be a day or two before any results as it takes awhile for the site to update.

 

That might be correct, Saylin.  There is another Aussie (Snikit15) with the same interview date as ours.  Her case was complete on June 2, and ours on June 4.  We both received interview letters on June 11th.  My CEAC status only changed sometime last night Australia time.  Not sure about Snikit's.

 

Sukie

 

 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-14 02:30:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)HOW TO TRACK YOUR CASE FROM NVC TO EMBASSY

Hm.  My status on the CEAC site has changed to "In Transit".  It probably changed at the very end of the day on the 13th in the US (it's the 14th here in Australia).

 

I've tried every combination and permutation (remember those from high school???) of dates from the 12th through the 14th, and I find no packages going to Australia at all.

 

Does an "In Transit" status REALLY mean your case is "in the mail"?  I can see loads of cases being shipped out (and of lot of those aren't on VJ based on the countries), but I cannot see any of them headed for Oz.

 

Do I have to wait until Monday to really see anything?  ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Case complete June 4, Interview letter June 11.

 

Sukie

 

Ah...those sneaky little buggers...I was checking EXP 12 JUN 2014A, and a package to Australia (with only one file, though) was under EXP 10 JUN 2014A.  Think this is ours as it shipped on the 11th...it should be at the Consulate by the end of day on Monday (Aussie time)!!!

 

If this is our file - the status on CEAC did not change until the 13th, even though the file was in the consignment on the 10th and shipped on the 11th.

 

Has anybody else has this same timing - 2 or 3 days between the actual shipment and the CEAC status change?

 

Sukie in Oz
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-14 00:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)HOW TO TRACK YOUR CASE FROM NVC TO EMBASSY

Hm.  My status on the CEAC site has changed to "In Transit".  It probably changed at the very end of the day on the 13th in the US (it's the 14th here in Australia).

 

I've tried every combination and permutation (remember those from high school???) of dates from the 12th through the 14th, and I find no packages going to Australia at all.

 

Does an "In Transit" status REALLY mean your case is "in the mail"?  I can see loads of cases being shipped out (and of lot of those aren't on VJ based on the countries), but I cannot see any of them headed for Oz.

 

Do I have to wait until Monday to really see anything?  ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Case complete June 4, Interview letter June 11.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-06-14 00:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConsulate wants something that is impossible

No one said that they think the document is a fraud. They are asking for a death certificate for someone who is not declared dead. Only assumed dead for all intents and purposed of those proceedings. They're not asking for proof that the document is real. They're asking for a death certificate. A non-existing death certificate. It's all legal and binding and in accordance with Section 238 of the Family Code. Please read the document that I posted and tell me exactly what you see it saying. Then after reading it then please tell me how can I possibly obtain a death certificate because it does not declare him to be dead and there should not have to be any proof of death when no death was declared.

 

Mike - I'm sorry this is such a hassle for you, especially having to deal with it from so far away.   Thanks for your further explanations.  It's obvious that many of us want to help, but we are not familiar with Philippines law!

 

I do think it might be time for either you or your partner to contact an attorney.   An attorney familiar with Philippines law may know the best way to address this request from the consulate. 

 

I'm wondering if the real problem is that the US does not recognize an "abandonment" document.   I also wonder whether the first marriage took place in the Philippines or in the United States.  I think you'd have a better chance if it took place in PI, since the document you have is PI-based.  I think a US marriage would require an official annulment or divorce decree.

 

Does anyone have any Manila US Consulate contact information for Mike and/or his partner?  Looks like it will be hard for him to front-up in person.

 

Sukie
 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-01-26 13:32:00