ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (Chicago_dreaming @ Feb 20 2008, 04:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Chicago_dreaming @ Feb 19 2008, 10:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just received by email correspondance from the Consular an updated 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS' as attached. Anyone recently receive this in a Packet 3??

I happened to send them a query about my police clearance and they responsed today w/ these updated instructions crying.gif

Not sure what to make of this yet as my head is in a spin. But if I am missing something as per the instructions or overlooked anything, or getting too chicken little over this, would appreciate your input.

Will let you know their response as I told them I was missing forms DS-2001 and DS-230 Part II. They may just send these to me or ask me to get them online. Sigh what a pain!


Arghs, so they responded and sent me another updated set of instructions Form DSL-1076 which I believe to be the correct one for K1 immigrants. Must have been a different person yest. who sent me instructions for other immigrant visa applicants wacko.gif But now seems we must send all our docos to the Consular before they send us the visa. Any thoughts?


Yeah, I think they want us to send all the documents to them with the statement of readiness to crack down on people who go for their interview with incomplete paperwork. Annoying, but I can understand. I sent the consulate an email yesterday afternoon with some other questions. So I'll let you know what they say.

Oh! Kath, I got your email the other day. Thank you for sending me your example! The consulate extended my petition. smile.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-20 15:25:00
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QUOTE (Chicago_dreaming @ Feb 17 2008, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Feb 15 2008, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Katz, I called the Criminal Records Department here in NSW who process the checks/fingerprints and they received my fingerprints, etc and a week later they finalised it and sent the results to the Consular. I've had no word at all and it's been 3 weeks today (they advised 15 working days for completion) since the local station faxed my prints/info. Hence why I called them.

So I'm confidant the Consular has my police check by now. Medical is complete. My fiance will send me his docos soon so I'm about set to send off my Statement of Readiness!


They sent your police clearance off to the consulate? That's... weird. I thought you are supposed to get it back in the mail? I'd definitely email the consulate to make sure anyway. Couldn't hurt... Peace of mind and all. tongue.gif

I might ring the Fedeal Police on Monday to see if mine's been sent off...

Congrats on getting close to sending off for your interview! How exciting. Wouldn't it be funny if we received the same interview date? Hahaha.


True, I'd get to finally meet you! I will probably send it off on Mon/Tues.

According to the instructions for NSW and QLD residents, our police records are sent directly to the US Consulate (I even filled in their address on the form to send it to). I just didn't receive notification that this happened. Since you're in ACT, yours will def. be sent to you.


Ohhh... I see... It's much different for Western Australia. We have to go the Australian Federal Police here in Perth to get our finger prints done (local cop shops don't do it anymore), and then send them off with the police clearance to the AFP in the ACT.
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-16 23:35:00
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QUOTE
Katz, I called the Criminal Records Department here in NSW who process the checks/fingerprints and they received my fingerprints, etc and a week later they finalised it and sent the results to the Consular. I've had no word at all and it's been 3 weeks today (they advised 15 working days for completion) since the local station faxed my prints/info. Hence why I called them.

So I'm confidant the Consular has my police check by now. Medical is complete. My fiance will send me his docos soon so I'm about set to send off my Statement of Readiness!


They sent your police clearance off to the consulate? That's... weird. I thought you are supposed to get it back in the mail? I'd definitely email the consulate to make sure anyway. Couldn't hurt... Peace of mind and all. tongue.gif

I might ring the Fedeal Police on Monday to see if mine's been sent off...

Congrats on getting close to sending off for your interview! How exciting. Wouldn't it be funny if we received the same interview date? Hahaha.
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-15 02:40:00
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QUOTE (Chicago_dreaming @ Feb 13 2008, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Feb 12 2008, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kath @ Feb 12 2008, 04:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi katz
dont stress too much about the extension mate...what must happen is your fiance (u.s. citz) is the only one that can request the extension...we also had to have an extension...

my fiance (now hubby) wrote a letter sent it to me then i faxed it to the consulate and we got an extension....
all your fiance has to do is state why he is requesting the extension..state your circumstances that has happened ..we extended ours because robbie was coming over in june to get me and wanted to be at the interview...im sure you wont have any problems mate...just get it in asap...

if you want i can email you a copy of our extension letter ...and will look on here if there is an example for ya too

just send in the sheet that states the readiness on it katz...

hope that is some help to ya katz...

hi to all by the way.. hope ya all keeping warm and cool where ever you are...lol...
its -8c here at the moment...and the snow is staying on the ground with it being so cold lol

hey kelli have you heard anything from walmart yet mate...

take care
kath
example extension letter

found it .. look under K1 example forms and its the bottom one mate...



Kath, thank you SO much. If you could email me a copy, that would be wonderful. My email address is: professor_katz@yahoo.com.

Will and I saw the example earlier... But we were a little confused by the "9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity)" bit. Oh, does it have to be notarized as well? The email from the consulate didn't say anything about it needing to be. Also... The "I-797 approval notice number", is that the beneficiary number on the NOA2?

By the way... It's 36 degrees here at Perth at the moment. Can I please have some of your snow? LOL.


Hi Katz,

I emailed the Consular today also, told them my expiry date 05 April and I am close to sending my statement to them. Asked if I should send it ASAP or I am safe to send it in the last week of February. Their reply was to send it when I'm ready but they did give me instructions as to what to do if I need an extension. Perhaps send your Statement back, you should get an interview date within a week and then you can determine if you need to apply for an extension or not.

Also, I am yet to receive my police clearance stuffies. 3 weeks tomorrow and if nothing, I'll call them on Friday.

I share your anxieties too good.gif


The police clearance... That's exactly what I'm waiting to get back. It's been two weeks tomorrow, and still nothing... It's so frustrating because I'm all ready to go. Just my luck I'd get an interview before the police clearance... Not good. So, I'm gonna email the consulate tonight to ask if they've extended it. Just to be sure... Then I can relax just a little.

I reckon you should ring to find out where your police clearance is. Did you have to send off for one with the finger prints to the Federal Police in the ACT like I did?

Gah... I just want it to be over with already. :|
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-14 00:57:00
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QUOTE (Kath @ Feb 12 2008, 04:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi katz
dont stress too much about the extension mate...what must happen is your fiance (u.s. citz) is the only one that can request the extension...we also had to have an extension...

my fiance (now hubby) wrote a letter sent it to me then i faxed it to the consulate and we got an extension....
all your fiance has to do is state why he is requesting the extension..state your circumstances that has happened ..we extended ours because robbie was coming over in june to get me and wanted to be at the interview...im sure you wont have any problems mate...just get it in asap...

if you want i can email you a copy of our extension letter ...and will look on here if there is an example for ya too

just send in the sheet that states the readiness on it katz...

hope that is some help to ya katz...

hi to all by the way.. hope ya all keeping warm and cool where ever you are...lol...
its -8c here at the moment...and the snow is staying on the ground with it being so cold lol

hey kelli have you heard anything from walmart yet mate...

take care
kath
example extension letter

found it .. look under K1 example forms and its the bottom one mate...



Kath, thank you SO much. If you could email me a copy, that would be wonderful. My email address is: professor_katz@yahoo.com.

Will and I saw the example earlier... But we were a little confused by the "9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity)" bit. Oh, does it have to be notarized as well? The email from the consulate didn't say anything about it needing to be. Also... The "I-797 approval notice number", is that the beneficiary number on the NOA2?

By the way... It's 36 degrees here at Perth at the moment. Can I please have some of your snow? LOL.
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-12 03:50:00
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QUOTE (Poi_n_J @ Feb 12 2008, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Feb 12 2008, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I emailed the Sydney consulate today...

We're going to have to get an extention for our petition because it'll be too close to the expiration date - or have expired - by the time I get an interview. sad.gif

I hope they approve it...



I don't understand Katz; you started yours after us how can your be expired yet?

Your sig says you started July, shouldn't that mean you have at least till July??? blink.gif


We have four months from the approval date to get the visa... Unfortunately everything just dragged out for us.

Our approved petition is going to expire on March 26th... According to the email reply from the consulate, our petition will have expired - or be very close to expiring - by the time I get an interview date. We would have been fine if I didn't have to wait over three weeks for a damn finger print appointment (and some other annoying circumstances that was beyond our control... >_>) I still haven't even received my police clearance yet. Probably won't for another week or two.

So... We're gonna have to extend it to be safe. :\
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-12 00:45:00
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I emailed the Sydney consulate today...

We're going to have to get an extention for our petition because it'll be too close to the expiration date - or have expired - by the time I get an interview. sad.gif

I hope they approve it...
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-11 23:35:00
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Hey all! This is gonna sound like a really dumb question (but I'm really paranoid at this stage)... I'm going to send off my Readiness To Be Interviewed paper on Thursday (yep, Valentine's Day. Haha.). Does the consulate only want the single sheet attached to the back of the visa instruction list, or the whole thing altogether?

Just wanted to make sure... Our petition will be very close to expiring (March 28th) when I finally get a date, so we can't afford to make mistakes. unsure.gif

(Gah. I feel like I'm going INSANE. wacko.gif)
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-11 03:40:00
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Congrats, Tracy! Yay! Have a great time in the US as well! Lucky duck. goofy.gif laughing.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-07 02:40:00
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QUOTE (Rings @ Feb 4 2008, 04:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Katz, It only took Loke a couple of weeks to get an appointment from the time he sent his packet back, but the average time is four weeks. Just be sure you are ready because we had a close call on getting his medical back in time for his interview... it was scary. *hugs*



Thanks, Rings... Oh dear... A couple of weeks, eh? That'll be cutting it really close to the expiry date. I really hope I don't have to ask for an extention. *trembles*
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-04 01:39:00
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Just a quick question... How long does Sydney take to generate an interview date? And how long do they generally give you for one. I hope it's not a long wait... unsure.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-03 03:54:00
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LOL - That's IT?! Damn... That IS a very expensive piece of paper. Argh... Oh well, it's finally done and over with. Sorta. I've just got to wait for the clearance to come back. tongue.gif

Patricia - I'm very glad that Wendy was able to help you out. Good luck with the x-rays. good.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-02-01 01:53:00
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A silly question about the police check and finger prints (finally getting both outta the way tomorrow. w00t!)... Do I get back a copy of my finger prints with the clearance? If so, do I take it with me to the interview? Or does the consulate receive them? I'm kinda in the dark about the finger print part. Could anyone help clear that part up for me? Thanks, folks. smile.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-31 04:10:00
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Here ya go, Tracy!

DS2053: 05/31/2007
DS3024: 05/31/2007
DS3025: 05/31/2007
DS3026: 05/31/2007

All the forms I got in packet 3 were "expired"... So I wouldn't really worry about it. If I can get my scanner up and running, would you like me to scan the medical instructions for you?

To the girls who answered my other questions... THANK YOU again! I'd be so lost without you guys. good.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-10 02:41:00
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Kath, Patriciaofoz, and Hawaiiandreams, thank you all so much for your kind patience and VERY helpful advice...You've all saved me one big headache! Haha. heart.gif rose.gif

Everything seems all set at the moment... Biographic Data form was sent to Sydney today... Medical(s) appointment made... Finger print appointment set... Just gotta play the waiting game now.

I do, however, have a few more questions (as I always do seem to do blush.gif) if that's cool with you guys? Now, on the visa instructions it says I have to take 3 passport photos with me to the medical. The woman at the panel physician's office said I only needed one. Is that right? If not... What are the other two photos for? I'll be taking them with me anyway... I just thought it was odd that she said only one. O_o

The finger prints... What exactly happens with those? I'm really in the dark about that little part of the process. I have to go to the Australian Federal Police here in Perth (the earliest appointment date they had was February 1st!). Local cop shops don't do that anymore (and my clearance application has to be sent to the ACT and processed there.) What a pain.

And lastly... Form DS-156... The one I have to fill out online: can that be done at anytime? I was going to fill it out today, but I wasn't sure what happens to it once I clicked "continue" at the bottom of the screen. Does it get sent off somewhere online?
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-09 06:52:00
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QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Jan 8 2008, 05:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Jan 8 2008, 03:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So... What exactly happens at the actual examination? I don't have a complete record of what vaccinations I've had... Does that matter? unsure.gif

Once again... Thank you!


As Kath suggested, go to your local Dr. and get an Immunity Test. Not sure how old you are but if you're 27 (like me) all I needed to get done as Tetanus/Diptheria, Mumps/Measles/Rubella, Chickenpox and...Varicella (I hope that's all the right names). Packet 3 should have the chart that you need to base it on. And while you're getting that done, might aswell include HIV/Syphilis (I didn't know about this so I had to get it done at my first visit with the Panel Physician). If you're missing any of the required vaccines, get it done at your local Dr., I'm sure it'll be cheaper (if you're poor like me, I found a community immunisation clinic and I got my Tetanus/Diptheria for free - just make sure you ask for a results sheet/letter from them).

The final examination was quick and painless. Few questions (that are on the Medical Examination Sheet), he checked my weight, asked what my height was, made me lie down on the bed and he listened to my heart and pressed down my sternum. And then that was it!


Fantastic! Thank you for the info! I've made the appointment for Tuesday next week. Never thought I'd say this... But I can't wait for it (to be over and done with, that is.). Haha.
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-08 03:56:00
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QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Jan 8 2008, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Jan 8 2008, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whoo-hoo! Finally got packet three yesterday! It all seems fairly straight forward... Although that's not stopping me from worrying about it all anyway. Haha. I've filled out the national police clearance already (downloaded the forms from www.afp.gov.au ) and then it'll be a quick trip to the cop shop for finger printing later (hopefully!).

Is it just form "DS-2301 Immigrant Visa Application Part 1, Biographic Data" that I send back? Do I have to send it with the "Applicant's Statement of Readiness To Be Interviewed" form, or can it be separate?

Oh boy... Don't get me started on the medical stuff! Haha. Do I fill anything out on the forms or is it all for the doctor to do? Even after reading the instructions and the forms over and over, I'm still kinda confused. Any advice would be very much appreciated... helpsmilie.gif

Sorry to bug you all... I feel so very nervous already. ohmy.gif



Yay for Packet 3! I remember that feeling...seems like months and months ago!

Send the DS-2301 ASAP (says she who took a week to send it back smile.gif ). You send the Interview one later on, when you've collated everything (says she who send it a wee bit early and therefore got an earlier interview date). Seriously, I didn't follow ALL the rules but I think it's worked out for the best.

As for the medicals, boy, that also seems like a lifetime ago (or rather, I've decided to just blur it out of my memory). From memory the only things I filled out are when I got my X-Ray and also when I had my final medical. I visited the Doctor twice (one to get my HIV/Syphilis test and X-Ray) and then the actual examination. I found my first visit to be really helpful and the lady who helped me out was really thorough and very, very helpful. They'll guide you through it because they've done it a billion and two times before. Also, my Dr. sent me their very own "instructions", and it's a step by step guide - this would have been useful to be given by the Consulate, but alas they don't. So maybe call your Dr. and see whether they have a similar guide.

Enjoy the joys of Packet 3!!! If you have any other specific questions, let us know!



Oh thank you so much for your help! *bows*

So... What exactly happens at the actual examination? I don't have a complete record of what vaccinations I've had... Does that matter? unsure.gif

Once again... Thank you!
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-08 01:15:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Whoo-hoo! Finally got packet three yesterday! It all seems fairly straight forward... Although that's not stopping me from worrying about it all anyway. Haha. I've filled out the national police clearance already (downloaded the forms from www.afp.gov.au ) and then it'll be a quick trip to the cop shop for finger printing later (hopefully!).

Is it just form "DS-2301 Immigrant Visa Application Part 1, Biographic Data" that I send back? Do I have to send it with the "Applicant's Statement of Readiness To Be Interviewed" form, or can it be separate?

Oh boy... Don't get me started on the medical stuff! Haha. Do I fill anything out on the forms or is it all for the doctor to do? Even after reading the instructions and the forms over and over, I'm still kinda confused. Any advice would be very much appreciated... helpsmilie.gif

Sorry to bug you all... I feel so very nervous already. ohmy.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-07 22:54:00
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Thanks guys! That's good to know. Phew.

Sharyna, sorry to hear that you're sick! That sucks... I hope your wedding day was lovely and went very well.
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-05 18:15:00
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Congrats Patricia! So glad that it worked out well for you. biggrin.gif


Quick question to anyone... Does packet three need to be signed for, or is it delivered like regular mail?
KatzFemaleAustralia2008-01-04 00:51:00
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To anyone who may be concerned... I e-mailed the Sydney consulate about form DS-1858 - Sponsor's Financial Responsibility Under The Social Security Act. They replied back to me today saying that it is no longer a required form. cool.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-28 03:39:00
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QUOTE (jennybeni @ Dec 25 2007, 01:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 24 2007, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In the packet three, do you get medical exam information and a list of required immunizations? Or does it get sent in packet four?



Hi!! You do get the medical exam info in packet 3, and I think it has info about required immunizations too. When you call to schedule your medical, you can check with the physician on the immunizations you need for your age group. I think it's basically MMR, Td (tetanus/diptheria), and Vacirella.

Merry Christmas to you!!


Oh cool. Thank you for that info. good.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-25 05:09:00
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In the packet three, do you get medical exam information and a list of required immunizations? Or does it get sent in packet four?
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-24 03:16:00
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QUOTE (vylex @ Dec 22 2007, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 21 2007, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey guys!

On average... How long does Sydney take to mail out packet three?


It took about 8 days for us. I'd say give it a week or two.



Ahh, sweet. Thanks.

Uhm... One more question... Sorry... blush.gif

The "sponsor's financial responsibility under the social security act." thingy, do we get a copy of that form in package three? I saw a pdf of it, but it seemed blurred. What exactly do I do with it? Just send the form off to my fiance so he can sign it, and then send it back to me?
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-22 03:04:00
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Hey guys!

On average... How long does Sydney take to mail out packet three?
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-21 00:14:00
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Called the NVC last night to find out that they received our case on the 17th! It should be on its way to Sydney as I type this. biggrin.gif

YAY! kicking.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-18 18:15:00
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I FINALLY got through to the NVC!

...And there were no live operators available at the time I called (about three minutes ago). Bloody figures!! Gahh. *headdesk*
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-12 00:32:00
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QUOTE (hawaiiandreams @ Dec 12 2007, 01:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 12 2007, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hawaiiandreams @ Dec 12 2007, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 12 2007, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have any of you guys tried calling the NVC from Australia? I tried calling them several times, but the number doesn't want to work for me.


It seems to work for other people outside the US.



Hey Katz, I've never had an issue getting through to the automated voice system.

Dial 0011 (to get out of Oz) 160 333 4070 - that should put you straight through!



Nope, still not working. It's the same number I was using before. God, this is so frustrating! wacko.gif


I'm having a few flash backs now.. i think there were a few days where I have tired to call and it would seem the phone line was down!? is it like a constant engaged signal? In this case, if I tired again the next day it would always go through.

Also, if you want to speak to someone, I would always wait up late and call. So I would be their first call for the morning and you will pretty much always get instant connection to an official person to speak with!

Good luck!


See, I'm not even getting that far... The Telstra recording keeps telling me that the number is incomplete and that I need to check the number (which I have many times!) and try again. :\

I'm starting to wonder if Western Australians are blocked from using the number. Heh.
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-11 23:54:00
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QUOTE (hawaiiandreams @ Dec 12 2007, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Dec 12 2007, 10:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have any of you guys tried calling the NVC from Australia? I tried calling them several times, but the number doesn't want to work for me.


It seems to work for other people outside the US.



Hey Katz, I've never had an issue getting through to the automated voice system.

Dial 0011 (to get out of Oz) 160 333 4070 - that should put you straight through!



Nope, still not working. It's the same number I was using before. God, this is so frustrating! wacko.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-11 22:25:00
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Have any of you guys tried calling the NVC from Australia? I tried calling them several times, but the number doesn't want to work for me.


It seems to work for other people outside the US.
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-11 18:37:00
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Hi all! I have a few questions to ask... And I feel kinda silly asking...

As you can see from my timeline, we got our NOA2 just over a week ago. At the moment we're waiting for the CSC to forward it to the NVC. Most likely it won't get there until near the end of this month.

So... What exactly happens after that? Does the NVC send out a letter to the petitioner? Would I have to contact Sydney when it finally arrives there? I've already looked at the guidelines, but I'm still kinda confused about this part of the process... If anyone could break down it for me I would be very very grateful. blush.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-07 03:23:00
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Love the pictures, Kath! biggrin.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-06 04:35:00
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QUOTE (Kath @ Nov 30 2007, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
katz congrats to you on your approval..thats awesome news...things will sure start moving along for you now...



Thanks, Kath! It's starting to get a bit more exciting now. tongue.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-12-04 05:21:00
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QUOTE (patriciaofoz @ Nov 29 2007, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Nov 29 2007, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
WE'RE APPROVED! Eeee! goofy.gif kicking.gif


CONGRATULATIONS! It gets fast from here on in...


Thanks! Wow... I still can't believe it... It doesn't feel real yet. tongue.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-11-29 05:37:00
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WE'RE APPROVED! Eeee! goofy.gif kicking.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-11-29 04:19:00
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Jezz, glad to hear that you're adjusting so well in the US! biggrin.gif good.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-11-10 19:19:00
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Welcome, TracyOz! Nice to meet you. biggrin.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-11-07 04:45:00
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QUOTE (ausqueen @ Oct 5 2007, 04:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Katz @ Sep 30 2007, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey guys! I have a question for you...

In January, I plan on going back to the US again to visit my fiance, but this time for about 6 weeks (the first time 'round I was only there for three). Like in April, I will be using the VWP.

I have two main concerns:

1. It is quite likely that our petition (according to the processing timelines) will be approved in January sometime (maybe even earlier, like in November), possibly during my 6 week visit.

2. I plan on quitting my (new) job about three weeks before I leave, and then get a new one when I come back.

Do you suppose I will have major problems at the Port of Entry? I know that they have the right to refuse entry for any reason, and the fact that our petition is very close to being (hopefully!) approved (that and I just quit my job for a long-ish stay) might look a little... fishy to them.

What do you folks think? Should I get tourist visa just to be "safe"? I'd like to get your opinions/experiences on travelling during the visa process. Thanks. good.gif


Katz... we both filed around the same time (July) - only a year apart smile.gif No two cases are the same but... My petition was approved by early December. And it included an RFE that took a few weeks to return! I landed in SF a week after approval notice (email). A hard copy of NOA2 arrived in the mail on the same day. It was sweet.

As far as "problems" at the POE... I had none. I hadn't quit my job before hand like you plan to do so I had a letter from my boss, but I wasn't asked for any proof of intention to return. I don't think that petition being approved (or close to) matters. You only have to be able to show that you DO have reasons and intention to go back to Aus. If you quit your job... what about property, rental lease, bank accounts etc? There is just no way of knowing if you will be asked for any proof or not!

Coming on VWP is good for 3 months I think, so getting tourist visa wouldn't be needed. Also... given that your K-1 petition might be approved by then or soon after... I'm not sure if you can apply for 2 visas at the same time... huh, I'm not much help, am I? But this might prompt those who know better to reply and correct me...

Good luck!
vik


Thank you so VERY much for your helpful reply, Ausqueen. I feel a little better now about the whole thing. tongue.gif I feel confident that our petition will be approved sometime late December/early January. I've heard that the CSC has been transferring cases to other service centres, and early approvals have been happening. I hope that's true. It would be awesome to be approved by Christmas. biggrin.gif

Yeah VWP is valid for 3 months... Should be plenty of time. Thinking about it now, getting a tourist visa probably wouldn't make much difference anyways. Heh.

I don't remember being asked about employment or anything else like that when I went last time (through San Fran.). But I'll find something as proof just in case. Good idea!
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-10-06 23:29:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hey guys! I have a question for you...

In January, I plan on going back to the US again to visit my fiance, but this time for about 6 weeks (the first time 'round I was only there for three). Like in April, I will be using the VWP.

I have two main concerns:

1. It is quite likely that our petition (according to the processing timelines) will be approved in January sometime (maybe even earlier, like in November), possibly during my 6 week visit.

2. I plan on quitting my (new) job about three weeks before I leave, and then get a new one when I come back.

Do you suppose I will have major problems at the Port of Entry? I know that they have the right to refuse entry for any reason, and the fact that our petition is very close to being (hopefully!) approved (that and I just quit my job for a long-ish stay) might look a little... fishy to them.

What do you folks think? Should I get tourist visa just to be "safe"? I'd like to get your opinions/experiences on travelling during the visa process. Thanks. good.gif
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-10-01 00:07:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
GAH. This endless waiting is killing me. 41 days since the petition was sent (no touch since late July) and I'm jealous of you all. Hahaha. tongue.gif

Sorry, had to vent... Waiting sucks. *sigh*
KatzFemaleAustralia2007-08-30 06:20:00