ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandUS citizen at the interview?
Hey thanks for that! We have 2 little kids that we don't want to take to the interview!! Wow they didn't give you much warning for your interview if I am reading your dates correctly? Are you in Sydney or traveling there? You're almost through that is great news! We got an rfe on the I864 and just sent in the I230 (is that packet 3?).
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-10-05 07:19:00
Australia and New ZealandUS citizen at the interview?
Hi all,
I have seen conflicting info, hubby and I are both in Perth, is the US citizen required to attend the interview as well?
Thanks!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-10-05 01:26:00
Australia and New ZealandJanuary Interviews
Would also like to know if any interviews for,January have been issued, our case was completed at the NVC today, yippee!!!!!! Now onto Sydney.....
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-11-30 08:49:00
Australia and New ZealandChange interview date?
Anybody asked the Sydney consulate to change eir interview date to later? Just wondering, we got our interview, so exciting and so ready to be done with this while proces!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-13 00:59:00
Australia and New ZealandContacting Sydney consulate
As man sorry t hear that, I hope you get it soon. I also have not heard back ye, I finally found some # where I got someone on the phone, who basically put in some 'request' form, but we got an automated email today saying 'be patient a reply will come. Only we need to book flights to Sydney for an interview!!!! Or if the date gets pushed back it would be better, hoping for a response soon!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-18 07:35:00
Australia and New ZealandContacting Sydney consulate
They are just recordings, you can't actually talk to anyone, but thanks!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-17 00:43:00
Australia and New ZealandContacting Sydney consulate
Hey guys,

Is there any way to talk to someone on the phone at the Sydney consulate? I sent 2 emails to them last week with no response?? Any suggestion?

Megan
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-16 23:30:00
Australia and New ZealandReversing the process - migrating to Australia
I applied in 2007, and it said don't apply too early or your visa is only limited for a certain travel time. We were married 2 years when got it, but it was not a big deal to switch to the permanent from the temp residency and you still get Medicare without having the full PR. I am pretty certain it only took me 3 months and I had a nice case officer that I felt with, but this again was a few years ago. You don't even get a new visa in your passport, they just adjust your status on their 'system'
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2013-01-02 08:05:00
Australia and New ZealandReversing the process - migrating to Australia
I came to oz on a spouse visa and it took around 3 months to get it. I got PR which gives you everything you need multiple travel, Medicare etc. it wasn't too bad just paperwork and they will give you a caseworker which is easier to work with than the US system!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-30 01:18:00
Australia and New ZealandNZ to USA - sending large items by container
You can contact different removals companies to geta quote for moving things. We are going from Perth to Mississippi and for a 20 ft container will be like 8000. From what the reps have told me its very pricey to do groupage which is to share part of a container with other people.
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-30 01:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Sending original birth and marriage certificate?
Denise, nowhere did I see send 2 originals of each, I don't even have 2!! The RFE we got just said 1. I hated sending the originals all the way from Australia!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-11-02 07:58:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Sending original birth and marriage certificate?
Thanks so much. Were you doing DCF or sent them to the NVC? And do you mind me asking were your documents from South Africa?
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-10-31 20:19:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Sending original birth and marriage certificate?
Hi everyone,

Has anyone ever sent their original birth and marriage certificates to the NVC? We sent certified copies, but they want the original or one issued from the government in South Africa. It is not easy to get a copy from the issuing authors in South Africa, so we'd probably need to send the originals. How do they get these back to us? At the interview?

Thanks!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-10-31 18:48:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January Interviews
We got an interview!!!!!!!! January 15 in Sydney, so sorry I do not know how to update that chart?!? So so excited!!!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-13 00:16:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January Interviews
Thanks so much for adding us to the list!!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-09 01:23:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January Interviews
Case complete December 5; waiting on interview date now in Sydney!!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-12-07 08:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionA baby at the interview
Is the US citizen required to attend the interview if we are in the same country (Australia)? If so, we will also be taking our kids, no family hence the need for a visa to get to the US!! And we have to fly Perth to Sydney - we have 6 mo old and 2 yr old. No way I'm leaving them with a stranger!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-10-05 01:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussionto file or not to file I-751
If the 751 is filed outside of the US and the resident is not in the US, how would she go about getting the biometrics done? Or hope that they were done prior to leaving?

We are somewhat in the same situation and have moved overseas before completing the 3 years living in the US. We did file for the removal of conditions because we were still in the states at the time we needed to, but no biometrics was done before we left. Then received an extension letter, and that has just expired. So... we'll have to abandon it. I think they only do the biometrics if you're living outside the US if your spouse is in the military and are outside the US.

Just some ideas! Thanks!



QUOTE (russian_armenian @ Jun 29 2008, 10:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
About $80,000 exclusion from tax. Who told you that you cannot visit US? I was cheaking tax breaks rules a few years ago. You can be in US for 35 days in a year to get 80k exclusion (plus housing, etc). Maybe rules have been changed but if changed it is to eliminate the exclusion alltogether (my wild guess). Double check it; I am pretty sure about the rules in the past.
About I-751. I think it wold not hurt to get a re-entry permit for 2 years (if you dont mind fee). She will keep the status and who knows what would happen in 2 years regarding your job. She could terminate her PR (by not sending I-751). Or she can submit I-751 from abroad in Jan 2010 (re-entry permit has to be submitted from US). At least, she could easily travel.

QUOTE (busycharlie @ Jun 29 2008, 02:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I could possibly be leaving the U.S to take a new job in a foreign country. Once I leave my filipina wife MJ will go back to live with her family as I won't be able to take her with me on this assignment. During this assignment I'm really not allowed to visit the U.S. as I get a special tax break by not visiting the U.S. while employed in this foreign country. By not visiting I don't have to claim taxes on $80,000 of my salary so if I come back to visit I take a huge hit in taxes. The rest will be taxed normally. I plan to retire in the Philippines where we will buy some land and build a new home.

So I have a couple of questions.
  • I assume that I should notify USCIS that we won't be filing the I-751, right? We don't need to file until January 2010 but we won't be here to do so.
  • If for some reason I need to come back to visit in the U.S. can my wife accompany me?
If I missed any thing let me know.

Thanks in advance,

Charlie


sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-06-30 09:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDenial?
Of course we got an Infopass appointment a few months before his extension letter was to expire to check things out. We were told that we had not missed anything (letter for biometrics, RFE etc) and that he could only get the 551 stamp once the letter had expired. The letter has just expired.

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I appreciate it!

QUOTE (cherr1980 @ Jul 6 2008, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
After a year of filing he was NEVER schedule for biometrics?? Why you did not get an INFOPASS to get a new stamp after the expiration of the NOA1?...ANYway I think is pointless to worry you more, Im not helpoing. There is no way to know why it has been denied. To be sincere on those type of delays I got for INFOPASS not call. I don't trust them at all...but INFOPASS I think is better.

It's exasperating because you are in a weekend...so schedule an INFOPASS as soon as you can get a slot. For me sounds that something on the biometrics got messed up.

He can stay here until an immigration judge says the contrary. And he should continue working, he does not need to show that or do a new I-9.

Good luck,

sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-07-06 18:41:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDenial?
Hey guys,

I'll try to keep this short.. but if anyone has any advice that would be awesome. My husbands 1 year extension letter has expired and we're (way) outside the processing times for the VSC, and still have not even had the biometrics. We called and the officer contacted the VSC to find out why it so late and she said she would contact them and we would receive info. The office confirmed our address, stated we had no RFE's and has not missed the biometrics appointment. And online it still shows the case is "pending at the VSC". The only mail we received was stating the case was transferred to the VSC. This is the letter we got:

***u.s. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Outside Normal Processing Times

The status of this service request is:

Systems checks indicate we denied your case and a notice explaining our decision was sent on 4/28/2008 to the address we have on file.

If you have any further questions, please call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Please remember: By law, every person who is not a U.S. citizen and who is over the age of 14 must also notifY
the Department of Homeland Security within IO days fro~ when they move (persons in "A" or "G" nonimmigrant status are exempt from this requirement). If you have moved, please complete a Form AR-l1 and mail it to the address shown on that form. If you do not have this form'lyou can downl.oad it from our website or you can call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and we can order one for you. If you move, please call us with your new address information as soon as your move 's complete. If you have already called us and given us this information, you do not need to call again.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ***

So... we got denied without any RFE's or the biometrics appointment??? We'd love to call but will have to wait until Monday. Has anyone ever had this happen?? Does he have to leave the country now or does he remain in a conditional??

Any ideas would be great!

Thanks a lot.
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-07-06 08:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionMoving abroad Prior to filing for removal of conditions
Hi! I also have a few questions about this topic!

I agree with you aussiedude that they will consder you to have abandoned residency once you are living outside the US. My question is, does anyone know how it looked upon if you do decide to return to the US and re-apply for residency all over again? Assuming that our case is legit and that we have gone about everything correctly.

Thanks so much!

ps- aussiedude, we're living in perth right now, where abouts are you?


QUOTE (AussieDude @ Jul 6 2008, 06:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As Jula has said if its govt or military related, there are exceptions.

However, a resident (conditional or not, it doesn't matter) who leaves for more than 2 years is considered to have abandoned residency. Even with a trip back and forth every now and then, if they perceive it as residing elsewhere, USCIS can assume the residency is abandoned.

I don't want to sound all doom and gloom, so if I were you, I'd read up and perhaps consult a lawyer about what you would need to do to retain residency.

The fact that you're conditional has no bearing on this by the way. A conditional and non-conditional resident are equal in all respects except that a conditional resident must remove those conditions 3 months before the 2nd year anniversary of being granted initial residency. A non-conditional resident who leaves for more than 2 years is also assumed to have abandoned residency. One reason for getting citizenship is to avoid these issues.

Another option is (and I'd consult an attorney on this position) is to tell USCIS that you are moving overseas, that you want to voluntarily abandon residency for now, but will be reapplying for residency 3 years down the track. At that point, it wouldn't be conditional (since you'll have been married more than 2 years). However, I have no idea how USCIS looks at those re-applying for residency after abandoning a previous application.

sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-07-06 06:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOld TSC cases transferred to VSC
QUOTE (Staashi @ Jul 11 2008, 11:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sweethomealabama @ Jul 11 2008, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (baunzerbrudi @ Jul 10 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
when playing around with my receipt no I find a LOT of unapproved cases near my number. I dont think they re all interview cases. There simply is a batch that has been left on the desk for a week longer than others!


Do you mean that you were denied? We have been denied the removal of conditions... and do not know why. We applied in March 07 and just found out we were denied. Never had a biometrics (which we paid for... probably never get that money back?!?!).... all we got was a transfer to VSC letter... then nothing for a long while.. and then called to find out what the deal was and they said they sent a denial letter in April 08 (we we NEVER got).

They told us it would take 60 days to get the file from the records center (can't remember the real name) and then they would re-send the letter explaining why we were denied. This has been so incredibly frustrating.. we submitted a good application... tax receipts, bills, insurance records all with both our names. We've been married almost 3 years and are doing the right way and are still having issues... so frustrating!

Also... online and on the phone recordings it still says it is 'processing'.

Sorry for complaining.. anyone have issues like this?? Why would they deny us without even doing biometrics or anything??

We won't know anything for 60 days... so another wait begins!


They probably sent you a RFE and you didn't respond. You basically have 30 days to reply, if you don't they will categorically deny your application. Something sounds very strange here - you should verify with them that they had your correct address, as missing three pieces of mail (biometrics, RFE, denial letter) seems truly bizarre. unsure.gif



I wish this were the case - we went to the field office and we have not received an RFE at all. Our address was changed, but they have had the correct one for about 6 months now. Neither of us were married before, so no divorce documents. Our marriage is legit... and our paperwork is certified copies of the original. It is strange and we've been on the phone with them lots trying to figure it out. All we can get them to tell us is that we have to wait 60 days to find out why we were denied. No RFE, no biometrics (not even an appointment scheduled.. despite paying for it already), no interview : only a change of address letter and a transfer letter to VSC --- so they have the right address on file.

Thanks guys... I really hope this is a mistake (if they make mistakes) and we can appeal it. Its ridiculous to deny residency to people actually doing this the correct way who live together and have a life together!?! Not to mention all the expense and time all this ####### has taken!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-07-11 21:05:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOld TSC cases transferred to VSC
QUOTE (baunzerbrudi @ Jul 10 2008, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
when playing around with my receipt no I find a LOT of unapproved cases near my number. I dont think they re all interview cases. There simply is a batch that has been left on the desk for a week longer than others!


Do you mean that you were denied? We have been denied the removal of conditions... and do not know why. We applied in March 07 and just found out we were denied. Never had a biometrics (which we paid for... probably never get that money back?!?!).... all we got was a transfer to VSC letter... then nothing for a long while.. and then called to find out what the deal was and they said they sent a denial letter in April 08 (we we NEVER got).

They told us it would take 60 days to get the file from the records center (can't remember the real name) and then they would re-send the letter explaining why we were denied. This has been so incredibly frustrating.. we submitted a good application... tax receipts, bills, insurance records all with both our names. We've been married almost 3 years and are doing the right way and are still having issues... so frustrating!

Also... online and on the phone recordings it still says it is 'processing'.

Sorry for complaining.. anyone have issues like this?? Why would they deny us without even doing biometrics or anything??

We won't know anything for 60 days... so another wait begins!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-07-11 09:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOld TSC cases transferred to VSC
Hi guys,

Thanks for the advice. We actually called and they did not have any answers as to why its taken so long!! No RFEs were issued, nor did we miss any mail from them. We knew it was outside the processing date by looking on the website. They said they would contact VSC and we should hear from them soon.. who knows?!

Thanks!


QUOTE (Muergana @ Jun 24 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She is right - not only should you have had the biometrics done ages ago, but your case is actually over 30 days outside processing times on the USCIS website so you can actually call them right now to ask whats up with that. they might have sent an RFE that you never received or something but in any case I would get on the phone right now as well as schedule the infopass appointment.

QUOTE (Cassie @ Jun 24 2008, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sweethomealabama @ Jun 24 2008, 03:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone!

Can you please add us to this list?? Thanks!!

Receipt date: March 26, 2007

One Year Extension Letter: July 1, 2007

Transfer date (VSC): Feb. 1, 2008

One Year Extension Letter EXPIRES: July 1, 2008

Has anyone ever got 2 extension letters?? Would you guys recommend that we contact the UCIS to determine if we will be approved or get another extension letter? We have not received any information on the biometrics appointment.

Thanks so much!!


you need to make an INFOPASS appointment ASAP at your local office for two reasons: one, to get the I-551 stamp in your passport (you don't get another extension letter, the stamp will become your extension); and two, you need to find out why you haven't had biometrics yet.

Is July 1st the one year anniversary of the expiration of the date of your GC card? Or a year from the date of your extension letter? If it's the former, you need to get the stamp ASAP. If it's the latter, you have some time to work with, although I wouldn't put it off since you have the biometrics issue.


sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-06-25 08:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOld TSC cases transferred to VSC
Hi everyone!

Can you please add us to this list?? Thanks!!

Receipt date: March 26, 2007

One Year Extension Letter: July 1, 2007

Transfer date (VSC): Feb. 1, 2008

One Year Extension Letter EXPIRES: July 1, 2008

Has anyone ever got 2 extension letters?? Would you guys recommend that we contact the UCIS to determine if we will be approved or get another extension letter? We have not received any information on the biometrics appointment.

Thanks so much!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2008-06-24 03:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsOur Interview in Sydney, Aus - Approved!
Congrats! How much warning did you get for the interview? My hubby will be coming from Perth if/when we get an interview!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-11-15 00:32:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat evidence to bring to interview?
Scott, I would also like to know if you've had a spouse visa before if this can affect the outcome the 2nd time around. We are in a very similar situation, had one before applying again, have not had any problems yet, but who knows!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2012-11-09 08:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTravel on CR1
Hey guys, just a quick question... I don't think that you need an approved travel form to travel outside the country on a CR1, but I just wanted to make sure before my husband heads off to South Africa! If you know will you please write back??
Thanks for your help!!!
sweethomealabamaMaleAustralia2006-03-28 08:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSecond Affadvait of Support?
bump

is there anyone else who has gone through the sydney interview using this second affidavit? along with the I-134.

http://www.visapro.c...orm-DS-1858.asp
DamowasereMaleAustralia2007-04-05 13:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSecond Affadvait of Support?
is there anyone else who has gone through the sydney interview using this second affidavit?

http://www.visapro.c...orm-DS-1858.asp
DamowasereMaleAustralia2007-03-25 19:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSecond Affadvait of Support?
serendipitous

did you get a reply to the 2nd affidavit of support question you had and what form it involes?

I'm also going to be going through the sydney consulate when we get our NOA2 and would like to have most of the information and forms gathered and good to go.

Like you i don't want this to become a hurdle.
DamowasereMaleAustralia2007-03-23 19:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMARCH FILERS :p
Hey March Filers,

My Fiancee filed on March 5 and we got our NOA1 a few days ago.... Its been bounced from the NSC to CSC..... I really do hope that they don't take ages.

As For all of us the waiting is a major pain in trying to plan weddings and move things along.

it is good to know there is another group of poeple out there going through the same things we are.

I hope our time lines are short.

Best of luck everybody. :)
DamowasereMaleAustralia2007-03-19 02:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMARCH FILERS!!!
Just got the email :)

"On May 18, 2007, 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."

I felling so crappy at work right now till i saw this in my in box............. WOOT :)

Well ladies and gents hopefully we should start seeing more of this.
DamowasereMaleAustralia2007-05-21 12:26:00