ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
#######! Worth a try
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-28 23:09:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey guys.
Just a question for those who have, or are soon to, depart from Australia- It may be a long shot, but is there an option for us citizens to claim our Super? I've been looking around ATO site, but can only find info for temp visitors to claim sper when departing.

Cheers
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-28 21:00:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Previously, when I've flown to LA to visit my Wife and her family, I have flown with Delta- Only because her Bro-In-Law used to be a pilot for them before joining the air force. He has been nice enough to offer me some 'buddy' passes which is US$600 Sydney->LA return. On all occasions, I have been upgraded to Business class :thumbs:

This time, I will be flying V Australia on the 10th of August. It was only AUS$620 one way, so... why not?! I've never flown with them before, but have heard good things. I am NOT looking forward to returning to cattle-class :rofl:
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-22 01:50:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

OMG Ted just got off the phone to NVC and we now have our new case number so I can book the medical WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO And OMG OMG it was sent to Sydney 2 days ago :) Bwahahaahaha can you tell I'm excited?????



grats :thumbs:
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-21 23:40:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Any recommendations/details for Sydney doctors? :)



I had an appointment Dr. Miller on the 6th of July or something, but had to change it to the 12th. I couldn't get in touch with his office, so I made the appointment with Dr. Waks.
They send the medical results to the consulate via express post.

I had my interview on Tuesday (20th July) and they had not yet received my medical. Following the interview, I went back to the medical center on George St to see what was happening. They tracked it through the australia post site and it was being 'processed' still. As of 10:30 pm 21/07, the status has not yet changed. I hope this is not anything to worry about as I had an approval for my visa, but won't begin processing until they receive the medical :wacko:
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-21 07:33:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

So I think I may have found why Ham was rejected for the SSN. Because he has to give a non-work reason as to why he wants a SSN. If he doesn't have a valid reason for getting an SSN prior to an EAD then he has to wait until he has an EAD.


Hm, so what is reason would suffice?



(http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html)

What if I need a number for other reasons

If you are not authorized by DHS to work in the United States, you can get a Social Security number only if you can prove you need it for a valid non-work reason. That might happen, for example, if a state or federal law requires you to have a Social Security number to obtain benefits to which you have already established entitlement.

If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If a business or government agency asks you for a Social Security number and you are not authorized to work in the United States, ask if they can identify you in some other way. In most cases, you will be able to get the service or license you need without a Social Security number.


AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-20 15:42:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Oh hahah no no no no, I totally didn't mean it in that way! I thought it was quite clever :thumbs: hahahaha

I went to the consulate a few years ago for a crewmember visa when i was working on a cruise ship and it took hours! I was surprised as to how quick it was today. I had the same lady you had immediately after you left. Took 5 minutes or so and I was out of there!
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-20 04:34:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Approved approved approved! Bit of a whirlwind trip to Sydney but I was in and out of the consulate in less than an hour - up to security at 7.30 and out by 8.15. I will write up a proper review when I'm home, but it is such a great feeling and really, once you're in Sydney it feels like there's very little between you and that visa in your passport. No requests for any supporting evidence, about four or so questions and that's it! I used Astrid's trick and got in the elevator last.. so I got ticket 001, haha. I was a little surprised at how easy it all was even though we had a cosponsor.. being in college doesn't seem to bother anybody too much in Sydney.

Matt and I booked tickets last week, so POE is August 4th. I'll be resigning from work tomorrow and finishing up next Friday - I think that time is just going to fly. Couldn't be here without all the helpful tips and support from my fellow Aussies.. thank you so much guys!




Hahaha, I didn't know about "Astrid's trick", but I thought I'd let the family with the pram on first. I was going to let you on too, but meh, I'm happy with ticket #003

Congrats on the approval. Unfortunately, my medical had not arrived at the consulate yet, so I'm approved but waiting for the medical to turn up. I called australia post today and it was supposed to be delivered some time today.

I only just stumbled on this australian section haha


Oh, and you're studying law? haha yes, I was eavesdropping to see what kind of questions were being asked. Hope you don't mind :thumbs:

Edited by AUS2USA, 20 July 2010 - 03:27 AM.

AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-07-20 03:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIn need of some help!!
Pushbrk,

If I was keen to read FAQ's and Guides, I'd email USCIS and/or the consulate. Thats all they seem to want to do. I understand that my questions may be answered in there, but not in the way that makes 100% sense to me. And, I don't want to be 99.9% going into something like this. Especially with the amount of waiting time there already is.

Plus, I get the added advantage of SPEAKING with people whom have already completed the journey or are still within the journey.

However, I do appreciate the response. Working 14 hour days makes it difficult to frequent this site. I thought being able to start my own thread, I'd be able to ask specific questions that can be answered promptly thus eliminating the minutes/hours/days of researching. But, I do see where you're coming from and I will have to find the time to peruse this site moreso.

thanks pushbrk smile.gif good.gif

Thanks again everyone!!

Edit: Sorry pushbrk, that may have come off as a bit obnoxious. Was not intended that way! Cheers bud!

Edited by AUS2USA, 03 September 2009 - 05:46 AM.

AUS2USAMaleAustralia2009-09-03 05:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIn need of some help!!
Thanks for the responses guys. I just spoke to my wife, she's yet to receive the 325A forms, so once she gets them, we'll send off the i-130.

So, will I be receiving any NOA's? or will my wife receive them in the states? do they then have instructions onhow to go about the rest of the procedure.

I was looking on the USCIS web site and it's down to 5 months to process the i130. that time is just a waiting period right? no medicals or interviews are scheduled until after the 130 has been approved, correct?
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2009-08-28 23:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIn need of some help!!
Hey guys,

Firstly, let me introduce myself. I'm Mike, I'm 22 and I currently reside in Sydney, Australia. I met my wife whilst we were both working on a cruise ship 2 years ago. By mid 2008 she had moved here to Aus on a one year visa and we lived together for that year. I finally popped the question on christmas eve just passed and we married on 2nd May 2009. Unfortunately, by this stage, we hadn't decided whether we were going to stay here in aus or go to the US. Finally, we decided us was a better option for many reasons. She moved back at the end of June and i would be telling the biggest lie if i said i didn't miss her ever second of every day, which i'm sure many of you can relate to. I'm sure you can relate to the stressful feeling of figuring out these visas and getting it done right the first time.

Secondly, I am a frequent user of other sport, fitness, musical and motorbike forums and know that it can be frustrating to see the same questions asked each and evertime. Believe me when I say, I have used the search function, but still have some unanswered questions.

Thank-you and sorry in advance - thanks for the answers, sorry if they've been asked before =)

So, I've sent over what I think is to be the last of the visa forms (4X G325A's). They should be arriving in California today where my wife will then send them off with all other relating documents.

My questions are:

1/ The difference between CR1 + K3, and how to go about applying for them. At the moment, as I understand it, when you send the I-130 petition, you automatically apply for CR1 + K3 (being that it is a petition for US Ctzn spouse. I also believe that i read somewhere we have to send the i-129F?? i thought this was for fiancee to come over and marry? this isn't the case for us so we don't use that, right.

2/ CR1 comes with benefits that K3 doesn't offer, such as able to work immediately without needing to apply for work auth. like K3, correct? I have heard/read that K3 is obsolete, and CR1 is the way to go, but can't find much info on CR1 on the USCIS web!?!?!

Like everyone else, I want to get to the States in the quickest time possible, with as few a hassles as possible (perfect world, right?)

Why do they make this so hard? haha I am envious of those who have completed this journey. congrats to you all. I hope to be sharing the same experiences as you guys have gone thru

Regards,

Mike
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2009-08-28 16:52:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAny chance to quicken the process?
Cheers for the quick responses. I guess my main concerns stemmed from hearsay stories of people waiting 5-10 years for citizenship (which was a while ago). However, it seems like a pretty quick 6 months-or-so ordeal!?

Alex-and-astrid, Totally understand... Hope I didn't come off too greedy :lol:

Thanks Canadian Wife, I'll be sure to check that link!
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-03-21 19:23:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAny chance to quicken the process?
I am about 1-2 months off receiving my GC through marriage, and I know that I will not be able to apply for Citizenship for at least 3 years. However, due to my line of work (Law Enforcement Officer), I was wondering if there would be any other way to apply for Citizenship before the 3 year time as most Law Agencies will not allow GC holders to apply.

I understand it being a long shot, but would hate to put my LE career on hold if I can help it.

Of course, we all make sacrifices to be with the one's we love, and if this happens to be another sacrifice, then so be it :)

I thought I'd just ask the question anyway to see if there is a chance, at all

Thank-you for your time
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-03-21 19:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC outside of marriage
There's no 'edit' function for posts, is there?

Let me get as much info into this as possible.

As seen by my timeline, I came to the US on a 2yr conditional relative visa. We entered the marriage in good faith and as we embarked upon this long journey, we (well, she) decided that she preferred her single life rather than a life with me. I cannot fault her for that; it was obviously a tough decision she had to make as she was close with my friends and family and vice-verse.

We do not have any joint accounts together (bills, leases, cars, bank etc.) as we have been separated shortly after I arrived here. We do stay in contact, and I believe she will assist me in any formalities needed. I am also sure that her older sisters, as well as her Mother, will write sworn affidavits for me as proof that we entered a loving relationship and that this was terminated on her grounds, not mine.

As mentioned, I have heard that I can file ROC as a sole individual even though we are still technically married. Needless to say I am a little stressed and worried about the situation. As naive as I was moving here, I assumed I would come over into a loving marriage where we would support one another. I came with virtually nothing, and have since built my new life in Seattle over the past year (job, friends etc.)

I hope this extra info helps. Though, I'm sure it's slightly repetitive from my previous post :)
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2011-11-23 21:29:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC outside of marriage
Greetings all,

I'm about 3 months out from having to ROC. I arrived in the US in August of '09. Shortly after (after 18 months of separation through the visa) my Wife informed me that she no longer wanted to be married. She skipped off to work on a cruise ship and I re-located to Seattle from LA in pursuit of work.

We are still legally married, however, I have not seen her since September '09. Will I still be able to process ROC even if we begin our divorce filings prior to that?

I do remember hearing a while ago that it is possible for this to happen. Just wanted to hear from those who have been there / done that.

BTW, I came in on a 2yr Conditional GC

Many thanks!
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2011-11-23 20:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresneed help
I'm pretty sure that filing a second petition would have no effect as you have a current petition being processed.
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-01-20 04:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about staying together while filing for CR-1
My wife and I were married in Sydney on May 2nd, 2009. At the time, she was on a one year wrking/holiday visa and we were unsure as to whether we were going to stay in Aus, or relocate to the US. As it turns out, we decided to relocate to the US about 10 days before her visa was due to expire in June, 2009 (yeah, we left it all pretty late, haha).

We were pretty unfamiliar with the processes at the time and the US consulate said we could not DCF through the US consulate in Syd because she was only on a working/holday visa and could not extend.

Our options were:
1/ Wife heads to the US and we spend 6-8 months (fingers crossed) apart - small sacrific when you consider the end result. Or,;
2/ File for citizenship for the missus in aus, pay $2000 for that, and wait up to 2 years for that to clear until you can file directly through the consulate.

Knowing what I know now, I would have, without a doubt married her when she first came out on the working / tourist visa and then filed straight away for the CR1 visa while she was still here.

As people have stated, all you need in the US is a postal address (maybe her parent's?) and they can forward the info onto you.
With the I-130 petition, all that you will be waiting for is the NOA1 and NOA2.
After that, through the NVC (where I am at the moment), there is a little more contact, however this can be done primarily thorugh e-mail. The only difficult thing would be the AOS (Affidavit of Support) information which requires a your wife as a sponsor, and I'm assuming a co-sponsor.

Ordering tax transcripts and organising W2's isn't too hard, but it's the interaction with the co-sponsor that might prove difficult, and getting them to react in a timely manner.

All in all. Marry her bris-Vegas style now, apply for the visa, then have your big shin-digg when you get to the US !? :lol:
AUS2USAMaleAustralia2010-01-30 22:35:00