ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
QUOTE (jldut80 @ May 16 2009, 12:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi got NOA2 approval today!! YAY.

Now what? I can do my doctors appt and police check but is there anything else that will help speed things up?

thanks!


Congrats!! good.gif

Hopefully the finish line is close for you guys now.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-05-16 04:29:00
Australia and New ZealandLAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
Hey fellow Aussies. My fiancee and i will be applying shortly for our K-1. Reading up on here has been informative and it gives me comfort that i won't be alone. Best of luck with all of your visas.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-05-08 04:19:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Hey guys. Been in the U.S for about 5-6 days now. POE was basic. I handed over the brown envelope and passport, he just asked when i was getting married....looked through the paperwork and put the I-94 in my passport with a stamp.
He put the info from the envelope in a pile to the side of his desk, so who knows what happens to it now? I noticed him writing down 'EAD' and numbers after it, and i thought i might be getting that as well. He didn't give it to me though :huh:

We went and signed paperwork for the marriage license, i've been measured up for my suit....and now there are just 8 days until the wedding! :star:
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2010-01-29 13:38:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Surprised you don't have it yet Colin. Mine came on Thursday. Definitely contact them Monday if it's not in your mailbox.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2010-01-17 06:19:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Visa approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Man, it went quickly and smoothly. i was nervous as all heck but it was extremely painless. Thanks to everyone for their support.

Congrats to you too Colin. I'm sure i probably saw you there sometime this morning.

Edited by Simon and Janet, 12 January 2010 - 08:19 AM.

Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2010-01-12 08:19:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date

Hey guys i got my interview on the 12th January at 9am maybe ill see you there :) ill be the bundle of nerves that is there too

Nice, i'm in at 8am. So hopefully we both leave there very happy men!
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2010-01-08 02:46:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Paid off the $157.20 visa fee and picked up the 3kg express postage envelope. So now i'm all set for the interview on Tuesday! Booked flight and hotel, printed the consulate email and gathered my evidence of the ongoing relationship.
Nerves are starting to increase day by day now.
Flying up to Sydney in the 40 degree heat will suck though!
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2010-01-07 22:13:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (Miss Natalie @ Dec 27 2009, 08:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Astrid! I'm here in New Orleans now with my sweetie kicking.gif The flight was as expected, long and draining, but V Australia was really good. I recommend them for sure.

POE was quick and painless and there was no line at all! The immigration officer looked through my documents, asked me a few questions like "how did you meet", "when are you getting married" and "what work do you do in Australia", then took my prints and eye scan, stamped the passport and sent me on my merry way. As a bonus my bags were almost first off the carosel and I walked straight through customs! All up about 15 minutes for the whole process. After a long flight I was stoked!!!

The flights to New orleans are another story but even numerous delays didn't get me down! I am now in our apartment with my baby and that's all that matters smile.gif Now, for the wedding preparations....

Hope you all had good Christmases biggrin.gif


Congrats Nat! kicking.gif

I've flown VAustralia and thought they were excellent as well.

2 weeks until the interview!
Our wedding is Feb 6th. Janet is off with her mom and friends tomorrow finding a dress. cool.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-29 03:55:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Congrats to those who just got approved! kicking.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-22 02:29:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
For you guys that have already had the interview...where did you stay in Sydney?
I've been looking at flights from Melb... and Tiger Airways is only $56 roundtrip ohmy.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-19 03:20:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Emailed the consulate this morning about packet 3. They replied saying that they have the file but haven't reviewed it yet. Then not 30 mins later i got packet 4 emailed laughing.gif

So D-Day is January 12. So the January 23rd departure is still looking good.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-18 00:15:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Send P3 a week ago via express post...i've checked the tracking and they got it Monday afternoon...but still no P4 unsure.gif
I might call today if there's no email in the morning.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-17 08:43:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (Omnivore @ Dec 17 2009, 04:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, I just realised, I should have put the US Consulate address as the address to send the police check to instead of my address. Is this going to ve a serious problem or can I just send it to them with my P3 or take it to the interview? I'm going to email Sydney about it.

As an aside I'm sorting my stuff into two folders (one for P3 mail & one to take to the interview) so what do I need to send them for P3?


I had the police check sent to my address and most people here did too i believe. P3 says to include that and a photocopy of it. So as far as i'm aware it was supposed to go to your home address so you could include it in the package.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-17 05:52:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (lyekka @ Dec 15 2009, 02:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Dec 14 2009, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Send P3 to the embassy via express postage on Friday, still waiting for P4. Hopefully tomorrow! whistling.gif


Im sure you'll get it tomorrow. Took two days to get it. Got ours toward the end of the day, checked it that morning and went out and enjoyed the australian summer then when we got back in was in my inbox. Cheers!


Sadly, not today either. Let's shoot for tomorrow. if it's not emailed by Friday i might call and see if they have any info for me.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-16 04:09:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Send P3 to the embassy via express postage on Friday, still waiting for P4. Hopefully tomorrow! whistling.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-15 01:02:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Dec 14 2009, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll write a longer review for the consular review section, but in a nutshell it was all pretty smooth. First one in, first one out, very friendly CO, though she did ask me a fair few questions and kept calling Alex my boyfriend....did not even get asked to show my evidence (darn it, it was so good!) and I should have my visa by Friday!!!


Congrats Astrid, that's awesome biggrin.gif:D:D
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-14 20:43:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (alex and astrid @ Dec 11 2009, 05:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Dec 10 2009, 05:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
OK sent away packet 3... needed a big envelope because of the x-ray that was attached to the medical...but it's off smile.gif
Hopefully Mon/Tues i'll have an interview date.

Good luck Terri and Eric, hopefully it'll be a nice and quick wait until NOA2.


oops! you don't need to mail them the xray, just the medical results. you keep the xray for AOS.


Ah ######! Hopefully i get it back at the interview then unsure.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-11 08:18:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
OK sent away packet 3... needed a big envelope because of the x-ray that was attached to the medical...but it's off smile.gif
Hopefully Mon/Tues i'll have an interview date.

Good luck Terri and Eric, hopefully it'll be a nice and quick wait until NOA2.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-10 20:50:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Hey guys, sorry i haven't been around much lately. I went over and visited Janet from Oct 17 - Dec 8. Tomorrow we send in packet 3 and hopefully find out Monday when the interview date is. I have my return trip booked for Jan 23 so hopefully it's all complete by then! Love to you all!
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-12-10 03:09:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (Vanessa&Tony @ Nov 19 2009, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (NewYorkSydney @ Nov 20 2009, 12:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Nov 20 2009, 09:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm close to sending in packet 3 and i'm just wondering about the payment for the visa. I've seen mentioned that people were required to bring a receipt of payment to the interview. Does the bill for the visa come with packet 4?



Hi Simon,

All you do is go to the local post office and show them your letter from packet 4 and say you would like to pay the MCV fee - The cost is 157.20 AUD.

Make sure you dont buy your express post envelope on the same recepit as they need to see you paid the visa fee seperately.


NO NO NO! Close but NO!

You DO get a letter but WAIT for the letter and pay the amount that's on the letter, don't rely on the $157.20 mentioned above. It can change. Mine was $170.30! It's dependent on the US dollar compared to Aussie dollar.

When you go to the post office tell them you need to pay the fee for a "NON-IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION". I know my post office was pretty confused about it (new girl) so it took a little while but you HAVE to tell them the amount because it changes so wait until you receive P4 which will list the amount on it.


Ah ok, so it's with packet 4...thank you both! biggrin.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-11-21 14:04:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
I'm close to sending in packet 3 and i'm just wondering about the payment for the visa. I've seen mentioned that people were required to bring a receipt of payment to the interview. Does the bill for the visa come with packet 4?
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-11-19 17:20:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Haha he only asked me once how old I was.
I don't think he repeated a question at all.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-14 17:31:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Thankfully the medical is done!
Went in to see Dr. Charles...he was pretty quiet and not interested in much conversation other than what the medical required. He asked me the normal questions about where i was going to go and live, where my wife lives (i made sure to correct him with fiancee instead of wife) my job etc...
For the medical checkup with him it was relatively quick...he checked my eyes and ears, felt around the glands in my neck... then he had me sit on the bench so he could check my breathing. Next was a check of my ankles, pressed me stomach in a few area, then onto my armpits then ... my groin unsure.gif

The whole time i was stressing like crazy over having blood taken...that sends fear through me more than just about anything! I have quite the history of passing out or throwing up after that....i'm a tough guy i know laughing.gif
I had a blood pressure reading before the needle (too high) after the needle (too low!) then 20 mins later (perfect). The woman who gave me the blood test was great, i let her know how i hate needles and that i don't deal with them too well, so she had me lay down and have it taken. So i got up and went to the X-ray room next...then felt the cold sweats start like i was about to pass out...but managed to get through it in one piece tongue.gif
The X-ray was straight forward, take off your shirt, breathe in and it was over. Finally i had my shots, a rubella/measles shot and a tetanus booster.
Grand total $425 blink.gif

All i can say is that goodness that's done with....along with the Sydney interview this was my biggest fear!

Edited by Simon and Janet, 14 October 2009 - 02:56 AM.

Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-14 02:56:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Thanks Natalie. Going to try and get it all done from the U.S and hopefully get an interview date a week or so before i return back to Aus.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-13 05:59:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
What exactly did you send in with packet 3 Natalie?
Was it just the forms emailed to you from the consulate or did you have to send the medical and police check results in the mail as well. Haven't heard whether they come with you to the interview or get sent in.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-13 05:10:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (Miss Natalie @ Oct 13 2009, 02:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh My God! I just got my Interview date! Talk about quick, I only sent our packet 3 yesterday!

Its in TWO WEEKS! Tuesday October 27th. My heart is still racing.

Hope everythings moving as fast for ya'll! biggrin.gif

Ok now I have to go book a flight to sydney...


WOW!!!!!! kicking.gif
Congratulations, that's super awesome!!!! Maybe Brian can get there and help you pack for the trip to your new home now rather than be there for the interview lol.

Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-13 05:03:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (lyekka @ Oct 12 2009, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Oct 12 2009, 12:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Was supposed to have my medical today with Dr. Charles in Port Melbourne, but about 30 mins before i was set to head up there they rang to tell me the X-ray machine was broken! wacko.gif
So i'm rescheduled for Wednesday now.



Hello everyone smile.gif Im not from Australia but my fiance is there in Melbourne atm.. I read this had a little oh ####### reaction. Did they say when they would have it fixed by? My fiance has his appointment there next week, so wanted to give him a heads up about this.
Sorry to hear about your medical getting postponed, that really sux!

hugs!
Jules


Hey Jules!

Yeah they have me rescheduled for tomorrow so it looks like it was a one day problem. I'll post here and let you know what their situation is. star_smile.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-12 21:33:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
QUOTE (Miss Natalie @ Oct 12 2009, 05:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Simon and Janet @ Oct 12 2009, 03:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Was supposed to have my medical today with Dr. Charles in Port Melbourne, but about 30 mins before i was set to head up there they rang to tell me the X-ray machine was broken! wacko.gif
So i'm rescheduled for Wednesday now.



aww that's annoying Simon! but at least they got you rescheduled quickly.
Have fun back in the US with your fiancee smile.gif

Thanks Nat, soon as she said they had to reschedule i was stressing about it being after i got back from the U.S ...... but luckily that's not the case. Police check has been done....so tomorrow i'll mail off the DS-230 part 1 and get cracking on the I-134 when i'm over there with Janet.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-12 05:23:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
Was supposed to have my medical today with Dr. Charles in Port Melbourne, but about 30 mins before i was set to head up there they rang to tell me the X-ray machine was broken! wacko.gif
So i'm rescheduled for Wednesday now.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-12 02:38:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
I just booked my medical with Dr Charles in Melbourne for October 12...lucky i got in while i did!
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-03 08:41:00
Asia: East and PacificAustralian Police Checks
Ah nice, that's helpful info. I'll have to see which stations in Geelong do that lice scan. good.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-07-13 04:55:00
Asia: East and PacificConfused about Australian Police check
Thanks so much!
I went into Geelong Police station tonight and had the fingerprinting done and i downloaded the form i needed to fill out from the website. So i just have to post this to Melbourne with a cheque and then i wait. Thank you though for your help smile.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-11 08:21:00
Asia: East and PacificConfused about Australian Police check
OK i'm a little confused about what to do here. I've called a couple of police stations here (Geelong, Victoria) and they seem a little confused too.
I know i need to get a name and fingerprint check done. So do i go to a station, get finger printed and fill in a form and they send it off? Do i get the fingerprints from them and then send if off somewhere myself? I've tried searching the forums for a better idea but i can't find out exactly what goes on here.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-10-10 21:29:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Waiting for NVC to receive our I-129F
QUOTE (Otto und Karin @ Sep 28 2009, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A couple of weeks is not unusual. The approved petition doesn't necessarily get sent to NVC the same day it is approved - very likely gets put in a holding/batch bin and sent out in groups.

Also, make sure you're speaking to a real person (not automated) when calling NVC.

Thanks for the reply. I spoke to a real person at the NVC. I guess i'll just keep checking daily...thanks!
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-09-28 07:45:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Waiting for NVC to receive our I-129F
Hey guys.

We received our NOA2 notice for approval of our I-129F on September 18.... today (28th) I called NVC and they have no record of it. Looking at timelines on K-1 visas the usual waiting time is only 2-4 days. Do i have reason to worry about NVC still not having our file?
Thanks.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-09-28 07:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about the I-34 form.
QUOTE (HelloWorld08 @ May 14 2009, 11:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if her 3 prior years is $18,212 or over then she should be ok...


Nice, She was on about $25,000 a year the previous 3 years.

Thanks for you help.... and everyone elses. star_smile.gif
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-05-14 18:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about the I-34 form.
First of all forgive me if this has been asked or the info is on the site somewhere, if so i haven't been able to find it.

My question is about the amount of funds that need to the petitioner (my fiancee) needs to have for this to go through without a problem. The petitioner makes around $20,000 a year, and with the 2009 poverty guidelines 125% of the 14,570 for a two person household is $18,212. The petitioner has very little other assets in her name. Maybe a few thousand at the most.
So, my question is whether this case would require a sponsor? We're not yet up to this stage of our process but i wanted to get a better understanding before the time to fill out the I-134 came around.
Thanks alot.

S&J

I-134... sorry i named it the I-34 in the topic.

Edited by Simon and Janet, 14 May 2009 - 10:14 AM.

Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-05-14 10:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about I-134
QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Aug 24 2009, 12:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You only need a co-sponsor if your income (and/or assets) are not sufficient to meet the guidelines (i.e., 125% of current poverty level, as per the I-864 instructions).

Also, be aware that not all consulates accept co-sponsors for the K-1. It's best to check with your consulate and follow their directives exactly.


Some consulates (like Sydney) require 100% of the poverty guideline for the I-134 and 125% when you file the I-864, so it might be worth checking your consulate for that applies for you too.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-08-24 06:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - Changed jobs
It can differ at some consulates. I know the one in Sydney requires you to meet 100% of the guideline, then 125% later when adjusting.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-09-23 09:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - Changed jobs
Ok, no problem.
Thank you for the reply.
Simon and JanetMaleAustralia2009-09-21 22:01:00