ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificTax transcripts and military tax free zones
Hi, I just looked through my husbands stuff and we've got 1040 for 2005 and 1040A for 2006 (can't find 2004). The forms have pretty much the same information on them so logic suggests that just one from each year will surfice (it did for us).

Also, double check to see whether you have to get these tax forms notorized or not.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-20 09:39:00
Asia: East and PacificTax transcripts and military tax free zones
Just what the above poster says. smile.gif

My husband is active duty as well.... Did you know that the fact that your hubby is active duty means 1) that he only needs 100% of the poverty line not 125% like everyone else. 2) Since he's in the military it's pretty much guaranteed that he has a steady job and is above the threshold (unless he has lots of children to support etc.) Attach a small note mentioning that your DH was in the tax free zone. I guarantee you that they have seen this before, and that you will be just fine.

It sounds like you are well organised, yes, I'd send in three just to be on the safe side, we did.

Congratulations on getting this far, you are definitely on the right track, try not to stress too much.

Lots of love to you while your husband is out of contact.

Oh, hey, since you're Aussie I invite you to introduce yourself in the DOWNUNDER thread that is sticky'd at the top of this forum if you haven't stopped by already! That is where all the Aussies hang out and share news.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-20 09:33:00
Asia: East and Pacificany aussie from Camden NSW way?
Hi, I don't know of any Aussies from Camden on here, I'm from Sydney and I'm probably the closest. Come post in the DOWNUNDER forum (see the sticky at the top of this forum) if you haven't already. Nice to meet you! *waves*
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-17 17:19:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Check Confusion in NSW
At my local police station you had the option of making an appointment on Sundays OR going in during the week and hoping there was no one in lock up (couldn't do the prints if there was, subsequently I called ahead three times and all three times there WAS someone in lockup so I ended up making the Sunday appointment. Fairfield might be different, but that is what my local station does).

I guess no crime happens on Sundays? biggrin.gif rofl.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-28 22:07:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Check Confusion in NSW
Hi Mark, my advice is get your wife to go to the NSW police website and download the form and fill it out ready to take in. Then she should call the police station and make an appointment to get her fingerprints and name check done. You're right, it costs $175 (or similar if they've changed it in past 6 months). Important to get fingerprints, not JUST name check. If she doesn't get anywhere she could call back at another time and hopefully get someone else to speak to. I had the same problem at my local police station (also in NSW). I think that some people at the police station don't know what they're talking about or have the wrong info. Get her to call till she finds someone who knows. smile.gif

There are a couple of other threads like this on here that will help too.

Best of luck!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-28 20:02:00
Asia: East and PacificVisa Finally Issued
Congratulations!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-13 13:07:00
Asia: East and PacificMay have to go to Australia instead
You make it sound like it's a bad thing! ;) :)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-04 11:37:00
Asia: East and PacificOverseas Voting in 2007 Election
I'm enrolled as an overseas elector. Here comes a change! Yay!

Thanks for posting the info smile.gif Everyone vote if you can, it's important! smile.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-10-15 14:35:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
QUOTE (Kath @ Nov 10 2007, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi ya jezz
waving back at ya mate

congrats on the greencard good to hear that it didnt take long for you...

welcome to the u.s. cant remember if i said that already..hope all is going well and your loving being here...dont forget to post the pics of the wedding for us mate..


I'm loving it here! I've had my moments of homesickness but for the most part I'm adjusting really well and I'm just so happy that I'm here. I'm loving my husband to pieces and he's just amazing, and he's loving me to pieces too. Yup, I'm doing splendidly. I love my life here in America and going through the whole process and sticking it out with all the hard times of being in a long distance relationship... well... being here at the end of the journey (till lifting of conditions) it's all worthwhile... multiplied 100 times.

Oh and the wedding pictures are on page 210... July 27 2007 incase your page numbers are different to mine. smile.gif

I love the snow person Rings! They've put the snow peg things that measure the level of the snow in... I'm getting nervous about the cold white stuff.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-11-10 14:35:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hi everyone!

I haven't been around for ages, I've been crazy busy, I'm sure you can ALL relate.

So what's the update? I've had my AOS approved, my Permanent Resident Card came in the mail yesterday so now I guess it's over for the next two years. Yay!

I got transferred to CSC and didn't end up having an interview. I was expecting a RFE because I didn't bother with the TB skin test thing that we were all so concerned about way back. I was also expecting a RFE because I didn't bother with going to a civil surgeon to get that immunisation thing transcribed. I just sent in a photocopy of Doctor Waks immunisation worksheet from my Sydney medical. hahaha I skated out of that one so well. I remember Kath saying she did that or similar and yours went through too. Anyway, mine did so no civil surgeon for me.

The NOA date was October 24, 2007 for the AOS.

I was really surprised that it all happened so soon. I've been here less than 4 months afterall and I was expecting it to take a lot longer.

Anyway, that's my news, back to living in the US with my darling hubby!

Wow welcome to the US Sharyna!

Congrats to you too Sugarbob! *high five*

A big wave also to Kath, Katz, Kelli, Rings, Vy, Niph and all the gang who know me.

Edited by jezz85, 07 November 2007 - 12:40 PM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-11-07 12:38:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I'm not picky, but I have a degree in Social Science so...

I'm not picky wink.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-27 11:00:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Case Update: I received an email today to let me know that my EAD card is being processed and I should receive it in the mail within 30 days! Wow, I'm going to be allowed to work soon!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-26 22:28:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
WOW! Beautiful photos!!!!!!!

Yeah.... just wow. You both look so happy, and what a beautiful venue. Amazing!

I love the diving picture. I'd like to dive alongside my hubby someday. Hopefully on the GBR.

Thanks for sharing those pictures!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-21 10:43:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Yay! Congrats Niph! Not as far away as expected either! Woo hoo! You'll be back in the arms of your man in no time!


Another Congrats to you Tony! 2 more sleeps to go! I'm so happy for you that you're going home after all this time! YAY!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-18 08:28:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
LOL @ Sugarbob, very funny! smile.gif

Speaking of security measures, did anyone else notice the words to "Waltzing Matilda" written in their passport? biggrin.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-13 06:52:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I forgot to update you guys...

I got a letter to say that my case has been transferred to the California Service Centre. Now... best I can understand from reading this forum is it is both good and bad. On the one hand, most people transferred to the CSC are approved without having to go to an interview. BUT the big down side is there is a long waiting period of indeterminent length for the people transferred to the CSC. I will investigate this further however.

In the meantime, anyone get transferred to the CSC?
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 17:32:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I DO see what you mean about the high school certificate thing biggrin.gif I'm glad the same wording made you happy. Definitely a national police certificate! smile.gif I bet you're excited about the interview!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 17:28:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Okay, this is a little blurry (sorry) but this is what it looks like... you miss out on the detail unfortunately, I guess they do that on purpose. The blue box at the bottom tells you about the security features...

It says...

SECURITY WARNING
This document contains several inbuilt security features, some of which are listed below. Please refer to the reverse for a dull description of the security featres. The pink "Eagle" image on the left and right are printed in a heat sensitive ink and will disappear if moderate heat or friction is applied. The border around this Security Warning is printed in MICROTYPE which reads NSW POLICE CRIMINAL RECORDS SECTION when viewed under magnification. The document background has a pattern of fine wavy lines and a gradual colour change from blue to pink to blue."

On the back it does indeed go into more detail, apparently there are seven eagle images printed in invisible fluorescent ink which glow under ultra violet light.... It goes on and on... it's the most well fraud protected document I've ever had, maybe even more so than money? Anyway, thats my certificate that I got in the mail and took with me to my K-1 interview.

Notice that it reads "name and/or fingerprints of..."

Hope this helps.


Edited by jezz85, 12 September 2007 - 04:09 PM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 16:05:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Congrats to Kath for being in your house!


Weird you guys are saying the police certificate looks lame, I thought mine looked pretty cool with all those different security features. Mine was from Sydney. Maybe they've changed it. Make sure your certificate says "name and fingerprints" not just "name". I know the name only one is a lot less impressive than the fingerprint one.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-12 08:59:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
That sounds crazy Niphredil, I know I just took my certificate along with me... although I also know that my police station was stupid and one person told me that I had to send it directly to the consulate. They were wrong. I was right.

But check up on it all the same, maybe the consulate has changed its policy? Doubtful though.

Don't stress too much and GOOD LUCK! biggrin.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-11 07:46:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
GREAT NEWS TONY! WOOOO!!!!

I am SO SO happy for you mate!!!!!! kicking.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-10 16:13:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Sorry, I wish I could help but I don't have the information that you're looking for. Good luck mate and you are very welcome to ask here, I hope someone else has the answer. smile.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-04 22:04:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Finally received my NOA1's for the AOS and the EAD in the mail today! YAY!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-09-01 14:59:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I had my bio appointment today! It was easy, we arrived 25 minutes early and were out of there right before my appointment was scheduled. Yup, whole thing took less than 25 minutes.

- We went in, showed the guy at the front desk my appointment letter, my passport with visa and our marriage certificate.
- He put my stuff on a clip board and gave me a sheet of paper and a pencil and asked us to sit down and fill it out and give it to a lady at another desk further in.
- Basic stuff, address, eye color, hair color and so on... gave it to the lady who gave me a number.
- Within 5 minutes my number came up and an older man came over and took me to a fingerprint computer console. DH followed, the guy was happy to let DH watch and gave him a chair to sit in, even though there's a sign that says that you have to be alone, or with an interpreter if absolutely necessary. It was all pretty casual.
- He entered my details into the computer and then took my finger prints and finger rolls, all pretty normal stuff.
- He then got me to sit down and he took my picture.
- Then he said "we're done, see you later!" and we left and came home.
- Well okay, first we went to Baja Fresh biggrin.gif

More good news is we had time to go to the Social Security office and change my name before my bio appointment. There were a whole lot less people there than there were last time and we were in and out in exactly half an hour. What an easy day. The SS office is back in my good books. My new SS card should be arriving any day, along with the prospect of getting my license, my bank account and other things in my correct name. Between going to the SS office (we allowed over 3 hours cos that's how long it took last time) and going to the bio appointment we headed over to Ikea and bought a groovy lamp, a bedside table lamp, some photo frames and a couple of other small bits and pieces.

Joyful am I! I had a good day.

Edited by jezz85, 31 August 2007 - 06:25 PM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-31 18:23:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
You don't even need Hep B. I only got one shot of it. smile.gif If you start a course of vaccination you can finish it in the US.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-31 06:20:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hi Kelli, you know that the fees increased at the end of July, well, the new fee structure includes the cost of the EAD and an AP all in one. The reason people apply for the EAD is historically the EAD has usually arrived much faster than the Greencard, but not always. It's kind of a toss up. Moreover, because of the huge weight of AOS's they have at the moment, the EADs are taking a long time as well. Myself case in point. smile.gif

We were a little stressed getting it in but now all we can do is wait, it's out of our hands so no use stressing.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-30 12:28:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
This is what I did smile.gif good.gif Correct me if I'm wrong anyone smile.gif

QUOTE (Kelli @ Aug 28 2007, 05:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
BACK AGAIN.....


A few q's for the I-485

Do I put my married name as my family name? Yes
Date of last arrival-is that the date that I landed 2 weeks ago, or when I was over before? When you landed 2 weeks ago
Current USCIS status-is that K1 Visa??? Yep
Place of last entry to the US-would that be LA? Sure would
Inspected by Immigration officer? Was that the guy who opened my package? Thats the guy smile.gif
What status did I last enter? I am confused.....do they mean when I came over as a visitor last year, or on a K1 visa? K1 Visa
And I take it that I tick that I am married? Yes

Oh gee, I am soooo sorry guys, but I am sooooo confused, and this is the last thing that I need at the moment, as there is alot happening back home with my family.


Thanks heaps!

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-27 16:00:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Congratulations Rings & Loke! That's great news!

katz, in our experience, it depends on the individual place you might find a place that says 4 to 6 weeks (like ours did) and the next county over you might find one that says a lot less than that. For us, we had to do it like that cos the other county only did it on Fridays... you probably remember the whole Friday the 13th/day after I step of the plane saga. smile.gif

Good luck everyone who has interviews and things coming up, everyone else, I hope you're all happy and well. I'm looking forward to updates from everyone. smile.gif

Hi Kath! *waves*
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-26 08:41:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
He sure can! Some people suggest you wait a week or two though so you "get on the system". At any rate I didn't go to get mine until about 2 weeks after I got here just because we were in California and then we were too busy (our nearest SS office over an hour away) Kath can probably clear that one up for us.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-24 15:33:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
In that thread someone wrote "The final marriage problem is women wanting to be issued their SSA card in their new married name. This can not happen until there is supporting documentation from USCIS (EAD or Green Card)." Which is not correct, you only need your marriage certificate to have the name changed. In my opinion, I would wait until you get your marriage certificate unless the court house issuing it will take a long time to send it out (like mine). That way, it will save you a trip to the SS office to change it to your married name. Because EVERYONE wants to see your SS card in your married name before they put your married name on anything, like putting myself on DH's bank accounts (currently in my maiden name) and getting a drivers licence (We're going to wait till we can go back to SS office when we have time so I don't have to pay for a drivers license twice). Upshot is, getting SS card in your maiden name is a Pain in the ### and should be avoided where possible in my very humble opinion. Others are welcome to disagree... Lots of luck to you. biggrin.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-24 11:32:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Kellie - In response to Kath's inquiry about getting the EAD before the SSN.... I have some good news, on the K-1 VISA you DON'T need the EAD first! What happens is, they give you the SS card that has "valid with USCIS work authorization only" written on it. So you can't work till the EAD comes in and as I understand it, when you get work you need to carry your EAD and SS card to prove you're eligible to work. At some point in the future you can change the SS card to a new one without the sentence on it (I think after you get your greencard is when you do it, I'm just assuming that though.) SS numbers are very useful things to have even when you can't work yet smile.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-24 08:38:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Weeee! Great news Kelli! WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME!

Tip Time:

1. Get your SSN AFTER you get married and take along the ACTUAL marriage certificate if you want to change your name on it.(not the license or anything else, they won't accept it cos they suck). I say this because if you don't, and get your maiden name on it, you'll be in a whole world of PAIN in the you know what getting all your other bits and pieces down the road like drivers license and bank accounts and shenanigans. ALSO you'll have to go back to get it changed (Like we do, since they wouldn't accept the marriage license they gave us on the day, instead wanting the one that we ONLY JUST received in the mail in the last week.)

2. Turn up to the SS office WHEN they open or even 1/2 an hour before they open (yes, people do, according to the lady that FINALLY saw us) or you'll be sitting in the office ALL DAY.

Can you tell that I have SS angst? I also have bank angst... don't get me started on USCIS angst. USCIS is the ruler of the unholy trinity that is my government angst. The Navy doesn't even rate in my angsting, and that is saying something! biggrin.gif

Don't worry about me, I'm loving life and my husband and the craziness biggrin.gif

3. (And 3 is the most important tip) HAVE A FANTASTIC WEDDING! and CONGRATULATIONS on being back with the love of your life, together at last. All my love to you both! Have a fantastic wedding, enjoy it, enjoy your honeymoon if you have one, or just take plenty of time to enjoy each other. This stuff can wait a couple of weeks smile.gif

Edited by jezz85, 23 August 2007 - 08:55 PM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-23 20:55:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Kym - enjoy having the house to yourself for a little while, and try not to worry too much about your daughter out on her own smile.gif Enjoy the bridal shower!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-22 17:10:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss Loke & Rings sad.gif Safe journey.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-22 17:05:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Nice, might be worth a try. Thanks a LOT Kath for noticing that one smile.gif
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-21 16:20:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Me too Jodie, The Montgomery GI Bill is just for education... but the original bill before Montgomery revamped it in the 80's was the GI Bill and included all that stuff together and was colloquially called the GI Bill. smile.gif But yeah, Kath is referring to a VA loan. A very nice loan arrangement it is too, we're going to be using it sometime in the future.

Congrats Sugarbob & Moonie... one step further towards AOS
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-19 09:48:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Kath, Good luck buying a house! That is exciting news!

What you're referring to is the Montgomery GI bill, it is a VERY good thing. Tony has been paying into it for college. smile.gif

Thanks for the tips about the fingerprinting. Should be a fun day biggrin.gif

Edited by jezz85, 18 August 2007 - 08:04 AM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-18 08:04:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Thanks! Tamzo, I wouldn't get too stressed, I'm sure a lot depends on how busy your part of the US is for appointments and all those sorts of factors. We're going down to Alexandria VA for our appointment, its about an hour and 40 minutes drive from us. Oh, we sent out stuff in on the 22nd or 23rd of July too. FYI

I want my EAD too!

I got my drug and alcohol course certificate today, that is one thing down, and one step closer to my licence. Tony & I are going to go on base this weekend to practice my parallel parking skills in the empty parking lot. It'll be good times I'm sure :blink:

Edited by jezz85, 17 August 2007 - 04:07 PM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-17 16:06:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
UPDATE: I got a letter for my biometrics appointment on Wednesday. It is in on August 31st. It is the first thing I've heard too! No NOA1 just the biometrics appointment.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-17 06:34:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Sounds great vylex, glad you had a safe and happy trip. Give Sydney my love won't you? Have a fantastic time :)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-08-14 07:59:00