ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Oooooh Loke is maybe still at the consulate, but maybe all done :) Can't wait to hear the good news. I've been thinking about you guys this morning Rings and Loke. :D
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-07-02 19:04:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
*hugs*

Rings you are so cute :)

Good luck Loke!!!! (Even though you don't need it, its not that scary really, the sydney consulate people are lovely :) and everything will go smoothly)


Yay! 10 hours away!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-07-02 06:57:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Thanks guys for your advice :) Part of the anxiety that I didn't mention is we'd have to go on Thursday to get the marriage license. Since I arrive on Thursday, an hour and a half before they close, the whole thing became too stressful for me! I just can't see that happening in time.

You'll be pleased to know that I think I've found a workable solution, the County of Los Angeles only does the marriage civil ceremony on a friday (except for one place) but Orange County does it Monday to Friday without an appointment. Driving 40 minutes to OC is infinately easier than mucking around with the previous plan. At this stage I think we can get the license on the Friday then get married the following Monday or Tuesday. His family still get to witness it and I don't have to marry on Friday the 13th OR rush from the airport like a maniac. Everybody is happy.

I'll keep you guys posted on what happens since this isn't in concrete. I emailed Tony with those details and he'll give them a ring to make sure things are as I image. :)

***

Sharyna, on VJ a lot of the time "sending in packet 3" is kind of short hand for sending in the letter of readiness. In the same fashion, when you receive "packet 4" you'll discover that its not a packet at all! Actually, its just a letter with your interview time and list of things you need to bring in the proper order!

Having said that, every consulate around the world does things a little differently, maybe some other countries send in more stuff ahead of time than us in Sydney. Thats why its a good idea for people from Australia to pay closest attention to the experiences and posts of other Australians since only then can you be sure that you're getting the right info.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-29 01:50:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
We were going to get married the next day on the Friday because thats the only day that they do it. But I just can't stomach the thought of getting married on Friday the 13th. *sigh* why does it have to be so complicated? We're leaving LA before the following Friday...

Do you guys have any suggestions?
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-28 06:44:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hey Rings, we're going to send in the AOS stuff without the SSN. Lots of people have done it on VJ without problems, they've just sent later I guess, or get RFE'd for it.

We're doing it that way so that we send the forms and payment in before the fee goes up. I won't have enough time to get SSN before the fees go up since its suggested that you wait two weeks before going to the SS office. I'm arriving in the US on the 12th :)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-28 06:42:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Great news Sharyna! Looks like you've got it all sorted! Woo hoo!!! :D Now, to get that interview!!!! Yay!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-26 23:38:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Sharyna, I agree with Rings,

They're really finicky and I would hate for you to get denied or delayed based off this. They may well make the mental leap between you not being able to get something to you not wanting to get something from there or trying to conceal something.

I KNOW it sucks but exhaust every possible avenue you can to try to get something in writing showing that it would be impossible for you to get a police certificate or anything. A letter from the people you spoke to on the phone would go a long way futher than your word on the matter.

Has the Sydney consulate responded to your email regarding this matter yet?
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-26 02:34:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Nice to see you Paul :) I'm still waiting to get over there as you see... not long now! :)

In response to your little problem... Southwicks Zoo in Massachusetts shuts at 5pm daily. They have kangaroos. ;)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-25 09:14:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Whoa! Sharyna that is crazy! If it wasn't so bad I would almost have to laugh!

Try not to worry too much, they are really good with the email in my experience and you'll hear from them really soon, hopefully today or tomorrow.

Were you under 16 when you lived in Uraguay?

***

Good catch on the public holiday 4th of July Kath. I didn't even think of that :) Rings and Loke, they'll be closed on the 4th so I guess you'll have to wait around till the 5th to pick it up.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-24 23:28:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I had my interview in May and there was the option of next business day pick up still! I had mine mailed to me because that is what was easier for me.

They give you a signed note at the interview stage and tick the box either for next day pickup or having it mailed out.. if you decide to come back next day, you just bring the signed note with you and they send you up to get it. Since I live in Sydney I got the express post pack in the mail I believe the Monday (my interview was on the previous Friday).

I say go ahead and book the flight for the 7th :) I'm jealous, I'm out on the 12th :D

Edited by jezz85, 24 June 2007 - 04:26 AM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-24 04:22:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Congratulations Rings & Loke!

I'll be thinking about you guys on July 3rd! Happy interviewing!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-23 10:03:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hey Duke,

If its true that you have EVERYTHING ready for the interview including police certificate and medical examination and everything done already...

I think that you should email the consulate in Sydney and give them your case number and the date your fiancee will return to Australia and ask them to assign you an interview date based on that. :) They're good with email and will reply quickly, I think you have a good chance of that working just fine. The statement of readiness thing is not a big deal in the process.

Good luck.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-22 05:01:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
I'm sorry Niphredil :(

I know it sucks but try not to think about it that way. Plenty of good things happen in the world too, like the love between you and your hubby for example.

If anything, all those bad things just prove how tough and strong your relationship is in the face of adversity. All my love to you guys, I'm sure you'll be able to deal with this new set back in his health together. I know that it will be hard but hey, having someone who loves you and cares about you, and is willing to go though this Visa Journey to be with you is one of the greatest things a person can have, and you both have that!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-22 01:49:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Welcome Niphredil,

Wow, you've had a long journey, I hope things go more smoothly from now on!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-22 00:02:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Great news Elle! *grin*


I'm really happy for you girl. That'll be me in three weeks time so I haven't got a lot of time to be jealous of you being in MD. :)

Hows everyone going with tax time then? :)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-21 23:59:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Sorry, Not me Sharyna. I didn't hear anything else from them until after I sent them the form to tell them I was ready for my interview.

Maybe they've started sending letters to let you know they've received the doctors stuff, I know that I emailed them to ask them if they'd got it because I was paranoid that maybe it got lost in the mail and I'd turn up to the interview and they'd say "what doctors stuff?". The fact that nobody else on here on downunder had their doctor send it in to the consulate helped THAT anxiety as well. Anyway, it was correct afterall.

I'm sure that the letter is nothing to worry about, maybe they took the doctors stuff as a sign that you're ready for the interview, it would make sense that they're trying to process people quickly because of the disruption to business that is coming up.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-21 20:24:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hey Sharyna,

I expected it to be a while before I got my interview but my interview date was pretty soon after I posted them the notice that i was ready for the interview! Remember when I stressing that i wouldn't get that tax thing back from DF in time :) Just something to consider. Anyway, check out my time line. :)

Edited by jezz85, 20 June 2007 - 06:04 AM.

jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-20 06:00:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Awww thanks Rings :) You are most welcome to skulk and sulk with me. I'm anxious about my exams but I miss miss miss my darling. Its been over 5 months now with less than one to go... yeee!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-19 04:12:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Ooops, I checked this thread a little too late :) I see you've already been!

I'm glad it went well girl, one more hurdle jumped over :)

I'm so busy so I'm skulking around a little and not posting. Promise that updates will happen when exams are over.

Glad everyone is having smooth sailing on most things, congrats on all those jobs guys! Aussie Aussie Aussie!

XOXO
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-18 23:02:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Sharyna....

I did my appointment with Dr Waks in uh... May and he was a VERY nice guy and he did NOT do an invaisive exam. In fact, I didn't take even take my jeans off in his office.

Don't stress :D
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-18 23:00:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Congrats Sharyna :)

Also, all of that that Rings posted DOES apply to you just the same, even though you're K-1 (like I was)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-08 04:30:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hey Loke,

I tried to track down my complete vaccination history but had little success.

I found that it is MUCH MUCH easier to get your family doctor to take blood and test for your immunity levels for all the vaccinations required of an adult. It was quick (took about a week for results to come back) and all I had to do was get my Dr to jab me with anything that was missing and I took the original record of my immunity along with a record of my recent jabs and that was it. Easy. I'd recommend that process to anyone with a sketchy vaccination history (with people having multiple doctors, school vaccinations etc. etc. its hard to get a record.)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-05 04:38:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
:dance: Congratulations Rings and Loke! That is Great News! :dance:
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-04 22:53:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
The chest X-ray comes in when you go to the appointment with the consulate approved doctor sharyna :) to answer your question.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-04 07:49:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Thanks a lot Kath :) I'm going to scout around for the registered doctors in LA and place a few phone calls. If its a lot of money or hassle I'm going to do exactly what you did and hope for the best. If its easy and cheap to go see a doc and get it transcribed I'll try to do that.

Tony and I are already organising the paperwork so its all pretty much done when I get out there except for a trip to a photocopy place.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-04 00:53:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Kath or anyone else who has already AOS'd,

A question about the vaccination worksheet... The doctor only gave me a photocopy of the vaccination sheet is that okay for AOS or do I somehow need an original? I also heard that you need to get a doctor in the us to transcribe the vaccination stuff onto a different form to send in to the AOS, is that right, or is the original vaccination worksheet sufficient?

Thanks!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-03 06:57:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Congratulations Hollywood! Thats great news!!!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-06-02 18:52:00
Asia: East and PacificLAND DOWNUNDER
Hello Land down under people :-)
For the last 6 years I have been living in this beautiful county on a 457 Business sponsorship visa with my long time US girlfriend of 7 years, but as you might be able to tell I am not an Aussie but a Englishman whistling.gif living in Sunny Sydney

Reading the forums and help from others it looks like I should go down the I-130 route as we want to move to the US at the end of the year, as I will need to work in the US and be able to travel the fastest way to do that seems to be I-130 route. What we are thinking is we can get married here and have our fairy tail wedding with our family and friends back in the US and make a home there.

but to be able to file a I-130 and do all the interviews and other bits and pieces will I able to do that here in Sydney / Australia I have been here more than 6 months but will they allow me as I am not a true Aussie

Does any one have any experience in this mater ?
DavisNot TellingUnited Kingdom2008-05-29 06:57:00
Asia: East and PacificEstablishing Domicile issues
Hi, I'm a USC petitioning for my wife for a cr-1 visa at the US consulate in Sydey Australia. I'm having trouble establishing domicle in the states because Ive lived and worked here in Australia for the past 13 months. Before I came to Australia 13 months ago, I resigned from my job in New York and moved to my sisters home in Florida. But I only stayed in Florida for a week before I left for Australia. When I was in florida for that week I opened a bank accont there locally, but the account has since been closed for about 7 months now. That was not a concern for us as we had established an account here in Australia the first month I arrived.
We plan to move to Florida and find work there immediately. My sister in florida has offered to let us stay with her indefinitely when we arrive in the states and her husband has offered to be a joint sponsor financially for the petition.
The consulates info on the matter is very confusing, on one hand they need me to prove that I am living here in Australia for the past six months before I can petition for my wife, but they also state that a USC living abroad cannot be a sponsor wacko.gif They say I must prove that I have maintained domicile in the states, which I sort of have done at my sisters home in Florida, but I dont know how to prove that. Also I have been in Aus. with a temporary(5 year) visa, is the fact that I have a temporary visa here prove I only intend on being here temporarily?
Does anyone know how I should go about all this domicile stuff? Please help, thanx smile.gif
larymiriamMaleAustralia2008-03-30 19:00:00
Asia: East and Pacificfiling taxes from overseas
hello smile.gif does anyone know what tax form I have to file from overseas as a USC? Im doing DCF for my wife in Sydney and they need my tax return from this year but I dont know which form to file. I didnt work in the states at all last year, but I did work in Australia for part of 2007 so they want me to show them a tax return. I am not exempt from filing because I made too much but I also was wondering if I'm exempt for any other reason. Anyone know about this tax stuff? tongue.gif (IRS website is very confusing) wacko.gif
larymiriamMaleAustralia2008-04-02 18:24:00
Asia: East and PacificResidency Requirement for US Citizen in Australia
Im a USC residing w/ my Australian wife in Sydney for 13 months now. At the US immigration website it states that DCF petitioners in Australia must show proof of residence in Australia for 6 months and a valid visa for 6 months. But it also states that temporary residents such as students or tourists need not to show any proof of 6 months valid residence. Im in Australia on a 5 year temporary visa, does that qualify me as temporary? Or does temporary only mean tourists and students?
Also, I was notified by Australia immigration 7 months ago that my 5 year visa was granted and in the email it stated that i should go to get my passport stamped "as soon as possible", how long does that mean? Because I have yet to have my visa stamped since i was notified that the visa was granted. I was also given the visa number in the same correspondence so I assumed that would be enough since they did not state that having my passport stamped was mandatory and/or must be done by a specific date.
If anyone knows anything about this, please help, thanks smile.gif
larymiriamMaleAustralia2008-03-27 08:31:00
Asia: East and PacificForm 1229 parental consent for Australia visit
Hi everyone!!

I'm a US citizen living temporarily in Australia with my kiwi wife (an Australian permanent resident). I'm travelling back to the states alone for a few weeks visit, then I'll be coming back to Australia with my American nephew. My nephew will be staying with me and my wife for about 2 months in Australia. My nephew is 17 years old. Does anyone know if his parents need to file a consent form or any other form for Australia? for the airline we'll be taking? or for US immigration? He'll be travelling back to the states alone, but by then he'll be 18 so theres no worries there. Also, we plan on taking a short trip to New Zealand while he's staying with my wife and myself. He'll be under 18 for that trip as well. Just wondering if anyone had any ideas about what, if any, forms of consent his parents would need to file for any of this. smile.gif thanx
larymiriamMaleAustralia2009-02-15 00:39:00
Asia: East and PacificCountdown to April 22!
:dance: So soon! thats so exciting, the wait is nearly over! Good on you!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-04-22 07:27:00
Asia: East and PacificMedical in Melbourne
Hi there,

Just a small point that may be of interest to you. Paul (Hampster) uploaded a PDF of the paperwork you get sent in the package that you take to the medical. Its somewhere in one of the most recent pages of the DOWN UNDER forum. They are, as Paul says *to be used as a guide only*. :whistle:
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-04-26 07:36:00
Asia: East and Pacificinterview questions in sydney
Hi Pete,

You, as the Australian fiance do not have to show or prove anything regarding your own assets.

It is the job of your American Fiancee to provide you with an affidavit of support and supporting noterised documentation (including but not limited to tax returns and bank details). This is to prove that she is able to support you when you get to the US and will not become a burden on the state.

Basically she must show that she has a steady job and can support you. The quoted amount is 125% of poverty level (unless she is armed services) Review this webpage for details: http://www.uscis.gov...form/I-864P.pdf on poverty level.

If she doesn't make enough money or if she doesn't have a steady job, you may have to find a second person to provide an affidavit of support. For example, this may be another family member of your fiancee who would be willing to take on the responsibility of supporting you.

Jess
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-04-19 02:00:00
Asia: East and PacificShow me the way to the land down under!
There are plenty of airlines out there to choose from.

Kath mentions QANTAS but I personally find them a little expensive. I (and a couple of American friends) would swear by Air New Zealand, for several hundred dollars cheaper you get all the comfort of a QANTAS flight. The only trade off is 3 hours longer (can be more if there is a longer layover) since you go via Auckland New Zealand.
And my fiancee travelled with United Airlines last time he visited.

Some people also go the bargain route and find the cheapest flight possible and trade off confort and time in the air for a cheaper ticket. This is a great option if you want to save your $$$. Airlines like China are great cheaper options. However, read Kaths review of China airlines in the DOWN UNDER forum first ;)

As for the visa, for you to get a tourist visa to Australia is very easy. Like Kath said, its just a matter of visiting that website, paying the fee and printing it off, nothing else required.

Good luck!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-04-30 23:40:00
Asia: East and Pacificpersonal appearance for interview
If YOU personally don't like the new look, now is the time to make up the excuse that they won't like it at the interview in order to get him to cut it. ;) ;)

I'm just kidding around of course... Good luck!
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-05-03 05:15:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Report
Hi!

The National Police Certificate is a one page document with lots of security features (watermarks etc.)

If you have no police record it will just say in a couple of sentences that there is no police record against your NAME or against your FINGERPRINTS. You don't get a copy of your fingerprints back.
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-05-03 23:31:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Certificate Timing?
Thanks!

Good luck with everything!

Something else that I would do to speed up the process is get your vaccination history in order.

If your doctor doesn't have a complete vaccination history (mine sure didn't) It's easy to get your doctor to give you a blood test for your immunity levels for all the vaccinations you need to have. You'll need to take the original copy with you to the medical so make sure your doctor gives you the original copy. :)
jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-05-09 06:52:00
Asia: East and PacificPolice Certificate Timing?
Hee hee hee...

Hey Hollywood, guess what :) I got that info from you, since you were asked for the police certificate from Japan for over 6 months and under 12 months right? :)

I think this detail (6 months or 12 months) is best dealt with by contacting to US consulate for advice which I've seen you've done. :) It didn't pertain to me as I haven't lived anywhere but in NSW.


To clear up any confusion the US consulate says the following in their information sheet...

If the applicant is living in their country of nationality at their current residence for more than 6 months AND is older than 16 years old THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

If the applicant lived in a different part of their country of nationality for more than 6 months AND was 16 years or older at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

If the applicant lived in a different country for more than 12 months AND was 16 years or older at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.

If the applicant was arrested for any reason, regardless of how long they lived there AND was any age at that time THEN the applicant needs a police certificate from the police authorities of that locality.


jezz85FemaleAustralia2007-05-09 03:24:00