ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWas not given an I 194 at POE
I entered USA through LAX. The CO put a stamp in the passport with the date of expiry etc, but did not give me an I 194. When I went to get my SSN they asked if I had an I 194, I said no and they accepted the stamp in the passport. Is this a new procedure? I was a little to hesitant to ask the CO at LAX if he should be giving me something, now I wonder if I should have. Anyone got any clues? How important is the card when applying for AOS?
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-03-30 05:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresAustralian Tax Return
I'll be using the E-Tax on line. I spoke with the Tax office before I left and was advised to put on my last return, which will be this year's, that I don't intend to lodge again. They will finalise my tax record. If I don't put this in as an intention then they will keep my record open and want further evidence that I have not earned any Aussie income, which may result in an audit. If I return to Aus and need to file in the future they can re-open my tax file number, no worries.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-04-11 03:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSuperannuation
Money in Aus is going to grow at a better rate then in US. Is there a strong reason why you would need to bring it over? If there isn't, leaving it in Aus could be the better long-term idea. I made sure mine was settled into a low maintenance account to minimize my fees and there it shall remain till I am old enough.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-06-14 15:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy are the people here so RUDE??? :(

Take away what people have already told you, yes there are members on this board that are flat out harsh and negative. Its part of Americans being Americas


I agree and it is very sad...Americans can be lovely people, AND they can be utter, utter.... well you get my drift.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-08-03 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures5 months now...
When we hit the 5 month mark I started to get ready for the next steps, so glad I did as it really sped up the process from the NOA2 stage onwards.
So I went onto the Consulate website for my country and downloaded the copy of packet 3. It is a generic copy but it meant I had all the basics ready.
I got the full fingerprint/police report done. Booked in for the medical, I had a K2 as well. Got my fiance to fill in the I134 and get all the tax docs ready. Collected all the original docs that were needed and started putting it all into order and putting electronic copies of everything on the computer.
When we got the NOA2 I had nearly everything done, ready. When packet 3 arrived I posted my response back the next day, it took 6 weeks to collect everything they needed.

There is generally 6-12 months validity on any of the things you are collecting, so being this close to your NOA2 date, you should be pretty safe in starting to get ready now.

Enjoy getting closer to the end of the distance :star:
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-08-28 09:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to file for K1 when my fiance is in jail?
my only question on this is - the condition of applying is that you are both free to marry - Is he free to marry while still serving a jail term? Does that come into it? He needs to sign the docs as he is your petitioner as I think you are the Non-USC. He will also need a good co-sponsor as his income is below the poverty level. You won't need to deal with that until after the initial approval but it is something to keep in mind. Maybe a chat with an Immigration lawyer might best answer your questions.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-09-23 07:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-94 form?
Jay-Kay, I can't provide a link to my own personal experience. I do think that it is wise to allow someone's actual experience to carry a little more weight than just to be labeled as 'lots of misinformation'.

Tracy TN, there was absolutely no mention or question of which country did I come from during the entire process I went through in order to confirm that I did not need the actual I-94, but that the stamp I and my K2 received in our passports was sufficient.

SS were satisfied with the stamp, and I applied for my SSN within 1 week of arriving.
The CBP staff at Peace bridge, where I had originally been told to apply for the I-94 by a an answer on my post here on VJ, using the same link you provided to the OP, told me I didn't need one the stamp was it.
The fellow on the counter at the info pass counter at Buffalo said I wouldn't need the form, the stamp was it. When I insisted on hearing that from someone other than himself his supervisor said I had the stamp and that was sufficient.
Our congressman's office liaison confirmed that we would not need the form, the stamp was sufficient. She also confirmed that the supervisor I had spoken to had worked within USCIS for 20 years and was a very reliable source of information and as she had confirmed I would not need the I-94, just the stamp I let it rest at that.

So having spent a numbers of hours in phone calls and an entire day in Buffalo NY, trying to get a straight answer, I accepted that - I didn't need the actual piece of paper, the stamp was sufficient, and not once was I asked what country I was from, whether it was a VWP Country or not.

There is not always one way of doing things with this process, so be careful to label other people as misinformed when they are talking from their own experience.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-09-30 12:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-94 form?
Jay-Kay, please update your information.

Some of your statements are wrong!

The stamp in the passport IS valid and I used it to get my SSN and had a tier 2 supervisor at USCIS in Buffalo confirm that it was valid and in place of the I-94!
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-09-28 08:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-94 form?
BTW, mine was NOT in my passport, it was a stamp, as described above. Wish it had been in the passport, but ....
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-09-25 18:40:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-94 form?
if you don't have the I94 than you should at least have a stamp which is in the passport on the page of the visa, part on the visa part not. It should be dated and signed by the CBP agent. Social Security will accept this as equivalent to I94 and you should be able to use the copy of that page in place of the I94 when you apply for AOS, including a statement that you were not given the I94 on arrival.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-09-25 13:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK2 Visa Holder Leaves Country Before AOS
Did he apply for and receive his advanced parole? If not then he may have to reapply to enter again. Not sure but it's quite complicated without and Advanced Parole, which is permission to leave and re-enter the USA.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-10-26 18:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresJust a few questions. (Australian Beneficiary)
Hi Rinni,
1st, you don't have to wait for tax info to apply, it will be a number of months before the tax info is required.
2nd Read the guides in the menu above, it will show you how to fill out the forms and what sort of info is required, how to prepare and file.
3rd You are right about the lawyers, most people here have done it themselves, it is time consuming and you need to be careful, but it is not hard.
4th. It is fine that he has not been to Aus. My Fiance did not get to Aus till after we had been approved, while I was waiting for the interview.
5th. Have a look on the USCIS website for up to date info on fees, it changes from time to time, but it is all listed there. There are 2 fees for K1, initial fee paid on application, about $360 I think, and then the next fee at interview, about $250 I think, but USCIS website will show you that. Then there is the Adjustment fee once you have arrived in the US and married, it is about $1100. My Medical was in Melbourne and cost me nearly $400 incl X-rays to show I had no TB and immunisation shots, as I didn't have all my records.
6th The interviews are always done in Sydney.
You can look at the timelines section on here to get an idea of how long the whole process is, once you've applied you'll be able to guess at how long yours will take. I think the system is a little slower currently but you can count on around 6-7 months from Application to Approval, then another 3 months to Visa in hand, then book tickets, make plans and arrive! SO if you allow about a year, you'll be about right.
Good luck.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2013-01-22 05:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion about visiting my fiance, with my child to help him with K1 visa documents
You might get denied entry when you first arrive in the US. This is because you will have quit your job, have your daughter with you and be staying for while...you can say you are going back home to wait for the K1 to process, but to the Border Protection agent interviewing you their first thought will possibly be - hmmm, left job, has daughter during school term, looks like an attempt to stay! What your Fiance is proposing is not illegal, it just doesn't look good from the border point of view. Will you have strong ties with your home country? If you took leave without pay and had a return date set in place, with a letter from your employer, and if the school also gave you a letter stating the date when your daughter will start back at her school, and if you have a lease agreement or home mortgage agreement showing that you are returning back to a home etc, that will all help.
Good luck and plan carefully.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2013-01-28 11:24:00
Australia and New ZealandWhat to do

Welcome honey :) now you can help get answers so I don't have to go crazy by myself XD <3 Love you :)


You two are SOOOOO cute! Happy waiting!
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2011-12-16 14:54:00
Australia and New ZealandMerry Christmas
Thanks Barbara, lovely thread to start, and may your Christmas be lovely too.

I am having a FANTASTIC Christmas, got the NOA2 this evening and my man arrives 28th dec...so blessed! (F)

Wishing you all a merry christmas, not matter what you do or where you are. :)
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2011-12-23 04:02:00
Australia and New ZealandQuestions (probably silly) re. DS 230 part 2 and petition revalidation
In Aus embassy they just want pages 1 & 2 only. I'm taking 3 & 4 with me, but they may also provide them. If your embassy is the same as ours, then that is what you do. As for extending, I do not have any experience. you could email the embassy and ask what they think?
Good luck.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-01-25 05:21:00
Australia and New ZealandEmail replys from Sydney Consulate
I've been waiting 4 days once, so hang in there they are busy at the momment.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-01-31 15:20:00
Australia and New ZealandWhere to stay in Sydney?

Hello fellow Australians :D

As we now have our NOA2, I would like to hear any suggestions regarding accomodation in Sydney.


Thanks everyone :thumbs:

The Travel lodge is in Phillip Street or there is somewhere in Chifley Sq as well, I think. World Square has a motel too and is very close by the Embassy. I'll be staying at the Mecure on George. It's a 20 minute walk from there to the Embassy. Stayed there recently and it was nice. The shuttle service from the airport can drop you at the motel and you can arrange a return via the conceirge as well. The shuttle is only a few dollars less than the trains but a LOT easier and goes to all the motels in the city. Mecure is also nearby to China town, nice place to eat, or Darling harbour has a lot of restaurants/cafes. The Monorail will take you round to Darling Harbour.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-01-17 23:20:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date
I rang DOS yesterday and was told they have a date for my interview BUT I should ring and confirm first as the date is

February 21st 2010, not 2012...

Not sure if I'm safe to book flights, so I'll try calling them Monday morning first....painful.
Anyone else had this happen?
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-02-04 15:18:00
Australia and New ZealandPacket 3 - Help needed - Australia

Hey people,

I have read through the instructions and read posts on the procedure for the packet 3 material, and it just doesn't translate clearly to me.

Do I submit the DS-230 (part 1) by itself, first?

Do I then gather all the necessary documents together and post them with the DS-156/K & DSL-1076 to get the interview? Or.. do I just send in the check-list and keep the evidence for the interview?

What about the I-134? Do i post that in or take it with me to the interview?

Thanks in advance,

Ben.

Hi Ben,
I just posted of my Packet 3 today! Yay. This is what I decided to do. I have been getting ready for the P3 for the last 4 months. Over the weekend I got everything ready including a duplicate to keep here, in case something went wrong. My P3 arrived this morning and I sent EVERYTHING in ONE platinum express bag to the Consulate. So as I read it, I was to send back the DS 230 part 1 only (that's pages 1&2) Then gather all the other evidence. If you look at the ckeck list in the 7 pages you download from the embassy site, it says to inlcuded I 134 with the docs you return. On the DS 156k in the middle of the form it asks for evidence of your engagement. I put in some copies of the originals I plan to bring with me to the interview. When you read the inital instructions, it says to bring things with you to the interview. So there is no ONE consistant instruction, but I went with the "send more, regret it less" option and will bring back up material with me. My package weighed 1.2kg in paperwork!!!! Mine's a bit more complex though as I have children etc.
More than happy to offer any more suggestions if you need, but it's really up to you to decide how you want ot put your package together.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-01-25 04:07:00
Australia and New Zealandmedical done, booking interview flights

So our interview is at 11 am on March 27. I just wanted to find out how long most of you took at the interview to get an idea of what is a safe time to book flights back home that day? I don't want to be stuck roaming around Sydney with my bags for hours but also don't want to be rushed and paniced to get to the airport?


Hi, I had my interview yesterday and I went up the lift at 10:35am, to 10th floor. Was sent straight up and got my number and was called before I even sat down. BUT - we didn't leave the embassy till 12:15pm. There were a couple of interviews that took a while and one in particular that had 2 CO's in the booth. That slowed things down a little. We really enjoyed having time to sit and take it all in, call and text people and just get used to the idea after the approval. Went and celebrated at the Lindt Chocolatier...my daughter can't go into a bar yet, too young!
My flight left at 5pm and the motel looked after the baggage for us. Was good to have 2 hours spare to get to the airport.
Good luck with your interview. :dance:
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-02-22 05:23:00
Australia and New ZealandShipping costs Aus to USA
Just thought I would add a note in here for future readers.
I was surpised to find that Grace Removals will ship 2 cubic metres of stuff for $1450 plus 3.5% of value for insurance. this includes them coming out here and packing all the gear, creating an inventory, shipping and then delivering to my NY home and unpacking and removing packing debris. WOW! I was so happy with that price and it's amazing what you can fit into 2 cubic metres. It will take 3-4 months to arrive but at that price I can wait.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-02-26 11:06:00
Australia and New ZealandDriving and insurance

You need to check what your State requirements are. You will be required to get a DL within usually a fairly short period of becoming resident, Insurance is usually not so much an issue.

Hi Boiler,
In NY you need an EAD card as part of the process to obtaining a DL. I need to be able to drive straight away. The process of becoming a resident for DL purposes will be 4-5 months away as we need to marry then apply for AOS and EAD card and then I can apply for DL when the EAD cards arrives. I need insurance to cover me till then otherwise if I am in an accident I could face some huge bills. Thanks for the comment.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-03-02 15:56:00
Australia and New ZealandDriving and insurance
I've been doing the searching on Driver's licenses lately and found that it is not a simple matter of driving with my Aussie license and an international driver's permit. there is the whole question of insurance. My honey has an insurance broker that looks after all his insurance questions so we ran the whole story past him. He has found that our current company will cover me while using my Aussie license as long as they had a letter from my current insurance company with a driving history of 3-5 years. As I am still here (in Aus) and insured it was easy to call and get a letter emailed to me which I forwarded to USA and I have approval and coverage as soon as I get behind the wheel. Don't know if it would have been as easy if I had already arrived in America. I'll be living in NY, so it may be different for other states, but if you can get a driving history before you leave it may make your task easier to get insurance once you arrive.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-03-02 15:31:00
Australia and New ZealandI got NOA2, booked medical then.............

Hi guys
I've been on this forum a bit, read a lot of useful info, especially by Vanessa. Thank you guys!

We put in our K-1 form at the end of Sept 2011, got NOA1 early Oct, and waited eagerly for NOA2 which arrived on Valentine's Day! (In USA, by mail). So i've booked medical on March 13th in Sydney with Dr Joseph Waks, they are asking some info to be sent asap before the medical. One of them is my case number.
1. Now looking at the NOV2 letter (aka I-797), under Beneficiary (my name) there's a number starting with A, is that the case number?

2. I know i will get police check (by using P900 form?) asap WHILE waiting for Packet 3 to arrive here in my address in Sydney? any other things I need to prepare now? passport photos? the DS156 & 156K forms?

3. My fiance in USA should also send me his I-134 form (he got most of the paperwork for it already), but does he send me originals of those supporting documents or copy? what else does he need to send me? copy or original? I already have a copy of our K1 form.

4. Further down the track, i will pay at the interview, I can only use USD? cash or cheque form?

Any other things I missed? please let me know, appreciate your time!

Your case number is applied by the NVC, it will start with SYD2012xxxxxx and it will be in the letter your fiance recieves from NVC and also on your Packet 3. Packet 3 comes to you via email, it will go to your fiance, then he can forward it to you. Packet 4 will come to you if you fill in the form requesting that, in your packet 3.
You can call NVC, the number is listed in a thread on the forums, search for Contacting NVC it should come up with all the info you need. They can give you your case number.
Where you can supply originals for the I-134 you can. I did, so don't know what would happen if you did not.
You pay for the interview when you have received packet 4 BEFORE the interview at Aussiepost.

Congratulations on getting this far...
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-02-23 00:26:00
Australia and New ZealandXrays, best way to take them with you to US
Hi, I'll let you know tomorrow when I unpack tomorrow. i just put them in my checked luggage. :thumbs:
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-03-13 11:42:00
Australia and New ZealandWere we supposed to have already scheduled the interview??

Ok so we gathered all of packet 3 finally and we are sending that off on Monday, but were we supposed to have already called them with our case number and scheduled the interview?? Because I thought they would assign us an interview date after they received packet 3 from us....please tell me we aren't in for another 2 month + wait >.<!

Hi,
NO you won't be waiting another 2 months. Check out some recent timelines that have been issued visas and you'll get an idea of how long the rest of your process might be...
Congrats on getting to this point!
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-03-31 10:00:00
Australia and New ZealandAirfares and flights Aus to US
Hi and how wonderful to be at this stage of inquiry!

I flew Delta, booked my flight direct with them, and the one-way was cheaper than all the other options. I also was able to upgrade to economy plus, extra legroom. It was well worth the $150 to do it. The seats are wider and more spacious and the section is right up the front of economy, so when you get to LAX you're one of the first in the queue.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-04-16 02:56:00
Australia and New ZealandPaid visa fee, further instructions are confusing
Hi there,

All I did was take it to the interview. :star:
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-04-18 04:39:00
Australia and New ZealandHow can I get my visa in hand faster?

Hello fellow VJers,

You guys have been a great help through this entire process and I was hoping someone might have an answer for me. My fiancee is attending her visa interview in Sydney on May 1st. My brother has a wedding on May 5th that my fiancee and I would like her to be here for, but more importantly, the time away is really affecting her emotionally (as I'm sure you are all familiar with). We have a flight booked for May 5th (on the hopes she gets her visa by the 4th), but if not we'd have to probably reschedule the flight for a week later. Have any of you had any luck in talking with the US Consulate or to the Consular Officer during the interview to get the visa in hand sooner? From what I understand (from emailing the Sydney consulate), they no longer will issue you the visa the day of during your interview and it can take 5 business days until they mail it. They did respond that we could talk to the Consular Officer during the interview about receiving it sooner, thus, I am hoping for some guidance. So, for those of you who received your visa in 2 or 3 days after the interview, any help or experience you can offer us? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks you guys.


I would explain the situation to the CO at the interview, in terms of what you would love to be able to do and is it possible??? I'm sure they will do their best if they can help. No harm in asking. Best of luck to you.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-04-29 08:16:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralia Police Clearance

Hi All

We have applied for K-1, its been a while, we have got the NOA2 approval the file still hasnt been forwarded to NVC. We understand there is a backlog and all, but we are hoping to receive packet 3 by early next month.

I inquired with the my local police station for the finger print check and i was told that the clearance can be sent only to an organisation and not to a personal address. Is this true? Does the Australian Police Clearance have to be directly forwarded to the embassy or does it get sent to us and we then forward or carry it with us during the interview.

I was in the impression that the you apply for the police clearance, receive it and then send it to the embassy.

Can anyone enlighten me what the actual process is?

Thanks in advance.


I got mine in Tasmania and they posted it to me. I made sure they understood it was for a Visa to America.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-07-06 11:17:00
Australia and New Zealandstill missing some documents- should I send or not?
Personally, I would send an email to the consulate in Sydney and explain this to them and ask for their answer. Then if it is to send the package and bring the missing docs you can include a copy of the email in your package. The email address is listed on the Canberra Embassy website. Best to look it up yourself in case it changed since I sent them an email. Make sure you put your NOA receipt number or A number if you have it in the email, along with personal verification details, it makes it easier for them to notate your file if needed. Some one else may have a better idea, or think this is a bit over the top, so just do what you are comfortable with.
Good luck.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-07-16 05:37:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical in Melbourne
my daughter is 16 and had her medical done in Melbourne last December. The nurse came in and they did a really non-invasive look over. Don't worry, my daughter is really sensitive about being pocked and prodded and she found it ok.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-08-02 07:14:00
Australia and New ZealandI did it~ passed AOS interview yesterday!
Congratulations. Very glad for you.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-09-28 08:22:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical
Hi Riss,
I had trouble telling my Dr what I needed, however it was still easier to get the lab tests done through her than have the panel physician do it. Had I known I would have taken a copy of the DS 3025 form. It shows exactly what the panel Dr is going to fill in and what he will be asking proof of from you. follow the link below, it will open up a copy of the form which you can take with you to your Dr.
http://www.visajourn...h&attach_id=423

Hope that helps, and good luck.

Edited by Chippy's girl, 16 October 2012 - 08:04 AM.

Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-10-16 08:04:00
Australia and New ZealandInterview at Sydney Consulate
Hi and congratulations on being at this stage. I can't remember the questions too much that they asked my daughter, she was 16 at the time. They were quiet and non-threatening, it was still pretty scary for her as just being at a consulate etc is full-on. All the staff were polite and kind and there were no dramas. They also made sure that her story confirmed mine with some questions like, have you met my Fiance, do you think you'll like living in America. They checked the paperwork from her father giving permission for her to come and how she felt about leaving him behind, but it was all just gentle general sort of question, not interrogative or invasive, if that makes sense.
I'm sure your kids will be fine too. I did prepare her for the interview by asking her some questions and sort of doing a little role play with her so she would be a bit more comfortable with the whole thing. We made it an adventure and not a big deal.

Good luck.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-11-09 05:27:00
Australia and New ZealandHappy Thanksgiving
Happy Happy... or happy holidays... or Happy Thanksgiving! (L)

Hope it's a good one and may you be well fed at the end of the day! :)

I have a lot to be thankful for, I'm here not there, and married not engaged, and very very happy! How about you? B-)
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-11-21 14:34:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical before NOA2 OK with consulate?

Hi Everyone,

I am waiting for my NOA2 for the K1 visa (expecting it at end of this month fingers crossed)

I have organised to do my medical when I am down in Sydney this week. The Dr said I could do it without my case number and then just call it in to the Dr once I receive my NOA2 and then he will forward my results to the consulate.

It is all OK from the doctor's end but now I am getting nervous about whether it will be OK with the consulate for me to have the medical done before my NOA2. I will no doubt have my interview within the 6 months validity of the medical but I am just wondering if there could be any stumbling block due to the fact that my medical was done before my petition was adjudicated on. The Dr does not seem concerned that that would be an issue but I am still a little nervous as I would hate to pay for it twice.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with the US consulate making people do their medical again if it is done before NOA2 is received or would it be OK as long as the medical exam is still valid (within the 6 months)at the time of the interview.

Thanks in advance everyone.

David


Hi David,
I had my medical done in late December last year. I chose to do this as I needed to fly from Hobart to Melbourne and I did not want to get caught up in Christmas holidays etc. I did not have my NOA2 at that stage, but I knew it would be sometime soon. That was almost a year ago. My NOA2 came 1 week after my medical was done, the Consulate didn't ask me any questions regarding dates. I successfully adjusted status and now have my conditional green card. The medical is valid for another 2 weeks yet. Your timeline is dated very similarly to mine, we started the K1/K2 process mid August 2011. I would not worry, just go ahead and have your medical as you can.
Good luck.
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2012-12-03 07:29:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralia to US schools
I arrived in mid-March, with my daughter. She had just finished yr10 in Aus. She started year 11 at end of March and completed it in June with all the other Juniors and she is now a senior. The standard here is a little less demanding than in Aus. If you put the child into the year prior to the one they will start in Sept, then they will get to know the kids better before the long summer break. So if your daughter is due to start 8th grade in Sept 2013, then start her in 7th when you arrive. It won't matter if she is repeating any content as it is nice to have transition time into the new system. Or she could do what my daughter did and complete a year in 3 months and start year 9 in Sept. That was hard work for my daughter but it does means she is finished with school 6 months earlier rather than 6 months later. At her age, that was a big bonus!
Good luck
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2013-01-04 20:03:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1
Hi, my process was straightforward and easy, USC was employed and living in America though. The only difficulty I could see for you is the lack of employment for you, the USC. Have you a co-sponsor? Or do you have work? Have you consider a spousal visa instead? You may find the benefits of that will suit you better than K1. Read the guides and follow the helps and pre-filled forms, putting the package together is easy enough.
Good luck
Touch of TrebleFemaleAustralia2013-01-28 11:28:00