ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandMedical and surgery scars - breast reduction

Hi Sweetswinks,

For what it's worth, I'll be having my medical in two weeks and while I've read and reread countless times all the info and FAQs regarding the medical, I never saw anything in that information in which it said there would be an issue with the fact that a) my breasts are new, and b) I've got scars from my recent augmentation. The examining doctor will not be concerned with your past cosmetic surgery, but rather, by your imunity and the health of your lungs, blood and mind.


Nikki DFemaleAustralia2014-03-09 23:01:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

I received packet 4 yesterday, a week after I had sent packet 3. Interview 18th Feb :)


isaboooFemaleAustralia2014-02-04 12:59:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

 

OH I AM SO EXCITED!

 

I sent them an email yesterday meantioning how worried I am getting etc etc! And I woke up this morning and there was my interview date and time!  Feb 11th at 10.45am!

 

Took me about 10 mintues to book flights and call my fiance and jump all around excited!

 

Best of Luck with yours! Maybe send them an email after a week. Going from VJ it seems to historically be around the 10 day mark! I'm just so glad I now have the next hurdle to jump over now and that will be it!

 

Awesome :) Very happy for you. Good luck with the interview!


isaboooFemaleAustralia2014-01-30 02:55:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

I posted my packet 3 to Sydney on the 8th of January and I'm still waiting!!! Going nuts! I know they said 30days but UHHHHhhhHhHHhHh!!! Hopefully I will hear from them this week!

Ouch, that's depressing I sent mine in Tuesday overnight, it was delivered to them Wednesday morning the 19th January. I'll post when I get it


Edited by isabooo, 30 January 2014 - 12:27 AM.

isaboooFemaleAustralia2014-01-30 00:27:00
Australia and New ZealandUpcoming K1 Interview-Sydney

My fiance is going for his K1 interview next Tuesday at the Sydney consulate. Can anyone clarify whether they brought along an envelope for their passport or whether they gave you the visa while you waited? They didn't specify whether to bring this in our instructions, but I remember reading about this in the past. I know that the Sydney Consulate recently changed their K1 process recently so wondering if those of you who interviewed in the last few weeks could comment.

 

Also, anyone that had a co-sponsor feel that they scrutinized your paperwork or asked copious amounts of questions? I am hoping that we have sufficient evidence from our co-sponsor...

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

 

We didn't require a co-sponsor, but for what its worth, at my interview they asked what my fiance does for a living, and when I I said he was a grad student teaching assistant the CO looked over the I-134. In particular, she ran her finger over the income and savings lines, and then flicked through the attached documents (which included 2013 W-2, three recent pay statements, and savings account bank statements). She didn't scrutinize the documents but rather just seemed to check that we had provided supporting evidence. 

 

I would imagine that when it comes to your fiance's interview they will ask what you do, and they will check over the I-134. This may prompt them to note the co-sponsor and may ask what your future employment plans are to clarify why you required a co-sponsor. But so long as there is evidence of your co-sponsors income I don't see why they would particularly scrutinize it beyond that. 

 

Good luck next week! :) 


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-04-23 07:15:00
Australia and New ZealandWay Down the Road...

The difference in cost of living definitely becomes much more noticeable after you spend time in the US. The rent my partner pays in Iowa is a quarter of something similar where I am, and eating out and groceries are also a lot cheaper in the US. But the average incomes for Australians (particularly lower and middle level wages) are higher so that should be taken into account when comparing the two.

 

And while some costs are the same no matter where you are in Australia (600ml coke is always going to be ridiculously expensive), other costs can vary just like within the US. Rent, transport, fuel/gas, even utilities, can vary depending on the area you choose to live.

 

If you are moving back to spend time with your father and family, then I would probably start looking at the cost of renting/buying in that area, what the employment situation would be like for your US partner, including likely earnings, and then working out if it is manageable to remain a one-income family.

 

The rest of it just comes down to household budgeting, and it's possible to avoid using credit cards etc, but it takes discipline. I take leftovers to work for lunch, and bring a can of soda from home which works out to 55 cents (if you buy a 24 pack from the supermarket) rather than 2.50 or more at the cafe. When I can't bring myself to buy things such as clothes and electronics at Australian prices, I order items online or buy them in the US when I visit my partner.

 

As Juan Bravo pointed out, I would also look into making sure all that work to get your residency is not wasted. Do research into what is needed to maintain your LPR.


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-03-06 19:37:00
Australia and New ZealandDifferent wages in the USA

Truthfully, I'm not sure I really understand the wage difference. My husband is in the medical field and we're living in the US. His job is non existent in Australia on a full-tim basis. We have found a very rough equivelent, and he'd be earning $8,000ish less in Australia. My mother, who works in child services in Australia, earns almost $10,000 less than that. It all depends on the field and what's being demanded at the time.
 
I agree with the rent. In Michigan, we got an average one bedroom apartment for $500 a month. I was gobsmacked. You'd pay that a week in the outerskirts of Sydney.  

Wages are higher in Australia compared to the US for low to medium level positions. But that tends to reverse once you move up higher on the income/skill level scale. Of course, as you say, it can vary from field to field.
darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-04-25 09:36:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical and surgery scars - breast reduction

For what it's worth for anyone else that reads that this thread in the future, I had my medical on Monday (7/4/14) and the physician asked about past hospitalisations and surgeries, made a note of them based on my verbal explanations of them, and didn't need to see any records. During his examination he was interested mainly on whether it had resulted in any lasting physical impacts or impairments.


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-04-09 20:16:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical and surgery scars - breast reduction

I can't provide an answer based on my experience yet, as I am also in the process of preparing for my interview and the medical examination. But for what it's worth, I had a series of surgeries back in 2006/07, and plan to take my post-op surgeon reports that I have, and ask when I make the appointment if they would like me to bring any additional records.

 

The instructions say that you only need to bring your "passport(s), 3 recent photographs, and your vaccination records". However, the panel physician needs to establish your medical history, so any records you have that explain the surgery would be helpful. As with most stages of this process, I figure it is safer to lean on the side of providing too much information than not enough. If you plan to obtain records related to your surgery, I would first check with your GP from the time as they usually get a copy of your surgery report and you will get a quicker response than from the hospital.

 

Keep in mind that the main objective of the examination is to establish whether you have a current physical or mental disorder that either makes you ineligible for a visa or that "is significant enough to possibly interfere with the person's ability to care for himself or herself, or to attend school or work, or that may require extensive medical treatment or institutionalization in the future". So the physician will likely rely more on questions, the physical examination and blood tests to establish your current physical and mental condition.

 

Further information on the medical is available here: http://www.cdc.gov/i...sical-exam.html


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-03-09 20:22:00
Australia and New Zealandsuper and liquid assets? help!!!! please!!

*Note that some US embassy's advise that equity in the primary residence cannot be used as assets for the purposes of the I-864, for the reason stated by NigeriaorBust. However, there are posts where people have reported that embassy's/consulates have accepted them. Also, the I-864 instructions state that the the net value of the home can be used. In your case, it would come down to the protocols of the Sydney Consulate and CO.

 

Just to clarify, this is in relation to the petitioner's US primary residence. So the rule wouldn't necessarily apply to an Australian residence.
 


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-05-12 01:26:00
Australia and New Zealandsuper and liquid assets? help!!!! please!!

I guess it would theoretically be possible to use superannuation funds as an asset. However, I think it would be very difficult to convince a CO at the Sydney Consulate that the funds are sufficiently liquid enough. For it to work you would have to establish and satisfy the CO that: 1) the funds can be accessed ( for instance, you are above the preservation age, or you have a component that is non-preserved), 2) the USD value after all fees, penalties and taxes were taken out if you withdrew all or part of the funds, 3) it can be accessed within 12 months, and 4) it can be accessed and transferred to the US from within the US.

 

Others may have more to add/clarify based on their direct experience, but it's my understanding you can use the equity (the difference between the mortgage and the value of the property established by a formal evaluation) in the residence as an asset for the purposes of the I-864 (also, I assume you are referring to your Australian home?*). Ideally, if there was no continuing income from either couple, then US-based savings and assets in the USC's name would be best, particularly as you would only need to demonstrate 3x the poverty line. Short of that, the beneficiaries and/or foreign assets can be used. Note, you will likely need to show these total 5x the poverty line.

 

Keep in mind that you are looking to convince the CO that you have sufficient resources to support the beneficiary, and it will come down to their judgement based on the evidence that you provide.

 

I'd recommend, if you haven't already, reading through the I-864 instructions in regards to assets: http://www.uscis.gov.../i-864instr.pdf

 

Also, see the FAQ in relation to the immigrant visa applicant using their assets for the purposes of the I-864: http://travel.state....-questions.html

 

"Can the immigrant visa applicant count assets that he or she owns that are outside the United States, such as real estate or personal property?
 

Yes, under the following conditions:

  • The assets must be convertible to cash within 12 months
  • The applicant must show that the assets can be removed from the country where they are located. Many countries have limits on cash or liquid assets that can removed from the country
  • The net value of assets is at least five times the difference between the sponsor's income and 125 percent of the poverty guideline for the household size."

*Note that some US embassy's advise that equity in the primary residence cannot be used as assets for the purposes of the I-864, for the reason stated by NigeriaorBust. However, there are posts where people have reported that embassy's/consulates have accepted them. Also, the I-864 instructions state that the the net value of the home can be used. In your case, it would come down to the protocols of the Sydney Consulate and CO.


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-05-12 00:59:00
Australia and New ZealandDifferent wages in the USA

Yeah the lower wages is offset by the high cost of living in most parts of Aus.


TassieMaleAustralia2014-04-09 09:34:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

I received packet 4 yesterday, a week after I had sent packet 3. Interview 18th Feb smile.png

 

YEY that is so exciting!

 

My interview was really easy! Just keep calm and you will be fine!

 

Good LUck!


Edited by jjayjjay, 14 February 2014 - 06:24 AM.

jjayjjayFemaleAustralia2014-02-14 06:23:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

Ouch, that's depressing I sent mine in Tuesday overnight, it was delivered to them Wednesday morning the 19th January. I'll post when I get it

 

OH I AM SO EXCITED!

 

I sent them an email yesterday meantioning how worried I am getting etc etc! And I woke up this morning and there was my interview date and time!  Feb 11th at 10.45am!

 

Took me about 10 mintues to book flights and call my fiance and jump all around excited!

 

Best of Luck with yours! Maybe send them an email after a week. Going from VJ it seems to historically be around the 10 day mark! I'm just so glad I now have the next hurdle to jump over now and that will be it!


jjayjjayFemaleAustralia2014-01-30 02:39:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4
I posted my packet 3 to Sydney on the 8th of January and I'm still waiting!!! Going nuts! I know they said 30days but UHHHHhhhHhHHhHh!!! Hopefully I will hear from them this week!
jjayjjayFemaleAustralia2014-01-28 22:46:00
Australia and New ZealandK1 Interview Sydney - MLC Centre

There is a security desk on the first floor, I asked them and they directed me to the elevators. Once you reach lvl 10 there are signs leading the rest of the way :) good luck!

 

Thankyou very much charlottelizabeth, this helped a bunch! One less stress off my shoulders. I know we have nothing to be nervous about but still, we've waited a long time for this :D :D


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-03-29 22:59:00
Australia and New ZealandK1 Interview Sydney - MLC Centre

This may come across as a silly question, but I'm from a rural town and am somewhat out of my element when it comes to Sydney. My question is about the MLC Centre. I know the Consulate Security/ check-in is on Level 10. Now what I'm unsure of, is how easy is it to find the place? When I take the lifts up to level 10, will I be right there, will I be on a random floor with some searching to do, or is there a reception that will point me in the right direction? Little unsure about it.

 

Silly question but if I can get these little stresses out of my way, it might help make the day smoother. :) So if anyone could shed some light about where to go to get to the right place, that'd be loads of help. Thanks!


Edited by Rinni, 29 March 2014 - 09:52 AM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-03-29 09:49:00
Australia and New ZealandSending 8grand from Aus to USA

I used wire transfer from Australian to US bank account. There are fees at each end, but they are not too bad.

 

I realise this is a bit of a bad/late thread bump (Sorry!) but I'm curious as to what kind of fees you had between bank accounts? I am with St. George here and would possibly be transferring to a Bank of America account. I've read this thread and am trying to find the best ways to transfer money over when I sell my car. :)

 

I'm not necessarily opposed to using the money transfer websites, but I know it'll take a hefty amount of explaining for my Dad who isn't very up to date with technology, concerning internet banking. He's unsure what to do with those sites so I think he would prefer sending between bank account.


Edited by Rinni, 06 April 2014 - 10:24 PM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-06 22:22:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

Also got mine today but they made a mistake on the visa and put the wrong passport number on it  (check it folks). I'm assuming they'll need to reissue it but have to wait for them to respond to emails as they don't take calls (I tried).  

 

Double checked all my copies of paperwork and the travel docs profile and it's all correct there so someone has made a one keystroke error that completely messes us around. Not happy. 

 

 

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that. Keep us posted as you get in touch with them. Hope it doesn't take forever to hear back from them. 


Edited by Rinni, 14 April 2014 - 10:33 AM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-14 10:32:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

The feeling of relief was surreal - I started to well up with tears as soon as I got that piece of paper :) And I was nervous too!! I also had nothing to be nervous about, but it's just all very exciting and I guess the 7 month build up doesn't help!!

 

And I bet that schnitzel tasted good :D

 

Now just the wait for the physical visa.. I've already booked my flight so hoping the visa comes within the next week!!!

 

 

Kate and Dan, my visa arrived today from TOLL :D And finally I get to admire the famous mysterious yellow envelope. Oooo. Hoping yours arrives today too.


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-03 18:10:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

Hey I was there on 1st of April too!! Congrats :) we made it!!! Only the wait for the physical visa to go . :)

 

Thanks! And congrats to you too. I sat there with my blue folder feeling too many emotions at once. I heard some poor man getting drilled by a lady at window 3. I was secretly hoping I didn't get her after he finished his interview for fear of her being in a bad mood. Hah!

But I ended up getting a different lady so I was happy. I think I was there around 10:15 - 11:30am. My stomach was in knots all day, not that I needed to be nervous of anything. It felt so good to head back up to the George St Pub for a good ol' Chicken Schnitty for lunch afterwards. 


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-02 06:41:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

I sent my Packet 3 in of the 26th Feb and received Packet 4 on the 5th of March. If that gives any inclining of how long, but I guess delays could very well happen. Two to three weeks seems average though.

 

Anyone else have an interview on April 1st? (April Fools day of ALL days- c'mon really!) Hehe.


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-03-24 09:01:00
Australia and New ZealandAfter Packet 3, waiting for Packet 4

Bit of a slight bump but, I sent my Packet 3 today, 26/02/2014. Almost there!!


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-02-26 06:37:00
Australia and New ZealandUpcoming K1 Interview-Sydney

You're very welcome. I only had my interview at the start of the month so it is still fresh in my mind.


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-22 04:16:00
Australia and New ZealandUpcoming K1 Interview-Sydney

Hello, and best of luck with the interview for you two. 

 

My emailed list from the consulate did not state for me to bring a satchel. As long as you have paid the fee on the traveldocs website (given in the email), the consulate will MAIL your passport to you once it has gone through appropriate finalisations. HOWEVER, if you paid the fee at a post office, it would be wise to bring along your own satchel just incase. I am unsure how it works if you pay via the post office as I paid online on the traveldocs website. For Australia, sitting in Administrative Processing usually only lasts a day. But all cases will and do vary. You will not get your visa to take home with you on the day as they need to print it etc.They advise you to wait a week or so. I had my interview on the Tuesday and had my passport back in my hands by that Friday the same week. I only live a few hours out of Sydney though. The TOLL service they used was overnight express however.

 

For my case I had to take:

 

Evidence of the payment to CGI Federal (The $264 AU approx fee) I took the email receipt and the traveldocs website receipt.

My passport.

My 2 US size passport photos. 

An Aus Post 3kg express satchel --- NOTE: I only took this as I was uncertain if I would still need it or not. I can now confirm that you should definitely not need to bring your own satchel if you paid online.

 

I also took my entire K1 folder and any supporting relationship evidence I thought I may need to aid my case. I was not asked for any extra evidence so I didn't need to. But I like to be well organised for these types of things.

 

I cannot add any comment for the join sponsor part of your post as my fiance was the sole sponsor for me.

 

Again, best of luck and I hope I could calm any concerns you both had. Remind him to relax. I was a nervous wreck for no reason at all. :)


Edited by Rinni, 22 April 2014 - 01:53 AM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-22 01:52:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical and surgery scars - breast reduction

EDIT: Woops, wrong thread!


Edited by Rinni, 15 April 2014 - 10:57 AM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-04-15 10:56:00
Australia and New ZealandThe wait after NOA2...

We got our NOA2 just 19 days after filing, which was a surprise. This was the last week of  September. I believe the consulate finally received our case the first week of November roughly. I had already paid for a 7 week visit to the US at the end of October so we had to extend our NOA2 notice. That wasnt any issue. The only thing that could slow you down is waiting for the Police certificate and a medical date. Otherwise it's very fast from now on in. :) 


RinniFemaleAustralia2014-05-14 10:32:00
Australia and New ZealandK1 Interview Payment - Australia.

*** Country-specific thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Australia/New Zealand regional subforum. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2014-03-24 01:29:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

The marriage visa is beneficial and cheaper, however we want to marry in the US because my partner's family is there, so K1 is really our only option.


Why don't you legally marry in Australia and have another wedding in the US? Or travel to the US, get married, and come back and file the CR-1?

Which form was that for? Do you mean you wrote AU instead of "Australia"?

Yep, you MUST use the full country, not abbreviation.
VanessaTonyFemaleAustralia2013-02-24 17:44:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

I know I'm late to the party, but it does? Everyone I know says partner (in Aus) and I thought that was normal.. I think it sounds better than other terms too. I even call my husband my partner here... I hope no one things either of us are the opposite sex.

Well "normal" is relative. Used to be that being "gay" meant you were happy. Words change and evolve over time.

I wrote a long post but the gist is this: yes. Most people think you're talking about your homosexual partner because that is what that word, by itself, has evolved to mean. You're much better off saying husband if you don't want that inference.

My colleague refers to me as her "office partner". If she told people: "my partner Vanessa" people would infer we're homosexual, simply adding the word "office" changes the meaning.

Use whatever makes you happy :)
VanessaTonyFemaleAustralia2013-02-13 10:41:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

Hi Canadian_wife! Partner is an Aussie term that people use all the time when referring to their significant other. Guess it's something I picked up along the way. We're an opposite sex couple. :)

Haha as an Aussie I have to comment here! :P

Partner typically means "same-sex" partner in Australia as well. Some of the older people use it for their bf/gf because the term boyfriend or girlfriend isn't serious enough to explain their relationship.

Also, Australia recognises defacto couples. You wouldn't really be a spouse, but in that instance you could conceivably call yourself a partner, especially because you have to go through a type of "divorce" process to split possessions etc.

Honestly though, I only ever said bf then fiance and now husband because "partner" to me usually means "same-sex" so I didn't want that confusion :P

**Addendum - depending on what state you're in this makes a difference too. Some of the inhabitants of certain states (which shall remain nameless) are odd :P
VanessaTonyFemaleAustralia2013-01-29 15:44:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Medical Question

This isn't Australia specific, but in general you do not need to bring your entire medical history to your appointment.  Many places, including the US, don't even have such a thing.

 

They are looking for communicable diseases, drug abuse, suicide or other unhealthy thoughts/desires, stuff like that.  


Harpa TimsahFemaleIsrael2014-03-21 16:12:00
Australia and New ZealandSingle Status Certification

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Australia & New Zealand regional forum; topic is not about the US Spousal Visa process.


Ryan HMaleChina2014-04-05 12:58:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian police certificates.

if she's never been arrested or convicted of a crime she likely does not need the one with fingerprints. 


NLRFemaleCanada2014-01-31 00:18:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian police certificates.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Australia regional - OP may get best answers here on topic of getting PC in Australia ~


KayDeeCeeFemaleMexico2014-01-31 04:19:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1
You say 'partner' is this a same sex partnership?

Click on the 'guides' in the tab and follow the instructions for the fiance visa

good luck
canadian_wifeFemaleCanada2013-01-28 06:48:00
Australia and New ZealandRescheduling of Immigration interview at Sydney Consulate AUS

~Moved from K-1 Process to Australia/New Zealand Regional Forum~

~Inquiry is embassy-specific~


A&BMaleChina2014-03-20 00:04:00
Australia and New ZealandK1 Interview Payment - Australia.

~embassy specific information~


Edited by A&B, 24 March 2014 - 01:31 AM.

A&BMaleChina2014-03-24 01:30:00
Australia and New ZealandHelp about timing & interview rescheduling....

**Post moved from K1 to Australia & NZ. 

 

I moved your post to the Regional Forums, because your question is specific of your embassy. As a general rule, and as suggested by the previous poster, your best bet should be to contact the Embassy and present the situation directly to them.

 

Other peoples's experiences can be taken as references, but the embassy always has the first and last word.

 

Good luck


Celeste & CFemaleArgentina2014-03-13 20:30:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

Haha as an Aussie I have to comment here! :P

Partner typically means "same-sex" partner in Australia as well. Some of the older people use it for their bf/gf because the term boyfriend or girlfriend isn't serious enough to explain their relationship.

Also, Australia recognises defacto couples. You wouldn't really be a spouse, but in that instance you could conceivably call yourself a partner, especially because you have to go through a type of "divorce" process to split possessions etc.

Honestly though, I only ever said bf then fiance and now husband because "partner" to me usually means "same-sex" so I didn't want that confusion :P

**Addendum - depending on what state you're in this makes a difference too. Some of the inhabitants of certain states (which shall remain nameless) are odd :P


I know I'm late to the party, but it does? Everyone I know says partner (in Aus) and I thought that was normal.. I think it sounds better than other terms too. I even call my husband my partner here... I hope no one things either of us are the opposite sex.
XanaxFemaleAustralia2013-02-13 03:18:00