ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

They would think it's strange to be married in a court when we don't have to be lol. We'll go for the K visa so we can get married in her state.

When filing though, is the fee still $340? And because we're filing from in Australia is it sufficient to simply go into a bank and ask them to make up a money order in US dollars for that amount, addressed to the USDHS?

I believe the check needs to be from a US bank account. And don't forget not to shorten it. and no. Plenty of people on these boards get married in a court house as opposed to the big ceremony, esp those that arrive on a k1, so that they can file AOS asap :)
VanessaTonyFemaleAustralia2013-02-27 13:53:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

I imagine going for an interview at the consulate and the conversation going something like this:

Interviewer: So where did you get married?
Me: At the courthouse

Interviewer: How many people in your family attended?
Me: None

Interviewer: What does your family think of your marriage?
Me: They don't know

lol. So even though the K1 is a little bit tougher, it's the right fit for us I think.

First 2 questions won't matter because Australia isn't high fraud. Last one, why wouldn't you tell them?
VanessaTonyFemaleAustralia2013-02-24 22:14:00
Australia and New ZealandSydney Embassy Questions (packet 3, I-134...)

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Australia regional - OP wanting answers specific to going through Sydney ~


KayDeeCeeFemaleMexico2014-01-31 04:21:00
Australia and New ZealandConfused About Interview Paperwork.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Australia regional - topic is specific to going through Australia and most accurate answers may be found there ~


KayDeeCeeFemaleMexico2014-03-03 23:23:00
Australia and New ZealandWorking/Living in Australia while waiting for K-1 affects 134?

Sorry for the confusion.  I was using the I-864 as a shorthand.

 

You will file the I-134 for the K-1 fiancee visa. For the I-134, you must meet the 100% poverty line.

 

After marriage in the US, you will need to adjust your wife's status which requires you to file the I-864 where you must meet 125% of the poverty line.

 

When the US Embassy reviews your financials, they will want to see if you can meet the 125% level to adjust status.  It doesn't make sense to grant a K-1 when someone can't meet the 125% level to adjust.

 

 


Edited by aaron2020, 14 March 2014 - 09:08 AM.

aaron2020MaleVietnam (no flag)2014-03-14 09:07:00
Australia and New ZealandWorking/Living in Australia while waiting for K-1 affects 134?

The I-864 allows someone like you working abroad who wants to return to the US with a new spouse to count any income that will continue after you return.

 

Since your AU income will continue after you come back to the US (since the income is from the same company), then you will be able to count it.

 

The reason others cannot not normally count the foreign earned income is that they usually leave their jobs when they return to the US.  Since the income will end when they return, they can't count them.

 

 


aaron2020MaleVietnam (no flag)2014-03-13 21:52:00
Australia and New ZealandOur interview experience - quite different from what we've read here

Totally different consulate, but maybe they were rougher because both people were there?  I definitely felt like my husband got asked more questions at Stockholm because I had gone with him.  We didn't get a Stokes interview though!


N-o-l-aFemaleDenmark2014-02-02 18:07:00
Australia and New ZealandAdministrative Processing in Australia

I've seen it happen before in the Aussie forum. Usually doesn't last more than a day or two. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-01-23 19:48:00
Australia and New ZealandWhat courier do they use?

Australia Post. You provide them with a self-addressed express post envelope. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-01-23 20:40:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

Well I can't say first-hand because I went and got the second shot in Australia, then went to a civil surgeon and got the I-693 (and a flu shot because by then it was flu season). But I have read that if you are eligible for blanket waiver then you don't have to do anything else - ie if the panel physician said you were OK on shots at the time of the medical exam, then that's all you need, and you don't need the additional shots and the I-693. 

 

This thread might help:

http://www.visajourn...port/?p=6206232

Read-Nich-Nick's posts on the above thread. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-02-13 05:08:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

Thanks for the info smile.png Ah well I guess I'll have to do 2 trips. At least now I know. 

I have heard of others in your situation that have done the medical and interview in two days, or even on the same day. The results get sent direct to the consulate once they're ready. You won't get approved on the day of the interview, but you'll get the approval once they receive the medical. It's an option if you don't mind the extra stress of not getting an approval on the day of the interview. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2013-12-03 18:16:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

Do you get your medical exams results on the same day you go? I was wondering because I'm in Canberra and I'd like to minimize travel and do one trip in Sydney, have the medical on the Monday and interview on the Tuesday. is that possible?

 

 

It will take a few days to prepare and send them. I doubt they would be ready the next day.


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2013-12-03 17:06:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

 

Oh! You're a hundred percent correct - "Applicant may be eligible for blanket waiver etcetc"

 

I'll remember to read properly next time! Thanks for your help!  

Yup, then you're good for the interview. You might want to go ahead and get the second shot when it's due, but it's up to you. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2013-11-26 23:43:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

Yes you can go ahead and interview. The second shot isn't needed for the visa. Out of interest, what does your DS-3025 form (the vaccination sheet) say at the bottom about whether the vaccination record is complete or eligible for blanket waiver?


Edited by Lainie B, 26 November 2013 - 06:26 PM.

Lainie BFemaleAustralia2013-11-26 18:18:00
Australia and New ZealandMoving Back to Australia

My fiancee and I looked at moving to Australia (I'm Australian, currently living in London). Among other things (her finishing school, etc), the one thing that deterred us from doing that was the cost.

 

Applying for a partnership visa for Australia is not a cheap undertaking (the visa itself costs approx A$3,000). Also, if you have pets that you want to take with you, I suggest you look into those costs as well. Any pet entering Australia from the US must be kept in quarantine for 30 days at the owners expense. This costs approx $1,400 (you have to use the facilities the Government has approved, and there are only 2). In addition there are also costs related to vet check ups and administering shots. Then there is also the cost of actually transporting your pets from the US to Australia.

 

I'm not telling you this to deter you. Just to keep you informed. It blew my mind how much it was going to cost!

The minimum quarantine period has recently been reduced to 10 days. However quarantine is just a part of the cost - the testing requirements pre-move for pets are lengthy and expensive. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-02-13 15:04:00
Australia and New ZealandWorking/Living in Australia while waiting for K-1 affects 134?

You will file the I-864 when you apply for adjustment of status (I-485) after you marry


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-03-13 23:12:00
Australia and New ZealandMoving Back to Australia

hi,

I've been in the US for 6 years, have my green card etc etc ...

but now my husband and i want to move back to australia with our two kids ...

 

im an australian citizen, do i need a re entry visa?

and i know i have to do a descent of birth form for my kids so they can claim their aussie citizenship too ....

 

and my husband needs a spouse visa or something too?

 

thanks in advance

 

sharyn


SharynYFemaleAustralia2014-02-01 02:55:00
Australia and New ZealandAdministrative Processing in Australia

I also had my interview on the 28th January my CEAC has changed to Issued today.  I actually saw you in the office with your children Ozgirl they looked really happy, I am glad things went well for you.

 

U.S. Department of State
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
Issued
Application ID or Case Number:   Case Creation Date: 29-Jan-2014 Status Updated Date: 30-Jan-2014    

 

Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received it in more than 10 working days, please see the webpage for contact information of the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application.
 

For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.

 

Wow that was quick.. Well done. I was too nerous to start talking to people there. You should have said hello. My kids were being terrors. They were happy. They just wanted to go back on the plane home.. LOL

Glad things worked out for you too 


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-01-30 01:50:00
Australia and New ZealandAdministrative Processing in Australia

I had my interview on Tuesday 28th and we have just gone into AP also. But only one of my applications have. Maybe the others will follow soon 
 

Administrative Processing
Application ID or Case Number: SYD2013****** 01 SYD
Case Creation Date: 30-Jan-2014
Status Updated Date: 30-Jan-2014    

Your visa case is currently undergoing necessary administrative processing. This processing can take several weeks. Please follow any instructions provided by the Consular Officer at the time of your interview. If further information is needed, you will be contacted. If your visa application is approved, it will be processed and mailed/available within two business days.
 

For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.





Your search has returned multiple results. Please select the Case Number to display the status.

Case Number Status

 


Edited by Ozgirl1981, 30 January 2014 - 12:58 AM.

Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-01-30 00:57:00
Australia and New ZealandNAO2 approved - Police check help please(sorry I cant find the answer):)

I am currently in the u.s with my fiancé returning to AUS shortly, i want to hit the ground running and hopefully get this visa before April 8 when our baby is due so we can fly back to the u.s as a family!smile.png I will be having my interview in Sydney.

 

Question: I know how to get my aus police check, but i lived in NZ from 16-18yrs old?  Do I email the u.s embassy in NZ and ask for the form and for it to be sent to the US embassy in Sydney or to me, or where can I find the correct form to use for the NZ police check from Australia?

 

Thank you:)

 

 

This thread may help you.. Best of luck 

http://www.visajourn...ed-split-topic/


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-01-30 06:27:00
Australia and New ZealandCEAC Issued status and passport delivery

Oh nevermind...  I guess mentioning it on paper works wonders:

With Australia Post for delivery today


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-02-05 16:18:00
Australia and New ZealandCEAC Issued status and passport delivery

Just wondering about processing times. I had my interview on 28th January. We got the approval on the day and our CEAC status changed to "Issued" on 3rd Feb. According to the email I got, it said that visas have been issued and mailed but my Australia Post express tracking number says it's still invalid (meaning nothing in the system yet). Can anyone shed some light on how long it took for your passports to arrive back to you after CEAC Issued status. 
I'm wondering if having 4 visas processed (3 children and I) might have a longer processing time?


Edited by Ozgirl1981, 05 February 2014 - 06:57 AM.

Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-02-05 06:56:00
Australia and New ZealandOur interview experience - quite different from what we've read here

I did see you both there.. I was worried just because the worry I could see in your face. But, maybe you just got someone who didn't get much sleep. But I agree with the above poster. You have been approved. Just breathe now. But your review could very much help someone else. 
I'm sorry you had to go thru that. This should be a good time to sit back and relax now, so please dont get bogged down in the hassle of your interview. Onwards and upwards !!!


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-02-01 07:48:00
Australia and New ZealandWhat courier do they use?

My status got changed on the 28th of Jan. ISSUED VISA email on the 29th and also picked up by Toll on the 29 then Delivered on the 30th.

I got my visa today. They had put it in the wrong post box and it voided the express post so it took a few extra days to get to me. But everything is good now. My stack of documents in the yellow envelopes (x4) is 3inches think LOL due to having 4 visas issued


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-02-06 02:09:00
Australia and New ZealandWhat courier do they use?

I am still waiting on my Visa. We got the "Issued" status on the 3rd Feb, but according to the Australia Post tracking number I have, it has not yet been entered into the system. How long did everyone wait after the Issued status, did you get your passports back?


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-02-04 18:04:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

 

 Back again! Since you seem so wise -- what were to happen if I don't get the second shot? Would I run into problems in the US come time for my AOS?

I would think so. My children are in the same boat. I have 3 children under 13 who are joining me and they all have blanket waivers and I'm under the impression that once we get to the US, if they are due for anymore at that time, then we can get them done thru GP with record printed or go see a USCIS approved civil surgeon and get the records updated from the medicals we had here in Australia. 


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-02-12 22:33:00
Australia and New ZealandMoving Back to Australia

You are an Australian citizen... you don't need anything to return to Australia. 

You will need to get Australian citizenship for your two kids, and Australian passports. 

And yes.. your husband is going to need a visa, just like you did when you moved here. Go to http://www.immi.gov....es/Welcome.aspx to start looking at your options. 

Good luck :)






KLS2010FemaleAustralia2014-02-12 15:08:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1
I'd probably go ahead and file for a K-1 now, that way you don't have to rush getting married, even if the process looks slow at the moment it probably wont stay that way for ever and it seems the CR-1 visa isn't all that faster.
Alex&AmyMaleAustralia2013-03-20 04:27:00
Australia and New ZealandUS Embassy Facebook spouse/fiance(e) QnA session 13th February 2014

The US Embassy will be running a live QnA session on Facebook on 13 February, and a consulate officer will answer questions related to immigrant visas for spouses and fiance(e)s.

Questions can be left at: https://www.facebook...&type=1

 

I want to point out that this Q&A is for the US Embassy in AUSTRALIA, not all US Embassies!  It appears to be very country-specific.
 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-02-10 06:19:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Police Check NSW for IR-1/CR-1

Hi Sukie, 

This is not you were asking about, but I'm going to share this with you. I have sent an email to the Sydney consulate last week. I asked if I needed the police check with fingerprints or not. The consulate's website said the fee was $52 in NSW, but it won't cover the fingerprints.  

 

And they replied to me: "Thank you for your inquiry. You may obtain the police certificate based on name check but make sure you disclose your full name and any alias names. Thank you. U.S. Consulate General, Sydney"

 

So.... no fingerprints.. by the way, your NOA2 date was the same as mine. My file was received at NVC on Feb 14, but no case number yet. How is yours? smile.png

 

 

 

 

My file was sent from TSC on February 18th.  Based on snow days and holidays, I decided I would wait until February 28th to call NVC to see if my file had arrived.  I've been really busy with my 2013 taxes this week!  And calling takes a bit of time as you get a busy signal, and then you are on hold!

 

It's amazing how much conflicting information about name check/fingerprints is out there!  Thanks for telling me about your experience!

 

Sukie

 

 


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-02-25 06:32:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralian Police Check NSW for IR-1/CR-1

Yes, please help!  I'm in the same situation.

 

My partner is in Queensland.  I read that if you live in NSW or QLD, your police check has to be sent directly to the Consulate - NOT back to you.   That's OK - we get that we'd need to have our NVC number and provide an envelope.

 

But what happens at NVC if the police check isn't there?  Does NVC know that QLDers and NSWers will NOT have their police check as part of the DS-260 package?

 

I'm really confused, because I've seen postings here on VJ from QLDers and NSWers saying that they had their results posted back to them.

 

I do know that you need the fingerprints version.  But does that mean you have to have the ink version or can you do the digital version? 

 

Does anyone know SPECIFICALLY what happens in the case of a QLDer or NSWer?

 

Thanks.

 

Sukie


SukieNot TellingAustralia2014-02-11 06:29:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

Reviving this thread from the depths of the forum! OP here with some recent updates and seriously planning on beginning the process in JAN or FEB. The question still remains which visa suites my situation better? 

 

Some info:

 

Fiance (Australian citizen) and I (USC) have been happily living together in Australia for 2 years. I'm on a temp permanent visa. We are also expecting a baby in a few months and are so excited. 

 

On our list of things to do in the new year is have the baby, apply for dual citizenship for our baby, and begin the visa process for my fiance for us to end up in the big apple. We're really looking forward to moving since we'll have tons of family support in the states and new opportunities. 

 

I also have some aunt and uncles who can serve as co-sponsors for my fiance as I don't think I'll have a job lined up during the application process. 

 

I guess after doing further research, I really don't know which route is better K1, K3, or CR-1. We're planning on doing a ceremony wedding in 2015 but are flexible on when we get married. 

 

Any advice, suggestions, or even questions to get a better understanding is welcomed. 

 

Also if you have experience or are in a similar situation please share. Would love you help. 

 

Thank you. 

 

 

If I were doing this process again I would get married and enter the US as a married couple. Because your spouse gets permission to work and permanent residence valid for a year upon entry to the US, instead of having to wait in K1- limbo after entry to getting married and then adjusting status - its a pita and it takes months (and more $$) during which you can't work, can't get state ID or a drivers license, can't open a bank account. And I already have a SS# from working and living in the US in the past on H1B's.  Its frustrating as hell, if you know you want to get married, do it first, it saves a hassle and is straightforward in recognizing your spouse as a legitimate immigrant with the right to live and work immediately.
 


KiwinycFemaleUnited Kingdom2014-01-24 18:36:00
Australia and New ZealandOur interview experience - quite different from what we've read here
As long as u guys make it... Dont even talk!!! :) my god ... Seems u hard a really hard time.... Congrats!! And dont even think it anymore!!!
LaspoxaroumeniFemaleGreece2014-02-01 02:08:00
Australia and New ZealandBirth Certicifate Translation at Interview - Only certified copy

Based on my experience with the US Consulate, if they have asked to see the original, then that is what you will need to provide them, in conjunction with the translation. 

 

Don't panic!! Worse case scenario (assuming everything else is in order) is that you will be given a form 221g requesting the original of the document to be provided to them - once they have it, they would then issue you your visa and return the original to you. 

 

Perhaps getting a jump on this right now by contacting the relevant department in Malaysia to get the original sent to you in Australia might help reduce your wait time.

 

All the best. Take care and have a great day!


CJCFemaleAustralia2014-01-23 16:58:00
Australia and New ZealandAdministrative Processing in Australia

I've seen it happen before in the Aussie forum. Usually doesn't last more than a day or two. 

 

Agree with Lainie B.

 

This happened to me. In my instance it changed over the course of 3 days between ' Administration Processing', 'Ready', Administration Processing' and then 'Issued'.

 

You receive a generic email stating that your visa has been issued and then you will get your visa in hand the next business day via Australia Post.  So hopefully you should have yours early next week - YAY!

 

Have a great weekend.


CJCFemaleAustralia2014-01-24 09:13:00
Australia and New ZealandOur interview experience - quite different from what we've read here

My husband was questioned for quite a long time- he even felt like he was interrogated at the Sydney interview. (This was for the fiancé visa.) The only 'red flag' we had was that he's younger than me. He was really nervous about the interview and apparently stumbled over one of the questions the woman asked because she didn't ask it very clearly- after that she was pretty brutal with him, even after he answered correctly when he asked her to clarify what she was asking. He was not pleased. It seemed so uncommon that I didn't even mention it on here- I thought maybe she was having a bad day or something. I can't even get him to write the review on here because he won't talk about it. We have our interview here for his AOS next week and he is so nervous it is going to be the same. Thankfully I'll get to go with him this time to reassure him. He's already received his EAC and AP card so I think it's really just a formality for the green card and I'm not too worried, but after Sydney he's a wreck.   I was really shocked after everything I had heard about it being so laid back there also.


turtlegirlFemaleAustralia2014-02-01 14:17:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

Thanks for the reply! We haven't discussed co-sponsor yet but I have family and friends who could do so. I don't have work lined up in the US but I'm sure I can find something when I get there. We plan on staying with my mother since she has room until we find a place of our own and figure out work situation.

How far along in the process are you? I keep hearing the process takes about 3-4 months.


We are staying with my fiance's mother 'till we get on our own feet, too. Definitely use them as co-sponsors if you can! Also, going by the rate of things at the moment, you'll be waiting longer than 3-4 months. I'm hearing 7-8 months right now. Personally, so far we have been waiting 5.5 months for our NOA2.
charlottelizabethFemaleAustralia2013-03-20 08:12:00
Australia and New ZealandAmerican in Australia looking to file K1

Hi All,

I'm an American citizen living in Australia with my partner who is Australian. We've been living here together for over a year and and recently applied for a partner visa which would allow me to stay. Recently after several emotional chats about where we'd like to be, we've decided to make plans for the US. Especially since we plan on settling down close to my family and getting married.

I wanted to hear about your experiences in filing for the K1 visa. Also are there any issues with me filing from overseas?

I want to do all my homework (which I've began) before filing.

Fingers crossed I'll be in NYC sometime this year with my Aussie partner. :)

Thanks for hearing me out!


Hi. My fiance was living here in Australia with me from July 2011 - Jan 2013 (18 months). His visas expired here in mid Jan though, and our other avenues to try to keep in Australia failed (it's also way more expensive!). So he had to return to the US. Before he left, (in late Sept 2012) he filed the I-129F from Australia with no problems. We're currently waiting on our NOA2. We only plan on a courthouse thing for when I arrive, so don't worry about seeming 'suss'. Many couples do it. We plan on a better planned, relaxed ceremony in 2014, when I am (hopefully) more settled over there.
charlottelizabethFemaleAustralia2013-03-20 07:55:00
Australia and New ZealandWhat courier do they use?

Just an addition to anyone else wondering anything about this. TOLL are fantastic. I had my visa picked up one afternoon and had it by 9:30 the next day, before I even got automated emails about it being picked up tongue.png

 

DITTO THIS. I can't stress enough how much more trustworthy using TOLL is than bringing your own Aus Post bag. I wasn't at home when they initally went to deliver, and they called me to make a time for redelivery. MUCH better service that Aus Post.


flowershoesFemaleAustralia2014-02-09 17:16:00
Australia and New ZealandWhat courier do they use?

I was just wondering what courier the US consulate use to send out the Visa's after being approved in Australia.

 

I am asking because I am having my mail held right now and if it is Aus Post then it will be held along with the rest of it but if it is with another company then I might need to get ahold of them directly.

 

 

Australia Post. You provide them with a self-addressed express post envelope. 

 

 

Actually they use TOLL. They asked me if I had an envelope or if I wanted to use their courier. I decided to go with the consulate's. In my opinion, it's much safer than Aus Post's mailing system. And yes, you can still track it.


Edited by flowershoes, 23 January 2014 - 10:50 PM.

flowershoesFemaleAustralia2014-01-23 22:50:00