ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandOur interview experience - quite different from what we've read here

That's a really helpful review of the Sydney interview process, thank you. My USC fiance and I have been living together here in Sydney for nearly FIVE FRIGGIN' YEARS, and I would've thought that having him at the interview would be of benefit, but maybe not if it means we both get an unnecessary grilling. Having said that, it sounds like the guy interviewing you could've just been toying with you, making you sweat just because he could, the saddist. People in a position of authority have a tendency to do that. In any case, well done you for getting your visa! That's awesome!


Nikki DFemaleAustralia2014-02-05 22:10:00
Australia and New ZealandVisa Medical -- Chicken Pox!!!

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

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


isaboooFemaleAustralia2013-12-03 17:33:00
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?

 

 


isaboooFemaleAustralia2013-12-03 14:48:00
Australia and New ZealandConfused About Interview Paperwork.

As others have said, definitely go ahead and schedule a medical now before your interview (unless travelling to Sydney is a pain for you). Sometimes the George St Medical Centre in Sydney is a little backlogged - When I called, they took my name and number and called me back at the end of the week when they knew they could get me an appointment. The appointment was i think 3 weeks later? I can't really remember. 

 

Dr Waks is very good by the way, just make sure your immunisation details are up to scratch well before the medical. (And a blood test to check for Chicken Pox Immunity if you have no recorded proof of having it - you can get this done at your local doctor and claim it on Medicare. NOTHING at the medical is eligible for a rebate from Medicare so take this into consideration when boosters/ shots are extra at the Medical)

 

That's about how it went for me too, medical clinic called me back a week after and got the appointment 3 weeks after. So a month to get appointment.  I also got Dr. Waks and only have good things to say. If I was stressed out before the appointment, it was all gone 5 minutes in with him. That's one doctor that you know loves his job.

 

Like Rinni said for the immunisation check at a GP before, that was all free to me, 

 

What they want is:

 

  • DTP (Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) if born in 1957 or later (blood tests to check for immunity if no records available)
  • Chicken Pox (Varicella) (Blood tests to check for immunity if no records available
  • Flu Vaccine (for Medicals during 01 Apr to 31 Oct only)

 

GP blood check showed I wasn't immune to Mumps, so I got MMR done and DTP(didn't get that checked, just given since it should be re-done every 3 years)


isaboooFemaleAustralia2014-03-04 03:51:00
Australia and New ZealandConfused About Interview Paperwork.

You only need to worry about doing the DS-160 which replaced DS-230. I know the letter they send out is very confusing. So send everything they ask in the packet 3 checklist(police checks, financial support paperwork etc) and sign the form that comes with it and fill your ds-160 online and you'll be good.

 

Make your medical appt. before, I had mine the day before because I am from ACT(saved doing 2 trips) , but I had to wait for them to get results to get my final approval. If you can go a week or 2 before then, you will get your approval at interview.

 

Hope that helps, good luck

 

 


isaboooFemaleAustralia2014-03-03 20:49:00
Australia and New ZealandNote for any South African's living in Auckland (fingerprints for SA police clearance)

Electronic fingerprints are now accepted by SA Police for Police Clearance certificates so it is possible to get them from NZ Post. The above post is no longer relevant.


CjaxMaleNew Zealand2014-02-26 02:14:00
Australia and New ZealandNote for any South African's living in Auckland (fingerprints for SA police clearance)

Hi all

 

There may not be any other people out there in this situation at the moment! They just started a new fingerprint process in Auckland - the Auckland Police Stations are not doing fingerprints at the moment- it has been taken over by NZ Post in 3 Auckland locations. The fingerprints are good for FBI and UK police clearances but not accepted for South African police clearance. 

 

The South African High Commission expects South African's living in Auckland to pop down to Wellington to get them done there and only during the week. Not so easy when you have a full time job.

 

Glad I started planning for this now even though I am not close to needing it yet.

 

Just so frustrating!

 

Cheers

C


CjaxMaleNew Zealand2013-11-01 01:10:00
Australia and New ZealandNAO2 approved - Police check help please(sorry I cant find the answer):)

thank you:)


AlexandChelseaNot Telling02014-01-30 10:53:00
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!:) 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:)

 

 


AlexandChelseaNot Telling02014-01-28 14:27:00
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


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-02-10 04:14:00
Australia and New ZealandSydney Embassy Questions (packet 3, I-134...)

I am not sure how much time you get to respond to the Packet 3 request. Hopefully someone else that has already been through the process can give you an answer here.

 

If you rely on assets alone, the Consulate Officer may look at how accessible those assests are; i.e. is it cash and can it be withdrawn easily? And the CO may look to see if it is to cover a temporary gap in employment or a longer period etc. I have read threads where beneficiaries have used their assets to establish that they aren't a risk of becoming a public charge, but I don't think I've seen any for the Sydney Consulate. A search for 'beneficiary assets i-134' should bring up any that are there.

 


darin&joshMaleAustralia2014-02-14 00:26:00
Australia and New ZealandAdministrative Processing in Australia

Hey, I had an interview on the same date in Sydney. It was also changed to administrative processing with the same creation date as yours but at some point today it was granted to issued. Hopefully yours is too :)


TassieMaleAustralia2014-01-28 00:31:00
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?

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.


TassieMaleAustralia2014-02-05 23:50:00
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 :P


TassieMaleAustralia2014-02-04 17:13:00
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.


TassieMaleAustralia2014-01-23 20:22:00
Australia and New ZealandConfused About Interview Paperwork.

Hello all,

 

My fiance and I are on the final leg of our visa application, almost. But I am confused about the forms I need to fill out, and when to send what.

 

Firstly,

 

1) Do I send form DS-230I BEFORE I send the rest of my package?

 

2) Do I schedule my medical before I know the date of my interview, or afterwards?

 

3) Where does for DS-160 come into play?

 

Please help, I'm so confused!


EmmajMaleAustralia2014-03-03 06:19:00
Australia and New ZealandConfused About Interview Paperwork.

 

That's about how it went for me too, medical clinic called me back a week after and got the appointment 3 weeks after. So a month to get appointment.  I also got Dr. Waks and only have good things to say. If I was stressed out before the appointment, it was all gone 5 minutes in with him. That's one doctor that you know loves his job.

 

Definitely. I really loathe going to the Doctor and I too was a nervous wreck hoping I didn't have to pay more than what I expected. Dr. Waks was very friendly and professional. I had a bit of a chuckle when we were doing balance checks - felt like some crazy yoga exercises.

 

The hike to the X-Ray place was -fun-, and if you're not too familiar with Sydney, Dr. Waks will likely give you a map. So it was easy to find. It's a MUCH easier walk back to the Medical Centre (It was all downhill!). I really hope I have a positive interview experience too now. Waiting for packet 4 currently.


Edited by Rinni, 04 March 2014 - 04:26 AM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-03-04 04:26:00
Australia and New ZealandConfused About Interview Paperwork.

As others have said, definitely go ahead and schedule a medical now before your interview (unless travelling to Sydney is a pain for you). Sometimes the George St Medical Centre in Sydney is a little backlogged - When I called, they took my name and number and called me back at the end of the week when they knew they could get me an appointment. The appointment was i think 3 weeks later? I can't really remember. 

 

Dr Waks is very good by the way, just make sure your immunisation details are up to scratch well before the medical. (And a blood test to check for Chicken Pox Immunity if you have no recorded proof of having it - you can get this done at your local doctor and claim it on Medicare. NOTHING at the medical is eligible for a rebate from Medicare so take this into consideration when boosters/ shots are extra at the Medical)


Edited by Rinni1990, 04 March 2014 - 01:34 AM.

RinniFemaleAustralia2014-03-04 01:31:00
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.

 


Aussie-DJFemaleAustralia2014-01-30 01:09:00
Australia and New ZealandName check vs. fingerprint police certificates (split topic)

Post split from another thread as poster is posting about their own situation and not addressing the OP of the other thread.


Ryan HMaleChina2014-01-18 06:40:00
Australia and New ZealandPolice Certificate from New Zealand needed (split topic)

Post split from thread over 1 year old.


Ryan HMaleChina2013-12-27 09:25:00
Australia and New ZealandAustralia and Affidavit of Support Co-sponsor

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Australia regional - topic specific to going through that country ~


KayDeeCeeFemaleMexico2014-01-11 01:16:00
Australia and New ZealandAnyone done their police check in qld

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Australia regional - topic is specific to Australia ~


KayDeeCeeFemaleMexico2014-01-16 23:24:00
Australia and New ZealandAUSSIES! Who did you ship with!
Often it's less expensive to pay for additional baggage on your flight.
mimoliciousNot TellingJordan2014-01-17 01:20:00
Australia and New ZealandMy i-134 / Co Sponsor situation -

You would need an appraisal for the house. If it is paid in full a copy of the deed reflecting no lien holder should be good with the appraisal. If there is a mortgage you would need to show his equity in the home.


belinda63FemaleIran2014-01-18 21:57:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Mine took a week between sending packet 3 and receiving packet 4. But that was a couple of years ago now. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2013-12-13 01:04:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical in Sydney and general time paranoia

You can submit your packet 3 paperwork without the medical. In fact I think the doctors in Sydney send the results direct to the consulate, so you have no choice. 

The risk is that your interview gets scheduled before the results are received. But they will just wait to get the results before approving the visa. 


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-01-21 01:23:00
Australia and New ZealandMedical in Sydney and general time paranoia

Fly to a different state eg Melbourne or Brisbane?

Try the other doctor in Sydney? (I think there are two)


Lainie BFemaleAustralia2014-01-21 01:18:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

We're also flying from Melbourne to Sydney, arriving at 7:25am.  See you there!  May I ask if you've researched transportation at all?  Two return tickets on the airport link will cost us more than $70!  We're thinking that perhaps a taxi would be cheaper, at least if we take it some of the way and walk the rest.  The things we'll do to save a few pennies these days.

Yeah, I researched transport and figure the cheapest way for me and my 3 children is taxi. According to some taxi estimates I've gotten online, it looks to be about $40-$50 one way. But it's door to door. No trains queues. So we are taking taxi. I know how you feel about saving your pennies. With paying the visa fee and flights to Syd, and everything else before hand, this process has cost me $3719... ouch. Cheapest is good LOL


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-01-05 09:35:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

We tried that and it still failed, but at one point after clicking "new user" it allowed us to select Australia as our country.  Before that, there was no drop-down list and the "select country for visa" category said "Australia/?country=Australia/?country=Australia".  For some reason it finally allowed us to actually select the country and it worked.  There must be something wrong with the form.

 

What time is your interview?  Ours is at 9:30.

We have 10am, but I'll be flying from Melbourne and arriving at Syd airport at 8am and will make my way straight over to the embassy so will be there early.
You wont miss me.. I'll be the one with 3 kids there.. LOL


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-01-05 05:26:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Hi everyone, I just have a quick question regarding creating a profile on the UStraveldocs website.  We received packet 4 yesterday and have had our interview scheduled for January 28th, so we would like to get this out of the way soon.  However, I can't seem to create a profile on UStraveldocs.  I select "new user" and fill out all the information, but then it takes me back to the login page and says I need authorization to access the page.  So I try to log in with the username and password I supposedly just used to register, but it tells me that my login attempt failed because my username or password is incorrect.  Am I doing something wrong?  I have tried every combination but am really just convinced that I must be missing something.  Please help!

Hey there... Try clearing your cookies and caches on your PC and try login again. 
See you at the interview. We have the 28th also :)


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2014-01-04 18:07:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Chest and Ozgirl what are your priority dates?

Priority date?? If thats the day the NOA2 was given, then mine is 4th September


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-30 08:06:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Yeah I just paid the fee about an hour ago, it's an immigrant visa and I paid by credit card so it just automatically charged me the correct amount smile.png This process must be getting so expensive for you with doing everything 4x over sad.png

Yeah your not wrong.. I estimate that by the time AOS is paid for, it will be $10,000 for this process. AOS will be the killer. That will be about $2800 for the 4 of us alone. protest6wz.gif  I have also emailed for earlier interview as we have tentative wedding plans for early Feb, so I wont pay my visa fee yet. Does it say anything about the interview date while doing the fee process?

 

 

 

I did email them concerned and they responded with:

 

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

 

We apologize for the delay in the processing of your application.

 

Your case is being reviewed by the consular officer for their adjudication. If further documents are required, our office will be in contact with you.

 

Generally, it will take 5 business days to print your visa and prepare your document package after the consular officer has reviewed and adjudicated a case.

 

The visa package will be posted back in the me

Thank you

 

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney

Immigrant Visa Unit

(CC)

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

I responded to the above hoping to get a timeline or something to go on and it has been over two weeks and still no response. My US fiance today decided to email them as he is concerned with the status.

Well I know it's prob not going to help you feel better, but there's a New Year right around the corner. Maybe your visa will be the first one printed for 2014 and it will be on it's way to you. Best wishes..


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-30 01:54:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

And on the immigrant vs nonimmigrant.. I believe the K1 is a nonimmigrant, but once enter the US it becomes an immigrant.. to forget the confusion, I would select non immigrant visa.

 

I was wrong.. it is an immigrant visa

 

 

My CEAC is showing the attached status. It has not changed since I got my congratulatory accpetance of my application on Dec 3.

 

 Oh dear.. I would be emailing them again very soon with URGENT in the subject and seeing if they reply. Good luck


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-30 01:41:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Oh awesome!! I was just coming on here to check if there were any updates haha. Now on to the next confusing thing, I'm looking at paying the $240 visa fee thing and we have to make a profile at the USTraveldocs site which I have done. It says in the instructions here http://www.ustraveld...fo.asp#overview that we need to click schedule appointment and set that up, I'm just making sure this is something we do and not something that is pre-loaded into the system for us since we get told when our interview will be? Also the first question when you click schedule is whether it's an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, this point confuses me a lot for the K1 because for some things it seems to be immigrant and some things it seems to be non-immigrant!

P.s Dont forget that the $240 is in US dollars so you need to find the correct amount. I think from memory (without finding the page again) it's about $265 AU. 
I envy you only paying that amount.. I have to pay it x4. Over $1000 for our visa fee.. ekk


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-30 01:18:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Oh awesome!! I was just coming on here to check if there were any updates haha. Now on to the next confusing thing, I'm looking at paying the $240 visa fee thing and we have to make a profile at the USTraveldocs site which I have done. It says in the instructions here http://www.ustraveld...fo.asp#overview that we need to click schedule appointment and set that up, I'm just making sure this is something we do and not something that is pre-loaded into the system for us since we get told when our interview will be? Also the first question when you click schedule is whether it's an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, this point confuses me a lot for the K1 because for some things it seems to be immigrant and some things it seems to be non-immigrant!

And on the immigrant vs nonimmigrant.. I believe the K1 is a nonimmigrant, but once enter the US it becomes an immigrant.. to forget the confusion, I would select non immigrant visa.

 

Hey Chestnutt,

 

You will need to create it because before you have your interview you will need to have filled in the online DS-160 and have paid the fee. Try to get it all completed ahead of time because its another one of those long repeat all of your infomation we have already done.

 

hopefully when you are approved you wont be stuck in visa limbo like me smile.png

 

 

Oh dear.. that doesn't sound good. What is your CEAC saying? Are you in AP? Wishing you all the best and hope your visa gets to you very soon


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-30 01:12:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

I got my interview date!! 21st January biggrin.png Have you heard anything yet?

Just got my interview date too.. 28th Jan.. I was hoping on something sooner than that.. but at least it's done now


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-29 23:04:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

I got my interview date!! 21st January biggrin.png Have you heard anything yet?

No nothing yet :(
Wow.. good luck


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-29 20:06:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

Still waiting, hopefully will get some action when they open back up tomorrow!

Same here... fingers crossed for both of us


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-26 03:49:00
Australia and New ZealandQuick 'n' dirty

I got approved this morning!!! Oh yeah, time to book my flight biggrin.png

Congrats !!!!!!! Very happy for you


Ozgirl1981FemaleAustralia2013-12-19 20:45:00