the "packets"

[Chris & Mara 0]

So we have only just got our check cashed and our file in and yet im already impatently pulling my hair out and look on VJ at timelines just to see what sort of wait we have ahead of us.

Unfortuantly I'm OCD when it comes to having things mapped out and planned ahead of time, sadly this process doesn't really allow for that whilst you wait for the NOA2.

So onto my point, what is really in Packets 3 and 4??? I have been reading the guides and the Embassy page from down in Sydney, I know where to do my medical, and that i need proof of continuing relationship and birth certificates etc. But what I am hopping to discover is are there hiden bits or fees that I should be preparing for.

Thanks for any help anyone can give, this sorta makes me feel like Im doing something and working towards it, in a crazy way that makes it seem a little easier

[Laura+Tom 2]

If you look in the gallery above http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/index.php?cat=3 this will give you an idea of what is in the packets.

[aliya 0]

Try this link - this is what Packet 3 from the Sydney US Consulate refers the applicant to :

http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/iv/fiance.html

Edited September 1, 2008 by ali and joe

[Shannon and David 0]

Hi! Here's the link to the Australia Embassy info here on VJ.

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/inde...&cty=Sydney

[Chris & Mara 0]

Thanks soo much guys I this has given me a whole lot to think about and suprisingly has made me feel a whole lot better.

On other question, re the medical, when do most people book it? When they recieve packet 3, NOA2 or just any time as it is vaild for 12 months?

[aliya 0]

Thanks soo much guys I this has given me a whole lot to think about and suprisingly has made me feel a whole lot better.

On other question, re the medical, when do most people book it? When they recieve packet 3, NOA2 or just any time as it is vaild for 12 months?

I waited until I received Packet 3 (I have my medical appointment tomorrow!). When a rang to book it, I was asked to bring the case number with me. This (I hope) is the NVC Case number - Joe got this from phoning the NVC automated service a few days after we received the NOA2. There was no reference to a case number with the Packet 3 email, so this is the only one I can think of. If that's the case (needing the case number), then theoretically, you would need to wait until your case reaches the NVC after NOA2 and get the assigned number before proceeding with the medical. I got a booking for the following week here in Brisbane, so not a problem with time delay as far as I can see...

I did however organise a serology check through my doctor a few weeks ago for required vaccinations - didn't have immunisation records from when I was a child. This should save time and money at the medical (blood tests are an added cost whereas it was free on Medicare with my Dr). I followed someone's advice on VJ and got my Dr to write a letter on the Medical Centre letterhead in addition to getting the blood test results. I also got her to stamp and sign all these. I guess I will find out tomorrow if they accept these and will post an update...

[KimandRuss 0]

In NZ they wanted the A#..listed above your name on the NOA2.

The medical is often sent directly to the Consulate. If you just filed, the Consulate has no idea about you yet and wouldn't know what to do with the medical once they got it. Most people are advised to wait until they are approved.

good luck

[Chris & Mara 0]

Thanks soo much guys I this has given me a whole lot to think about and suprisingly has made me feel a whole lot better.

On other question, re the medical, when do most people book it? When they recieve packet 3, NOA2 or just any time as it is vaild for 12 months?

I waited until I received Packet 3 (I have my medical appointment tomorrow!). When a rang to book it, I was asked to bring the case number with me. This (I hope) is the NVC Case number - Joe got this from phoning the NVC automated service a few days after we received the NOA2. There was no reference to a case number with the Packet 3 email, so this is the only one I can think of. If that's the case (needing the case number), then theoretically, you would need to wait until your case reaches the NVC after NOA2 and get the assigned number before proceeding with the medical. I got a booking for the following week here in Brisbane, so not a problem with time delay as far as I can see...

I did however organise a serology check through my doctor a few weeks ago for required vaccinations - didn't have immunisation records from when I was a child. This should save time and money at the medical (blood tests are an added cost whereas it was free on Medicare with my Dr). I followed someone's advice on VJ and got my Dr to write a letter on the Medical Centre letterhead in addition to getting the blood test results. I also got her to stamp and sign all these. I guess I will find out tomorrow if they accept these and will post an update...

Thanks Ali and Joe

I have no idea how to find my immunisation records either so that looks the blood test at the doctors is going to be the best way to do it! Also what do the medicals cost in Brisbane? I'm assuming your going through the medical center on Anzac square, which is where I need to go. Sadly broke little me will have to save up for the occasion, lol I was trying to work it out before reading some of the info people had given me and I came up with somewhere between $400 and $500.

Good luck for your medical Let us all know about how it goes!

[ILuvMyAussieGirl 0]

We totally feel your pain. We submitted our application around a week after yours. Looks like we're all waiting together on this!

[Chris & Mara 0]

We totally feel your pain. We submitted our application around a week after yours. Looks like we're all waiting together on this!

Lol right lets stick it out and we can have shoulders to lean on at the interview point lol

[aliya 0]

Thanks soo much guys I this has given me a whole lot to think about and suprisingly has made me feel a whole lot better.

On other question, re the medical, when do most people book it? When they recieve packet 3, NOA2 or just any time as it is vaild for 12 months?

I waited until I received Packet 3 (I have my medical appointment tomorrow!). When a rang to book it, I was asked to bring the case number with me. This (I hope) is the NVC Case number - Joe got this from phoning the NVC automated service a few days after we received the NOA2. There was no reference to a case number with the Packet 3 email, so this is the only one I can think of. If that's the case (needing the case number), then theoretically, you would need to wait until your case reaches the NVC after NOA2 and get the assigned number before proceeding with the medical. I got a booking for the following week here in Brisbane, so not a problem with time delay as far as I can see...

I did however organise a serology check through my doctor a few weeks ago for required vaccinations - didn't have immunisation records from when I was a child. This should save time and money at the medical (blood tests are an added cost whereas it was free on Medicare with my Dr). I followed someone's advice on VJ and got my Dr to write a letter on the Medical Centre letterhead in addition to getting the blood test results. I also got her to stamp and sign all these. I guess I will find out tomorrow if they accept these and will post an update...

Thanks Ali and Joe

I have no idea how to find my immunisation records either so that looks the blood test at the doctors is going to be the best way to do it! Also what do the medicals cost in Brisbane? I'm assuming your going through the medical center on Anzac square, which is where I need to go. Sadly broke little me will have to save up for the occasion, lol I was trying to work it out before reading some of the info people had given me and I came up with somewhere between $400 and $500.

Good luck for your medical Let us all know about how it goes!

Hi Chris and Mara

My medical went well - yes, the only place in Brisbane is The Anzac Square Medical Center. The basic cost was $253, and a further $100 for the chest xrays. I saw Dr. Brian Kable and he is very nice. He asked lots of medical history questions, did a full body check and a urine test. I also had to have another blood test for HIV/Syphilis, even though I had also had a check done for this with my doctor, because you have to present your passport and be signed off at a specific pathology unit. I wasn't charged for this. Both the xray and blood tests are done up the road on Wickham Terrace (within walking distance). You have to wait about an hour for the xray and pick it up and take it back to the Medical Center. I plan to pick up the medical results (Dr needs to see the blood test results and sign off) from the center tomorrow and if the I-134 stuff has arrived from Joe, hope to send all the stuff for Packet 3 to the consulate before the end of the week. I'm just about cross eyed from filling out forms/checking over and over to make sure I've done them correctly! In case you didn't know, the chest xray has to be carried with you for entry into the US - I've read on VJ that some people have had to get it out of their luggage on arrival (the POE officers need to look at it?) and this could be very time consuming/inconvenient especially if you are transiting to another destination in the US...I'm wondering how to carry it on board without bending/folding it (it's quite large)...just another little 'test' on this testy visa journey!

[kaffy 2]

ali and joe - roll it up and place it inside a mailing tube

I too had my medical at Anzac Square and was charged $253 for the medical, $99 for the xray and $91.35 for the blood test.

my review for the medical is here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1991680

Hope this helps!

Edited September 8, 2008 by kaffy

[aliya 0]

ali and joe - roll it up and place it inside a mailing tube

I too had my medical at Anzac Square and was charged $253 for the medical, $99 for the xray and $91.35 for the blood test.

my review for the medical is here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1991680

Hope this helps!

Hi Kaffy - thanks for the good advice re the xray - maybe if my brain wasn't so full of other things, I'd have thought of this myself! I'm not sure why I didn't get charged for the blood test - maybe I just got lucky?

[kaffy 2]

yes, consider yourself lucky

[aliya 0]

yes, consider yourself lucky

Well, maybe not so lucky - received a bill for $92.50 in the mail yesterday! There is a medicare form with it though, so maybe I'll get some back?

Anyway, I'm happy to say that I got Packet 3 together and sent to the Consulate yesterday too. Hopefully we're onto the last leg of the Aussie part of the journey...