Filing DCF from Melbourne

[Rissa 0]

First of all, I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself properly on this site, but I'm Rissa, an American citizen that has been living with my Australian husband in Australia for the past two years and now we're in the process of getting him a green card. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to anywhere else on the site (or it just confuses me). And I'd like to post our experience/timeline and have you all check it over to make sure we're not missing something or making some kind of mistake without knowing it.

Basically, here's our timeline:

Sometime in late March/early April we started putting together the documents/forms/etc. that it looked like we'd need, and mid-April we received from my father (in the U.S., who we plan to stay with once we arrive in the States) all the information he needed to send so he could be the joint sponsor.

April 30th: Filed the petition by appointment here in Melbourne and were approved.

May 15th: Received Packet 3 via email with official lists of documents we needed.

Not sure about exact dates here, but in between and during all of this we had medicals and police checks done, filled out forms, got copies, and basically packed everything together to be sent to Sydney. We sent off that final packet about three weeks ago now, give or take some time, so we'll say early- to mid-June.

July 1st: Received interview date via email with checklist of items we still need for the interview. Interview is on July 8th.

And here we are! So here are my questions:

One of the items they still need are/is proof or whatever that I filed taxes, but according to my dad, I haven't filed in two years because I haven't earned any income in either country and hubby has been supporting me completely. They ask for a letter stating why I haven't filed, so is this a good enough reason? We have only a week until the interview and I don't believe that'd be enough time to sort it out otherwise.

What can any of you tell me about the interview? Do we both need to attend? What do they ask you? I'm very nervous about it!

How much relationship evidence do we need? We have photos, but not that many, and joint bank statements, plus the lease, but it just ends up that his name only is on everything else because he pays the bills. We don't go out much because we're both homebodies, so we don't have written invites or the like.

Finally, if everything goes well at the interview, what happens then? We'd like to make plane reservations, etc. as soon as possible if we know we're approved, but I'm foggy on where they send the green card and if he can travel without it, etc. And how long does all of this take?

Sorry for the bombardment of the questions! I thank you all in advance for any help and for taking the time to read this.

[loz9 0]

First of all, I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself properly on this site, but I'm Rissa, an American citizen that has been living with my Australian husband in Australia for the past two years and now we're in the process of getting him a green card. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find the answers to anywhere else on the site (or it just confuses me). And I'd like to post our experience/timeline and have you all check it over to make sure we're not missing something or making some kind of mistake without knowing it.

Basically, here's our timeline:

Sometime in late March/early April we started putting together the documents/forms/etc. that it looked like we'd need, and mid-April we received from my father (in the U.S., who we plan to stay with once we arrive in the States) all the information he needed to send so he could be the joint sponsor.

April 30th: Filed the petition by appointment here in Melbourne and were approved.

May 15th: Received Packet 3 via email with official lists of documents we needed.

Not sure about exact dates here, but in between and during all of this we had medicals and police checks done, filled out forms, got copies, and basically packed everything together to be sent to Sydney. We sent off that final packet about three weeks ago now, give or take some time, so we'll say early- to mid-June.

July 1st: Received interview date via email with checklist of items we still need for the interview. Interview is on July 8th.

And here we are! So here are my questions:

One of the items they still need are/is proof or whatever that I filed taxes, but according to my dad, I haven't filed in two years because I haven't earned any income in either country and hubby has been supporting me completely. They ask for a letter stating why I haven't filed, so is this a good enough reason? We have only a week until the interview and I don't believe that'd be enough time to sort it out otherwise.

What can any of you tell me about the interview? Do we both need to attend? What do they ask you? I'm very nervous about it!

How much relationship evidence do we need? We have photos, but not that many, and joint bank statements, plus the lease, but it just ends up that his name only is on everything else because he pays the bills. We don't go out much because we're both homebodies, so we don't have written invites or the like.

Finally, if everything goes well at the interview, what happens then? We'd like to make plane reservations, etc. as soon as possible if we know we're approved, but I'm foggy on where they send the green card and if he can travel without it, etc. And how long does all of this take?

Sorry for the bombardment of the questions! I thank you all in advance for any help and for taking the time to read this.

Hi Rissa!

Congrats on getting as far as you have! I don't have too much advice because I only got my packet 3 today, but just wanted to wish you luck.

The more evidence the better..I'd just bring anything you can think of. I have most bills in my name only, but my husband's credit card bill and a few other things that are in his name only are sent here and I think these will work fine for us b/c it proves cohabitation.

From what I've read, once you have your interview you are approved very quickly and get the visa within a week. If you haven't already, you may want to check out the DCF thread that's pinned at the top of the forum. You may get a better idea in there.

Again, I'm no expert on this. I'm learning as I go. Best of luck to you and your husband. Keep us all updated on how you go!!

[kaffy 2]

How much relationship evidence do we need? We have photos, but not that many, and joint bank statements, plus the lease, but it just ends up that his name only is on everything else because he pays the bills. We don't go out much because we're both homebodies, so we don't have written invites or the like.

Like loz9 has said, I think the more the better. I have prepared joint bank statements, private health insurance bills, joint car ownership contract, joint lease, affidavits from our parents and friends, written statements from both of us, boarding pass stubs showing joint travel, bills from our wedding, copy of our wedding invitation, photos, wedding cards, other letters and cards addressed to us. You probably won't need all that but I reckon it's better to be prepared

Good luck!

[loz9 0]

Hey Rissa..quick question for you. On the DS-230 did you fill out one for you and one for your husband or just does the person intending to immigrate need to fille it out?? The way they've worded it is kind of confusing to me.

Thanks!

[kaffy 2]

Hi Loz, I believe only the intending immigrant (your husband) needs to fill out the DS230

[Rissa 0]

I think Loz is right, though it's been awhile so I don't know for sure.