DCF In Australia- New Changes

[sadie33138 0]

Hmm Stewart flew United to LAX - cleared immigration and made a connecting USAirways flight in UNDER two hours. We booked a flight that cut it close...the airline said if he didn't make it they'd reschedule.

Thanks Karo. That was a narrow window, lol, glad it worked out for y'all.

[AussieDude 0]

We sent an email to the Sydney consulate in mid-May requesting packet 3 and the I-130 form, AND telling them that we were planning to file through an appointment after our wedding on 23 September... We received the packet just fine, and no information about anything changing. Seems they might not be sure about what's going on either?

I wonder what would happen if I sent in the DS-230 now, given we've got the forms already, to open up our file?

I'm going to email them tomorrow and see if I can get some clearer answers. I'll let you know what I hear back!

Chris

Hi Chris,

Any feedback from the consulate yet?

AussieDude

Edited June 7, 2006 by AussieDude

[Lunamel 0]

Nothing yet -- if we haven't heard anything by next week we'll email again. It would surprise me, though, if the delay is because they're still working out what's going on themselves!

I'll let you know when we get a response.

Chris

Nothing yet -- if we haven't heard anything by next week we'll email again. It would surprise me, though, if the delay is because they're still working out what's going on themselves!

I'll let you know when we get a response.

Chris

Oops, I mean it wouldn't surprise me...

[David A. 0]

I'm going to email them tomorrow and see if I can get some clearer answers. I'll let you know what I hear back!

Chris

What exactly did you ask them? I'm thinking about asking them a few questions myself, but I don't want to ask the same things, for it won't help any of us here.

[Lunamel 0]

Basically, we first noted that we'd recently received the packet 3 documents from them, together with the stated instructions on how to proceed with the application. We then said that an acquaintance had recently told us that their system would be changing from August 1. We asked whether this information is correct, or whether we could proceed on the basis of the information the consulate had just sent us and send in the DS-230 parts 1 and 2 now to start the process (telling them again that our wedding will be in September, after the changes are supposed to take effect). If the changes do apply to us, we asked if they could give us more information about the new procedure that we will need to follow.

I couched it this way on the slim chance that perhaps they'd let us follow the old method given we'd JUST received the instructions from them. I suspect that won't count for anything, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

I wonder if the reason they haven't got back is because that pdf file hasn't been approved for public release yet?? (Having worked for government before, this might not be so far-fetched). Sadie (or anyone else who knows), how did you find the link for that document?

[David A. 0]

Basically, we first noted that we'd recently received the packet 3 documents from them, together with the stated instructions on how to proceed with the application. We then said that an acquaintance had recently told us that their system would be changing from August 1. We asked whether this information is correct, or whether we could proceed on the basis of the information the consulate had just sent us and send in the DS-230 parts 1 and 2 now to start the process (telling them again that our wedding will be in September, after the changes are supposed to take effect). If the changes do apply to us, we asked if they could give us more information about the new procedure that we will need to follow.

I couched it this way on the slim chance that perhaps they'd let us follow the old method given we'd JUST received the instructions from them. I suspect that won't count for anything, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

I wonder if the reason they haven't got back is because that pdf file hasn't been approved for public release yet?? (Having worked for government before, this might not be so far-fetched). Sadie (or anyone else who knows), how did you find the link for that document?

Ya, that's what I'm hoping on... the slim chance that they'd let us continue with the old method.

As for the public release of the PDF/instructions, it's linked on the Sydney consular website. That should count for something. It took me a while to find it, but finally did. What makes me wonder is that it was so difficult to find, maybe it's just me! It took me 3 separate days (no, I didn't spend ALL day looking! ) to actually find the link on the site, but it's there. I'd tell you exactly how I got there but for some reason, I can't connect to the Sydney consulate, can you?

I emailed them requesting for packet 3 to be sent to my future wife a couple days ago (how long did it take for yours to arrive). We're going to go ahead and get started, at least find all the information we need. If the process does change we can focus more on how we'll be able to get it done in a timely manner, rather than wasting time gathering the information. At least if we've got packet 3, then she doesn't have to wait until I file the I-130 in Melbourne (according to the new instructions, Melbourne has jurisdiction for I-130s in South Australia). The newly found instructions state that packet 3 won't be sent out until after the I-130 is filed. If the consulate sees that we've already done it, maybe it will go by quicker, who knows?! I guess we'll find out shortly after August...

[Lunamel 0]

They sent us an email confirmation about our request for packet 3 about 1 or 2 days after we sent it, and we received the documents themselves in New York about 1 week after that. Have you asked for it to be sent to you, or to your partner in Australia? If it's to her, I expect she should have it very soon. Have you got any sort of email confirmation yet?

[David A. 0]

They sent us an email confirmation about our request for packet 3 about 1 or 2 days after we sent it, and we received the documents themselves in New York about 1 week after that. Have you asked for it to be sent to you, or to your partner in Australia? If it's to her, I expect she should have it very soon. Have you got any sort of email confirmation yet?

The only thing I got was an out of office reply two days later. I don't know if that counts as a confirmation because it really didn't say anything on there besides not sending in more than one inquiry. So who knows, maybe my fiance will be getting the packet very soon. I had it sent to her in Adelaide.

[sadie33138 0]

I wonder if the reason they haven't got back is because that pdf file hasn't been approved for public release yet?? (Having worked for government before, this might not be so far-fetched). Sadie (or anyone else who knows), how did you find the link for that document?

That link came off of their webside. Go to: http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/sydney/index.html

then to Visas to the U.S., then Immigrant Visas, then Immigrant Visas-General Information, then scroll down to Family Sponsored Immigration-fourth paragraph that says: to learn how to file a petition with the U.S.Consulate General in Melbourne, Perth or Sydney, please download these instuctions" Then click on download these instructions and that opens the pdf file with the instuctions:

http://sydney.usconsulate.gov/consular/Pet...nstructions.pdf

Directly from the Sydney Embassy website.

Edited June 8, 2006 by sadie33138

[Lunamel 0]

We finally received an email response from the Sydney Consulate!

They really didn't tell us much at all, except they confirmed that the process has indeed changed, and we must now follow the new procedure. They also attached a copy of the file Sadie found for our reference.

So I guess we'll all have to work this out together as a few of us go through the process. I'm curious whether any one you have have recently sent requests for the I-130 and the packet 3 have still received them, or whether you've been informed about the new process??

We'll be filing the I-130 in Melbourne in late September/early October after our wedding. We're going to email the Melbourne consulate soon to ask about the process of obtaining an appointment to file the I-130 -- I"m not sure how far in advance we'll be able to do it, but we want to try and sort it out so my partner can work out his flights to and from Australia. I'll let you know when we get any more information.

I'm not sure what difference it makes that we already have the documents -- I assume I can get my medical at anytime, and at least we'll be able to send in our DS-230 and D-2001 requesting an interview immediately after we receive the "real" packet 3 after filing the I-130.

Good luck everyone, and keep us updated of any developments you might have.

[meauxna 15]

I just finally read the new instruction pdf that sadie posted. I'm not sure what you all's concerns are. This 'new' process looks better, in the main, for most people.

This is what I took from a quick read through:

Petitioners can now file I-130 in person at the Consulate serving the Aussie's residence. (benefit to you: less travel to Sydney if you don't live near there)

USC can leave Australia immediately, if required.

Aussie spouse can complete DS-230 I & II anytime, and collect all documents--you all already know what those are). As soon as the I-130 is approved, Sydney will invite you to apply for an IV. You return the visa app and the checklist in the return post.

This sets you up for a place in the interview queue.

To me, this process sounds MUCH simpler! What have I missed?

[Lunamel 0]

I just finally read the new instruction pdf that sadie posted. I'm not sure what you all's concerns are. This 'new' process looks better, in the main, for most people.

This is what I took from a quick read through:

Petitioners can now file I-130 in person at the Consulate serving the Aussie's residence. (benefit to you: less travel to Sydney if you don't live near there)

USC can leave Australia immediately, if required.

Aussie spouse can complete DS-230 I & II anytime, and collect all documents--you all already know what those are). As soon as the I-130 is approved, Sydney will invite you to apply for an IV. You return the visa app and the checklist in the return post.

This sets you up for a place in the interview queue.

To me, this process sounds MUCH simpler! What have I missed?

For me, it's just a time issue (though I realize my situation is a little unusual) and the fact that we can't get the process going before we're married. I'm in the US now, but getting married in late September in Australia. I was planning to return to Australia in early August to get my medical and police check, and request an interview for just after our wedding so my fiance and I could return to the US as soon as possible after that (I have a job lined up, which I want to get back here for asap). With the new process we won't be able to start the application until after the wedding, so it will put the process back a bit. I realise that this is a minor setback for us given the trials and tribulations that many people have to go through with their applications, so I'm not complaining, just trying to get the facts straight. Nonetheless, it will be a lengthier process in our case than the previous system.

The only other thing I see from the new instructions is that packet 3 won't be sent until after the I-130 is filed and approved, so I guess this means the australian spouse can't organize the medical in advance like they used to be able to.

[sadie33138 0]

We'll be filing the I-130 in Melbourne in late September/early October after our wedding. We're going to email the Melbourne consulate soon to ask about the process of obtaining an appointment to file the I-130 -- I"m not sure how far in advance we'll be able to do it, but we want to try and sort it out so my partner can work out his flights to and from Australia. I'll let you know when we get any more information.

I'm not sure what difference it makes that we already have the documents -- I assume I can get my medical at anytime, and at least we'll be able to send in our DS-230 and D-2001 requesting an interview immediately after we receive the "real" packet 3 after filing the I-130.

Good luck everyone, and keep us updated of any developments you might have.

Reading the instructions, it says:

"the petitioner (read UScitizen) must personally file with the Consulate at Sydney on any THURSDAY except U.S. and Australian holidays, between 8:00a.m. and 12:00 noon. However, the security guards must screen you before 11:45 a.m. to gain access to the unit"

Reading that it appears that you can do a walk-in to file the I-130 on any Thursday except a holiday. I would certainly plead my case and see if you can get them to accept the DS-2001 and DS-230. It goes on to say you have to have an appointment to file in Melbourne but not in Perth as you can do walk-in Monday to Thursday 8:30a.m. - 11:30 a.m. It does give you options.

We'll be filing the I-130 in Melbourne in late September/early October after our wedding. We're going to email the Melbourne consulate soon to ask about the process of obtaining an appointment to file the I-130 -- I"m not sure how far in advance we'll be able to do it, but we want to try and sort it out so my partner can work out his flights to and from Australia. I'll let you know when we get any more information.

I'm not sure what difference it makes that we already have the documents -- I assume I can get my medical at anytime, and at least we'll be able to send in our DS-230 and D-2001 requesting an interview immediately after we receive the "real" packet 3 after filing the I-130.

Good luck everyone, and keep us updated of any developments you might have.

Reading the instructions, it says:

"the petitioner (read UScitizen) must personally file with the Consulate at Sydney on any THURSDAY except U.S. and Australian holidays, between 8:00a.m. and 12:00 noon. However, the security guards must screen you before 11:45 a.m. to gain access to the unit"

Reading that it appears that you can do a walk-in to file the I-130 on any Thursday in Sydney except a holiday. I would certainly plead my case and see if you can get them to accept the DS-2001 and DS-230. It goes on to say you have to have an appointment to file in Melbourne but not in Perth as you can do walk-in Monday to Thursday 8:30a.m. - 11:30 a.m. It does give you options.

Although it also says petitions filed in Melbourne and Perth are sent to Sydney for approval so it might save you time to just file in Sydney anyway

Edited June 9, 2006 by sadie33138

[sadie33138 0]

Sorry all, just reread the instructions and looks like the petitioner has to file in the Consulate that has jurisdiction over the Aus.citizen. Drat.

[Lunamel 0]

Thanks Sadie. On my reading, though, the walk-in on Thursdays only applies for visa applicants from NSW, ACT and Qld. On the page about applicants from Vic, Tas, NT and SA, it says:

"Visa applicants residing in the above-mentioned states come under the consular jurisdiction of the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne for filing and approval of I-130 petitions. The petitioner must personally file the petition with the Consulate at Melbourne. "

Makes it somewhat easier for those of us in Melbourne, I guess, but I'm not so sure about anyone from Darwin!