DCF In Australia- New Changes

[sadie33138 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!

Yeh, saw that after I posted, lol. Sorry about that. You have to count your blessings though, at least they still let US citizens file there without being resident.

[AussieDude 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?

I believe the only difference is the medical check. The police check anyone can instantiate at any time, however, for the medical check, you would need the forms in Packet 3. Being able to do this ahead of time would save a couple of weeks.

Otherwise, I believe that the new system was set up to actually make it easier for us. This way, there's no questions about how to fill out forms (eg can I put my wedding date from the future), can I send my DS-230 before getting married etc etc. From their perspective, I can see how having people send in paperwork for a relationship that does not exist yet may seem a little wrong.

If I knew someone at the consulate I would point out to them that perhaps if they published guidelines and allowed us to get checks and other paperwork completed before any application for a visa, everyone would be happy. This way we could get the things out of the way, and then file all the paperwork together, and they wouldn't have to keep track of visa applicants that aren't married to USCs yet.

By the way, since I had obtained my packet 3 before the new procedures, can someone point out to me what happens with the medical check forms? I assume we take in the medical check forms to the authorised doctor, he/she fills them out. Then what? Do I keep the completed medical forms or does he/she send them directly to the embassy. If I get to keep them, those of us in the transition phase can probably still get our medical checks done, we just won't be able to send in the DS-230 until after we are married and our USC partner files the I-130.

AussieDude

[sadie33138 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?

I believe the only difference is the medical check. The police check anyone can instantiate at any time, however, for the medical check, you would need the forms in Packet 3. Being able to do this ahead of time would save a couple of weeks.

Otherwise, I believe that the new system was set up to actually make it easier for us. This way, there's no questions about how to fill out forms (eg can I put my wedding date from the future), can I send my DS-230 before getting married etc etc. From their perspective, I can see how having people send in paperwork for a relationship that does not exist yet may seem a little wrong.

If I knew someone at the consulate I would point out to them that perhaps if they published guidelines and allowed us to get checks and other paperwork completed before any application for a visa, everyone would be happy. This way we could get the things out of the way, and then file all the paperwork together, and they wouldn't have to keep track of visa applicants that aren't married to USCs yet.

By the way, since I had obtained my packet 3 before the new procedures, can someone point out to me what happens with the medical check forms? I assume we take in the medical check forms to the authorised doctor, he/she fills them out. Then what? Do I keep the completed medical forms or does he/she send them directly to the embassy. If I get to keep them, those of us in the transition phase can probably still get our medical checks done, we just won't be able to send in the DS-230 until after we are married and our USC partner files the I-130.

AussieDude

Biggest change: "Same day turnaround for visa services is no longer feasible"

Now it looks like you have to file at the Consulate that has jurisdiction over where the Aus. citizen lives. The USC files the I-130 in person, when it is approved by Sydney you are mailed package 3, you send in DS-230 I & II and DS-2001 if you have all your documents and are ready for an interview. Then they mail you an interview letter. (Probably that is when you get the medical forms as well)

Don't know what the med.clinics do in Australia, but in New Zealand they mail the results directly to the Embassy.

[aussiewench 9]

Don't know what the med.clinics do in Australia, but in New Zealand they mail the results directly to the Embassy.

Here in Sydney I was able to pick mine up or have it mailed out to me.

[AussieDude 0]

Don't know what the med.clinics do in Australia, but in New Zealand they mail the results directly to the Embassy.

Here in Sydney I was able to pick mine up or have it mailed out to me.

Hmm, thus I could actually still get all the things that take time out of the way. I believe that the police checks and medical checks are both valid for a year so having them done before the petition is filed should be ok. Once the petition is filed and the DS-230 is sent in, I can enter the case number onto the medical check documents I assume and all should be sweet.

Perhaps this is what those of us in transition can do, just get everything done, and as soon as the petition is filed and approved, send in the DS-230 and DS-2001 indicating that we are ready for interview.

Comments anyone?

AussieDude

[meauxna 15]

Perhaps this is what those of us in transition can do, just get everything done, and as soon as the petition is filed and approved, send in the DS-230 and DS-2001 indicating that we are ready for interview.

Comments anyone?

AussieDude

AD,

Without going back to check, that's how I read it anyway. The OzCit should get everything ready ahead anyway. Except maybe the medical. But anyone who is going to apply for a visa this year can get all of the other things ready now--why wait.

USC files the I-130. OzCit gets notice and returns in the next post. This is basically how a London DCF goes.

Just make sure your USC is working on that I-864

[AussieDude 0]

Perhaps this is what those of us in transition can do, just get everything done, and as soon as the petition is filed and approved, send in the DS-230 and DS-2001 indicating that we are ready for interview.

Comments anyone?

AussieDude

AD,

Without going back to check, that's how I read it anyway. The OzCit should get everything ready ahead anyway. Except maybe the medical. But anyone who is going to apply for a visa this year can get all of the other things ready now--why wait.

USC files the I-130. OzCit gets notice and returns in the next post. This is basically how a London DCF goes.

Just make sure your USC is working on that I-864

Yeah I've got her tax transcripts/returns for the last 3 years which luckily we don't need all of them anymore, but luckily we have them.

What I've been debating is, since she works as a freelancer, jobs in her industry don't last more than 3 months or so. I could get her to get a letter from a friend where she's working part time between jobs, or I guess she could write a letter on behalf of herself (ie being self employed). However, the new guidelines don't even need proof of current employment (that's how I understood them anyway). I know it would be smart to have it, so maybe I'll ask her to obtain a letter. Otherwise, her last tax return shows that she's way above the threshold so it shows earning capacity.

AussieDude

[ppboo 0]

For I-184, I found this - Revised Requirements for Form I-864 Processing

http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegram...grams_2863.html

[BigAussieZee 0]

Finally its in writing.

excert from the link ppboo posted:

Revised Requirements for Form I-864 Processing

2. Summary. Effective immediately, sponsors filing an I-864

are required to submit only their Federal tax return for their

most recent tax year, current as of the date of execution of the

I-864. The I-864 will remain valid indefinitely absent other

evidence of failure to meet the public charge provisions of the

law and should be evaluated based on the poverty guidelines in

effect on the date of filing with NVC or with post. [NOTE:

Reftel had indicated that poverty guidelines in effect as of the

date of signing would apply. Instead, posts are to consider the

guidelines in effect as of the date the I-864 is submitted.]

Updated tax returns should not be requested absent positive

evidence of public charge issues. The sponsor signature on Form

I-864 does not need to be notarized since the sponsor is signing

under penalty of perjury. Photocopies of Form I-864 that are

submitted for derivative applicants do not require an original

signature or notarization. [NOTE: Reftel had included existing

9 FAM language, requiring notarized signatures on an original I-

864 and an original signature on each photocopy. The new

guidance is consistent with current DHS requirements.] Posts are

reminded that there are some circumstances in which the I-864 is

not required. (For these exceptions, see 9 FAM 40.41 N3.4, 9 FAM

40.41 N3.4-2, 9 FAM 40.41 N3.4-3,and 9 FAM 40.41 N4.6-3.) End

summary.

[CarolineM 0]

Wow you guys seem to be totally on top of it! Seem to be getting some clarity to the new process.

As someone said, at least the USC CAN still file there w/o residency!! Count our blessings!!

It's so weird...This whole thing reminds me of saved by the bell, the new class. The "old" dcf'ers from Oz have kinda moved on and now there's a new class

I love it! THe more AUssie AMerican couples the better I say!

oh, and, GO SOCCEROOS!

[David A. 0]

I just received an email from the Sydney Consulate. They are no longer sending out Packet 3 to those trying to do same day filing, and we must now follow the new procedures. So much for an August 1st deadline.

I guess the August 1st deadline doesn't really apply to anyone since they're already implementing this new procedure.

So for those of you who already have appointments, congratulations.

Edited June 14, 2006 by David A.

[Lunamel 0]

I just received an email from the Sydney Consulate. They are no longer sending out Packet 3 to those trying to do same day filing, and we must now follow the new procedures. So much for an August 1st deadline.

I guess the August 1st deadline doesn't really apply to anyone since they're already implementing this new procedure.

So for those of you who already have appointments, congratulations.

Sorry to hear you didn't sneak through to get packet 3, but it shouldn't make too much difference timewise. Your fiancee could still get her police-check done, and you can make sure you have all the information you need by downloading the relevant forms.

I suppose the main thing is the medical -- though I imagine if you plan it right, this shouldn't make a difference timewise either. If you know, in advance, the date when you're going to file the I-130, she could probably make an appointment for her medical for a couple of weeks after that, at which time you should have received the packet 3 forms. Given that there seems to be about a 4 week turnaround for interviews, she could send back the DS-2001 as soon as she receives packet 3, and get the medical in the intervening period. I guess we'll have a better idea about timing when a few people start going through the new process!

[claireybearyloo 0]

I am the Aussie and received Packet 3 in April.

I scheduled a medical appointment for early July and am planning to go ahead with that appointment (because I’ve got the paperwork) and will organise a police check before we marry on 7 October 2006.

The biggest delay looks like getting the certified copy of the marriage certificate before we can file the 1-130 and I-864 in Sydney since they no longer accept the certificate issued on the day of the wedding.

I just hope everything goes to plan . . .

[Lunamel 0]

Another update about the new DCF procedure for people who already have their hands on Packet 3...

We got another email from Sydney this morning, which replied in more detail to the email we sent last week. They told us that since we already have packet 3, we can send in the DS-230 parts 1 & 2 now, or at anytime before my US husband files the I-130. We can also send in the DS-2001 before he files the I-130, so Sydney have all the forms and they can schedule an interview for me as soon as they get the I-130 sent up from Melbourne. So for those of you wondering if you can get your medicals and info together beforehand, the answer is yes!

We told them we'll be filing the I-130 in early October, and they also told us to go ahead and try and schedule an appointment with Melbourne for that now, given we know the dates that suit my partner.

Hope that helps some of you. When I'm not so snowed under with work, I'll try to put all this together for the Aussie DCF thread.

[BigAussieZee 0]

I am the Aussie and received Packet 3 in April.

I scheduled a medical appointment for early July and am planning to go ahead with that appointment (because I’ve got the paperwork) and will organise a police check before we marry on 7 October 2006.

The biggest delay looks like getting the certified copy of the marriage certificate before we can file the 1-130 and I-864 in Sydney since they no longer accept the certificate issued on the day of the wedding.

I just hope everything goes to plan . . .

If you are in Sydney you will have no trouble getting your certified copy of Marriage Certificate. Just go to Births, Deaths, and Marriages and pay for urgent processing fee of $52 (non-urgent $36) and they will do it for you right away. Mine took only 2min to get, no kidding, it was that fast. NSW BDM are the best government dept. I have ever had experience with.

Ours might have been so quick as our Celebrant entered the details of our wedding via the internet before the service, then after were married she completed it. We were married on a Friday and got our Certificate on the following Monday morning.

Check these out:

http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/

application form

Hope this helps,

I'd call BDM if you want to know more, I found them quite helpful.