LAND DOWNUNDER, Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

[SCFsnoopy 0]

Well, I got my NOA2 yesterday!!

I know that it goes to NVC and from there to the consulate - just wondering, do you get an email when they forward it to NVC? And do I need to call NVC to get my case number, or will that be emailed to me or Jesse? Confuzzled

Just waiting for Jesse to get the hardcopy NOA2 and mail me a copy so that I can go ahead with my medicals.

One more question regarding immunizations - I guess I will have to ask the doc about this too - I don't think I still have my baby (blue) book, and all of my medical records were burned in a bushfire several years ago (basically everything from birth to age 12), so do you think the doc will be able to sign some sort of affidavit that I am up to date with shots? (although I do know that I need a booster for at least MMR). I'm hoping she has records but I'm not really sure she does.

[kaffy 2]

If you have no records to show but are certain you have had the shots the doctor will do a blood (titre) test to test for immunity

[Rings 10]

Get the blood test and that will prove what you are immune to and the current doctor you have will sign for it. Get copies of your medical documents if you can because they take them at POE in the sealed evenlope and you don't want to have to pay for them twice. we were lucky because we had copies and the TB skin testing rule came out in the middle of our immigration so we had what we needed because Loke's doctor gave him copies. Otherwise he would have had to do it all over again

[SCFsnoopy 0]

Get the blood test and that will prove what you are immune to and the current doctor you have will sign for it. Get copies of your medical documents if you can because they take them at POE in the sealed evenlope and you don't want to have to pay for them twice. we were lucky because we had copies and the TB skin testing rule came out in the middle of our immigration so we had what we needed because Loke's doctor gave him copies. Otherwise he would have had to do it all over again

Good idea, especially about the copies. I was thinking about just going to my regular doc (who's known me since childhood) and seeing what forms she has on my record - because she also has copies of my medicals from my J-1 visa and another one from when I was applying for an exhange student year - and if there's anything missing I'd get a blood test and get all of my shots up to date and documented before going to the medical with the panel physician.

[Rings 10]

Yes. Please get copies because you nver know what will happen. TB chest X-rays were all that was required when Loke and I were going through immigration, then there was that nut dude that was flying over the world on planes with TB and they changed the law in the middles of our immigration and then instead of just x-rays for the chest we had to do skin testing as well.. way for one person to ruin it for everyone. Anyway it cost us like $250 more dollars after he was here and it would have made more sense for him to do it in Australia because they have universal healthcare. It's better to be safe than sorry and cheaper in Australia than here.We were unlucky because that happened after he flew to the USA and we had to pay for it additionally Hope my experience helps

[Rings 10]

PS: They say they send the medical documents in the envelope at POE but they never allow you to see the contents of the sealed evelope so having your own personal copies never hurts.

Loke's doctor knew him all his life so he was glad to offer the copies. most doctorss who know you will do that.

[Simon and Janet 6]

Well, I got my NOA2 yesterday!!

I know that it goes to NVC and from there to the consulate - just wondering, do you get an email when they forward it to NVC? And do I need to call NVC to get my case number, or will that be emailed to me or Jesse? Confuzzled

Just waiting for Jesse to get the hardcopy NOA2 and mail me a copy so that I can go ahead with my medicals.

One more question regarding immunizations - I guess I will have to ask the doc about this too - I don't think I still have my baby (blue) book, and all of my medical records were burned in a bushfire several years ago (basically everything from birth to age 12), so do you think the doc will be able to sign some sort of affidavit that I am up to date with shots? (although I do know that I need a booster for at least MMR). I'm hoping she has records but I'm not really sure she does.

Congrats!

The whole NVC confuses me a bit.... what do they do with the package when they receive it considering USCIS has already given it approval?

How long in general have Aussies had to wait from NOA2 until the embassy has received it? Anyone know?

[SCFsnoopy 0]

Well, I got my NOA2 yesterday!!

I know that it goes to NVC and from there to the consulate - just wondering, do you get an email when they forward it to NVC? And do I need to call NVC to get my case number, or will that be emailed to me or Jesse? Confuzzled

Just waiting for Jesse to get the hardcopy NOA2 and mail me a copy so that I can go ahead with my medicals.

One more question regarding immunizations - I guess I will have to ask the doc about this too - I don't think I still have my baby (blue) book, and all of my medical records were burned in a bushfire several years ago (basically everything from birth to age 12), so do you think the doc will be able to sign some sort of affidavit that I am up to date with shots? (although I do know that I need a booster for at least MMR). I'm hoping she has records but I'm not really sure she does.

Congrats!

The whole NVC confuses me a bit.... what do they do with the package when they receive it considering USCIS has already given it approval?

How long in general have Aussies had to wait from NOA2 until the embassy has received it? Anyone know?

I've been under the impression that once the embassy sends packet 3 it's pretty quick for us. I'm not planning on leaving for the US until Dec 26th but I'm rushing Jesse to get the I-134, etc, ready so that I can have my visa as soon as possible. I remember when I booked my J-1 interview it was maybe a 3 week wait, hopefully not much has changed since a couple of years ago

[Rings 10]

How long it takes depends on your case and circumstaces. Some people breeze through it and some have to wait months for it. I recommend looking at some of the time lines of people from your service center.

[SCFsnoopy 0]

Oh boy, you guys are going to get sick of me, I have so many questions!

Just looking at the police check stuff - did you guys have to mail a form in, or were you able to hand it in in person at the police station? (if so, at the same time you went to get fingerprints? I'm assuming there's no appointments you need to make). I live in Canberra. I'm confused about the fingerprints too, is there anything specific they need them for / should I get a copy of them or do they just go with the completed check? I don't remember needing fingerprints for my J-1.

[kaffy 2]

I'm not sure about the ACT but in QLD I just went down to my local police station, completed a form and had the police officer take my finger prints for me. I paid a fee and they sent it off to the central office to be processed on my behalf

[mrsemcee 1]

Well, I got my NOA2 yesterday!!

I know that it goes to NVC and from there to the consulate - just wondering, do you get an email when they forward it to NVC? And do I need to call NVC to get my case number, or will that be emailed to me or Jesse? Confuzzled

Just waiting for Jesse to get the hardcopy NOA2 and mail me a copy so that I can go ahead with my medicals.

One more question regarding immunizations - I guess I will have to ask the doc about this too - I don't think I still have my baby (blue) book, and all of my medical records were burned in a bushfire several years ago (basically everything from birth to age 12), so do you think the doc will be able to sign some sort of affidavit that I am up to date with shots? (although I do know that I need a booster for at least MMR). I'm hoping she has records but I'm not really sure she does.

hey, i got my NOA2 as well!

good luck with NVC.

i would suggest getting a blood test to show your immunisation history, if you have time. i did it and now i have a list. also, you can contact your local Council to get your history if you know which Council you were under when you were a child and had them. i got all mine that way, and on top of that, i work for a Council so i know they will give you them.

also, the police check, get onto it asap, mine took soooo long to come back, and call them after a week to see if they are processing it. mine was done ahead of NOA2 but i still had to ring and "remind" them as it sat there for 2 weeks without anyone touching it, god knows why.

i'm having my medical this Friday. i am so excited. it's in Melbourne with Dr Charles... i can't wait to get it over with.

oh yes, also, does anyone know once Case Complete, how long it'll take to get an interview in Sydney? i know it's a generic question, and sometimes hard to answer according to how busy they are, but an idea of how long it took others would help

[kaffy 2]

12 days for me last year from when i sent in packet 3 to when i received packet 4 / interview date

[Rings 10]

"oh yes, also, does anyone know once Case Complete, how long it'll take to get an interview in Sydney? i know it's a generic question, and sometimes hard to answer according to how busy they are, but an idea of how long it took others would help "

Look at my time line. Ours came so fast that we were not even expecting it. Be prepaired for it!

[SCFsnoopy 0]

Here's an interesting little tidbit for anyone who pops into this thread from Canberra...

I called ACT Policing today to ask about the police check, theu put me through to an inquiries line to ask... apparently we need to make an appointment, and not all stations are available on all days (there are only about 5 stations in the ACT). So I've got to call back to make an appointment and in all likelihood take a day off work to go do it, since none of them are available on weekends -.- What a pain. The woman I was speaking to was real crabby, she hesitated when I asked for her number (since I'd been transferred) to call back and make an appointment - then gave me the number in a big huge rush like she was hoping I'd miss it Sorry honey, but my visa is more important to me than your bad day!

Edited September 15, 2009 by SCFsnoopy