Australian Beneficiaries - Packet 3 to Interview date

[VanessaTony 3,567]

We just received packet 3 via email! yay!

Congrats! It will go so fast now YAY! So excited for you!

[Warren and Cindy 6]

Finally they emailed us (not me but my fiancee) so we got the email 15 hours after it was sent, cause my fiancee just went to bed when they sent it, but thats ok, it is Tuesday 3rd November like i figured

*does happy dance*

[Miss Natalie 0]

Finally they emailed us (not me but my fiancee) so we got the email 15 hours after it was sent, cause my fiancee just went to bed when they sent it, but thats ok, it is Tuesday 3rd November like i figured

*does happy dance*

Yay! Congrats! Mine is the Tuesday before (ie this coming Tuesday). The nerves are starting. I looked through the sydney consulate reviews and everyone says its very relaxed but I still can't help being nervous ...and impatient. This process has made me realise what an impatient person I am

Good luck!

[alex and astrid 38]

Hey my lovely aussie guys and girls, here is an update as to how Alex and I are going -

No NOA2 yet Our projected approval was supposed to be in the next week or so, but CSC has slowed down a lot, so now we are looking at between November 4 and 26. Hopefully the projection is right, or we manage to get in early!

I went to the local cop shop on Thursday to find out about getting a police check. The cost is $158.45 for Queenslanders, and you have to ask for the "Application for a Police Certificate with a Fingerprint Search" form. There is a name only form, but thats not what we need. The lady at the desk tried to convince me otherwise, so to shut her up I took both forms, and promptly tossed the other one in the bin! I also found out that the info about police checks on the consulate website is incorrect, as your can request the results of the police check be sent to your home address rather than directly to the consulate. This is good news, since this means I can go ahead and get the check done, ready to send in after I get P3. So, I am getting the police check done next Thursday.

I finally have my full vaccination records! My high school vacc's were the last to get to me. After looking at the age appropriate shots, I have all of them, except whooping cough. So I have decided to go against advice and get the booster shot, which is called Boostrix and has Tetnus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis. You can only have this shot if you have the ADT shot previously, like I had. To get the shot, you just need to call you GP, get them to write a prescription for the shot, get it from the chemist, and then keep it in the fridge until you have your appointment. The shot isn't too badly priced, $32 from Chemist Warehouse. I expected it to be a lot dearer. I am also getting my GP to write a letter stating I have had 2 out of 3 Gardasil injections and the Boostrix shot. So on Monday I am going to ring the Brisbane panel doctors and book that too.

Hopefully CSC gets wind of all of this and gives us a NOA2 for our hard work

Hope all of you are having a smooth journey!

Astrid

[Giggles 1]

Hey Astrid, hopefully you will get your NOA2 soon. I've been considering getting my police check and medical done too before receiving Packet 3 but I'm undecided about it. I'm also in Brisbane but I'm a little worried about getting the police check sent to me rather than the consulate as their website states. It would be good though if I could have this done so I'll be prepared to send back Packet 3 asap. I was told when I called Anzac Square Medical Centre that appointments are usually scheduled within 7 to 10 days. I think I will wait and book mine once NVC has received our documents...whenever that may be

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Out of interest... I didn't even know there was an option to send to the Consulate. My check was sent to my house because it's a personal thing. PLUS, you're supposed to provide a photocopy as well as the original so how can you do that without the original to photocopy??

You'll be fine having it sent to you. That's what i did and I had no issues.. except it took FOREVER.. ugh. Pathetically so. I also had the clerk at the coppers try to tell me I didn't need my fingerprints taken. I told him i would prefer to pay for it and be wrong, than not pay for it and need to go back again.

Good luck.

[alex and astrid 38]

Hey Astrid, hopefully you will get your NOA2 soon. I've been considering getting my police check and medical done too before receiving Packet 3 but I'm undecided about it. I'm also in Brisbane but I'm a little worried about getting the police check sent to me rather than the consulate as their website states. It would be good though if I could have this done so I'll be prepared to send back Packet 3 asap. I was told when I called Anzac Square Medical Centre that appointments are usually scheduled within 7 to 10 days. I think I will wait and book mine once NVC has received our documents...whenever that may be

What part of Brissie are you in? I'm in the Indooroopilly area. Like Vanessa said, it's not a problem if you get the police cert sent to yourself, because thats how the other states do it. So, I would go head and get it, if you are nearing the time that you should get a NOA2.

When you called Anzac Medical, did they give you a rough idea of the cost of the exam?

Oh, and when did you file? If you fill in your timeline you can see when you can expect a decision on your case!

Edited October 24, 2009 by alex and astrid

[Giggles 1]

Out of interest... I didn't even know there was an option to send to the Consulate. My check was sent to my house because it's a personal thing. PLUS, you're supposed to provide a photocopy as well as the original so how can you do that without the original to photocopy??

The consulate's website says that NSW and QLD police check are sent directly to the consulate.

What part of Brissie are you in? I'm in the Indooroopilly area. Like Vanessa said, it's not a problem if you get the police cert sent to yourself, because thats how the other states do it. So, I would go head and get it, if you are nearing the time that you should get a NOA2.

When you called Anzac Medical, did they give you a rough idea of the cost of the exam?

Oh, and when did you file? If you fill in your timeline you can see when you can expect a decision on your case!

I'm out near Redbank....not very far from where you are. We sent our petition in late May or early June, we received NOA1 on 16 June and NOA2 on 21 Sept (5 weeks ago) but NVC haven't received our documents. We've tried calling and asking where our documents are at but they've just told us we need to wait. It's frustrating because I don't see how it could take 5 weeks for it to be sent to NVC. I'm starting to wonder whether our documents have been lost or something. We just saw on USCIS that they have a help line for military members, so first thing on Monday we're going to call because I want some answers!

I totally forgot to ask how much the medical exam cost when I called. I was more concerned in finding out how long it would take to get an appointment because I've seen on here that doctors other states can take weeks.

[alex and astrid 38]

Out of interest... I didn't even know there was an option to send to the Consulate. My check was sent to my house because it's a personal thing. PLUS, you're supposed to provide a photocopy as well as the original so how can you do that without the original to photocopy??

The consulate's website says that NSW and QLD police check are sent directly to the consulate.

What part of Brissie are you in? I'm in the Indooroopilly area. Like Vanessa said, it's not a problem if you get the police cert sent to yourself, because thats how the other states do it. So, I would go head and get it, if you are nearing the time that you should get a NOA2.

When you called Anzac Medical, did they give you a rough idea of the cost of the exam?

Oh, and when did you file? If you fill in your timeline you can see when you can expect a decision on your case!

I'm out near Redbank....not very far from where you are. We sent our petition in late May or early June, we received NOA1 on 16 June and NOA2 on 21 Sept (5 weeks ago) but NVC haven't received our documents. We've tried calling and asking where our documents are at but they've just told us we need to wait. It's frustrating because I don't see how it could take 5 weeks for it to be sent to NVC. I'm starting to wonder whether our documents have been lost or something. We just saw on USCIS that they have a help line for military members, so first thing on Monday we're going to call because I want some answers!

I totally forgot to ask how much the medical exam cost when I called. I was more concerned in finding out how long it would take to get an appointment because I've seen on here that doctors other states can take weeks.

Ahhh, so I take it you also enjoy the fun that is the Ipswich train line, lol. That sucks about your case being in limbo, there is no rhyme or reason for it, and when you ask, there is no answer! I wonder if they can even comprehend how our lives are hanging on their decisions and actions? I bet they don't, not until they are in our shoes. Maybe get your Fiance to contact his state's Senator to get things moving along, in addition to calling the military help line?

I am guessing the medical is going to be at least a few hundred I am going to call them tomorrow and ask them, and then book it when I have the funds. Police check is first up for me, because I am thinking it is going to take the longest. Good luck getting some answers from USCIS!

[Deb+Steve 13]

Out of interest... I didn't even know there was an option to send to the Consulate. My check was sent to my house because it's a personal thing. PLUS, you're supposed to provide a photocopy as well as the original so how can you do that without the original to photocopy??

The consulate's website says that NSW and QLD police check are sent directly to the consulate.

What part of Brissie are you in? I'm in the Indooroopilly area. Like Vanessa said, it's not a problem if you get the police cert sent to yourself, because thats how the other states do it. So, I would go head and get it, if you are nearing the time that you should get a NOA2.

When you called Anzac Medical, did they give you a rough idea of the cost of the exam?

Oh, and when did you file? If you fill in your timeline you can see when you can expect a decision on your case!

I'm out near Redbank....not very far from where you are. We sent our petition in late May or early June, we received NOA1 on 16 June and NOA2 on 21 Sept (5 weeks ago) but NVC haven't received our documents. We've tried calling and asking where our documents are at but they've just told us we need to wait. It's frustrating because I don't see how it could take 5 weeks for it to be sent to NVC. I'm starting to wonder whether our documents have been lost or something. We just saw on USCIS that they have a help line for military members, so first thing on Monday we're going to call because I want some answers!

I totally forgot to ask how much the medical exam cost when I called. I was more concerned in finding out how long it would take to get an appointment because I've seen on here that doctors other states can take weeks.

Ahhh, so I take it you also enjoy the fun that is the Ipswich train line, lol. That sucks about your case being in limbo, there is no rhyme or reason for it, and when you ask, there is no answer! I wonder if they can even comprehend how our lives are hanging on their decisions and actions? I bet they don't, not until they are in our shoes. Maybe get your Fiance to contact his state's Senator to get things moving along, in addition to calling the military help line?

I am guessing the medical is going to be at least a few hundred I am going to call them tomorrow and ask them, and then book it when I have the funds. Police check is first up for me, because I am thinking it is going to take the longest. Good luck getting some answers from USCIS!

Medical in Brisbane is $470 (includes X-ray but not vaccinations.

[Giggles 1]

Ahhh, so I take it you also enjoy the fun that is the Ipswich train line, lol. That sucks about your case being in limbo, there is no rhyme or reason for it, and when you ask, there is no answer! I wonder if they can even comprehend how our lives are hanging on their decisions and actions? I bet they don't, not until they are in our shoes. Maybe get your Fiance to contact his state's Senator to get things moving along, in addition to calling the military help line?

I am guessing the medical is going to be at least a few hundred I am going to call them tomorrow and ask them, and then book it when I have the funds. Police check is first up for me, because I am thinking it is going to take the longest. Good luck getting some answers from USCIS!

Lol. Yes I do.....and also the Ipswich Motorway which is even more fun than the Ipswich train line. I've been really stressing over our case the last month because nothing is happening. To make matters worse I was booked to go to the States last week but I cancelled because we thought it would be better for me to get this over and done with asap rather than wait until I got back. We ended up loosing quite a bit of money and now I don't know when I'll see my fiance. If we have no luck on Monday by calling the military help line, we'll be contacting the congressman in our area.

Medical in Brisbane is $470 (includes X-ray but not vaccinations.

Yikes! $470!?!? I was expecting it to be around $300 and something plus the cost of the vaccinations but oh well, it's got to be done. Does anyone know where I can get a list of the vaccinations that are required? I can't seem to find info on the specific vaccinations that are required for your age.

[alex and astrid 38]

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/pdf/ti_vacc.pdf

Go to this site, and towards the end, it has a table for the age appropriate vaccines. For Australians, we have mostly had all of the appropriate vaccines, the only ones I was missing was the Tetnus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis booster, and the Gardasil shot. I only have one shot to go for the Gardasil now, and am getting the ADT shot Thursday. It's going to huuuuuurt!

And I share your EEEEEK! about the medical! I don't know why it isn't that same price for all the panel doctors! Oh well, guess we need to (wo)man up and do it if we want to see our loves. An I'm sorry you had to cancel your trip, it must have been heart wrenching. How long has it been since you were together?

[BT4SK 0]

UPDATE - PACKET 4

So I finally received P4 via email today!! Also, I DID receive my police check that Monday 3rd August, AND my fiance's parcel that had the I-134 stuff in it arrived the next day.. at least a day ahead of schedule I sent P3 out that same day. YAY!!

If you see my signature, I received P4, two days after sending P3. I have filled in my timeline and my signature with the details

I received P4 via email because I completed the "email address form" that was sent with P3. I received it at 2.11pm today. Funnily enough I think I checked my email about 5 mins before that, and then I didn't check again till 4pm. Lol. Typical. My fiance was asleep by that stage and gets up early so I had to wait till 8.30pm to tell him . Everyone else definitely heard about it... lol. The email is sent from "SydneyIV"... needless to say I was very excited to see that name in my inbox

The body of the email says: ---

"Dear XXXX,

Your appointment has been scheduled for Tuesday, August XX, 2009 at XX:XX. Please bring this email as confirmation of your appointment and present it to our security guards on the day of your interview.

This document identifies additional documentation you will be required to supply on the day of interview. Failure to do so may result in a delay in the issuance of your visa.

There is one Microsoft Word document attached to the email which is a 4 page document check list. There are some instructions at the top of the first page, they are: ---

"Thank you for providing our office with documents for your final immigrant visa interview. Your appointment has been scheduled for:

Tuesday, August XX, 2009 at XX:XX

Please go to Level 10 of the MLC Centre for security check in on the day of your interview and present this letter to our security guards on the day of your interview to access the Consulate.

A review of your documents show that the following items will still be required before a visa can be issued to you. Please refer to the list below of items checked that will be required on the day of your scheduled appointment. If you have any queries on either of the below requirements please contact our office via email sydneyiv@state.gov .

Please ensure that the panel physician provides you with a copy of Form DS-3025, Vaccination Documentation Worksheet as part of your permanent health record. You should hand-carry this document with your sealed visa package and any other medical paperwork."

There is then what equates to around two pages of items that may be missing in the form of a check list which is marked by the person who received your package. At the front of each item are brackets "( )" that could contain an "X". Any item with an "X" needs to be brought to the interview. A small example of things on the list are: police certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate, evidence of support, translations etc. Basically anything that you may have been asked for previously, but have failed to provide, or which may be inadequate.

Personally, items ticked on my list were: passport, fee (AUD$170.30), and 3kg express post envelope. It also tells me that when I arrive I am to take a ticket (for the queue) for the "immigrant visa section".

The fee is to be paid at Australia Post. When my fiance sent me his I-134 documents, he sent me a money order for US$131, as that's what we were told the fee was, it said it on the website with the links from P3. I don't know at this stage whether they will allow me to pay with US, or whether I should just get the money exchanged. I'm concerned because the P4 checklist says AUD, I dont know if they'll accept a receipt for US. I'll update you all tomorrow when I go and ask the post office

I am VERY excited I have booked my flight to sydney with VirginBlue. It's costing me $81 (inc GST) each way. I saw online cheaper flights and asked my agent (family friend) why not the cheaper ones. She advised that from experience, and her friends experiences, that Tiger Airways (who are doing the cheap flights) deliberately overbook because the flights are cheap and people tend to miss the flights rather than cancel in time because it's so little money to lose. Her friend arrived for the flight and was told to come back tomorrow because the flight was overbooked. Apparently it's in the terms and conditions of the cheaper fare. Given that information, I forked out (or rather my mum did 'cause i get paid tomorrow ) $162 for my flight to sydney. More than i expected, but at least it's a guaranteed flight My flight arrives at 7.40am, and my interview isn't until 10am. My travel agent assured me there's a train from Sydney Airport to the central train station, and that there are 3 train stations in close proximity to the MLC centre. She also told me that street is where they film Sunrise She also said that I should be in the middle of town by 8.30am. That gives me an hour to grab a drink and relax and "pretty myself" from the flight... lol.

So, I hope this helps you all out a bit. *fingers crossed* everything goes according to plan Like I said, I'll let you know tomorrow about the fee AUD vs US and then I'll update again after my interview (19 days... woohoo!!).

Good luck to you all

Hugs

V*

Hey Vanessa

I read your post as it is very helpful.. Noticed that you husband is from Iowa. My future hubby is also from Iowa. We wil be living in Cedar Falls !

[lyekka 5]

Question for yall.....

Damo and I want to have our interview sometime right after christmas so I coincides with his work holiday. We now have packet 3, but dr charles decided to take a holiday and we are having to reschedule his medical for around november 17th. We now have police check in hand and im getting the I134 info together, and was wondering how fast are they booking interview dates from when they are receiving packet 3?

Thanks alot guys!

Jules

[Warren and Cindy 6]

Question for yall.....

Damo and I want to have our interview sometime right after christmas so I coincides with his work holiday. We now have packet 3, but dr charles decided to take a holiday and we are having to reschedule his medical for around november 17th. We now have police check in hand and im getting the I134 info together, and was wondering how fast are they booking interview dates from when they are receiving packet 3?

Thanks alot guys!

Jules

Going by my calculation, all the interviews are on a tuesday, and the date is usally the second tuesday after they recieve packet 3.