LAND DOWNUNDER

[vylex 0]

Vylex, hang in there. You know what... with this whole thing that happened, if I had just done it the way it's done now back in September... this would have been finished probably around the same time and we probably could have saved thousands of dollars. But that's just the way life is sometimes. You just deal with the situation and move on. But hang in there... you'll get through it. Believe me.

Thanks David. Yeah, I'll get through this because of all the folks here. I just hope there are no long delays due to process error. Oh well, like you said, that's the way life is sometimes. We just roll with the punches.

The one good thing is that since we weren't planning on the migration until late September there is hope that things will work themselves out for us. Right now, I am focusing on my upcoming visit in April and our Church wedding which is going to be in Sydney come August. The only thing worrying me is the chance that the paperwork will start showing up while I am in Sydney. I hope that I get the NOA2 by late April / early May and the NVC process begins the same time or at least by June. That way, any remaining paperwork will be sent to the wife in Sydney. The state of the Vermont Service Center is what scares me right now. I read about a few people having problems getting their paperwork processed due to back-ups. It was historically the fastest SC but my confidence in them is low right now. I hope I am wrong. Oh, well I guess there isn't much else for me to do but wait and be ready should the VSC need anything else from me.

Anyway, I am so happy for you! I used to read up on your posts and questions regarding the process back then since I was following essentially the same path. Glad the worst is over and now you get to welcome your wife again, but this time as a PR.

[Elle 0]

I am almost in shock...but I have the visa in my hand as well as the secret brown envelope!!!

The same person who worked on David & Stephanie's visa must have done mine too as I received it yesterday - March 14th 2007.

Our visa journey is almost complete. I am planning to leave the country in June. So hopefully POE goes without a hitch!!! But I have already learned that in situations like this, you expect the worse and hope for the best.

We first met in May '01, married in '02...and here we are almost 6 years of doing the long distance thing, we can finally start and build our life together. My goodness I was only 18 when we met and here I am about to turn 25 later this year!

Thank you to everyone - for all the support and encouragement. Lorelle, Chris, Kath and Lyndel - you guys were right, it would all make sense at the end.

My petition in Vermont (over 6 months later) is still pending - so I sincerely hope all those with petitions in USCIS offices will get their NOA2s a LOT quicker.

Thank GOD we found out about DCF - or I really do not know what we would do. Though that wasn't without a hitch either lol. I did end up contacting Bangkok and they were aiming for I-130s to be readjudicated within 2 weeks. It was a nice surprise that my final interview was not cancelled and since the Consulate was closed, they had already taken the intiative to send our files to be re-adjudicated (kudos to Sydney Consulate).

My interview was surprisingly easy. The same consulate officer was the one who conducted our I-130 interview. A young American man, Walter was his name. He actually recognized me and said oh I did your I-130 interview! So he asked me a couple of questions, where did you meet, then he asked 'How long have you and your fiancee - i mean husband - been together'. Not sure if he was trying to trick me but he corrected himself anyways lol. Asked if I been in the hospital and then the oath, took my fingerprints and that was it. He just mentioned the changing my name thing -- I basically was dumbfounded and asked "So thats it?"

The hiccup at the end was my name lol.

Vylex - depending on what your wife would like to use as her name, essentially what I have done is match my name to the name I have used in forms - which is First Middle and Maiden Name. I did this by first going to NSW Birth, Death and Marriage Registry (cost me $155 for next day change) http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/changeName/changeName.htm, I went to my local RTA, filled out a form then changed my licence to include my middle name (you have to show your name change certificate from NSW BDM - licence name change http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/gettin...ml?llid=12 didnt cost me anything), then I changed my passport - go to your local post office and get a form, passport change was $193 + 73 priority processing. The passport office was brilliant - they received it on Wednesday and Thursday arvo I received an e-mail stating it was ready to be collected.

OOh I did all that last week and I was a stresshead. I just wanted to get it over and done with.

I collected it Friday morning, sent it to the Consulate via Express Post, then Tuesday they sent my visa out!

I still can't believe it...I guess it will all finally sink in when I am in Bmore with Eric, and we are sitting on the couch and its like *breathes a sigh of relief* we've come a long way...and now we start the new chapter of our lives **together**.

Edited March 15, 2007 by Elle

[Elle 0]

Lyndel - how are you shipping all your shoes? lol I doubt United will be as nice as Thai Airways. I have the same problem with my shoes and handbags (well I have an excuse, I have been working for Oroton for over 3 yrs, you build a nice collection lol).

How did you guys ship your goodies to the States? How much does it usually cost roughly? I dont have any furniture to ship out, just the usual stuff and lots of books.

BTW, Sere - great link! I've already book marked it! Eric likes his Imperial Leather soap so he was glad he found it in there lol.

[Poi_n_J 0]

Lyndel - how are you shipping all your shoes? lol I doubt United will be as nice as Thai Airways. I have the same problem with my shoes and handbags (well I have an excuse, I have been working for Oroton for over 3 yrs, you build a nice collection lol).

How did you guys ship your goodies to the States? How much does it usually cost roughly? I dont have any furniture to ship out, just the usual stuff and lots of books.

BTW, Sere - great link! I've already book marked it! Eric likes his Imperial Leather soap so he was glad he found it in there lol.

Congrats Elle.. How exciting, am so pleased for you, what patience you have shown...may you have an enjoyeable next journey (marriage)..!!!

I will be reading in on the answers to those excellent questions for when my turn comes.

But also: I was going to wait till I was in the States to change my name on everything do you think it's best I do it here though?

Cheers,

Pris.

[serendipitous 0]

Lyndel - how are you shipping all your shoes? lol I doubt United will be as nice as Thai Airways. I have the same problem with my shoes and handbags (well I have an excuse, I have been working for Oroton for over 3 yrs, you build a nice collection lol).

How did you guys ship your goodies to the States? How much does it usually cost roughly? I dont have any furniture to ship out, just the usual stuff and lots of books.

BTW, Sere - great link! I've already book marked it! Eric likes his Imperial Leather soap so he was glad he found it in there lol.

I'm glad you found it useful!

My fiance had a ball over that site too! He says that the aussie goodies will definitely help the transition to living in the US!

I've used that soap before too! It is pretty nice.. haha!

simplyoz.com frigging rocks...

and

Congratulations David & Steph!! I hope you have a wonderful journey with each other

[Elle 0]

Thanks Priscilla!!

About the name change, I dont have any intentions of changing my name (i had to change it to include my middle name in my passport)so I'm not sure on that one to be honest. I know when aussiewench did her name change, it was so she can get the visa and the lot in her married name. Does anyone have any other ideas?

Oh when I was at the NSW BDM Registry -- the man who processed my name change turned out to be my neighbour! How random was that lol.

[CarolineM 0]

so much good news around here lately!!!

Keep it coming.

[vylex 0]

Vylex - depending on what your wife would like to use as her name, essentially what I have done is match my name to the name I have used in forms - which is First Middle and Maiden Name. I did this by first going to NSW Birth, Death and Marriage Registry (cost me $155 for next day change) http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/changeName/changeName.htm, I went to my local RTA, filled out a form then changed my licence to include my middle name (you have to show your name change certificate from NSW BDM - licence name change http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/gettin...ml?llid=12 didnt cost me anything), then I changed my passport - go to your local post office and get a form, passport change was $193 + 73 priority processing. The passport office was brilliant - they received it on Wednesday and Thursday arvo I received an e-mail stating it was ready to be collected.

Wow! Congrats Elle! That's wonderful news!

Thanks so much for the info links and process! I am going to have my wife add the middle name so it matches with the application. So it will be First, Middle, and Last (Maiden) Name like yours. I think the most important thing they needed to see was the Middle name in the Name Change Certificate so we will do that when I visit in April. I think we will also have it added to her Driver's License. I need to figure out what to do about the Passport though because if they issue the Visa in our married name it could make it troublesome at the POE. I've read we can do it that way as long as we have the Marriage Certificate but I'll see. If it's a hassle, I'll pay again to have it changed to our Married name before she flies out. So many little annoying details LOL.

I also emailed the Sydney Consulate and they told me they need it the same way it is filed. However, they said they can issue it in our married (my last) name during the interview so that's cool.

Wow! Baltimore? Sweet! I go down there a lot (from NJ) and hangout with friends. Beautiful area! I love hearing all this good news! It's going to be beautiful down there in June. Happy Travels!

[Elle 0]

Vylex - Actually I think the issue with my name was it should have matched my birth certificate - which was First, Middle and Maiden Name. It just so happened that I did fill out the forms including my middlename.

My middle name is my mums maiden name - I was blaming her last week for the extra stuff I had to do lol. I was being a real brat! Didnt you mention that your wifes middle name is also her mother's maiden name? Shes not of Filipino descent by any chance?

Yup - Bmore! This is why I am RAVENS fan! Since we've been together, I go there every June/July for the summer! Eric is actually thinking of flying here in May -- I think he doesnt want me to up him in visits lol. Hope it all works out.

Still cant believe it. Im expecting for another bombshell to hit us...ahhh, I should just try and enjoy the moment. Wish I could fly out now! I was supposed to fly out March 21st, but had it changed.

Not sure if this is correct - But I have a IR1 visa and would ultimately get issued a 10yr greencard - is it true I have to leave the US once a year?

Now I'm trying to find out info if I can get my superannuation before I leave! Let you guys know how it goes.

[David A. 0]

Congratulations Elle,

You're right, the same person must have been working on our visa's because Rose had no idea what was going on. As far as Walter was concerned. He did the same thing to my wife during her interview, tried to trip her up, but my wife kept correcting him... So ya, same ease as yours. I'm glad it's all over. You have been waiting this long, you guys deserve it.

Edited March 15, 2007 by David A.

[Poi_n_J 0]

Now I'm trying to find out info if I can get my superannuation before I leave! Let you guys know how it goes.

Ooh funny you should mention that, I was just asking Kath the same thing of what happens to that.

I'll be interested in the answer to that one too.

[Elle 0]

Thanks David! Congrats to you & Stephanie too!!! It's been really good to have you guys lead the DCF while we were doing it, and we were able to learn from you guys. So big thanks!

Walter actually corrected himself tho, he said it once - but I didnt have to correct him lol. I do remember you said on here Stephanie had to correct him during her interview, so when he corrected himself I just kinda looked weirdly at him lol. I didnt get much sleep the night before so I was a zombie. I cant even really remember what else happened day to be honest.

How is Steph getting all her stuff over there in the States?

[Tamzo27 0]

Hey guys!

Congrats to all who have been approved...and good luck to those who are still waiting in bated breath...the waiting game, kills...just hang in there!

Elle asked this question recently, but no-one answered so I am going to ask again- how did you guys ship your stuff from Australia --> US?? What's the cheapest and quickest way??

Any input/advice???

[Moonie 0]

I called the NVC and found out our petition was sent off to Sydney yesterday...cool. I don't have a DHL number but he told me I should be receiving a letter shortly. When I think about everything I will have to do before he comes I am like

Congrats on all the good news I have been seeing on the thread.

[Kath 0]

hi elle...

congrats to you on getting your passport with your visa enclosed great news

elle you must be so happy about all this horrid process that you have gone through has ended mate..good luck to you and take care and happy life together....

pris and elle...i looked on the australian tax website..for the information about superannuation...not sure if it aplies to ya but its about leaving australia and your superannuation...

Departing Aust and your superannuation

other superannuation-scroll down the page

(edited to put in the second link) hope its some help...

thing is with me i was a part timer so there wasnt but a few hundrered in there...when an if i go back to oz i will find it if i need it...

moonie thats great news...i had a look on DHL for it but couldnt find it ..just remember its at the end of the week an might sit in the mail room waiting...ours did for a few days even when they told me it had left lol...

tamzo.....if you look at some of the other pages in this thread there are people who have listed how they got their valuables over here...(u.s.) glad you got the police check thing sorted out too...fingers crossed for ya

take care

kath

Edited March 16, 2007 by Kath