LAND DOWNUNDER

[serendipitous 0]

Hey guys, I know I haven't been here for a lonnnnnnng time. I apologize for not saying hi and chatting with you guys, but I've been soooooo busy with the end of the semester.

Corey has a medical on Tuesday and I want to make sure I have everything down.

What should he bring with him to the medical?

Should he bring any of his paperwork? Does he need to bring his Casenumber?

Does the doctor have the medical forms?

Passport photos?

What kind of questions should he ask the doctor?

Does the doctor fill everything out and then send it over to the embassy? Or does the doctor give him everything to take with him to the embassy at the interview?

Should he call back at a certain time to make sure that things were sent off?

If you guys could answer that line by line it'd be really great!! I'm getting all nervous because I totally forgot about the specifics of the medical examination.

Any other information would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you so much guys!!

[Kath 0]

hi seren

good to see your still kicking...

what to take to the medical

1) Passport, forms for medical and form for x-ray, blood test results.

2) Yes, take all paperwork relating to the medical, vaccination sheet, and the pages fo the medical results. also take any blood test result that he might of had and any vaccination statements he might of had.

3) Yes his case number is placed on the paperwork by either you or the receptionist (i cant remember who)

4) 3 passport photo's which are in the american style ones get his to print the below link out and take it to a passport photoo place so they know exactly what he needs...

U.S. style photo's

5) He should of received his medical forms in his pakcet 3 the doctor doesnt have them.

6) It's a general medical. takes his blood pressure asks his height will weigh him or just ask. listens to the chest presses around the stomach area ..get him to read the medical form he has what is on that sheet he will ask about..

7) The doctor fills out everything on the form..he does a report and you are asked to come back in a couple of days to pick the envelope up (not to be opened) and he aslo gives you a complete copy of what he done in the unopened envelope..he doesnt send it to the embassey you take it with you to the interview so dont loose it..

8) doesnt get sent off so no need to call

added information is the doctor will send him to get an x-ray .. if he getting it done in the city (melb) he will be sent up to the top of collins street... cant remember if the doctor office takes eftpos or credit cards ..i paid in cash..

if anyone else has anything to add that i might of forgotten go for it or if anything has changed for the melbourne medicals since i had mine done can you correct me please..

take care

kath

[serendipitous 0]

Omg, thanks so much Kath!

You are truly a lifesaver from the first day i signed into the forums you were behind me!!

*hug*

You have put me at ease!!

okay, even though he hasn't had an appointment letter, he will still be able to get his medical.. thank you for answering that on my other thread. I didn't think any aussies would be on at this hour. I hope he has the same experience as you and doesn't have any trouble because he doesn't have his appointment letter.

Corey's getting his done with the physician at St. Kilda. The lady on the phone told him it would be $300 for medical, x-ray and the blood work. I'm guessing that the x-ray is done in that office then if he's paying for it all there. The lady also told him to bring exact cash.

Thanks so much for responding kath!!

Have you had any progress with the volunteer thing at the hospital?

[Kath 0]

hi seren

yw you know that

hang on mate....has there been an added authorised physician to do the medicals...

cos when i went for mine there was only monash medical clinic and the one i went to in melbourne in bourke street..what is the doctors name...dr. poppenbeck i went to in bourke street and he only just moved there a week before i went for my medical back in march 29th 2006....

can you let us know all the doctors that was on his sheet ....im just a bit concerned at the moment mate...

kath

[Moonie 0]

I am wondering about that too Kath, I thought there was just one doctor and was in Melbourne. Hmmm.Kevin's appointment got pushed back to May 1st.

I started a new job on Friday the 13th. It is a bit further than I had to drive before, it is working downtown..I have lived in Houston 10 years and I can make my way there or out to save my life. I am just happy to have something..I can't wait to see Kevin again on 5/7 it will be a whole year since I have seen him!

Congrats on your interview hampster I didn't know you had to pay for the interview either After the NOA2 I don't know anything.

[serendipitous 0]

hi seren

yw you know that

hang on mate....has there been an added authorised physician to do the medicals...

cos when i went for mine there was only monash medical clinic and the one i went to in melbourne in bourke street..what is the doctors name...dr. poppenbeck i went to in bourke street and he only just moved there a week before i went for my medical back in march 29th 2006....

can you let us know all the doctors that was on his sheet ....im just a bit concerned at the moment mate...

kath

Hah.. Sorry for the confusion! I don't know where I got "St.Kilda" from. He's going to Dr. Poppendeck.

Omg. I am so immature, everytime I read his name, I giggle! I hope I'm not the only immature one... who giggled at his name.

He was only able to tell me the Dr's name. He had to run off to work at 7:30am hehe. So I didn't get a street, but the name is just as good as the street I suppose hah. I'm all confused. ;O

[Kath 0]

hi seren

phew thats the one i went to...

hi moonie

what type of job did you get and is it the one you wanted ....hope so...

lots of info in the guidelines of the steps after the NOA2 moonie...i think i posted it at one stage but i cant remember who it was for...nope it wasnt you your a K1

K1 FLOWCHART

ok gunna go eat my yiro robbie got us lol...

went shopping this arvo..i tell ya the customer service in some of these shops are alot to be desired ya know..

but thats another story

wondering if tamzo was staying with her friend in sydney long and they dont have a computer i do hope she is ok and everything went well

take care

kath

[Moonie 0]

hi moonie

what type of job did you get and is it the one you wanted ....hope so...

lots of info in the guidelines of the steps after the NOA2 moonie...i think i posted it at one stage but i cant remember who it was for...nope it wasnt you your a K1

Well not exactly I was interested in this one until I found out about the other one I interviewed for that was closer to home and WAY more money. I am working at a law school now. Everyone seems nice but again it was only 1 day. lol So who knows. But I am so happy to have SOMETHING. It pays a bit more and that is good.

[Tamzo27 0]

Hi All!

Well, I am finally back from my 5 day trip to Sydney and my interview!! Everything went well..except a minor hiccup...the $130 processing fee to the consualte was a money order cheque (the lady at the post office here in Perth told me that's what I needed- I wasn't so sure..so I trusted that she knew better!) I got to the lady who checks the paperwork..she wasn't very nice/patient and she asked where my receipt was...and I responded that she was looking right at it (stuck to the outside of my passport) she responded that this is not the receipt..it's a receipt showing that I paid $130 to the US consulate general..but in the form of a money order..and that I cannot have my interview right now!! My stomach sank....and I felt a huge lump in my chest and throat...she then proceeded to say that if I went downstairs and paid another $130 at the post office get the correct receipt..I can then go back through security checks and up to her at level 59 and signal her..and she will see to me right away (that was nice of her)..I rushed downstairs...went to the post office..saw that it was only opening in 40 mins..so had to wait until it opened..ran back up to Level 10 for security checks again and then proceeded up to level 59...she checked all my paperwork..said it was fine and then told me to take a seat for my interview..which went very smoothly..A young American man interviewed me..and was very warm and friendly (it seems that most people have been interviewed by him in the Syd consulate) it lasted all of 5 mins..he didn't even ask to see all the additional evidence and paperwork I prepared..he said the petition was good enough and then said..."Visa Approved!" I am now awaiting to receive the brown envelope that most people refer to...am I allowed to open this by the way?? I really would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart- you've been a huge help through this somewhat stressful and overwhelming time...especially Kath- you're amazing...you have been such a huge help!! U.S here I come...May 7th!!!

[Tamzo27 0]

haha thanks Kath for your concern..am fine..just very busy doing all the touristy stuff while in Sydney-had a lot of fun there! P.S Will the consulate send my passport back with my visa????? They have it!!!

[jodee 30]

Tamzo,..

Congratulations,...

Do NOT open the brown envelope. It should actually be stamped Do Not Open, only to be opened by IO at POE.

I assume you left the consulate an express post envelope or something of the like for them to send it back to you. Inside that express post envelope, you will find you will have your passport with visa inside it, and the "brown envelope". and a page or two of general instructions,...will at least mine did. But most definately do not open the brown envelope. Good luck with your journey to the states,..

Jodee

Edited April 16, 2007 by jodee

[hampster 0]

Hi All!

Well, I am finally back from my 5 day trip to Sydney and my interview!! Everything went well..except a minor hiccup...the $130 processing fee to the consualte was a money order cheque (the lady at the post office here in Perth told me that's what I needed- I wasn't so sure..so I trusted that she knew better!) I got to the lady who checks the paperwork..she wasn't very nice/patient and she asked where my receipt was...and I responded that she was looking right at it (stuck to the outside of my passport) she responded that this is not the receipt..it's a receipt showing that I paid $130 to the US consulate general..but in the form of a money order..and that I cannot have my interview right now!! My stomach sank....and I felt a huge lump in my chest and throat...she then proceeded to say that if I went downstairs and paid another $130 at the post office get the correct receipt..I can then go back through security checks and up to her at level 59 and signal her..and she will see to me right away (that was nice of her)..I rushed downstairs...went to the post office..saw that it was only opening in 40 mins..so had to wait until it opened..ran back up to Level 10 for security checks again and then proceeded up to level 59...she checked all my paperwork..said it was fine and then told me to take a seat for my interview..which went very smoothly..A young American man interviewed me..and was very warm and friendly (it seems that most people have been interviewed by him in the Syd consulate) it lasted all of 5 mins..he didn't even ask to see all the additional evidence and paperwork I prepared..he said the petition was good enough and then said..."Visa Approved!" I am now awaiting to receive the brown envelope that most people refer to...am I allowed to open this by the way?? I really would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart- you've been a huge help through this somewhat stressful and overwhelming time...especially Kath- you're amazing...you have been such a huge help!! U.S here I come...May 7th!!!

haha thanks Kath for your concern..am fine..just very busy doing all the touristy stuff while in Sydney-had a lot of fun there! P.S Will the consulate send my passport back with my visa????? They have it!!!

Firstly Tamzo CONGRATULATIONS.. WOOT WOOT

Did you read my review on here a page back think it's page 128.

Tamzo.. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES OPEN,

THE MYSTERIOUS BROWN ENVELOPE .

THAT ENVELOPE IS FOR IMMIGRATION WHEN YOU GO TO POE.

PLEASE PLEASE DON'T OPEN IT.. OK

THEY WILL SEND YOU THE BROWN ENVELOPE

ALONG WITH YOUR PASSPORT, IN THE SUPPLIED EXPRESS POST SATCHEL.

I ALSO AM WAITING ON MY POSTMAN FOR MY VISA AS WELL.

CHEERS

GLAD YOUR BACK AND YOU GOT YOUR VISA

PAUL

[hampster 0]

Tamzo and anyone else,

going through with a K1 VISA,

Here is some helpful reading..

Section 5.0...

ENTERING THE UNITED STATES ON A K-1 VISA

Frequently Asked Questions:

5.1)... The airline staff ask if I need a visa waiver,

or if I'm traveling on a visa.

Which form should I ask for?

A.. You are entering on a visa.

You will need to fill out the "white" form.

This will have the I-94 attached.

This should be filled out at the departing airport or on the plane.

Don't wait until you arrive in the US to fill it out or it may delay you.

5.2)...What happens when we get off the plane?

A..You will queue up with all the others going through Immigration.

You might be directed to a waiting area until the other passengers are gone.

Your sealed envelope will be opened,

your passport will be stamped, you will have the I-94 form

(the white I-94) put in it (do not lose this!),

you might get a 90 day work authorization

or EAD Employment Authorization Document .

In early 2001, it was becoming increasingly uncommon

to obtain any work authorization at a POE.

As of Dec 2003 the only airport that still (and rarely) issues

Work stamps is JFK.

The officer may ask a few questions,

and may say "Welcome to the United States".

It doesn't take long.

You leave the Immigration area,

and then proceed through Customs.

Although your actual processing may not take long,

if you must make a connecting flight

then you better allow plenty of time,

maybe as long as 3 or 4 hours at a major airport

where the queues may be long,

and the distance between terminals even longer.

If you are flying in from Canada,

the Immigration/Customs procedure will occur before you get on

the plane in Canada.

If you are driving into the United States,

the procedure will occur at the border crossing.

About the X-ray you have been carefully guarding...

No one will take your X-ray, the USCIS (INS) doesn't care about it.

If you like you can give it to your new physician in the US,

you can hang it on the wall in your new US residence,

or it can become part of your first load of trash in your US garbage can.

5.2.1...Does anyone know exactly what happens to this wad of papers

in the brown envelope (after) the USCIS (INS)

at POE goes through them?

A..It is sent to the USCIS (INS) district office closest to where

you will reside, which will be the office handling your case once in the USA.

the envelope may "transit" through one of the Service Centers,

but it will end up at your local office at some point

in your adjustment of status process -

i.e. when you apply to be a permanent resident)

5.3)...How about employment?

When can my fiance(e) begin working?

A..(generalized statement)..In principle, right away.

It is currently unclear if a K1 can legally obtain employment

without an EAD during the validity of the K1.

One newsgrouper (Aug 2001) reported working without an EAD

in this fashion, however, an inquiry to a local office (San Antonio)

produced the answer that an EAD is still required.

This particular office advises to visit them immediately after entry

to the US to obtain a free 90 day EAD.

Several local offices will do this.

Just walk in there or call them on the phone and tell them

you are a K1, and did not get work authorization at the POE.

The newsgroup has reported many successes by determined K1-ers

who have done this. In order to be employed,

it is also required to have a Social Security Number.

A K2 still requires a specific work authorization from the USCIS (INS)

to obtain a Social Security number.

Any "90 day" employment authorization lasts only as long as the valid K1/K2

status (90 days from entry as noted on the I-94).

This can often leave a "gap" of time between the expiration of the K-1

and receiving your EAD after you file for it.

During this time you cannot legally work.

For this reason most people decide to wait until after they have married

and filed for Adjustment of Status

(or at the same time as this) to submit an application for an EAD

so that they may work.

5.4)...What do we do if my fiance(e)

does not receive a temporary work authorization?

A..If your intent is to put your fiance(e) to work as soon as possible,

then get married immediately.

Apply for "Adjustment of Status" (I-485)

with an application for work authorization (I-765) --

the EAD once issued will be good for one year.

You will apply using category ©(9), "adjustment applicant".

Since the official policy is to apply via mail for your Adjustment of Status Package

(which your EAD application will be submitted with)

the EAD application will be processed in about 60-90 days

(the typical processing time for filing via mail).

The fiance(e) will be notified to appear in person to be photographed

and fingerprinted at some point (a biometrics appointment) for the EAD

processing to be completed.

Your EAD will be generated and mailed to you shortly after.

The "official I-765 procedure" for obtaining a 90 day EAD based on K1 status

(category (a)(6) on the I-765), involves sending the application

to your USCIS (INS) Service Center.

This 90-day EAD expires when your 90-day K1 expires.

The processing times at the Service Centers make this option worthless,

and no one has reported getting an EAD in this manner.

5.5)...Is there any way I can make absolutely,

positively sure that my fiance(e) will receive work authorization

so that they can go to work and help to pay the bills right away?

A..No.

5.6)... We were wondering if anybody could tell us where to enter the U.S.

from Canada to get the proper work authorization stamp for her visa.

We want to bring her car over.

A..She can bring her car across the border as long as she can provide

proof that it meets US emissions and safety standards for its model year.

Contact the company's head office in Canada for a letter to that effect.

Every border post will give your fiancee the I-94 form to complete

and they will attach part of it to her passport.

They might also be able to furnish her with her Employment Authorization card,

although I'm not 100% sure.

They should certainly provide her with the I-765 form to complete

which is the application for employment authorization.

5.7)..How do we apply for a Social Security Number?

A..Upon entry, a K1 is eligible to obtain a SSN upon presentation of a valid I-94.

5.8)...How can my fiance(e) or K2 child open a bank account

or file income tax returns without a Social Security number?

A..You can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

from the Internal Revenue Service using IRS form W-7.

"Any individual who is not eligible to obtain an SSN

and whose taxpayer identification number is required to be

furnished to the IRS must apply for an ITIN on form W-7"

(information taken from the instructions to form W-7).

You can apply in person or by mail.

You may use either the original or certified copy of passport,

drivers license, birth certificate, identity card,

or US Immigration documents when applying.

Like the SSN, the ITIN is a 9-digit number.

Many K2 children will be too young to obtain a work authorization document (EAD)

which is required for them to obtain a Social Security Number.

You can get them an ITIN which they can use instead,

for school purposes, opening up a bank account,

or for being listed on an income tax return.

5.9)...My fiance(e) has a lot of household goods

which are being shipped over.

Will we have to pay "duties" on these things?

A..If the goods are really just household stuff (and more than a year old),

there will be no tax or duty.

If you show up with a lot of brand new stuff still in the original boxes

and call it "household goods" you probably will pay some tax or duty.

Your shipping company can answer questions regarding

specific shipments and items.

The shipping company will be familiar with the procedures and forms

required to bring household good into the US.

A..Your shipped goods won't pass Customs in the United States

prior to your entry as a K1.

If you shipped your belongings prior to moving,

then after entry, you will send or fax copies of your passport,

visa, 1-94 and the "date of entry" stamp you received at the POE

to the shipping company.

When I made a list of my belongings from Canada to US at the Fort Erie/Buffalo crossing, I called the border official and asked about this.

They told me that items such as linens, dishes, clothing

don't have to be itemized,

but just say 2 boxes clothes, 1 box dishes, 1 bed etc.

What they want itemized with serial #'s are electronics and items

of significant monetary value.

5.9.1)..What process is required to bring firearms into the United States?

A..If you wish to include firearms in with your personal possessions,

you must have an ATF permit (Form 6-Part 1, 5330.3A) approved in advance.

This includes shotguns and hunting rifles (even those manufactured in the US). Application forms are available through The Bureau

of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

(Washington, DC, 20226, attn. Firearms and Explosives Branch)

allowing 30-60 days for approval.

The firearms will be inspected at the Port of Entry.

Some types of firearms cannot be imported into the United States,

and individual states and cities have laws regarding

firearm possession, so it is worthwhile to research this subject in advance.

Most unmodified shotguns and hunting rifles will not be a problem.)

5.10)...I hear the beer is really lousy in the US? Is this true?

A..Folks from the UK will complain about the beer,

the Swedes will complain about the coffee,

and the grocery stores have only tiny areas devoted to various ethnic groups.

There may be some "culture shock" involved in transplanting yourself

to a completely new life in the space of 24 hours.

But you and your spouse will be a "team". Hang in there.

5.11)...General Comment - Selective Service

(military draft) Registration...males aged 18-26

A....Men aged 18-26 residing in the U.S. must register for Selective Service

(after adjustment of status).

This applies to the younger K1 and K2 men.

The Selective Service System is the military draft system.

You can pick up the Selective Service Registration Form

at any U.S. Post Office and send it in the mail.

5.12)...Is it okay for us to go to the US Virgin Islands

or Puerto Rico on our honeymoon without Advance Parole?

A...Maybe not a wise thing to do.

Even though these islands are US territories or possessions,

you may have to deal with Immigration and Customs

to get back to the United States.

You might have trouble getting back home

if you encounter an insane USCIS (INS) inspector, plus,

there are too many opportunities to "technically" leave US jurisdiction

(by visiting the adjacent islands, for example).

Best to take the honeymoon somewhere in the 50 States,

where there is plenty to see and do.

Let me make it as clear as it was explained to me

and which the regulation bears out:

So long as the K-1'er does not depart ("depart" is also defined in the reg.)

the US after making a legal entry s/he can travel to any other location

which includes the USVI, PR, Guam, Hawaii, and Alaska.

The inspector I spoke to gave clear examples.

(My alien fiancée) can enter the US and we can fly directly from the mainland

to the USVI. We can go wherever we want on the islands

so long as we don't "touch" ground or water not under US jurisdiction.

When we leave she shows her K-1 and I-94 to immigration

(which shows she legally entered the US)

and off we fly directly to the mainland.

However, if while we are there (USVI) we decided to take a trip

to the British islands then she would be denied re-entry.

I know I used "directly" in this example but we could fly "outbound"

mainland-PR-USVI and "inbound" USVI-PR-mainland without fear

because in this case she never "departs" the US.

Inspectors (both mainland and USVI)

told me that this is not an unusual occurrence.

They see K-1'ers all the time.

5.12.1)...What about visiting Canada or Mexico

prior to filing for Adjustment of Status?

A...There is a way for a K1 visa holder to do this,

but only if you are not married yet.

After marriage, you must have Advance Parole.

If you DRIVE into Canada or Mexico (not fly),

and if you do NOT surrender your I-94

(which is normally surrendered upon leaving the United States),

you can re-enter the United States before the expiry date on the I-94.

One newsgroup participant did that in early 1999,

when he was required to take his K2 kids back into Canada

in order to comply with child visitation requirements.

He received conflicting answers from USCIS (INS)

when researching the issue.

He left and re-entered the US at the same POE (Detroit, Windsor Tunnel),

and consulted with the USCIS (INS) folks there before doing it.

<A name=5.13>5.13)...My fiance had to return home because of a family emergency just a couple weeks after arriving.

Due we have to go through this entire process again

in order for him to come back to the US?

A...Hopefully not. A K1 visa may be re-validated by the Consulate

if the fiance is not yet married.

The re-validated visa will still expire the same date as the original,

and you must be married and file for Adjustment 90 days

from the original first entry.

As part of this process, you will probably fill out another

OF-156 non-immigrant visa application and pay another visa application fee.

I found this earlier for anyone needing any other information,

please feel free to ask.

Hope this helps someone out there.

Cheers

Paul

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hey Tamzo CONGRATULATIONS!!! We have been dying to hear how you went. I am so happy for you!! YAY!!! Sounds like you had a real ordeal though, so glad it all worked out.

Paul, bless your cotton socks!!! That was the info I was about to look up because i need to refresh my memory before my pond leap on Wednesday....starting to get really excited and scared all at once now!! Big stomping butterflies in my tummy!

Seren, good luck with the medical, he'll be fine.

Hey Kath how is the job going?

Mmmmm Elle is quiet must be packing

Hi Moonie, good luck with your new job.

TWO DAYS TO GO WAHHHH!!!!

[hampster 0]

Hey Tamzo CONGRATULATIONS!!! We have been dying to hear how you went. I am so happy for you!! YAY!!! Sounds like you had a real ordeal though, so glad it all worked out.

Paul, bless your cotton socks!!! That was the info I was about to look up because i need to refresh my memory before my pond leap on Wednesday....starting to get really excited and scared all at once now!! Big stomping butterflies in my tummy!

Seren, good luck with the medical, he'll be fine.

Hey Kath how is the job going?

Mmmmm Elle is quiet must be packing

Hi Moonie, good luck with your new job.

TWO DAYS TO GO WAHHHH!!!!

Your welcome Lyndel, glad I can be of assistance

How did you know i have cotton socks lol

Remember to have a carry on bag of Cadburys Chocolates,

Vegemite, TIM TAMS, and some Cotton Socks lol

Cheers

Paul