LAND DOWNUNDER

[Niphredil 0]

Kath: Heading over on the 8th of December right when Winter is nearing it's peak. Then again, it IS in Arkansas, where it barely snows *just gets frickin cold x.X* hehe.

[Kath 0]

hi ya niph

ohh way cool.. you having a christmas dinner with the family before you leave...

ohh bring ya coats with ya..i found they are so thin up here for adults..i arrived in summer and didnt have room for my winter coats .. hubs bought me coats and i had to put extra thick lining in the sleeves cos that was the only part that i felt the cold...time will fly fast for ya...and you will be here in no time at all..bet ya all excited too..

dont forget any aussie goodies you like from oz pack them in your big suitcases....ohh one thing i cant find over here is a decent potato peeler..they are all so bulky not like the cheap thin ones im use to lol...

take care

kath

[jodee 30]

hey Angela,..hmm,..wont be back at christmas, sometime in the new year maybe, still waiting on hubby to get back from iraq, and thats not til mid january. we honestly dont know where we will end up, but do know our next posting is stateside somewhere,..but will definately let you know when we hit cal city next.

yeah kath,..we definately do have a way with words, and no one "gets us". it was nice to hear another aussie.

oh wow,..sharyna,....when i first moved to cali,..i was at ft irwin,..only 30 miles from barstow,...i love quiznos there, and the panda express in the train carriage, right near mcdonalds,..oh and walmart,.....

Jodee

[AussieAmerican 0]

I got married in Melbourne in the middle of Winter. My (Hawaiian) husband was frozen.. ;-) Don't know why we didn't have a beach ceremony in Hawaii..LOL. But it was beautiful all the same.

Wow, your poor hubby! We chose a clifftop Hawaiian wedding over an Adelaide frozen one in July!

[AussieAmerican 0]

Hi Angela and all you other luscious Aussies, just a quick note

Aussies living overseas can get on the overseas electoral roll and still choose to vote,

they dont get fined if they fail to vote but they may be removed from the roll for the next election.

Many choose to get a postal ballot if they live too far from a consulate, and if you dont enrol as an overseas voter before 3 years has passed you wont be eligible.

Hope this helps, but if you want to return to Australia to live it may be more important to you.

HI EVERYONE

Just a reminder to any Aussies living in the States have you all removed your names off the electrol roll. with the election not far away you dont want to end up with a big fine.

http://www.aec.gov.au/

hey Kath hows it going sounds like life is great for you. good to hear i will have to email you and catch up soon

angela

I just did an absentee vote at the Honolulu consulate. It was quick, easy and painless

[hawaiiandreams 0]

I got married in Melbourne in the middle of Winter. My (Hawaiian) husband was frozen.. ;-) Don't know why we didn't have a beach ceremony in Hawaii..LOL. But it was beautiful all the same.

Wow, your poor hubby! We chose a clifftop Hawaiian wedding over an Adelaide frozen one in July!

Oh I bet your wedding was magnificent! We so should have done the same! Spectacular! Did all of the fmaily from Oz come over?

So where are you located? Are you living in the states or currnetly in Oz?

[AussieAmerican 0]

I got married in Melbourne in the middle of Winter. My (Hawaiian) husband was frozen.. ;-) Don't know why we didn't have a beach ceremony in Hawaii..LOL. But it was beautiful all the same.

Wow, your poor hubby! We chose a clifftop Hawaiian wedding over an Adelaide frozen one in July!

Oh I bet your wedding was magnificent! We so should have done the same! Spectacular! Did all of the fmaily from Oz come over?

So where are you located? Are you living in the states or currnetly in Oz?

I should have clarified - we eloped on that clifftop! It was just us, the minister and a friend! It was beautiful though We're planning a 'proper' wedding near our 5yr anniversary in 2010 back in Australia.

We currently live in Hawaii, on Oahu - although we are planning to move back to Australia later next year so I can finish up my degree

[hawaiiandreams 0]

I have a question and I was hoping some of you might be able to give me some words of wisdom…….

It's about entering the US while I am still waiting for my visa to be processed...

Some background:

My hubby and I were married 1.5 years ago now.

My first entry to the US since we were married was last year for 2.5 months..

After the 2.5 months, I flew back home for one week and then returned to the US for another 3 months (visit number 2 since marriage). This time when i went through customs, US customs took me aside and questioned me on why I was back so soon. They asked if I was planning on working, wanted to see my return ticket etc...

Once I explained I was just visiting my husband and that we were going through the immigration process, they asked questions such as which forms we had submitted to immigration, what my husbands job is.. lots and lots of questions.. when they seemed satisfied with my answers, they allowed me to pass through..

After the 3 months was up, I returned back home (earlier this year).

I flew back 6 weeks later for another visit (visit number 3 since marriage), this time for 2 weeks. When going through customs I was taken aside again and questioned. I am guessing my file has now been flagged because this was my third entry in 7 months. They asked all the same kind of questions, and again I explained my situation. I guess they wanted to verify what I had told them on my last entry. Again once they were satisfied with my answers, they allowed me to pass through.

I have not been back to the US since April. Instead my hubby came out here for our last visit. I am due to go over to the US this Christmas for 3 weeks and now I am starting to worry that immigration will view all of these trips unfavorably? We have been told in the past that US immigration generally do not like the ‘alien spouse’ traveling in and out during immigration proceedings. Is this true?

Has anyone else had a similar experience with customs? The experiences I had were not necessarily "bad". They were not unkind and we have nothing to hide so they let me through after I answered their questions. However I have been taken aside for questioning on two occasions now.

Like most of us, I am just an ordinary Aussie girl visiting my other half. But you hear these horror stories every now and then and start to freak out!! (well, at least I do)

Am I just being paranoid?

I have a question and I was hoping some of you might be able to give me some words of wisdom…….

It's about entering the US while I am still waiting for my visa to be processed...

Some background:

My hubby and I were married 1.5 years ago now.

My first entry to the US since we were married was last year for 2.5 months..

After the 2.5 months, I flew back home for one week and then returned to the US for another 3 months (visit number 2 since marriage). This time when i went through customs, US customs took me aside and questioned me on why I was back so soon. They asked if I was planning on working, wanted to see my return ticket etc...

Once I explained I was just visiting my husband and that we were going through the immigration process, they asked questions such as which forms we had submitted to immigration, what my husbands job is.. lots and lots of questions.. when they seemed satisfied with my answers, they allowed me to pass through..

After the 3 months was up, I returned back home (earlier this year).

I flew back 6 weeks later for another visit (visit number 3 since marriage), this time for 2 weeks. When going through customs I was taken aside again and questioned. I am guessing my file has now been flagged because this was my third entry in 7 months. They asked all the same kind of questions, and again I explained my situation. I guess they wanted to verify what I had told them on my last entry. Again once they were satisfied with my answers, they allowed me to pass through.

I have not been back to the US since April. Instead my hubby came out here for our last visit. I am due to go over to the US this Christmas for 3 weeks and now I am starting to worry that immigration will view all of these trips unfavorably? We have been told in the past that US immigration generally do not like the ‘alien spouse’ traveling in and out during immigration proceedings. Is this true?

Has anyone else had a similar experience with customs? The experiences I had were not necessarily "bad". They were not unkind and we have nothing to hide so they let me through after I answered their questions. However I have been taken aside for questioning on two occasions now.

Like most of us, I am just an ordinary Aussie girl visiting my other half. But you hear these horror stories every now and then and start to freak out!! (well, at least I do)

Am I just being paranoid?

I have a question and I was hoping some of you might be able to give me some words of wisdom…….

It's about entering the US while I am still waiting for my visa to be processed...

Some background:

My hubby and I were married 1.5 years ago now.

My first entry to the US since we were married was last year for 2.5 months..

After the 2.5 months, I flew back home for one week and then returned to the US for another 3 months (visit number 2 since marriage). This time when i went through customs, US customs took me aside and questioned me on why I was back so soon. They asked if I was planning on working, wanted to see my return ticket etc...

Once I explained I was just visiting my husband and that we were going through the immigration process, they asked questions such as which forms we had submitted to immigration, what my husbands job is.. lots and lots of questions.. when they seemed satisfied with my answers, they allowed me to pass through..

After the 3 months was up, I returned back home (earlier this year).

I flew back 6 weeks later for another visit (visit number 3 since marriage), this time for 2 weeks. When going through customs I was taken aside again and questioned. I am guessing my file has now been flagged because this was my third entry in 7 months. They asked all the same kind of questions, and again I explained my situation. I guess they wanted to verify what I had told them on my last entry. Again once they were satisfied with my answers, they allowed me to pass through.

I have not been back to the US since April. Instead my hubby came out here for our last visit. I am due to go over to the US this Christmas for 3 weeks and now I am starting to worry that immigration will view all of these trips unfavorably? We have been told in the past that US immigration generally do not like the ‘alien spouse’ traveling in and out during immigration proceedings. Is this true?

Has anyone else had a similar experience with customs? The experiences I had were not necessarily "bad". They were not unkind and we have nothing to hide so they let me through after I answered their questions. However I have been taken aside for questioning on two occasions now.

Like most of us, I am just an ordinary Aussie girl visiting my other half. But you hear these horror stories every now and then and start to freak out!! (well, at least I do)

Am I just being paranoid?

[hawaiiandreams 0]

I have posted a few times from work and for some reason my message goes through twice or three times.. Sorry! Hopefully it makes sense!

[patriciaofoz 0]

Hi everyone.

Not sure you guys still remember me. I frequented the board earlier this year but then the LONG wait for the NOA2 went on and on and I found that visiting VJ and seeing everyone getting approved (and not us!) was very depressing so I stayed away. Well, we now have our NOA2 and just waiting for the onslaught of paperwork requests. Knowing that our case is either on its way to Sydney or is ALREADY in Sydney excites me! I can't wait to get that letter...

As far as preparing for everything, I've started on my medicals. I'm getting my Hepatitis B shot in a couple of weeks. They said it will take 6 months to take all 3 shots but I'm hoping that I won't be here for 6 more months. Is it correct that as long as I start my vaccinations then it's okay, right? I think I'm also going to get a tetanus boost, just to be sure. But apart from that, I have everything covered. I think...

For the police check, haven't had much luck there at all. The first time I walked into the police station, I had forgotten my passport - so that was my bad. Then this afternoon (Sunday), I went to the station and they couldn't process me because they had too many prisoners on hold. At first when she said "there are too many prisoners" I was a bit confused as to why that mattered, but then we realised that they must do the fingerprinting where the prisoners are. That was the only logical explanation to it. So we'll try again tomorrow because she assured us that they were all going to court on Monday.

For those who have been through all this, what else should I start preparing for? Our case should be in Sydney this week at the very latest, that's what NVC told us anyway. So I'd like to get everything sorted out so I can send my paperwork ASAP. I really am hoping for a January interview date because Zach (my fiance) goes back to the US on December 28th and I know I'm going to miss him and be miserable while I'm not with him. Plus we have our wedding to plan and it's more fun deciding stuff with him in PERSON rather than over the telephone or email.

Well, that's the progress on our application. I noticed that most of the people I knew back earlier this year have all been approved. Good luck to everybody else's applications/journey!

[hawaiiandreams 0]

Hi everyone.

Not sure you guys still remember me. I frequented the board earlier this year but then the LONG wait for the NOA2 went on and on and I found that visiting VJ and seeing everyone getting approved (and not us!) was very depressing so I stayed away. Well, we now have our NOA2 and just waiting for the onslaught of paperwork requests. Knowing that our case is either on its way to Sydney or is ALREADY in Sydney excites me! I can't wait to get that letter...

As far as preparing for everything, I've started on my medicals. I'm getting my Hepatitis B shot in a couple of weeks. They said it will take 6 months to take all 3 shots but I'm hoping that I won't be here for 6 more months. Is it correct that as long as I start my vaccinations then it's okay, right? I think I'm also going to get a tetanus boost, just to be sure. But apart from that, I have everything covered. I think...

For the police check, haven't had much luck there at all. The first time I walked into the police station, I had forgotten my passport - so that was my bad. Then this afternoon (Sunday), I went to the station and they couldn't process me because they had too many prisoners on hold. At first when she said "there are too many prisoners" I was a bit confused as to why that mattered, but then we realised that they must do the fingerprinting where the prisoners are. That was the only logical explanation to it. So we'll try again tomorrow because she assured us that they were all going to court on Monday.

For those who have been through all this, what else should I start preparing for? Our case should be in Sydney this week at the very latest, that's what NVC told us anyway. So I'd like to get everything sorted out so I can send my paperwork ASAP. I really am hoping for a January interview date because Zach (my fiance) goes back to the US on December 28th and I know I'm going to miss him and be miserable while I'm not with him. Plus we have our wedding to plan and it's more fun deciding stuff with him in PERSON rather than over the telephone or email.

Well, that's the progress on our application. I noticed that most of the people I knew back earlier this year have all been approved. Good luck to everybody else's applications/journey!

Hi patricia,

Just a question on the above about the medical and it taking 6 months?

I have not yet gone for my medical yet as we are waiting for packet 3 instructions to arrive before I start this. However 6 months to have 3 shots does seem strange? Other cases on visa journey seem to have their medical and then interview within the next 1-2 months.... not 6 months later!

Just out of interest, who told you it would take so long?

[Niphredil 0]

6 months for the shots is correct. First one, then a month later, then 6 months. You could get the 'fast' one which is like first one, second one 1-2 weeks later, then last one 12 months later, but when I went for my interview, I had only had 2 shots and they never questioned it. They are totally okay with you getting the last one within America. Whether they check up on you or not I have no clue, but, it is a good idea to still get that last shot

As far as I know, you're talking about the actual shots, not the appointments correct? I noticed with my paperwork the Embassy seemed to sometimes organise medical appointments, but it was entirely up to me to organise it all (and it was NOT a problem in the slightest, then again, it was Brisbane... the biggest problem was finding the damn place ><)

Only other thing I can tell you to work on is to MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK YOU NEED FOR THE AOS. If I hadn't checked over the paperwork again, I wouldn't have known to bring with me copies of my Joint Sponsorships citizenship, and I would have been delayed till I got them. Good Luck

[hawaiiandreams 0]

6 months for the shots is correct. First one, then a month later, then 6 months. You could get the 'fast' one which is like first one, second one 1-2 weeks later, then last one 12 months later, but when I went for my interview, I had only had 2 shots and they never questioned it. They are totally okay with you getting the last one within America. Whether they check up on you or not I have no clue, but, it is a good idea to still get that last shot

As far as I know, you're talking about the actual shots, not the appointments correct? I noticed with my paperwork the Embassy seemed to sometimes organise medical appointments, but it was entirely up to me to organise it all (and it was NOT a problem in the slightest, then again, it was Brisbane... the biggest problem was finding the damn place ><)

Only other thing I can tell you to work on is to MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK YOU NEED FOR THE AOS. If I hadn't checked over the paperwork again, I wouldn't have known to bring with me copies of my Joint Sponsorships citizenship, and I would have been delayed till I got them. Good Luck

Hey there Niphredil.. Oh dear.. I had no idea about this shot business. I mean, I knew I had to get some done, but I thought I had to wait for packet 3 before I did any of this. I also thought I could only have a panel panel physician do the shots for me?!

I had my tetenus done about one month ago.. because i got bitten by a bird at a wild life park. LOL. What other shots are we talking about? Is it Hep B that requires 3 rounds? Do you know if I go to my GP and get these done right away? I don't want to wait another 6 months! :-(

We have already been apart for 1.5 years.. this is bad news!

[hawaiiandreams 0]

hi again.. i found the below list of vaccinations at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html

Just wondering if anyone knows which of the below are required for Aussie's?

Thanks and sorry for all of the questions.. I am just having a little panic attack!!

*just breathe*

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS CONCERNING VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Recent changes to United States immigration law now require immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are now required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the new vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations:

-- mumps

-- measles

-- rubella

-- polio

-- tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

-- pertussis

-- influenzae type b (Hib)

-- hepatitis B

-- varicella

-- pneumococcal and

-- influenza.

[Niphredil 0]

A panel doctor has to verify it, but anyone can administer it. IF you are unsure as to what you've had done, a blood test can tell you what you have. Go to your local doctor and ask them to write out an order or whatever for the above shots , get your blood tested, and in a week or so, you'll know, then either get them, or get your doctor to print out a list of all the stuff you have and sign and date it.

If there is something you don't have and need, the Panel doc can do it for you.

As for the list, dunno if it's been changed, but when I had mine, they said all I needed was Chicken Pox, Tetanus and MMR.

*lightbulb* OOHHHh packet 3? Yeah, I didn't make an appointment till I got the Consulate Medical Forms and Doctors list that comes in packet 3. I got mine within the week, but I probably could have gotten it the following day if I lived anywhere near the docs.