LAND DOWNUNDER

[hawaiiandreams 0]

I came home this evening, checked the mail and there it was Packet 3 So of course I'm now frantically trying to round up all my paperwork because the faster I send that "Ready to be Interviewed" form the better for me, Zach and both our sanities

I feel a bit overwhelmed....

YAY! That's great Pat! What date was your case transferred from the NVC to Sydney out of interest? Hopefully mine isnt too far away!

Thanks for your advise Kath - will go and get that HIV and Syphalis test done. Sorry about all of the questions over the past few days!! I basically freaked when I reliased I have been waiting around this whole time and could have been sorting out the medical stuff already.. ;-( Thanks for offering to send examples of the letter your doctor gave you too.. Don't go to too much trouble, I am guessing as long as it contains the result with a date and signature it should be okay?

Re Dubai: I was there for almost 3 years.. the website says you can only collect police clearance for Dubai in person. (Another temporary heart failure when I read that, I thought I would have to go all the way there to get it). I emailed the Sydney consulate to ask if I required it and they said unless I am physically present in the UAE, they are recommended to waive the requirement. PHEW!

For anyone else who is interested on whether police clearance is required from other countires, see:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciproc...ocity_3272.html.

chat soon...

[patriciaofoz 0]

YAY! That's great Pat! What date was your case transferred from the NVC to Sydney out of interest? Hopefully mine isnt too far away!

Date it was transferred...not too sure. We got our letter from NVC saying that it's on its way to Sydney on the 16th of November. When we called NVC on the 13th they already had the letter and they said that they were going to send the letter in the next 5 working days. So I'm thinking they did it pretty quickly after our call and that Sydney didn't really take that long to work on it. We were going to call Sydney on Friday just to check if it had arrived - now we don't have it! I seriously didn't think it would get here before next week so happy it has.

Now I wish I had done all my medicals and my police check already! I get my Hep B jab next Thursday. I've already asked my Doctor to write me a Letter of Results so I can show the Medical Doctor that I have done quite a bit of the vaccinations already. Anything else that's pending he can do on the spot (right?) For example, don't I have to get the X-Ray done with the Medical Doctor himself? I'm getting my Hep B jab at a council immunisation clinic and they told me they'll write me a letter of results too. Here's hoping that I can do the interview even without my second Hep B jab. I guess we will see...

Am I missing something else? Zach and his parents (they're co-sponsoring me) haven't filled out the Affidavit of Support just yet (they've been working on it for weeks) so that may be another hold up. If I had been more prepared I could have done all this and I could get maybe an interview before the year is out! Grrrr. I got a bit complacent and didn't think it'd get here so quickly.

I'm still waiting on my police check too - hopefully it won't take the full 15 working days to get my clearance.

Sorry for the random stream of words...like I said, it's a bit overwhelming. Before all this I was just waiting because I was never getting any correspondence but now I have my own envelope, all to myself...and it's a bit scary. I was surprised about the envelope itself, I thought such important paperwork would be packed more...professionally. Even the label with my name was flimsy and could have easily been torn off (not to mention the font was TINY!). Anyway, glad it's here.

Oh, and my paperwork had stains. Like they spilled coffee on it or something I hope that's a good omen.

Okay, enough rambling from me already!

Good luck, HD! I'm sure your package is somewhere in the Adelaide Postal System right now...hope you get it tomorrow!

[hawaiiandreams 0]

YAY! That's great Pat! What date was your case transferred from the NVC to Sydney out of interest? Hopefully mine isnt too far away!

Date it was transferred...not too sure. We got our letter from NVC saying that it's on its way to Sydney on the 16th of November. When we called NVC on the 13th they already had the letter and they said that they were going to send the letter in the next 5 working days. So I'm thinking they did it pretty quickly after our call and that Sydney didn't really take that long to work on it. We were going to call Sydney on Friday just to check if it had arrived - now we don't have it! I seriously didn't think it would get here before next week so happy it has.

Now I wish I had done all my medicals and my police check already! I get my Hep B jab next Thursday. I've already asked my Doctor to write me a Letter of Results so I can show the Medical Doctor that I have done quite a bit of the vaccinations already. Anything else that's pending he can do on the spot (right?) For example, don't I have to get the X-Ray done with the Medical Doctor himself? I'm getting my Hep B jab at a council immunisation clinic and they told me they'll write me a letter of results too. Here's hoping that I can do the interview even without my second Hep B jab. I guess we will see...

Am I missing something else? Zach and his parents (they're co-sponsoring me) haven't filled out the Affidavit of Support just yet (they've been working on it for weeks) so that may be another hold up. If I had been more prepared I could have done all this and I could get maybe an interview before the year is out! Grrrr. I got a bit complacent and didn't think it'd get here so quickly.

I'm still waiting on my police check too - hopefully it won't take the full 15 working days to get my clearance.

Sorry for the random stream of words...like I said, it's a bit overwhelming. Before all this I was just waiting because I was never getting any correspondence but now I have my own envelope, all to myself...and it's a bit scary. I was surprised about the envelope itself, I thought such important paperwork would be packed more...professionally. Even the label with my name was flimsy and could have easily been torn off (not to mention the font was TINY!). Anyway, glad it's here.

Oh, and my paperwork had stains. Like they spilled coffee on it or something I hope that's a good omen.

Okay, enough rambling from me already!

Good luck, HD! I'm sure your package is somewhere in the Adelaide Postal System right now...hope you get it tomorrow!

Ohh.. okay.. I think I am a little behind you.. because my case didn't even leave the NVC until 19th of November.. I guess I have a bit more time! Anyway, it sounds like you are a little more organised than me though so you should have everything together in no time. :-)

Just a question on your AOS, wasn't that something the NVC would have required before they sent your case to Sydney? Or does it work differently when you have a joint sponsor?

I'm not sure about the x-rays, now I thought they were something that DEFINITELY had to be conducted by the panel physician.. but hey.. I am clearly no expert! let me know if you find out.. because I may as well get that done and dusted with my GP too if i can..

Good luck to you Pat... stay in touch!

[patriciaofoz 0]

Ohh.. okay.. I think I am a little behind you.. because my case didn't even leave the NVC until 19th of November.. I guess I have a bit more time! Anyway, it sounds like you are a little more organised than me though so you should have everything together in no time. :-)

How can I tell when it arrived at NVC and when it left? If it's through the same way I check whether my file has been touched then I can't find that out anymore. I lost my password and then that system went spatz on me and wouldn't let me back in

The fact that NVC sends your file by DHL is a good bet that it's on its way. I'm sure it's just around the corner...

Just a question on your AOS, wasn't that something the NVC would have required before they sent your case to Sydney? Or does it work differently when you have a joint sponsor?

They definitely haven't asked for the Affidavit of Support form before now and we've never indicated that Zach's parents will be the joint sponsor. So I think it has popped up at the right time. Zach's going to contact our Congressman "consultant" about the whole deal because Zach's a bit confused about it. He said that one form doesn't allow co-sponsors. If that's the form we need then we're in trouble since Zach has no income until January 7th and even then, it'll be very small. I'm a bit concerned about this now...

I'm not sure about the x-rays, now I thought they were something that DEFINITELY had to be conducted by the panel physician.. but hey.. I am clearly no expert! let me know if you find out.. because I may as well get that done and dusted with my GP too if i can..

Good luck to you Pat... stay in touch!

I think you're right, X-Rays need to be done by the Medical Examiner. I don't think my GP can order that just for no reason (even if it's for a visa). I don't know. I'll let you know if I find out before you that is!

I don't think I'll sleep very much tonight.....

[Kath 0]

hi ya

the x-ray is organised by the medical examiner..in melbourne if your going to the one in bourke street he will make you an appointment for and x-ray place at the top of collins street...

HD: K1 visa's present their affidavit of support at the interview...with you doing the CR1 journey its different way around it...

congrats on getting your packet 3 Pat..and yes it is a bit overwhelming..just take your time read it all.. disgard what does not apply to you .. and fill out one page at a time put it aside then when you have done filling it all out re-read it to make sure its all correct...question...is there anything different in the packet 3 nowadays comapred to what is listed on the embassey information for australia...if there is can you update the info for future aussie's...and can ya check out any other info you have been sent in packet 3 such as doctors and police check that might be wrong on the info page in there too..

thanks..

take care

kath

[hawaiiandreams 0]

Ohh.. okay.. I think I am a little behind you.. because my case didn't even leave the NVC until 19th of November.. I guess I have a bit more time! Anyway, it sounds like you are a little more organised than me though so you should have everything together in no time. :-)

How can I tell when it arrived at NVC and when it left? If it's through the same way I check whether my file has been touched then I can't find that out anymore. I lost my password and then that system went spatz on me and wouldn't let me back in

The only reason I knew was because I was calling the NVC every few days to get the auto voice message update.. but yours would probably just now be saying that your case has been transferred.. no biggie, I just thought you might know...!

The fact that NVC sends your file by DHL is a good bet that it's on its way. I'm sure it's just around the corner...

Just a question on your AOS, wasn't that something the NVC would have required before they sent your case to Sydney? Or does it work differently when you have a joint sponsor?

They definitely haven't asked for the Affidavit of Support form before now and we've never indicated that Zach's parents will be the joint sponsor. So I think it has popped up at the right time. Zach's going to contact our Congressman "consultant" about the whole deal because Zach's a bit confused about it. He said that one form doesn't allow co-sponsors. If that's the form we need then we're in trouble since Zach has no income until January 7th and even then, it'll be very small. I'm a bit concerned about this now...?

Ah.. kath has straightened that one out.. no need to be concered.. I didn't realise you were going for the K1 visa.. mine is a different story because I'm already married and I'm in a different visa category..

I'm not sure about the x-rays, now I thought they were something that DEFINITELY had to be conducted by the panel physician.. but hey.. I am clearly no expert! let me know if you find out.. because I may as well get that done and dusted with my GP too if i can..

Good luck to you Pat... stay in touch!

I think you're right, X-Rays need to be done by the Medical Examiner. I don't think my GP can order that just for no reason (even if it's for a visa). I don't know. I'll let you know if I find out before you that is!

I don't think I'll sleep very much tonight.....

Good news about the x-rays.. at least that's one thing I don't have to worry about right now. I am back to my GP for my HIV and syphalis test today! I have never been so happy to have my blood taken!

Just take your time pat.. all of this visa stuff is daunting so you're better to take the extra time to get it right rather than rushing around frantically. Sounds like you will be away from your other half for a few months at the most. My and my hubby are pushing 2 years now! But it's all worth the wait!

[Katz 0]

WE'RE APPROVED! Eeee!

[patriciaofoz 0]

WE'RE APPROVED! Eeee!

CONGRATULATIONS! It gets fast from here on in...

[patriciaofoz 0]

I have a question about the medicals (I'm not a pro at it as it seems...)

I have done my blood test to check which ones I still need. According to my Doctor, all I need is the Hep B, which I'm going to get Thursday morning. I haven't done the HIV and syphilis because I wasn't aware I needed that. I was planning on making an appointment with the Medical Examiner in Adelaide on Thursday afternoon - wouldn't it make sense to just get my X-Ray and HIV and syphilis with the ME rather than go back to my GP?

I'm really anxious to get my forms submitted so I can get an interview date. From past experiences of those who have just recently been through a K1 petition, is the normal 4-week waiting period for an interview typically what they do? My aim is to put my 6-week notice at work just after Christmas and be done with work by Feb. 1. Of course this is on the assumption that my interview will happen sometime in January. Do you guys think this is a realistic estimate?

Also, has anyone travelled back to Australia or outside of the US less than a year of arriving in the States? Our consultant at Zach's Congressman's office said that we're okay to book our wedding overseas because I'll be able to travel - and I've read stuff online that says it'll be okay. Has anyone ever done it themselves?

I haven't filled out my Biographic Data form...even though it said to fill it out immediately. We're going to Sydney this weekend, maybe I can just slip it under the Consulate's door

[Katz 0]

WE'RE APPROVED! Eeee!

CONGRATULATIONS! It gets fast from here on in...

Thanks! Wow... I still can't believe it... It doesn't feel real yet.

[TracyOz 0]

hey guys CONGRATULATIONS... that is awesome news...

and Pat keep us all TIGHTLY informed about your process and the timeframes that Sydney offer you now for interview dates etc.. and also if you could look at what you received in your packet 3 letter (sheesh scan it and post it in the gallery for us - just blank out your personal info)... PRETTY PLEASE... <grin>

.... just so those of us behind you can make sure we are all up to date on what they (in Sydney) are requiring, and can get a "head start" on everything (I have probably mentioned.... LOL... to death) that doing this process with kiddos means 4 times the amount of forms and paperwork to fill out and make sure I have in order, so all the help in advance that I can get is greatly appreciated...

OH and BTW you do know that the Adelaide doctor dude (miller) actually operates out of SEVERAL locations here don't you... not only in Tynte Street, but also down at Christies and I think Seacombe??.... that was just as an FYI for you if the North Adelaide office is inconvenient.

Re: the Affidavit of Support....

and the fact that you are having joint sponsor.... you are correct the I-134 doesn't specifically have a position for this... it will be more for your AOS after you are married and the I-864 that you then fill out where you will be able to have them do that...

However, in the meantime for your Sydney Interview... and the I-134's...

Have your Fiancee' fill out one..

Have HIS parents fill out another....

Just make sure that you have a covering letter/statement connecting them BOTH with your application, and that all of the required (financials) for the 2 separate folks are there.

It wouldn't hurt (although - may not do or mean anything) for you to also have a copy of any of your own financials, such as bank statements, any cash at your fingertips etc... if they too can be beneficial to your cause.

Simply because in all reality while they say that the I-134 is needed - it actually isn't ... and it isn't the legal and binding "contract" between the USC and the USgovt. like the I-864 is... as the K1 visa is actually a non-immigrant visa ... and with a non-immigrant visa there isn't actually a requirement for showing financial support for your visit... HOWEVER with that being said (LOL... CONFUSING YOU YET <GRIN>) everyone knows that 90% of those entering the USA on a K-1 are actually then going to be getting married and filing their adjustment of status... and becoming immigrants... so they are doing a bit of (pre-prep fishing)...

have a GREAT day (night) sure you are..

Tracy

[Poi_n_J 0]

I HAVE MY INTERVIEW DATE..!!!

[hawaiiandreams 0]

I have a question about the medicals (I'm not a pro at it as it seems...)

I have done my blood test to check which ones I still need. According to my Doctor, all I need is the Hep B, which I'm going to get Thursday morning. I haven't done the HIV and syphilis because I wasn't aware I needed that. I was planning on making an appointment with the Medical Examiner in Adelaide on Thursday afternoon - wouldn't it make sense to just get my X-Ray and HIV and syphilis with the ME rather than go back to my GP?

I'm really anxious to get my forms submitted so I can get an interview date. From past experiences of those who have just recently been through a K1 petition, is the normal 4-week waiting period for an interview typically what they do? My aim is to put my 6-week notice at work just after Christmas and be done with work by Feb. 1. Of course this is on the assumption that my interview will happen sometime in January. Do you guys think this is a realistic estimate?

Also, has anyone travelled back to Australia or outside of the US less than a year of arriving in the States? Our consultant at Zach's Congressman's office said that we're okay to book our wedding overseas because I'll be able to travel - and I've read stuff online that says it'll be okay. Has anyone ever done it themselves?

I haven't filled out my Biographic Data form...even though it said to fill it out immediately. We're going to Sydney this weekend, maybe I can just slip it under the Consulate's door

Hey Pat - I took Kath's advice and went back to my GP yesterday for the HIV and syphalis test. I was able to claim it on medicare and she saiod I would have the results within 3 working days......

My understanding about your immigration visa, is that you can travel abroad without it having any impact on your visa, unless you have been out of the states for over 12 months. I hear in that case they have the right to revoke your visa.

[Poi_n_J 0]

Can anyone tell me whether they give you your visa back on the spot or mail it back.....???

[hawaiiandreams 0]

I HAVE MY INTERVIEW DATE..!!!

hey congrats on your interview date Poi_n_J.

Can you tell me when they have scheduled you in for? My NVC approval is about a month behind yours so would be interested to know how far out your interview will be! Thanks!

It's wonderful news for you! Best of luck with the rest of your journey!