LAND DOWNUNDER

[vylex 0]

They sent your police clearance off to the consulate? That's... weird. I thought you are supposed to get it back in the mail? I'd definitely email the consulate to make sure anyway. Couldn't hurt... Peace of mind and all.

I might ring the Fedeal Police on Monday to see if mine's been sent off...

Hmm, I find that interesting as well. When we went to the Penrith Police station (NSW) to get the fingerprint / police check, we had them send it back to my wife's place. We then brought that in with us to the interview.

I'd definitely confirm if that's what they did. I believe it took a little over 3 weeks before we got it.

[hawaiiandreams 0]

Oh sorry, I just have a question regarding tax returns for Aussies in the US.

I have heard that Aussies are required to lodge a tax return with the Australian Tax Office every tax year, as well as a US tax return?

The following info is just to the best of my knowledge - and, I'm not claiming to be an expert by any means.

If you have no Australian income, and move overseas, you no longer need to file an Aussie tax return.

After I moved to the US, I still had some investments in Australia, and was earning Australian "income" (interest).

The information I eventually was able to get from the ATO was that while I was earning Australian income, I was required to submit an Australian tax return, just for the Australian income.

On my US tax return, I declared the Australian income (as foreign income), and then also got US tax credits for the Australian tax I paid.

After a year or two I signed a statement at my Australian bank declaring I was a foreign resident, this way the bank automatically deducted 10% of my interest payments, and submitted it directly to the ATO. I no longer was required to submit an Australian tax return. I continue to declare my "foreign income" & foreign tax paid on my US return.

The US tax year is jan /dec. It gets a little complicated with the differnat "years", and the exchange rate - but, I just submit all the info to my tax agent here to the best of my ability.

On the flip side, if you continue on & become an American citizen, you are required to lodge a US tax return - even if you no longer live in the US. I have no idea how much this is enforced.

HTH - feel free to ask more question.

THANK YOU so much for this information, very useful. I was wondering how it would work out...

Well, update from me is I finished with work today (very very sad moment, I love my job A GREAT DEAL) and it's only TEN MORE SLEEPS before I get on that Melbourne>LAX>St Louis flight!!!!! And 6 weeks before we get hitched!

Happy travels, all. And all the best with everybody's "things!"

AusCal thanks for the information. I think I may have missed it.. it's really helpful! :-)

[Chicago_dreaming 0]

Katz, I called the Criminal Records Department here in NSW who process the checks/fingerprints and they received my fingerprints, etc and a week later they finalised it and sent the results to the Consular. I've had no word at all and it's been 3 weeks today (they advised 15 working days for completion) since the local station faxed my prints/info. Hence why I called them.

So I'm confidant the Consular has my police check by now. Medical is complete. My fiance will send me his docos soon so I'm about set to send off my Statement of Readiness!

They sent your police clearance off to the consulate? That's... weird. I thought you are supposed to get it back in the mail? I'd definitely email the consulate to make sure anyway. Couldn't hurt... Peace of mind and all.

I might ring the Fedeal Police on Monday to see if mine's been sent off...

Congrats on getting close to sending off for your interview! How exciting. Wouldn't it be funny if we received the same interview date? Hahaha.

True, I'd get to finally meet you! I will probably send it off on Mon/Tues.

According to the instructions for NSW and QLD residents, our police records are sent directly to the US Consulate (I even filled in their address on the form to send it to). I just didn't receive notification that this happened. Since you're in ACT, yours will def. be sent to you.

[Katz 0]

Katz, I called the Criminal Records Department here in NSW who process the checks/fingerprints and they received my fingerprints, etc and a week later they finalised it and sent the results to the Consular. I've had no word at all and it's been 3 weeks today (they advised 15 working days for completion) since the local station faxed my prints/info. Hence why I called them.

So I'm confidant the Consular has my police check by now. Medical is complete. My fiance will send me his docos soon so I'm about set to send off my Statement of Readiness!

They sent your police clearance off to the consulate? That's... weird. I thought you are supposed to get it back in the mail? I'd definitely email the consulate to make sure anyway. Couldn't hurt... Peace of mind and all.

I might ring the Fedeal Police on Monday to see if mine's been sent off...

Congrats on getting close to sending off for your interview! How exciting. Wouldn't it be funny if we received the same interview date? Hahaha.

True, I'd get to finally meet you! I will probably send it off on Mon/Tues.

According to the instructions for NSW and QLD residents, our police records are sent directly to the US Consulate (I even filled in their address on the form to send it to). I just didn't receive notification that this happened. Since you're in ACT, yours will def. be sent to you.

Ohhh... I see... It's much different for Western Australia. We have to go the Australian Federal Police here in Perth to get our finger prints done (local cop shops don't do it anymore), and then send them off with the police clearance to the AFP in the ACT.

[Chicago_dreaming 0]

I just received by email correspondance from the Consular an updated 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS' as attached. Anyone recently receive this in a Packet 3??

I happened to send them a query about my police clearance and they responsed today w/ these updated instructions

Not sure what to make of this yet as my head is in a spin. But if I am missing something as per the instructions or overlooked anything, or getting too chicken little over this, would appreciate your input.

Will let you know their response as I told them I was missing forms DS-2001 and DS-230 Part II. They may just send these to me or ask me to get them online. Sigh what a pain!

InstructionsForIVApplicants_SYD_OVERVIEW_1_.doc

[patriciaofoz 0]

I just received by email correspondance from the Consular an updated 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS' as attached. Anyone recently receive this in a Packet 3??

Hmmm...the instructions you got are definitely different from the one they sent me (and I'm K-1-er too). But that's not a bad thing, I think this is their way to be "clearer". Oh, who knows. No need to panic just yet, just wait for that email from the Consulate and follow their instructions. They know better than anybody.

As for me...well, it's only THIS MUCH LONGER before I get reunited with my Zach. I'm sooooo very excited. And very sad at the same time (yipe, still feeling the same way I did a month ago). I've finished work, I'm gearing up for my Going Away Bash this Friday & I've packed ONE bag so far. I'm doing some more packing tonight (my Grandmother is watching my every move &, of course, is giving her own "packing opinions"). I'm not really sure if I'll be able to pack everything in 3 luggages, but I sure will try! Zach said pack as much Summer clothes as possible because everything wintery is on SALE at the moment. He just gave me permission to go shopping!

I'm psyching myself up for my POE at LAX. Any of you guys go through LAX?

[Kelli 0]

Patricia....LAX was a breeze to get through....the guy just took my paper work, looked through it, then sent me on my way! Don't worry about anything, just hope that you don't get stuck in a long line!

Well, good news......I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!

I went for my interview at Wal Mart yesterday, did my drug test and I am just waiting for the call for orientation!!! I can't wait!

[hawaiiandreams 0]

Patricia....LAX was a breeze to get through....the guy just took my paper work, looked through it, then sent me on my way! Don't worry about anything, just hope that you don't get stuck in a long line!

Well, good news......I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!

I went for my interview at Wal Mart yesterday, did my drug test and I am just waiting for the call for orientation!!! I can't wait!

That's great Kelli - CONGRATULATIONS!!

[patriciaofoz 0]

Patricia....LAX was a breeze to get through....the guy just took my paper work, looked through it, then sent me on my way! Don't worry about anything, just hope that you don't get stuck in a long line!

Well, good news......I HAVE A JOB!!!!!!

I went for my interview at Wal Mart yesterday, did my drug test and I am just waiting for the call for orientation!!! I can't wait!

Congratulations, Kelli! Great news.

And thanks for the LAX comment. I'm sure everything will go smoothly for me too. Maybe my biggest challenge is trying to figure out WHICH line to go to. And I'm actually quite anxious to see just what LAX is like. I mean, I've seen it in so many movies and Zach has told me all about it. About time I see it for myself!

[Chicago_dreaming 0]

I just received by email correspondance from the Consular an updated 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS' as attached. Anyone recently receive this in a Packet 3??

I happened to send them a query about my police clearance and they responsed today w/ these updated instructions

Not sure what to make of this yet as my head is in a spin. But if I am missing something as per the instructions or overlooked anything, or getting too chicken little over this, would appreciate your input.

Will let you know their response as I told them I was missing forms DS-2001 and DS-230 Part II. They may just send these to me or ask me to get them online. Sigh what a pain!

Arghs, so they responded and sent me another updated set of instructions Form DSL-1076 which I believe to be the correct one for K1 immigrants. Must have been a different person yest. who sent me instructions for other immigrant visa applicants But now seems we must send all our docos to the Consular before they send us the visa. Any thoughts?

[Katz 0]

I just received by email correspondance from the Consular an updated 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS' as attached. Anyone recently receive this in a Packet 3??

I happened to send them a query about my police clearance and they responsed today w/ these updated instructions

Not sure what to make of this yet as my head is in a spin. But if I am missing something as per the instructions or overlooked anything, or getting too chicken little over this, would appreciate your input.

Will let you know their response as I told them I was missing forms DS-2001 and DS-230 Part II. They may just send these to me or ask me to get them online. Sigh what a pain!

Arghs, so they responded and sent me another updated set of instructions Form DSL-1076 which I believe to be the correct one for K1 immigrants. Must have been a different person yest. who sent me instructions for other immigrant visa applicants But now seems we must send all our docos to the Consular before they send us the visa. Any thoughts?

Yeah, I think they want us to send all the documents to them with the statement of readiness to crack down on people who go for their interview with incomplete paperwork. Annoying, but I can understand. I sent the consulate an email yesterday afternoon with some other questions. So I'll let you know what they say.

Oh! Kath, I got your email the other day. Thank you for sending me your example! The consulate extended my petition.

[Poi_n_J 0]

My interview is TOMORROW..!!!

I fly up tonight!!!!!

Here I go..........

[Kelli 0]

Good luck! Let us know how you go!

[Kath 0]

hi all

sorry i havent been around much...been researching my family tree..and seeing im stuck were on roberts which is even harder with not many relo's alive to ask questions...

first off patricia...lax is easy..if you are still concerned look in the poe reviews at the top of this page...and when you get there just ask which line you go in..some send you to the us citz line and some just send you through as normal..i went thought the us citz line with my hubby..and make sure you get the I-94 white card from the steward on the plane...the one i had insisted i didnt need on and had to go out of the line and fill one in..gawd was i mad after me insisting i needed one....also ...if you have really warm coats bring them with you lol...i have lost track where everyone is heading to now...lol...

hey kelli congrats..you will have to send me some emails to let me know how u get along and what the differences are compared to our store we worked in mate...hope it works out great for you..although i am fairly happy at k mart i would of preferred walmart even if they do get the bad publicity...

pris i have waiting along time for you to say your on your way up to sydney...will be sending positive vibes your way for your interview ..not that you need it..you will do just fine im sure mate...good luck and enjoy the view...

ohhh i had an email from one of our aussies that came here before me.. densusan ..and i thought it might be of some interest to you lot also..

when we moved susan and i we did an online change of address...susan saw in removal of conditions a post about the sponsor (either husband or relative) has to do a change of address also...i hadnt heard of this either..so she rang uscis and they informed her that the sponsor has to fill out and send in a I-865 sponsors change of address..

so just keep that in the back of your mind if you move addresses over here...i have refilled out a change of address and filled out robbies and sent it together with an explanation to why it wasnt done...the thing is in my way of thinking..when you look up change of address it should tell you to do the sponsor one at the same time..i either missed it or its not there lol..

katz your quite welcome with the email..did they do it automatically as i said they just might do for you...

knew there was something else to comment on....can one of you ladies clarify what the changes are that the consulate is talking about...are they saying they want everything for example...affidavit of support .. evidence of relationship or is it just all the forms filled out and sent to them to ...will do some research on this one to see if they have put anything on their website and let you know if there is anything there...

take care its bloody cold here at the mo that wind is icy...

kath

[Kath 0]

ok had a look on the sydney consulate's website..

and was looking at the forms webpage and took a look at the readiness form...highlighted are important facts on what forms to send back..might be on the right track but let me know will ya...

forms for immigrant visas

i dont know if we have any of you just got their noa2 but on the left hand side of this page there are other links that might be of interest to you eg. police certificate info and medical forms...

other than the above i havent read anything else on the consulates website about sending all the stuff in before interview..

ohh and...i did another change of address online to see if they do inform you about the sponsors responsibilties..

at you have sent it in online they send you to a page and at the bottom of the page they state in small print that the sponsor has to mail in their change of address ...i missed it because they ask if you have any pending applications and i clicked on no and it took me to another page saying thank you for completing the onlinen change of address..so with me not scrolling down further on that page i missed the bit about the sponsor...lesson learned lol..i still think it should be in large print where you would likely to see it...lol

just thought i would let ya know what i found out...

kath