Can this be real?!

[wolvendove 0]

I owe aussiewench a huge public nod of thanks and appreciation!!!!!

I had no idea this even existed until about an hour ago when she mentioned this as a possibility. I've been reading like a mad fiend since then, talked to my husband, and my hopes are flying high!

As I tie a string around those hopes to keep them from flying away too far too fast, I have a few questions about logistics.

1. I filed the I-130 at the Nebraska Service Center on 2/7/2006, but still have not recieved my NOA1, nor has the check been cashed. (It being Friday here, I know nothing will happen until at LEAST next week at this point here in the States.) If we were to pursue DCF, can I cancel that application without penalty at this point or would I be getting myself in trouble long-term? Could it affect our DCF application?

2. When does the USC need to be present? I'm a little confused about some of the order of events. We would be applying through the Sydney, Australia consulate. If we begin the process and have the packet completed beforehand, do we mail that in and then only recieve one interview date which I can then fly in for? Or do we walk it in together and then my beloved would go to an interview (whenever that's scheduled) on his own?

3. Does anyone know the current fee for this in Sydney? (I know there's at least one lucky woman out there who just flew back from Oz with her husband . . . congrats!!!)

What a gift this site is!!! Here's hoping this can really be true!

[mellie 1]

I owe aussiewench a huge public nod of thanks and appreciation!!!!!

I had no idea this even existed until about an hour ago when she mentioned this as a possibility. I've been reading like a mad fiend since then, talked to my husband, and my hopes are flying high!

As I tie a string around those hopes to keep them from flying away too far too fast, I have a few questions about logistics.

1. I filed the I-130 at the Nebraska Service Center on 2/7/2006, but still have not recieved my NOA1, nor has the check been cashed. (It being Friday here, I know nothing will happen until at LEAST next week at this point here in the States.) If we were to pursue DCF, can I cancel that application without penalty at this point or would I be getting myself in trouble long-term? Could it affect our DCF application?

2. When does the USC need to be present? I'm a little confused about some of the order of events. We would be applying through the Sydney, Australia consulate. If we begin the process and have the packet completed beforehand, do we mail that in and then only recieve one interview date which I can then fly in for? Or do we walk it in together and then my beloved would go to an interview (whenever that's scheduled) on his own?

3. Does anyone know the current fee for this in Sydney? (I know there's at least one lucky woman out there who just flew back from Oz with her husband . . . congrats!!!)

What a gift this site is!!! Here's hoping this can really be true!

Ok...

1. I wouldnt see why you COULDNT cancel the K3. I THINK (not sure) you just have to contact them and let them know that you want your application withdrawn without prejudice and paperwork sent back to you. Again, Im not sure on this one, but Im sure that someone will come along with that answer shortly!!!

2. The USC needs to be present for the filing of the I130 and I864. You can do this one of two ways. You can either do a walk in appointment on a Thursday and file these, or you can wait until the day of the interview (most people do it this way so that they can be together) and file it that day. This is what Scott and I did, and what Caroline is doing and Ameristralian did. So the answer to your question is it can be done EITHER way. If you do it so that your spouse can be at the interview, you would contact the Sydney Embassy, let them know what you want to do (file a petition for an alien relative, there is an example of the email that you can send them on this site). They then send you the packet three, you fill out a couple of forms and send them in with the required documents, and a cover letter requesting a few different dates that you would BOTH be able to attend the interview. You would both have to go so that the USC can file the I130 and I864. They will then send you your interview date by mail and the rest of the instructions regarding the medical and the fingerprints (fingerprints can be done 6 months before hand and you can start getting a jump on your vaccinations for the medical, if you havent already done so. Some people have even had their medical before hand, but I believe it depends on what state in Australia you are in if you can do this or not). Then you would both attend the interview together for an *fingers crossed* approval!! You can go home together!

3. You will have to pay $570US dollars!!

And now that I know this is who Im talking to, Im emailing you as well (in the middle of it) with more detailed info!!!

[mellie 1]

Ok, your not the same person who emailed me, I think. That one isnt married yet! So sorry about that, but the info that I posted still stands. Its WAY easier if you can cancel the K3!!!

and welcome!!

[meauxna 15]

Another POO person!

You can write to NSC and withdraw your previously filed I-130. You will need to declare it on your new application, so save a copy of your withdrawal.

I think you'll find the Australian DCF well-outlined here, and an enthusiastic group of helpers!

[wolvendove 0]

You can write to NSC and withdraw your previously filed I-130. You will need to declare it on your new application, so save a copy of your withdrawal.

I think you'll find the Australian DCF well-outlined here, and an enthusiastic group of helpers!

You're more than right about how well-outlined and amazingly helpful this all is. Thank you, thank you. In writing to the NSC to withdraw the previously filed I-130, I need to wait until I have a receipt number, won't I?

Do I simply write a letter stating "I would like to withdraw my petition without prejudice at this time. Please return my petition to the following address . . ." or do I call and check in with them first?

I don't want to ####### this up because I found out about DCF two weeks late . . .

Thanks for the advice and for creating such a great outline of information! Your guide recently posted was very helpful in explaining the process to me!

2. The USC needs to be present for the filing of the I130 and I864. You can do this one of two ways. You can either do a walk in appointment on a Thursday and file these, or you can wait until the day of the interview (most people do it this way so that they can be together) and file it that day. This is what Scott and I did, and what Caroline is doing and Ameristralian did. So the answer to your question is it can be done EITHER way. If you do it so that your spouse can be at the interview, you would contact the Sydney Embassy, let them know what you want to do (file a petition for an alien relative, there is an example of the email that you can send them on this site). They then send you the packet three, you fill out a couple of forms and send them in with the required documents, and a cover letter requesting a few different dates that you would BOTH be able to attend the interview. You would both have to go so that the USC can file the I130 and I864. They will then send you your interview date by mail and the rest of the instructions regarding the medical and the fingerprints (fingerprints can be done 6 months before hand and you can start getting a jump on your vaccinations for the medical, if you havent already done so. Some people have even had their medical before hand, but I believe it depends on what state in Australia you are in if you can do this or not). Then you would both attend the interview together for an *fingers crossed* approval!! You can go home together!

3. You will have to pay $570US dollars!!

Thank you so much, mellie, for responding! Your story and posts lifted me from a pretty big funk yesterday and suddenly I've been able to see that sunshine out there!

How much can he get done prior to my arrival to have on file there at the consulate? It's probably all explained in the packet, isn't it? Any way to get a copy of the I-864 here in the states or do I have to wait for him to recieve it and ship it across to me? I'm assuming the I-130 and the G-325a forms are the same I've pulled down from the USCIS website? No need to wait for that to get to me from Oz, I can fill those out again and mail them straight to him, correct?

How long did this process take for you, if I might ask?

Yahoo!! This is a good day! I've got that email ready to send to the consulate for the Packet, etc . . . Maybe I'll zip that off today!

Edited February 25, 2006 by wolvendove

[meauxna 15]

If you're fast, you can still read the old version (lots of superfluous information!) here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...custom&page=dcf

I guess I should've said.. POO = PDX. Hey neighbor

You can download all the necessary forms and start your I-864 now. I recommend that you get it all done now. Once you get your appointment set, the whole thing is a one day ordeal and that's that. Of course your Australian will have to get the police check and the medical going now, and start gathering birth certificate, military records etc.

I started a new thread for submission checklists, but don't see that anyone's added to it yet. You will find others by searching the archives here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums2/index.p...Search&mode=adv

Australia's procedure is very unique, so I suggest you follow examples from others who did DCF there.

Yay, a trip! I've got the travel jealousies!

Edited February 25, 2006 by meauxna

[wolvendove 0]

If you're fast, you can still read the old version (lots of superfluous information!) here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...custom&page=dcf

I guess I should've said.. POO = PDX. Hey neighbor

You can download all the necessary forms and start your I-864 now. I recommend that you get it all done now. Once you get your appointment set, the whole thing is a one day ordeal and that's that. Of course your Australian will have to get the police check and the medical going now, and start gathering birth certificate, military records etc.

I started a new thread for submission checklists, but don't see that anyone's added to it yet. You will find others by searching the archives here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums2/index.p...Search&mode=adv

Australia's procedure is very unique, so I suggest you follow examples from others who did DCF there.

Yay, a trip! I've got the travel jealousies!

PDXer, huh?! Fantastic! I'm a little farther away from there than I like, but I adore the city, lived there for a few years. We'll get up there as soon as work allows us.

So it is the I-864 needed . . . where was I getting another set of numbers . . . hmm . . . That one I've got started, I'll just get cracking on it! I'll get him going on the police check and the medical.

Here's a twist -- we had planned on filing AOS prior to his tourist visa expiring so we had all of this done. (864, etc) However, the medical clinic mussed up and gave him a live virus (MMR) before taking the TB test so they couldn't finish it before his visa expired. I've sent him a copy of his finished medical from here, which all checks out . . . (I-693) Can he just use that for his medical or are there different needs in Aus?

Travel Jealousy . . . yes, but my bank account wasn't quite ready for all of this . . . I'ld rather have him home, though . . .

[meauxna 15]

Here's a twist -- we had planned on filing AOS prior to his tourist visa expiring so we had all of this done. (864, etc) However, the medical clinic mussed up and gave him a live virus (MMR) before taking the TB test so they couldn't finish it before his visa expired. I've sent him a copy of his finished medical from here, which all checks out . . . (I-693) Can he just use that for his medical or are there different needs in Aus?

Travel Jealousy . . . yes, but my bank account wasn't quite ready for all of this . . . I'ld rather have him home, though . . .

O dear. He was here, and you were halfway done with your paperwork? You would've been good candidate for 'get more information before you make a move'. Do make sure you've got the whole picture here before running off ...

(he could've stayed past the I-94 date)

But nevermind, now he can do it 'right' and bring all his ####### with him But an aside for all those who pooh-pooh seeing a lawyer: can you see the benefit yet? (I did not see or use a lawyer for my own case).

So. Your guy will be in luck in Oregon, I think. Everyone who hears my UKC speak tells him he's from Australia. Of course, odds are that everyone will think your guy's from South Africa or something When you do come up to town, there's an Australian goodies store down at the brick martketplace (by Saturday Market) and Brit products store upstairs in the same building. There's also a guy with a cart at the market who makes some decent substitutes for British pies etc.. might be the closest thing he'll find. And there's always (expensive) groceries at the Horse Brass Pub. Or, he could just go native

You won't have much need for the local immigration office, either. When it comes time for your I-751 (two years after entry--don't worry about it yet), it seems that's all done by mail, so unless he will naturalize, you might never come up to the big city.. on immigration biz anyway

The medical can not be transfered, btw. He'll have to do the whole exam there, but he can get his vax done at his family doc or a lower cost clinic. He will have to use the approved civil surgeon where he lives.

I just recommend that you check, double check and then triple check before you submit anything. I'm really sorry about the additional cost of your learning curve, but everything works out for a reason so just go with it. You've found a way to get yourself a trip to Oz and a speedy return for your guy

[CarolineM 0]

I know how you feel - when I found out about DCF i was so excited. Im' in the middle of it now - our interview is on MArch 24th - so I can help if possible!!

[wolvendove 0]

O dear. He was here, and you were halfway done with your paperwork? You would've been good candidate for 'get more information before you make a move'. Do make sure you've got the whole picture here before running off ...

(he could've stayed past the I-94 date)

But nevermind, now he can do it 'right' and bring all his ####### with him But an aside for all those who pooh-pooh seeing a lawyer: can you see the benefit yet? (I did not see or use a lawyer for my own case).

So. Your guy will be in luck in Oregon, I think. Everyone who hears my UKC speak tells him he's from Australia. Of course, odds are that everyone will think your guy's from South Africa or something When you do come up to town, there's an Australian goodies store down at the brick martketplace (by Saturday Market) and Brit products store upstairs in the same building. There's also a guy with a cart at the market who makes some decent substitutes for British pies etc.. might be the closest thing he'll find. And there's always (expensive) groceries at the Horse Brass Pub. Or, he could just go native

You won't have much need for the local immigration office, either. When it comes time for your I-751 (two years after entry--don't worry about it yet), it seems that's all done by mail, so unless he will naturalize, you might never come up to the big city.. on immigration biz anyway

The medical can not be transfered, btw. He'll have to do the whole exam there, but he can get his vax done at his family doc or a lower cost clinic. He will have to use the approved civil surgeon where he lives.

I just recommend that you check, double check and then triple check before you submit anything. I'm really sorry about the additional cost of your learning curve, but everything works out for a reason so just go with it. You've found a way to get yourself a trip to Oz and a speedy return for your guy

There are reasons for everything. I got to go to Aus and meet his dogs, for one. (There's something about meeting a man's dogs that is important. Thank heavens they liked me!) He also needed to go and work for a while. We have to pay for the wedding somehow! It's all good . . .

Fantastic news about the Australian marketplace by the Sat. Mkt.! Thank you, thank you! I go up to PDX just for kicks whenever I can. I SO miss my favorite restaurants up there! (Have you tried Hoda's on Belmont . . . my mouth waters just thinking of it!) I found the site for Aussie's up and over referred to by a few and there are some recipes for meat pies and sausage rolls there. I think I'll start practicing now before he comes home and surprise him when he gets here. Great news about follow ups, too.

I was afraid that his med wouldn't transfer. Ah well. C'est la vie! (I'll have to figure out how to translate "That's immigration" for much the same effect . . .)

I'm getting the hint about the triple checking. That's why I finally just logged on and started asking questions. Thanks for answering. You're a gem!

OH -- do I need to wait for that reciept number before I can withdraw my I-130? Can I just call them and have them pull it from the pile they're clearly ignoring and have it mailed back? (It's work off of their shoulders that way, right?)

I know how you feel - when I found out about DCF i was so excited. Im' in the middle of it now - our interview is on MArch 24th - so I can help if possible!!

Thanks! Just having some community around (even cyber-community) is lifting my spirits immensly! So nice to have some folks who understand it to chat with!

Okay, just for smiles . . . I'm working on filling in the g325a and the I-130 (for at least the fourth time so far) as I'm sitting here. My parrot has been on my desk joyfully shredding scrap papers (old copies of the forms) and the box that the handy ACCO fastners are in . . . Of course, now my new copies of the g325a's have a nice little bite mark in the top of them . . . sigh. Do you think "my parrot ate the forms" is an excusable reason for not having everything completed correctly? Silly bird.

[meauxna 15]

OH -- do I need to wait for that reciept number before I can withdraw my I-130? Can I just call them and have them pull it from the pile they're clearly ignoring and have it mailed back? (It's work off of their shoulders that way, right?)

I'm going to suggest you do nothing today WRT mailing anything.. the mail room does not work the way you think. I'd like another couple of opinions about the case number---you're just in a funny spot right now where it might be difficult to match up documents. Trust me, they are not just sitting around in NSC or clearly ignoring you---just that there's several hundreds of identical envelopes in front of yours. There's no "calling" the Service Center, either, and you want a paper trail. Nothing's going to happen to it, and it's OK to leave it percolating along until you've got your Australia plans fleshed out (like the day before you get on the plane). There is no 'system' where your US petition and your Aus petition will intersect, and no harm will come (for now) from leaving the NSC out of it for the minute.

You can do some searching of the older group alt.us.visa.marriage-based (use google/groups or britishexpats.com) for examples of how to withdraw a petition. Later.

PS: they're not going to mail it back. Please tell me you kept copies of your submission and did not send any original documents. From now on, three copies of every submission is your law, OK?

Okay, just for smiles . . . I'm working on filling in the g325a and the I-130 (for at least the fourth time so far) as I'm sitting here. My parrot has been on my desk joyfully shredding scrap papers (old copies of the forms) and the box that the handy ACCO fastners are in . . . Of course, now my new copies of the g325a's have a nice little bite mark in the top of them . . . sigh. Do you think "my parrot ate the forms" is an excusable reason for not having everything completed correctly? Silly bird.

hehe.. I think the parrot excuse is good!

Check out aussiewench's .sig--she has the link for the adobe pro v7 which, although time limited for its use, lets you save your adobe forms with your inputs.

Good thing you don't live too close. There's a parrot up the street that.... oy. Noisy devils, aren't they? One of my good friends has 5 of them and its cacophony at her place....

Don't forget that you can see great experience posts (including the famous 'No $100 bills in Sydney' story!) at www.kamya.com/interview. Browse the top menu for DCF and the left menu for Australia. You'll find our story there under Greece. I found these stories most helpful in planning our submission and getting it organized in my mind. Just waiting on the citizenship interview now!

PS: is he bringing the dogs? I'm guessing 'no'. Long, long trip for doggies. Oh, if he's a vegemite fan, stock up now and bring it from home (gods know that it'll keep for eternity). Marmite is so very, very dear here (glass containers=expensive freight). Lorelle's on some sausage panic & talking about bringing a sausage maker, but my DAH observed that there's plenty of new food addictions to be had over here. Can anyone say Machaca Burrito?

Edited February 25, 2006 by meauxna

[wolvendove 0]

I'm going to suggest you do nothing today WRT mailing anything.. the mail room does not work the way you think. I'd like another couple of opinions about the case number---you're just in a funny spot right now where it might be difficult to match up documents. Trust me, they are not just sitting around in NSC or clearly ignoring you---just that there's several hundreds of identical envelopes in front of yours. There's no "calling" the Service Center, either, and you want a paper trail. Nothing's going to happen to it, and it's OK to leave it percolating along until you've got your Australia plans fleshed out (like the day before you get on the plane). There is no 'system' where your US petition and your Aus petition will intersect, and no harm will come (for now) from leaving the NSC out of it for the minute.

Good to know. I will then allow the I-130 to do its perking at NSC and will gleefully feel useful by pursuing the Aus Consulate options.

You can do some searching of the older group alt.us.visa.marriage-based (use google/groups or britishexpats.com) for examples of how to withdraw a petition. Later.

PS: they're not going to mail it back. Please tell me you kept copies of your submission and did not send any original documents. From now on, three copies of every submission is your law, OK?

I'll check out those links . . . as you said, later. Thank you. And yes, three copies of everything kept with me, one to them. It's actually nice, it leaves me one, sent one to my love in Syd, and I have an extra on standby. Great advice from this site, of course, that I found before I did the first mailing. I'm actually thinking a fire proof safe to store all of this identifying information in is the next task . . . talk about easy identity theft!

hehe.. I think the parrot excuse is good!

Check out aussiewench's .sig--she has the link for the adobe pro v7 which, although time limited for its use, lets you save your adobe forms with your inputs.

Good thing you don't live too close. There's a parrot up the street that.... oy. Noisy devils, aren't they? One of my good friends has 5 of them and its cacophony at her place....

Oooh! Thanks for the hint about the adobe pro v7! And yes, some parrots can be quite noisy. The shredder that has been "helping" today is actually pretty quiet. But I adopted an Amazon that grew up with a toddler. She throws temper tantrums, cries in all the various ways a three year old can from manipulative alligator tear sobs to I'm so tired I don't know what else to do sobs, and also says, "Mommy, forever, ever . . ." It's the last one that got me. The temper tantrums . . . well, it's good practice on not responding to such tactics.

Don't forget that you can see great experience posts (including the famous 'No $100 bills in Sydney' story!) at www.kamya.com/interview. Browse the top menu for DCF and the left menu for Australia. You'll find our story there under Greece. I found these stories most helpful in planning our submission and getting it organized in my mind. Just waiting on the citizenship interview now!

Congrats. I'll take a look once my brain is functional again!

PS: is he bringing the dogs? I'm guessing 'no'. Long, long trip for doggies. Oh, if he's a vegemite fan, stock up now and bring it from home (gods know that it'll keep for eternity). Marmite is so very, very dear here (glass containers=expensive freight). Lorelle's on some sausage panic & talking about bringing a sausage maker, but my DAH observed that there's plenty of new food addictions to be had over here. Can anyone say Machaca Burrito?

No dogs. Too long of a trip and quarintine is awfully cruel. As for the food . . . he did all right while he was here for the three months. Hehe. Although I must admit he's been overwhelmed by the amount of cheese that is around in our meals. And he missed lamb. I spent hours looking for lamb for Christmas dinner. I was going to attempt to cook it . . . ended up having pre-wedding stomach ache, couldn't cook, couldn't eat . . . he had to do it himself and was pretty dissapointed I didn't share in the glee that was lamb roast. Ah well. There will be other opportunities, I'm sure. He found Milky Way bars and gummi bears. And Dreyers Light slow churned ice cream. Still have two quarts of it in my freezer. And I don't really eat ice cream. Just another reason to bring him home fast!

[meauxna 15]

hmm, I don't share the love of lamb either, but it is available (in huge chunks) at Costco in Portland, and there are several specialty markets that carry it (there is a Fijian store up the road from me that has it and also carries fresh goat meat).

The Dryer's Light just didn't do it for me.. lord knows I hoped it would!

[sadie33138 0]

"No dogs. Too long of a trip and quarintine is awfully cruel. "

Quarantine?

I thought that the only US State that has any type of quarantine is Hawaii (since they are rabies free). It was my understanding that the requirements for dogs entering the US is to have rabies vaccination given 30 days or more prior to shipping the dog to the US and proof of that vaccination shown at POE. I know that airlines usually require a certificate of health before accepting pets.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm

But maybe I'm missing something here?

[wolvendove 0]

"No dogs. Too long of a trip and quarintine is awfully cruel. "

Quarantine?

I thought that the only US State that has any type of quarantine is Hawaii (since they are rabies free). It was my understanding that the requirements for dogs entering the US is to have rabies vaccination given 30 days or more prior to shipping the dog to the US and proof of that vaccination shown at POE. I know that airlines usually require a certificate of health before accepting pets.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal.htm

But maybe I'm missing something here?

Maybe my husband is missing something . . . I honestly haven't done the research on it. He had told me when we first met that he didn't plan on bringing the dogs becuase of the length of the trip and quarintine and I've just not looked into it. I wouldn't mind, but we would have to move! (apartment doesn't allow dogs)

hmm, I don't share the love of lamb either, but it is available (in huge chunks) at Costco in Portland, and there are several specialty markets that carry it (there is a Fijian store up the road from me that has it and also carries fresh goat meat).

The Dryer's Light just didn't do it for me.. lord knows I hoped it would!

I've heard Costco has some . . . I need to get one of those magic cards to get in . . .

I had lamb roasted really well while I was visiting. If I can figure out how to do that we'll be just fine!