The DCF Process in Oz

[Elle 0]

Hi All,

Okay, I e-mailed the IV about the processing times and I got this reply...

"The I-130 will be processed the same day that it is lodged. Pkt 3 will then be given to the US citizen so the spouse can start the immigrant process. This process can take 2 – 4 months.

On the day of the interview, if the visa is approved, you may collect the visa the following business day from 3.30 – 4.00pm."

I just wanted to confirm that when we do a Thursday walk in (I live in Sydney, hubby isn't a Oz resident but a US citizen living in Balto), they will process the I-130 then give us the Pkt 3 on the SAME day?

Hubby will be visiting late Dec/early Jan...so early Dec, should I start to file for a Police Certificate and with the medical, Ms aussiewench was lovely enough to mail me the doc list and the vaccinations reqd --should I get those vaccinations done or is the recommended doc the one who is supposed to take the vacinnations etc.

The I-864 affadavit of support is then submitted along with the Pkt 3 stuff? The I-864 no longer needs to be notarized right?

Any other tips/shortcuts to be as well prepared as possible?

I'm sorry...I'm just so flustered... we submitted the I-130 and 129F in the States (see my sig) and then realized about this option...I just want top be as well prepared as I can for when hubby flies so we can aim for a 2 month turnaround time...

**breathes**

*waves* to wenchie & lunamel lol

[aussiewench 9]

Hey Elle

I can't respond to all your questions as I haven't had time to read up 100% on whats happening since they changed the system slightly a few months back.

Vaccinations.

If you look at the chart I sent you will be able to tell which vaccinations are required as per your age. If you have your immunisations records, you have to take these with you to the medical. You don't have to have any vaccinations that you are up to date with. You can have a blood test done which will tell what immunity level you have to the various things. Any vaccinations needed can be done prior to the medical with your own doctor. You will also need to take the paperwork of the blood test if you have that done and any vaccinations received, to the medical. I had the HIV blood test taken with my own doctor as well but from memory I think that was supposed to be done at the time of the medical, but they let it go. Hopefully someone will confirm if thats right or not. You can call one of the Doctors offices and ask if you want to be 100%.

Not 100% on when the I-864 is submitted but someone will. No, it no longer needs to be notorized.

Was great to hear that you got confirmation from the Consulate that you can just submit a new I-130

Wishing you the very best Elle. You will both do great

Lorelle

[Lunamel 0]

Hi Elle

I can confirm that Sydney will give you packet 3 if you go in with your husband when he files the I-130. They were about to give it to us until I told them that we'd received it before the changes were made. So you will definitely get the medical forms and other docs that day. In light of that, if you book a medical for some date after that, you will be fine.

The I-864 will be in packet 3, and you are supposed to file it when you go in for your interview (the date of which will be set when you send in forms DS-230 parts 1 & 2 and DS-2001 - which confirms that you're ready for your interview). We filed ours when my hubby filed the I-130, but that was only because we'd already received packet 3. You can download the relevant forms in advance, though, to make sure you have all the documentation you need.

Like I said in a previous post, if you've got your medical and police checks organized, and have all the info for your I-864 and other forms, you should be able to send in your forms and request an interview not long after receiving packet 3. You should receive an interview about a month later, based on their current times, but those could change of course. I reckon if you allow 2 months you'll be fine!

As for the vaccinations, I made sure mine were all up to date before my medical, and gave the doctor my immunization records on the day. Got my HIV and syphillis test on the same day as the medical, and the x-ray, and got all the results a few days later.

And don't stress too much -- as long as you're organized and you've got all your information together, you'll be fine. And don't forget to look at the aussie DCF thread above!

I've got my interview next Tuesday, I'll let you know how it goes -- wish me luck!

Chris

[Elle 0]

Hallo Lorelle & Chris...thank you lovelys so much for that!!

I'll have quite a bit of reading to do this weekend hehe.

Chris, goodluck for your interview!! I'm sure y'all be doing the happy very very soon! How long will you be in Sydney??

I'll talk to you guys soon!

[Elle 0]

One more question, when I submitted my I-130 in the States, I didn't use my married name. Should I use my married name when filing for DCF? We've been married for four years and all the docs I have are in maiden name still -- I wasn't sure how to go about changing it. Does it matter which last name I put on there? Thanks again!

Edit: Doe sanyone know where I can get a copy of the DS-230 parts 1 & 2 and DS-2001? I tried googling but I just got info prior to the changes made.

Edited October 28, 2006 by Elle

[Elle 0]

Okay I think I found DS230 Part 1&2 --can someone confirm that its the right form? Thanks!

Immigrant_Visa_Application_Form_DS_230.pdf

[meauxna 15]

I've not changed my surname; there is no requirement to. If you want to change your surname, now is the time to do it. Use the name on the forms that you'd like to be known by. Is it easier to change your passport while you're in Oz? It's not required, but if you're going to do it eventually....

You can always get the most recent versions of forms at uscis.gov