Holy Crap! Can it really be???

[Kym 0]

I have been waiting for this day to arrive for 12 months and 6 days, (not that I'm counting) since the day we first met with a lawyer to file for a K-1 visa! I got home from work yesterday and had a letter from the National Visa Center stating that they have received an approved I-129F petition on behalf of my fiance. Let me just say that once again.....approved I-129F petition!!! I think I am still in shock. After everything we have gone through this last year trying to get to this point, I just can't believe this...I have read and reread this letter a dozen times.

We were granted a Congressional Inquiry on June 1 and I am not sure if it was this that pushed it through or if it would have been approved anyway. Either way, it doesn't matter, we are just so happy to move on to the next step! I would like to say how kind my congressman's office was to me and seemed very empathetic once I told them the 'whole' story.

By the way, I never received official notification via email or snail mail of a NOA2. Skipped directly to the receipt letter from the NVC.

Now...the next step will be this packet 3. If anyone has any info or links to what to expect in a packet 3 from the consulate in Sydney, Australia...I would be most gracious! I'm starting on my affidavit of support tomorrow!

Kym

[kittybear 0]

Congratulations!!!!

I'm so very happy for you!!

[dillydally 0]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! one step closer to being with your loved one!! good luck with the rest of the journey!! take care

[RosemarieL 0]

Congratulations. Hoping the rest of the process goes swift and smoothly for you

[Arinola 0]

Congratulations. Hoping the rest of the process goes swift and smoothly for you

Finally, and about time. I've been chomping at the bit to say congratulations and prayerfully the rest of your journey is smooth. Sorry it took that long but you will eventually be with the one you love and start a new life together very soon. All the best!

[wpaulino0613 0]

Applying for a Non-Immigrant Visa

Part One: Do I need a visa?

Under the Visa Waiver Program, Australians and nationals of 26 other countries, including the UK and New Zealand, can travel to the U.S for tourism or business stays of less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.

Part Two: What do I need to apply for a U.S. visa?

If your visit does not meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program you need to apply for a visa.

All applicants (except officials and diplomats, whose requirements differ slightly) must have the following:

Application Form DS-156 (Feb 03 edition): This form must be completed by all applicants for all visa types. Failure to answer all questions on this form could result in significant delays. Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 years old should sign this form on their behalf.

Applicants are required to fill out this form online. After filling out the DS-156 online, please print out all three pages of the form and bring them with you on the day of the interview. Please note that filling out the form online does not transmit the form to the Consulate. Handwritten forms will not be accepted.

Download Form DS-156.

A color or black and white photo: The photo must be less than six months old, 5 X 5 cm, against a white background, and show you facing the camera directly. Details of photo requirements.

A valid passport or travel document. If you have held previous passports please bring them on the day of the interview.

Original cash register receipt from any Australia Post Office showing payment of the non-refundable visa application fee. No other form of payment is accepted. The current application fee is $130 Australian dollars.

A self-addressed Express Post Platinum envelope, Registered Post envelope or courier satchel for the return of your documents. Failure to provide this will cause a delay in the processing of your application.

Issuance fees may apply. Fee information.

Additional documents as required (see below)

All male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, and all applicants who are citizens of Iran, Syria, Cuba, North Korea and Sudan must also submit:

Supplemental Application Form DS-157

Additional documents: Certain types of visas require additional forms or documents. Please click on a visa type in the left menu to read detailed instructions and find out what additional documentation is required. There are also additional requirements if you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

Part Three: How do I apply?

All Applicants must appear in person for an interview at the U.S. Consular Office serving your state. Children under 14 years of age and adults over 80 years of age who are also Australian citizens or Permanent Residents, and official and diplomatic visitors may not need to appear in person. If you are applying in Sydney, read about visiting the Consulate.

Anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa in Australia must make an appointment by accessing the "Visa Information and Appointment Website Service." To use this service, you must purchase a Personal Identification Number (PIN) online by using a credit card. The PIN will allow you to access visa information and to schedule nonimmigrant visa appointments for up to five family members residing at the same address.

For more information please consult the VisaPoint FAQ, and to schedule your appointment use the VisaPoint service.

Part Four: What else do I need to know?

Please do not contact the Consulate to inquire about the progress of your visa application, as we are unable to provide this service.

Direct all inquiries to our user-pays service at (charges apply):

1902 941 641 or

1800 687 844

Still have questions? See our non-immigrant visas frequently asked questions.

The U.S. Consulate General accepts no liability for any documents lodged as part of a visa application. It is your responsibility to use a secure means of sending your application to us and for ensuring its safe return to you.

Note: You should never pay for travel arrangements (e.g., airfare, hotels) without having a visa in your possession. The U.S. Consulate General accepts no responsibility if you do so, nor will we expedite processing because you have fixed travel dates. You risk significant financial losses if you ignore this advice.

Employment Authorization and Social Security Numbers

The dependents of certain categories of non-immigrant visa holders are permitted to work in the United States, including those traveling on J-2, L-2, E-1, E-2, and E-3D visas. In order to do so, they must apply for both employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and for a social security number from the Social Security Administration after their arrival in the United States. Note that it can take a significant amount of time to receive these items after the applications are filed, and you should plan accordingly.

For more information on Employment Authorization Documents, including who must apply, current processing times, and how to follow up on applications once they are made, please visit the following site: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/ead.htm.

For more information on how to acquire a social security number, how long this process requires, and what a social security number is for, please visit the following site: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html.

http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular/niv.html

[Rings 10]

YES you are approved! YAY Aussie! Oi Oi Oi!

[Aymerlu 3]

Congrats!

[ramzis51 0]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It appears you have had quite an ordeal. I imagine you're not too thrilled with your lawyer, but anyway-----on with the show!!!

[Dan J 277]

That's a great news after long waiting. we're happy for you congratz

[TracyTN 237]

Excellent news, Kym! I know you guys have been waiting a long time.

[Zee Bee 61]

Congratulations!!!

Hopefully the rest of your journey will be a lot smoother

[trueimage 0]

Congrats!

[eric_and_teresa 10]

Congratulations!!!!

[kitkat1 5]

Kym, SO happy to hear your great news. You guys have been through so much - here's hoping the rest of the process and smooth and fast!!!!