aliya

I stayed at the Hotel Stellar.. it's about a 5-10 min walk from the Consulate. Not terribly close but close enough for me.

Hotel website: http://www.hotelstellar.com/

Tripadvisor reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g2...outh_Wales.html

I'm picky about where I stay and this one seemed to have the best reviews at the most reasonable price.. I think we paid $100 or $110 a night and got an upgrade too. (Of course I would've loved to stay at the Westin or the Hyatt but after paying for the visa and the flights down.. it was better for us to find a cheaper place to stay )

Thanks again Kaffy - I'll look into it. It is such a blessing that VJ exists and that people are so generous in sharing their knowledge/experiences - it makes the journey so much easier...

congrats on submitting your packet 3! hope you get your interview date soon

Thanks - yes, I hope the interview is reasonably soon as I have a ticket booked for November 8th and need to change it at least 2 weeks beforehand if necessary...

Do you have any suggestions for somewhere reasonably priced to stay in Sydney close to the consulate?

yes, consider yourself lucky

Well, maybe not so lucky - received a bill for $92.50 in the mail yesterday! There is a medicare form with it though, so maybe I'll get some back?

Anyway, I'm happy to say that I got Packet 3 together and sent to the Consulate yesterday too. Hopefully we're onto the last leg of the Aussie part of the journey...

ali and joe - roll it up and place it inside a mailing tube

I too had my medical at Anzac Square and was charged $253 for the medical, $99 for the xray and $91.35 for the blood test.

my review for the medical is here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=1991680

Hope this helps!

Hi Kaffy - thanks for the good advice re the xray - maybe if my brain wasn't so full of other things, I'd have thought of this myself! I'm not sure why I didn't get charged for the blood test - maybe I just got lucky?

Thanks soo much guys I this has given me a whole lot to think about and suprisingly has made me feel a whole lot better.

On other question, re the medical, when do most people book it? When they recieve packet 3, NOA2 or just any time as it is vaild for 12 months?

I waited until I received Packet 3 (I have my medical appointment tomorrow!). When a rang to book it, I was asked to bring the case number with me. This (I hope) is the NVC Case number - Joe got this from phoning the NVC automated service a few days after we received the NOA2. There was no reference to a case number with the Packet 3 email, so this is the only one I can think of. If that's the case (needing the case number), then theoretically, you would need to wait until your case reaches the NVC after NOA2 and get the assigned number before proceeding with the medical. I got a booking for the following week here in Brisbane, so not a problem with time delay as far as I can see...

I did however organise a serology check through my doctor a few weeks ago for required vaccinations - didn't have immunisation records from when I was a child. This should save time and money at the medical (blood tests are an added cost whereas it was free on Medicare with my Dr). I followed someone's advice on VJ and got my Dr to write a letter on the Medical Centre letterhead in addition to getting the blood test results. I also got her to stamp and sign all these. I guess I will find out tomorrow if they accept these and will post an update...

Thanks Ali and Joe

I have no idea how to find my immunisation records either so that looks the blood test at the doctors is going to be the best way to do it! Also what do the medicals cost in Brisbane? I'm assuming your going through the medical center on Anzac square, which is where I need to go. Sadly broke little me will have to save up for the occasion, lol I was trying to work it out before reading some of the info people had given me and I came up with somewhere between $400 and $500.

Good luck for your medical Let us all know about how it goes!

Hi Chris and Mara

My medical went well - yes, the only place in Brisbane is The Anzac Square Medical Center. The basic cost was $253, and a further $100 for the chest xrays. I saw Dr. Brian Kable and he is very nice. He asked lots of medical history questions, did a full body check and a urine test. I also had to have another blood test for HIV/Syphilis, even though I had also had a check done for this with my doctor, because you have to present your passport and be signed off at a specific pathology unit. I wasn't charged for this. Both the xray and blood tests are done up the road on Wickham Terrace (within walking distance). You have to wait about an hour for the xray and pick it up and take it back to the Medical Center. I plan to pick up the medical results (Dr needs to see the blood test results and sign off) from the center tomorrow and if the I-134 stuff has arrived from Joe, hope to send all the stuff for Packet 3 to the consulate before the end of the week. I'm just about cross eyed from filling out forms/checking over and over to make sure I've done them correctly! In case you didn't know, the chest xray has to be carried with you for entry into the US - I've read on VJ that some people have had to get it out of their luggage on arrival (the POE officers need to look at it?) and this could be very time consuming/inconvenient especially if you are transiting to another destination in the US...I'm wondering how to carry it on board without bending/folding it (it's quite large)...just another little 'test' on this testy visa journey!

Thanks soo much guys I this has given me a whole lot to think about and suprisingly has made me feel a whole lot better.

On other question, re the medical, when do most people book it? When they recieve packet 3, NOA2 or just any time as it is vaild for 12 months?

I waited until I received Packet 3 (I have my medical appointment tomorrow!). When a rang to book it, I was asked to bring the case number with me. This (I hope) is the NVC Case number - Joe got this from phoning the NVC automated service a few days after we received the NOA2. There was no reference to a case number with the Packet 3 email, so this is the only one I can think of. If that's the case (needing the case number), then theoretically, you would need to wait until your case reaches the NVC after NOA2 and get the assigned number before proceeding with the medical. I got a booking for the following week here in Brisbane, so not a problem with time delay as far as I can see...

I did however organise a serology check through my doctor a few weeks ago for required vaccinations - didn't have immunisation records from when I was a child. This should save time and money at the medical (blood tests are an added cost whereas it was free on Medicare with my Dr). I followed someone's advice on VJ and got my Dr to write a letter on the Medical Centre letterhead in addition to getting the blood test results. I also got her to stamp and sign all these. I guess I will find out tomorrow if they accept these and will post an update...

Thanks so much for that info Ali and Joe!

I went to the website as well, and have been getting the forms at least situated so I can send them all over to my fiance.

It looks like your case went quickly! 10 days from the NOA2 being recieved to getting the packet? Wow, I can only hope mine comes so fast!

Keep me updated on your progress, will you? Since we are so close in approval and going to the same embassy, I would like to see how your experience is going

Hi again HednJimmy

Joe did send the fax to the Sydney Consulate to request the opening of a provisional file once we learned our case was at the NVC - perhaps this helped - I didn't receive anything from them to confirm this. I took the plunge and bought a ticket last week to leave on November 8th, so I'm hoping to have the visa in hand by then. Ticket can be changed if needed, but it would be great if all goes quickly and smoothly! I am just waiting on the I-134 stuff from Joe and hope to send in the rest of the forms as soon as I get this from him.

Here's the file template that I got from another post:

provisional_fax_template_2_.doc

Good luck!

Try this link - this is what Packet 3 from the Sydney US Consulate refers the applicant to :

http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/iv/fiance.html

Hi all!

So my fiance recieved his NOA2-woo hoo! Now we are just pre-compiling the Packet 3 as much as we can.

I was able to visit his hometown of Charters Towers QLD (about one hour inland of Townsville-tiny mining town!) this past month, and its so beautiful. I know he always told me it was tropical, but he meant TROPICAL!!! lol.

Quick question: according to the Affadavit of Support tips, it says, "Some foreign U.S. consulates require a 2nd affidavit of support which is called "sponsor's financial responsibility

under the social security act." It is a simple form and easily filled out and signed. The Hong Kong consulate does

require this form, as does the Sydney (Australia) consulate."

Does anyone know exactly the name for this form on the Sydney Consulate Website? I have seen the I-864, but that one looks like it's in regards to an I-130 petition. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Heather

Congratulations!

I posted a question re the 2nd affadavit of support and unfortunately didn't get any answers, so I'm really not sure whether we need this extra form or not in Australia - I found a thread somewhere that had a link to get a form DS-1858 - it's a PDF file that's in pretty poor shape, so I did long searches on the web, but only found copies in similar poor quality. Joe is going to fill it out and send it with 1-134 anyway in case they ask for it, but it doesn't seem to be in the Packet 3 instructions. BTW, the Packet 3 arrived via email to Joe - I had been checking my mailbox everyday! I'm not sure whether I will receive a hard copy or not...meanwhile I have done the police check, booked a medical and sent in the DS-201 (Part 1) which they require to start processing the case. It's probably best for you to wait until you receive yours to proceed with sending stuff in, but you could prepare some stuff in advance - here's what the email states:

The Consulate has received your approved petition. You may now download the initial set of instructions, known as “Packet 3”, from the following website:

http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/iv/fiance.html.

Forms required:

Form DS-156 — Nonimmigrant Visa Application (2 copies)

Form DS-156K — Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application (1 copy)

Form DS-230 Part I— Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration

Form DSL-1076 — Applicant’s Statement of Readiness to be Interviewed

Form I-134 — Affidavit of Support

A medical examination is required. For further information please refer to the following website: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/iv/medical.html.

To obtain a list of the Panel Physicians, please refer to the following website: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/iv/doctors.html. Medical forms are only obtained from the Panel Physician.

If you need to obtain a police certificate for Australia, please refer to the following website: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/pol...ertificate.html.

If you need to obtain a police certificate for another country, please visit the State Department website:

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reci...ocity_3272.html.

The visa applicant should complete and return form DS-230 (Part I only) as soon as possible to the U.S. Consulate General, Sydney. We only accept original forms, not faxed or scanned copies.

Please note that you must be interviewed and have your visa issued within the four-month validity of your petition.

When you have obtained all of the documents required for your case, complete and mail all of the documents(do not fax or scan) with Form DSL-1076 to advise the U.S. Consulate General in Sydney that you are ready for your final visa interview.

K-1 visa processing times vary. There may be unexpected ineligibilities that become apparent only at the time of your interview which require additional time and processing. For this reason, you should not make any irrevocable arrangements, such as purchasing non-refundable tickets, selling your home, or quitting your job, until after your visa is actually approved and issued to you.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Unit

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney

Hi everyone

We recently received our NOA2 approval and Joe is finalising the 1-134 form and evidence. He recently retired from his job, he has a military disability pension and a retirement pension that, after tax, comes in at just over the 125% requirement, plus he has about $150000 savings. We feel this should cover the requirements, but he had asked his son to act as a co-sponsor just in case his retirement is seen as an issue. However, his son is really busy and while his income is high, it is difficult for him gather all the info for the questions regarding other assets. Firstly, do you think we even need another sponsor and secondly, can his son just put in income/tax details/letter from employer etc and not declare assets - and if so, what would he answer where it asks for details of these on the I-134 form? Should he leave them blank, because putting NONE would not be accurate...I have searched the forums and it seems that questions about sponsorship are consulate specific, so I'm hoping that someone from the Aussie contingent can help with this!

Son can put just tax transcripts or ITRs, employment letter and W2s. No need assets if he earns enough to quailify. Put N/A instead of NONE.

Would be better if pops qualified on his own without sons help. Have son for a standby in case required!

Thanks for your response and advice- my feeling is to just submit Joe's Affadavit - do you think it will be a problem that he has retired and no longer employed? And, if his Affadavit isn't adequate, would the consulate let me know before the interview or would this just hold up the process at the interview stage? Perhaps I could put a note in with Packet 3 stating that we have a co-sponsor if needed?

Hi everyone

We recently received our NOA2 approval and Joe is finalising the 1-134 form and evidence. He recently retired from his job, he has a military disability pension and a retirement pension that, after tax, comes in at just over the 125% requirement, plus he has about $150000 savings. We feel this should cover the requirements, but he had asked his son to act as a co-sponsor just in case his retirement is seen as an issue. However, his son is really busy and while his income is high, it is difficult for him gather all the info for the questions regarding other assets. Firstly, do you think we even need another sponsor and secondly, can his son just put in income/tax details/letter from employer etc and not declare assets - and if so, what would he answer where it asks for details of these on the I-134 form? Should he leave them blank, because putting NONE would not be accurate...I have searched the forums and it seems that questions about sponsorship are consulate specific, so I'm hoping that someone from the Aussie contingent can help with this!

Hi fellow VJers

We received our approval notice by email on the 13th August - what a relief! Congratulations to all other approved couples - now for the next part...

I don't think you need to rush the medical appointment or the police check. It's pretty easy to get an appointment with the panel doctor here - I got my Packet 3 on a Thursday, rang the doctor immediately and was able to make an appointment for the following Monday (and the results were ready 2 days after). And as for the police check, the QLD police department processed and sent my police certificate off to the Consulate within a week.

Thankyou for your advice, it is very helpful. This process requires a lot of patience and we run ahead ofourselves sometimes!

Hi everyone

While we are waiting for our NOA2 approval after responding to an RFE, Joe has been busy getting the documentation together for the 1-134 Affadavit of Support. Can anyone tell me if the Sydney consulate requires 1 or 3 years of tax returns? Although Joe's income will be above what is required, and he has quite substantial savings, he recently retired from his work and to be safe, we have organised another sponsor. He has asked for 1 year of tax returns, plus a letter from the employer from the sponsor, but feels uncomfortable making more demands! Also, does anyone know if Sydney still requires the 'extra' form - DS -1858? I have checked their website and can't find anything related to this, but have found the form online elsewhere. I am also wondering if I can go ahead and get my police check done, because the consulate website says that the Queensland police will forward the results to the consulate, which suggests that I might need to wait for packet 3 and conformation of the case being opened there - or, perhaps I could put the consulate address on the forms for the return address and hope that the case has been opened by then? (we plan on sending the provisional fax once we have received NOA2, but we are not one of the lucky April VSC filers that have been approved yet! USCIS received our RFE response on July 30th and we have been touched since, but still no approval ) One more thing! I have had a serology check done by my GP and would like to book my medical, but read somewhere that I need to wait for the case number from the consulate - are there any Queenslanders who went ahead early with success or is it best to wait?

How long did it take for hardcopy to come? Of course I am being impatient as all heck AGAIN what's new aye? hahaha....Anyway we got email notification of it being sent on the 29th...they don't hold these all in batches waiting to be sent out just like the packet 3's do they? haha.....

It took 4 days for the RFE hard copy to arrive in the mail - hope yours arrives swiftly and that it's a simple matter to address. Good luck!

I notice a lot of people get an RFE for part C, question 2, on the I-129f. I guess because it's asked after question about military people think they don't have to answer it and simply don't check the box.

There is entire list of RFE's in a sticky thread at the top of the forums if you get curious.

Hopefully it's something simple and you can send it right back.

good luck

Yes, this was exactly what we received an RFE for - Joe didn't tick either of the boxes for part C, question 2, on the I-129f - must say we were very relieved, having been somewhat anxious for several days while waiting for the notice to arrive in the mail (it took 4).

Hope it's a simply matter for you too

You only have to answer that question if by the time you're filing you are in the U.S., if you are back home you don't have to fill that out.

Read question 12. If your fiancé(e) is currently in the U.S., complete the following:

Note that by fiance it means foreing fiance, as the US Citizen is the one who is supoused to file this form.

Oops, sorry guys...I'll put glasses on next time!

Thanks for your response...

My fiance (US citizen) and I are preparing to apply for the K1 Visa. Question 12 on the I-129F form asks for an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94) Number. I visited my fiance in the US in Jan/Feb of this year but the departure slip with these numbers on it was removed at my port of departure and I have no record of them. (The departure slip was a green form because Australian citizens are not required to have a visa to enter as a tourist for 3 months). I did not keep a record because at that point we had not read the form. How do I get these if I can and if not, what do I write on the form?