July 13th, 1998: Scott posted off our completed I-129F application (along with the G325A biographical data forms for both of us and other supporting documents as required). We also included extensive proof of our relationship having heard of stories of the Service Centers requiring more information to prove the relationship and thus delaying approval. This is NOT mentioned on the actual I-129F form, aside from them asking for the petitioner to "describe the circumstances under which you met".
Scott and I enclosed a long letter explaining how we met and fell in love and want to be with each other forever. We also enclosed (no originals, only photocopies are required) copies of phone bills, the stamp in my passport saying I'd arrived in the USA, my boarding passes from my trip to America (on 4 different planes each way!), letters we'd sent each other and also showing the envelopes with the postage markings, photos of us together and with Scott's family (most of the photos Scott sent scanned copies and printed them on his colour printer, but he also enclosed 3 originals). Scott actually sent 2 copies of everything (including all the proof of relationship stuff). I think we may have gone overboard because it took longer to process our application than seems the norm for the Vermont Service Center. I have a feeling they may have taken one look at it and decided "I can't handle all this paperwork at one time" *wry grin*

July 16th, 1998: I decided to get my police clearance done well ahead of time so I wouldn't be caught out later with needing to get it done. I went to the Angus St Police Station in Adelaide and requested an "Application for National Police Clearance Certificate". Having filled out the form I didn't have to pay the regular fee because I had a health care card (because I am not currently employed). I did however, have to pay the $39.75 for the fingerprint clearance. The officer joked to me that they couldn't waive that fee coz they have to use too much ink *lol* After waiting a few minutes I was called upstairs to get my prints taken. Interestingly I was expecting the guy to just put my fingertips on the print pad but I was mistaken. The man explained that they put half of your finger onto the pad so that mistakes can't be made in the direction of the print (as in which side is the top of the finger). They use printer's ink which comes off easier than the ink they used to use. There were also some wet-ones (moistened towelettes for the unedumacated *grin*) for me to clean my hands afterwards. I used about 6 and got most of the ink off so I wouldn't look like some sort of criminal *giggle* I left the police station pretty happy anyway that one more thing was completed towards my return to the love of my life in America, my beloved Scott *s*

July 22nd, 1998: Scott gets back the certified mail receipt saying our petition arrived at its destination on the 15th. Personally I think it took a ridiculous amount of time to receive this receipt back, but at least we knew it had arrived safely and peace of mind is certainly worth a couple extra bucks *s*

July 23rd, 1998: I get a call from the Angus St Police Station saying my clearance is ready for collection. I pick it up and voila! I'm not wanted by them. In fact the actual wording is: ..."is not, at the date of issue of this certificate, recorded as being wanted or recorded in the indices of any Australian Police Service". Ah, it's a good feeling to know that it pays to be a good, law-abiding citizen *s*

July 24th, 1998: Scott receives the Notice of Action from Vermont which says the petition has been received on the 15th and is being processed. This was a relief to know that something was finally happening. Scott called the automated line to find out if we were on the system and we were but interestingly, the automated line said our petition was received on the 20th and petitions were currently taking 15 to 21 days to process. I wonder if perhaps the 20th was just the date they finally keyed our reference number into the system?

July 29th, 1998: I get Scott's Affidavit of Support in the mail (along with an extra one from his father). As a Masters student employed as a research assistant for the university, Scott is actually earning above the poverty line (+ 125%), but because his employment finishes soon (now he has sucessfully passed his Masters yay!) we didn't want to take any chances and his father was gracious enough to co-sponsor me. So another thing ready for my interview in Sydney *s*

August 4th, 1998: By this time Scott and I were starting to get a lil panicky because I'd read through the newsgroup of many people getting approval from Vermont in less time than ours was taking. Also my carefully planned departure date of September 8th was in jeopardy. Scott called the automated line and waited on hold for a half hour to talk to someone about the status of our petition. When he finally spoke to someone, he was informed our approval was in the process of being printed out, he should receive it within the next few days and that the approval would be cabled to Australia by the end of the week. The actual paperwork would follow, about 48 hours later. Anyway, this news made us feel a bit better because we knew our approval should be through officially soon.

August 5th, 1998: Scott made his usual call to the automated line and found out we'd been approved! Naturally this was pretty exciting news, although it would be more exciting to have the actual approval notice. We breathed a sigh of relief and then calculated that it's unlikely I'd be able to return on the 8th of September as planned because I still have to get my package from Sydney, have my medical, return the checklist and get an interview date. Interviews in Sydney can be 4 to 6 weeks wait so I decided to change my departure date to the 14th of September. Hopefully by the end of next week the checklist will be on its way back to Sydney and they will accommodate my planned departure date. Of course I haven't paid for my flight yet...just put it on hold, but I'm hopeful everything will work out so Scott's and my separation is over on the 15th of September *praying hard*

August 7th, 1998: I called the medical centre where I'll be having my medical (having found out this info via the newsgroup some time ago) and said my approval was through and could I find out what I need in the way of vaccinations etc. The secretary said she would post out the form but I said I'd come in and pick it up (I wasn't about to take any chances!). I went to the office and got the forms then went to the nearby doctor's office where they do vaccinations and made an appointment for an MMR vaccination (because I don't have any records from back in High School when I had those injections, and I require proof of immunization before a visa will be issued). Fortunately I had an ADT shot 4 years ago so that won't be required.

August 8th, 1998: Scott receives the official Notice of Approval from Vermont. Needless to say, we were VERY happy (gosh, if we're this happy now, think how happy we'll be when I actually get the visa *lol*) Now we wait to see how quickly my package comes from Sydney.

August 10th, 1998: I called the Sydney consulate and spent a few anxious moments when she asked who the applicant was and I said Scott and they couldn't find it on the computer. I asked if the approval had at least been cabled and she came back to me and said actually it's the Australian I need the name for. I said my name and she said yes, the approval is through (I guess she had seen Scott's name on the cable anyway). She also told me that they should be sending the package this week and I said I sure hope soon coz I'm planning on leaving on the 14th of next month and would it be in the next couple of days maybe? She said it should be. I guess now I'll wait and see how efficient Sydney is at sending out the package.
Later in the morning I went to see Dr Bennett for my MMR vaccination and a polio oral dose as well. He then gave me a form stating he'd given me the vaccination (which I had in my leg and hardly felt at all) and the polio dose. He also asked me for my ADT proof from my family doctor which I didn't have but promised to bring in tomorrow (he needs to sight it and sign that I've had it and it isn't required). Dr Bennett also said I may develop some spots from the measles part of the vaccine, in 10 to 15 days, but that they would go away in 3 or 4 days. Well, I hope that doesn't happen, but if it does at least I'm not leaving the country quite yet!

August 11th, 1998: I take my letter from my family doctor saying I had my ADT vaccination in 1994, to Dr Bennett and he gives me another statement which says I've had the vaccinations and he has also seen that I've had my ADT one. (I will still take the letter from my doctor to my medical however...better to be safe than sorry!)

August 14th, 1998: Finally the much anticipated package arrives from Sydney. I was literally shaking for about a half hour after I get it...nervous relief I guess! I must say, I'm lucky to have gone through Vermont with their automatic cabling and I sympathise with the people who are waiting weeks for their approvals to reach the foreign consulate.
I went off to the medical centre to show them my form and get the x-ray and blood test forms and to schedule my medical (it will be next Wednesday). Then I immediately went and got the x-ray done, having a freakish encounter with my brother who just happened to be at the same place getting a wrist x-ray...guess truth is stranger than fiction after all! (Neither of us had ever been to the x-ray place before either *lol*)
After the x-ray I took a short walk to the IMVS clinic for the blood test. No big deal. Came home, posted off my Form OF-230 I, after filling it out (this is the immigrant visa application part) and breathed a sigh of relief that another hurdle is out of the way. Now to hope when I send the checklist off next Wednesday, that the consulate will be gracious enough to give me a date prior to the 14th of next month (I'm enclosing a covering letter for good measure). Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers!

August 19th, 1998: In the morning I went to the post office and returned the checklist saying I have all my documents ready to present for the interview (knowing my medical was going to be today and that was the last thing I needed). I also enclosed a letter explaining that I wish to leave on the 14th of next month and could I please get an interview before then, as I was lucky to get a good quote on a flight for that particular day. Note: It is probably not wise to return the checklist before your medical to save time because you need to date the form when you return it and of course the date of your medical will be on your medical records. Anyway, I think I did pretty well to be able to send off my checklist 5 days after receiving the package *s*
In the afternoon I went for my medical. This was a breeze. The doctor already had my chest x-ray results and blood test results which were fine. I had to pee in a cup so he could check my urine was ok too so if you are going for your medical, don't go to the loo for awhile before-hand *grin* Dr Wilson then checked my blood pressure, chest with stethoscope and eyes and that was it. Also I'd submitted my vaccination stuff too so he signed the form to say I'd had what was needed. An interesting note...the reason we don't need the varicella vaccination (chicken pox) is because it's not available in Australia. Anyway, I've had chicken pox *s* Dr Wilson is retiring at the end of next week but there will be another doctor taking over who I'm sure will be just as competent. The nice secretary Kay is also leaving. I guess things are always subject to change :)
So as things stand, I am now ready for my interview and impatient to get it over with so my beloved Scott and I can be back together in 4 weeks. I can't wait!!!

August 25th, 1998: I called the Sydney Consulate to see whether my interview had been scheduled yet. The lady checked and said no, and that they are severely back-logged and only dealing with applications from early August at the moment. I told her my planned departure date is the 14th of next month and she made a note of it on my file and said they would do their best to give me an interview before that date. I guess all I can do now is wait. I'll call again next Monday to check because I REALLY need to pay for my flight soon and it would be nice to know if I'm going to be able to leave on the 14th or not! *feeling some frustration at not knowing*

August 28th, 1998:This morning I got impatient and didn't want to wait till Monday so I called the immigration line once again and got a recorded message saying nobody was available to take my call and to try again later. When I called again later I got a different recorded message that said the immigration line was closed for the day and would re-open on Monday. I am just hoping the reason for the line being closed is that the immigration workers were too busy catching up on back-logged applications, to be answering phones. Well, I plan to call again on Monday and beg for my interview if it still hasn't been scheduled, after all....i'm due to leave in 17 days which doesn't give me a lot of time!

August 31st, 1998: Well, today I am VERY pleased to say my interview has been set! I called the immigration line soon after 9am and got straight through. The lady checked for me about my interview and informed me it has been set for the 9th, at 10.30am. Needless to say, when I got off the phone I did some squeals of delight and jumped around. I was so excited I called America (yes in peak time *grin*) and left a message for Scott's parents (he was out for the evening at his sister's place till later and I knew he was only gonna be online late and would be wondering what happened when I called the consulate) to let him know my interview date had been set and I'll be able to leave on the 14th as planned *beaming*
I spent a busy morning booking my flight to Sydney for next week (using my frequent flyers mileage so I guess it was worth joining up before I went to America *grin*). Then I called the travel agent to let him know I'll be in tomorrow to pay for my flight and that all systems are go for the 14th *s* Of course I called all my family members to let them know the good news as well!
To top off my great morning, I got the letter from the consulate (guess I could have saved myself a phone call but I don't care!). The letter confirmed my interview date of the 9th and enclosed instructions about the order of my forms as I need to present them at the interview. One interesting note: with the way the instruction letter was worded that I'd received earlier from the consulate, I was under the impression that I needed my photocopies of originals notarized. This is not required, they just ask for you to have the originals with you at the interview (or certified copy of an original like birth certificates are when you request them), and one photocopy of each which they will then have certified and include in your fiancee visa package which you'll be taking to the United States (i.e. the mysterious brown envelope you present at the POE). Also I need to go to a post office and pay the $67.50 required for the visa and take the receipt with me to the interview, so that's the next thing on my agenda (as well as booking my flight tomorrow *s*) Anyway, I'm just thrilled that I'm almost finished with this process and that we will have gone through it in under 2 months. I must stress to anyone reading this however, that 2 months is EXCEPTIONALLY fast and not a true indication of most cases. The fact that we filed through the Vermont Service Center which automatically cables approvals made a big difference. However, if any Aussies are looking at speeding up the process on this end, just make sure you have all your documentation ready before you get the package from the consulate. Then, as soon as you have your medical results (I was able to return my checklist five days after receiving the package, because I immediately booked my medical and had my blood test and x-ray on that day) you can return the checklist and wait for an interview. BTW, I believe the medical varies from State to State... in Adelaide you have the medical after you get back the blood test and x-ray results, while in other States I believe you may have everything done on the day of the medical and then wait for your results. As far as planning your departure date is concerned, I think I was pushing it, to ask for an interview in about 3 weeks; to be safe and avoid the worry of thinking "will they or won't they accommodate my planned departure date?" it might be wiser to plan your departure about a month after you return the checklist. But then again, you might get lucky like I did *s* However, the official line of the consulate is that interviews are usually scheduled between 4 and 6 weeks of returning the checklist.

September 1st, 1998: This morning I went to the travel agent and finally paid for my flight which has been on hold for weeks *s* He also returned my passport to me which now has a visa sticker in it for entry into Japan (I am flying with ANA and you have to have an overnight layover in Japan which is ok coz at least I can get some sleep!). Then I went to the post office and paid my $67.50 and got the receipt (which specifies it is for a non-immigrant visa). Of course the fiancee visa is considered non-immigrant until you have married and adjusted status. So now I'm all set for my interview next Wednesday. I hope the time goes by fast because I'm getting REALLY anxious to return to my beloved Scott and start our life together!

September 9th, 1998: A busy but wonderful day! I took the 6.30am flight with Ansett from Adelaide to Sydney for my K1 visa interview. My flight was due to arrive at 8.50am but due to congestion at the Sydney airport, we touched down 20 minutes late. This caused me some panic as to whether I was going to make my 10.30am interview time but I needn't have worried. I took the airport express shuttle bus into the city and then walked to the MLC building (which is REALLY tall!). I arrived at 10.15am but ended up waiting about 45 minutes because there was a couple in front of me applying for a spousal visa and they didn't have all the documentation they needed to prove adequate income. When I was finally seen by the friendly black woman who was handling the paperwork, she commented that it was nice to see someone so organized *s* Once she'd looked at everything and said it all seemed to be in order (and I'd signed the OF156 forms and the OF156K form in front of her), she returned all my original documents to me and then called the consular officer over for the interview. He then proceeded to ask me a couple simple questions such as "Where did you meet?", "When are you planning to be married?" and "Where does your fiance live?" Once I'd answered him, he said everything was fine, I signed a form swearing that everything I'd said was true, and he told me to return after 2.30pm and pick up my visa.
When I returned just after 2.30pm, the nice black lady gave me the sealed envelope with all my documents (which I have to give to the immigration officer at the POE), and my passport with the visa stuck in it. I (being the happy little vegemite I am *cheesy grin*) gave her a card thanking the immigration staff for their efficiency with processing my case, and left the consulate feeling as if I was walking on air. I have to say, for me, the whole process has been very straight-forward and the Sydney people were really nice and of course, I just love the whole world now that I have my visa :)
Well, everything is ready now for my return to my beloved Scott and I'm so excited at the thought of being with him again in less than a week! I'm very glad we decided to do the K1 route, it was worth the wait to have the peace of mind that nobody will be able to tear us apart once we are together again. This time when I return, it's for good *dreamy smile*

September 15th, 1998: Oh joy, oh rapture! After our three and a month separation, Scott and I are finally back together forever and life is wonderful *happy sigh* I had a great POE entry experience at JFK airport. Although I had to wait in line awhile along with the other non-citizens to go through the immigration inspection, as soon as I showed my K1 visa, the guy asked for my INS sealed envelope. After he’d looked at it and stamped my passport, he referred me to the immigration counter a few steps farther on. I was seen almost immediately (not a busy day obviously for immigration, at least when I arrived). A black man looked through the documents and gave me a "work authorized" stamp valid till the 14th of December. The whole process from immigration inspection to getting my work authorization stamp took less than 10 minutes so boy was I happy it was so simple! I was very happy and relieved to arrive safely in Pittsburgh later that day and my darling Scott proposed officially that evening in an incredibly romantic way. If you want to read about how he went about it, follow the "proposal" link and I’m sure you’ll agree my Scott is an incredibly romantic man and I’m lucky to have him!

September 18th, 1998: Well, I think everyone is gonna want to move to Pittsburgh after I write down my EAD experience and Social Security experience today *grin* This morning I went to the INS office in the Federal building in Pittsburgh and after a very short wait my number was called (there were only 2 people ahead of me). I showed the lady my K1 visa and asked for the I-765 form. She gave it to me and I filled it out. I checked just to make sure that I didn’t have to pay the $70 fee for the temporary 3 month card and she said that was correct. After filling out the form, she told me to take a seat and I waited about 15 minutes. Then I was taken to a little room along with 2 other people and we had our pictures taken and the fingerprint put on the EAD card and got it immediately. The only reason for the delay in being called to get the card was because the lady doing the card was alone for the day with 3 people away sick. I walked out of the office really pleased to have my card and immediately walked to the Social Security office in Penn Avenue. Once I got there I filled out the Social Security card application and again didn’t have to wait long. The lady called me up and asked to see my passport and said I’d get my number in the mail in about 2 weeks. I asked about calling to find out if it was ready earlier and she gave me a 1-800 number. She said to me it was unusual to have so few people waiting to be served on a Friday and I said that’s because God was with me *s* We chatted a bit and I showed her my engagement ring and then she said "I usually don’t do this, but I’ll give you my direct line. Call me next Thursday and I’ll bring up your details on the computer to see whether your number has been issued already". I was SO pleased, it just goes to show, a little friendliness can go a long way! Hopefully I’ll be able to get work really soon. I’m so glad everything is going well and I’ll be able to work before Scott and I are married because I’d hate to be sitting around for 2 months doing nothing! I love Pittsburgh!!!

November 21st, 1998: OUR WEDDING DAY!
It happened to be the coldest day in Pittsburgh for November but I didn’t feel cold despite my sleeveless wedding dress. In fact it was nice to get some cool air at times outside. When Scott said his personal vows to me I cried. I’m so blessed to have a man who adores me in the same way I adore him. I sang him the first love song I wrote for him. Many people told us what a beautiful wedding we had. Well, I have to agree, it was a very special ceremony and one which was filled with love and commitment. The months we spent apart while applying for the fiancee visa were absolutely worth the end result and our wedding day was the most wonderful day in both our lives. It was very fortunate that we got married at this time of year too because we were able to get an excellent reception hall at a good price and everything just fell into place so we were able to have a big, white wedding which had been organized in less than 2 and a half months!
True love conquers all *blissfully happy smile*

December 2nd, 1998: Today Scott and I filed our paperwork for my Adjustment of Status. First we went to the city county building to inquire about getting our marriage record so I could get my name changed at Social Security. The lady said our marriage record wasn’t yet in and that if we used the Social Security office in town, they would accept our wedding certificate we had been given as evidence of marriage. Apparently the other Social Security offices in Pittsburgh require the official record copy though.
We went to the Federal Building and got seen almost right away because the INS office wasn’t busy. A lady took our paperwork:I-485 (Adjustment of Status form), I-864 (Affidavit of Support which had been notarized), 2 ADIT photos, EAD renewal form, copy of Scott’s last 3 tax returns, passport, copy of our approval notice, copy of our wedding certificate (she gave me back my birth certificate copy, saying it should already be in my file). We paid her $345 which was the $220 for the I-485, the $100 for the EAD and $25 for fingerprints. Another lady took me to a little room and took my photo and gave me my new EAD card (with my new married name *happy sigh*) and then we left, with instructions on paper with directions to the fingerprinting office. I had also asked the lady we handed our forms to, about what happens if Scott gets other work before our interview date (which has been set for April 13th, 1999). She said if that happens, to bring along a letter of employment from his new employer, and also one from my employer if I’m working. Scott is earning more than the required level in any case so we will be ok whatever happens. We got a list too detailing some of the stuff we’ll need to bring to our interview to show we have a bona fide marriage...wedding photos, other photos, joint bank accounts, proof of any major purchases made since our marriage, credit cards, utility bills, house lease or mortgage papers etc. Well, I’m sure Scott and I won’t have any problems proving we are in love *s*
Next step, Social Security office. Scott had to return to work so I went by myself. I had to wait about 20 minutes but once I was seen it didn’t take long. I showed my passport, new EAD card and marriage certificate. The guy informed me I should get my new Social Security card in about 7-10 days. He took my old card (lucky I have my number memorized already *grin*).
Finally it was time to go and get my fingerprints done. Of course, being in a dream world and just enjoying the walk in the unseasonably mild Pittsburgh weather, I went about 4 blocks too far *grin* When I did eventually find the place (which is basically across the road from the Pittsburgh Opera) I went inside. There were 4 men just sitting around, (a guard and three others). I filled out a form and used my EAD card for identification. Then one guy took my fingerprints. It was all very relaxed and easy and the men were fascinated with my accent. In the time I was there (about 15 minutes) nobody else even came in. The man who fingerprinted me mentioned that in Dallas there are 9 fingerprinting counters and about 1100 people A DAY coming for fingerprints! I felt very glad I live in Pittsburgh! Anyway, my fingerprints will be sent directly to the INS and they will have them by the time of our AOS interview. So now all I have to do is wait for April and hopefully that will be the last INS stuff to worry about until we apply to have my conditional status removed after a year and 9 months of marriage *sigh of relief*