DV 2015 Oceania winners
- Thread starter Kellie
- Start date
AussieGemma
Active Member
What a year! Congratulations to OC2015, there were lots of us this year and I'm grateful for the advice on this forum. I really think the advice of those individuals made all the difference of some people getting their GreenCard.
EMS, it's great to hear from you - what an adventure you have had in some beautiful places!
We have been in the USA for nearly 4 months now. After selling everything and keeping only photos and keepsakes, we packed a few suitcases and headed to Hawaii for our POE. After a nice holiday on the Big Island then a few days in LA we moved to Texas. It was so hot and too many bugs (my youngest daughter had mozzie bites all over her) we decided to move to Colorado. We had always planned to move to Colorado but the job market was more prosperous in Dallas than Denver, so we changed our mind last minute. It turns out I got a great job in the Denver Tech Center while living in Texas. I work from home 3 days a week and it really is a fantastic job. Kids love their school, we are in Jeffco County at the base of the mountains and really love Colorado. We've been to the mountains a few times and spent last weekend in Wyoming. So much to explore before the weather changes. We've have had a perfect Summer, it's hard to believe it's going to snow soon!
Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your new life if you are here already. For those that will be coming here soon, I hope everything goes smoothly. All the best everyone!
EMS, it's great to hear from you - what an adventure you have had in some beautiful places!
We have been in the USA for nearly 4 months now. After selling everything and keeping only photos and keepsakes, we packed a few suitcases and headed to Hawaii for our POE. After a nice holiday on the Big Island then a few days in LA we moved to Texas. It was so hot and too many bugs (my youngest daughter had mozzie bites all over her) we decided to move to Colorado. We had always planned to move to Colorado but the job market was more prosperous in Dallas than Denver, so we changed our mind last minute. It turns out I got a great job in the Denver Tech Center while living in Texas. I work from home 3 days a week and it really is a fantastic job. Kids love their school, we are in Jeffco County at the base of the mountains and really love Colorado. We've been to the mountains a few times and spent last weekend in Wyoming. So much to explore before the weather changes. We've have had a perfect Summer, it's hard to believe it's going to snow soon!
Anyway, I hope you are enjoying your new life if you are here already. For those that will be coming here soon, I hope everything goes smoothly. All the best everyone!
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
Awesome! Glad it's going well!
AussieGemma
Active Member
Thanks Susie 
So...I need one more piece of advice - Credit ratings, I've been trying to find info on this but haven't yet been successful...
We had our Australian AMEX for 12 months and 2 weeks ago did a global transfer. We have received our new cards and all is well. We have a car that we paid cash for and have no debt. We have money in our US bank accounts and Australian bank account(I'm not going to move it until the rate improves), we have our SSN's and they are linked to our US bank accounts. We have had a Bank Of America account since 2012 with cash in it but didn't have a SSN when opening - will this still come up favorably since linking our SSN? We want to finance a car for three reasons, 1. we don't want to use our cash 2. It's going to snow in Nov and we need a 4x4 and 3. We want to build our credit score so we can buy a house next year. I have a well paying job (contractor not full time) since moving here.
My problem is I have looked up the credit rating thru US Bank (Credit View - external provider) and also CreditKarma (thanks to Britsimon, I was reading Deb's posts on the OC2016 thread on here) but either have our credit score. I was thinking it's because it hasn't been 30 days since our AMEX was transferred.
I would appreciate any advice on what to do next? Should I just wait it out or can I contact someone? I know the credit score thing here is fragile and needs to be done right. All the stores have been pushing their store cards since we arrived. We bought a KitchenAid mixer from Macy's last week and they said we could save another $50 if we applied for their card - it was only $199, a bargain compared to Australia. We declined as it just wasn't worth it if we were refused because our score is not showing up.
Thank you!
So...I need one more piece of advice - Credit ratings, I've been trying to find info on this but haven't yet been successful...
We had our Australian AMEX for 12 months and 2 weeks ago did a global transfer. We have received our new cards and all is well. We have a car that we paid cash for and have no debt. We have money in our US bank accounts and Australian bank account(I'm not going to move it until the rate improves), we have our SSN's and they are linked to our US bank accounts. We have had a Bank Of America account since 2012 with cash in it but didn't have a SSN when opening - will this still come up favorably since linking our SSN? We want to finance a car for three reasons, 1. we don't want to use our cash 2. It's going to snow in Nov and we need a 4x4 and 3. We want to build our credit score so we can buy a house next year. I have a well paying job (contractor not full time) since moving here.
My problem is I have looked up the credit rating thru US Bank (Credit View - external provider) and also CreditKarma (thanks to Britsimon, I was reading Deb's posts on the OC2016 thread on here) but either have our credit score. I was thinking it's because it hasn't been 30 days since our AMEX was transferred.
I would appreciate any advice on what to do next? Should I just wait it out or can I contact someone? I know the credit score thing here is fragile and needs to be done right. All the stores have been pushing their store cards since we arrived. We bought a KitchenAid mixer from Macy's last week and they said we could save another $50 if we applied for their card - it was only $199, a bargain compared to Australia. We declined as it just wasn't worth it if we were refused because our score is not showing up.
Thank you!
Britsimon
Super Moderator
Thanks Susie
So...I need one more piece of advice - Credit ratings, I've been trying to find info on this but haven't yet been successful...
We had our Australian AMEX for 12 months and 2 weeks ago did a global transfer. We have received our new cards and all is well. We have a car that we paid cash for and have no debt. We have money in our US bank accounts and Australian bank account(I'm not going to move it until the rate improves), we have our SSN's and they are linked to our US bank accounts. We have had a Bank Of America account since 2012 with cash in it but didn't have a SSN when opening - will this still come up favorably since linking our SSN? We want to finance a car for three reasons, 1. we don't want to use our cash 2. It's going to snow in Nov and we need a 4x4 and 3. We want to build our credit score so we can buy a house next year. I have a well paying job (contractor not full time) since moving here.
My problem is I have looked up the credit rating thru US Bank (Credit View - external provider) and also CreditKarma (thanks to Britsimon, I was reading Deb's posts on the OC2016 thread on here) but either have our credit score. I was thinking it's because it hasn't been 30 days since our AMEX was transferred.
I would appreciate any advice on what to do next? Should I just wait it out or can I contact someone? I know the credit score thing here is fragile and needs to be done right. All the stores have been pushing their store cards since we arrived. We bought a KitchenAid mixer from Macy's last week and they said we could save another $50 if we applied for their card - it was only $199, a bargain compared to Australia. We declined as it just wasn't worth it if we were refused because our score is not showing up.
Thank you!
You are right to refuse the store cards for now. Those hard credit checks will show negatively on your credit score once you have that.
You might have a "thin credit file". That means they know about you, but no one is reporting credit on you yet. You could wait until the global transfer starts reporting (hopefully it will), but that could take another month or two. At some point though you need to take the plunge with a credit card. If you decide to get another credit card (either to add to your report in addition to the Amex, or because you doubt the Amex will show), you could do a secured credit card, or try one of the "kinder" credit card companies. Discover, funnily enough have a great money back scheme, they provide your FICO score, and seem to be likely to approve new accounts with little history. Use the referral link below to get $50 free credit!
http://bit.ly/1QkOZ4A
Frustratingly - bank accounts with money in them are not reported and not all contract phones are reported either.
AussieGemma
Active Member
Thanks Simon, I appreciate your reply. We will get the extra credit card and hope AMEX report soon.
Hey Y'all!
Just a quick update that I am back in good'ol Brooklyn town, but you know, this time I have a Greencard.. I haven't really been shouting things from the rooftop about it, but it feels so good to know that I am a free agent here and am no longer tied to my E3 visa. I was on my second e3 visa, and in my previous job my department folded and I was given 4 weeks to find another job in NYC that was willing to sponsor me. which fortunately i did, but it was very precarious and I went on about 25 interviews over 4 weeks, while still working in my old job, and had to be aggressive about it, while downplaying or outright evading the sponsorship requirement discussion during the interview.... I work as an Art Director. Its an excellent job, and I have no plans to leave my current job. BUT knowing that IF I lost my job I wanted a change I would be totally fine and not have to leave the country in 10 days, ( as was a requirement by my previous visa) and I can also do anything now and not have to worry about convincing the prospective employer to sponsor me.. is a huge burden lifted! I am also thinking of getting a second weekend cafe job ( just to offset my spray tans and fashion addiction.. and you know, as another great way to meet people in Brooklyn.)
A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to all the wonderful people on the forum. Particularly Britsimon and Emily W. So responsive, and so supportive. (I give a new meaning to NEUROTIC!! trust me!)
Best of luck to all those who are going through the process this year, and also, I should say, the GC is not the be all and end all. Let's remember, Australia leans very socialist. Its not like that in the US.. I have lived here for almost 3 years, and I truly understand now that you really have to do very well to succeed here. There is a terrifying disparity of wealth, the health system is a nightmare, and education is a privilege. We are lucky that in Australia these things are accessible, really to anyone, from any socio-economic background, Ironically if I wasn't from Australia I probably would not have had the opportunities that my free education afforded me. Anyway something to think about on a Monday evening.. The grass is always greener..
Thanks All!!! oxoxoxoxoxo
Steph.
Just a quick update that I am back in good'ol Brooklyn town, but you know, this time I have a Greencard.. I haven't really been shouting things from the rooftop about it, but it feels so good to know that I am a free agent here and am no longer tied to my E3 visa. I was on my second e3 visa, and in my previous job my department folded and I was given 4 weeks to find another job in NYC that was willing to sponsor me. which fortunately i did, but it was very precarious and I went on about 25 interviews over 4 weeks, while still working in my old job, and had to be aggressive about it, while downplaying or outright evading the sponsorship requirement discussion during the interview.... I work as an Art Director. Its an excellent job, and I have no plans to leave my current job. BUT knowing that IF I lost my job I wanted a change I would be totally fine and not have to leave the country in 10 days, ( as was a requirement by my previous visa) and I can also do anything now and not have to worry about convincing the prospective employer to sponsor me.. is a huge burden lifted! I am also thinking of getting a second weekend cafe job ( just to offset my spray tans and fashion addiction.. and you know, as another great way to meet people in Brooklyn.)
A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to all the wonderful people on the forum. Particularly Britsimon and Emily W. So responsive, and so supportive. (I give a new meaning to NEUROTIC!! trust me!)
Best of luck to all those who are going through the process this year, and also, I should say, the GC is not the be all and end all. Let's remember, Australia leans very socialist. Its not like that in the US.. I have lived here for almost 3 years, and I truly understand now that you really have to do very well to succeed here. There is a terrifying disparity of wealth, the health system is a nightmare, and education is a privilege. We are lucky that in Australia these things are accessible, really to anyone, from any socio-economic background, Ironically if I wasn't from Australia I probably would not have had the opportunities that my free education afforded me. Anyway something to think about on a Monday evening.. The grass is always greener..
Thanks All!!! oxoxoxoxoxo
Steph.
@Britsimon @SusieQQQ
Hi All,
Just wanted to update you and say a huuuuge thank you for all your help.
After a horrible 6 weeks we have finally had our VISAs issued!!!!! Can't thank you guys enough for your help and for taking the time to explain the process
Hi All,
Just wanted to update you and say a huuuuge thank you for all your help.
After a horrible 6 weeks we have finally had our VISAs issued!!!!! Can't thank you guys enough for your help and for taking the time to explain the process
SophiaP
New Member
Is it too late to weigh in with a last minute shout out and big fat Greek 'thank you' to everyone who posted their experiences, advice, admonitions (both gentle and harsh) and stories?
If not, big shout out to every single person on the DV 2015 OCEANIA thread / group who contributed their little nuggets of information gold. Even the blobs of dirt and wet sand in the pan were mighty valuable.
Hubby and I were informed this morning that our Greencards, SSNs, BoA debit cards and Discover credit cards have been bundled into a big phat envelope ready for dispatch to Melbourne. I am sure I will cry a monsoon of tears once I've got every single bit of plastic in my hot little hands.
I wish everyone on this thread and all future lucky DV Lottery buggers all the very best in their endeavours.
Take care and make sure you learn the words to Star Spangled Banner so you can belt it out like Bleeding Gums Murphy!
If not, big shout out to every single person on the DV 2015 OCEANIA thread / group who contributed their little nuggets of information gold. Even the blobs of dirt and wet sand in the pan were mighty valuable.
Hubby and I were informed this morning that our Greencards, SSNs, BoA debit cards and Discover credit cards have been bundled into a big phat envelope ready for dispatch to Melbourne. I am sure I will cry a monsoon of tears once I've got every single bit of plastic in my hot little hands.
I wish everyone on this thread and all future lucky DV Lottery buggers all the very best in their endeavours.
Take care and make sure you learn the words to Star Spangled Banner so you can belt it out like Bleeding Gums Murphy!
Ham64112
Member
Hello Moderators
I was reading on one of the visa bulletin website and I came along this message below but didn't under stand it well can any one help in
thank you
Immigrant Numbers for October 2015
Revised September 25, 2015
This bulletin supersedes the bulletin for October 2015 that was originally published on September 9, 2015, and contained Dates for Filing Applications long used by the Department of State for internal processing purposes. Following consultations with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Dates for Filing Applications for some categories in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based preferences have been adjusted to better reflect a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. The Dates for Filing Applications sections (sections 4.B. and 5.B.) which have been adjusted have been identified in Bold type.
Please be advised that DHS will rely on this revised bulletin, rather than the bulletin published on September 9, 2015, when considering whether an individual is eligible to file an application for adjustment of status.
I was reading on one of the visa bulletin website and I came along this message below but didn't under stand it well can any one help in
thank you
Immigrant Numbers for October 2015
Revised September 25, 2015
This bulletin supersedes the bulletin for October 2015 that was originally published on September 9, 2015, and contained Dates for Filing Applications long used by the Department of State for internal processing purposes. Following consultations with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Dates for Filing Applications for some categories in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based preferences have been adjusted to better reflect a timeframe justifying immediate action in the application process. The Dates for Filing Applications sections (sections 4.B. and 5.B.) which have been adjusted have been identified in Bold type.
Please be advised that DHS will rely on this revised bulletin, rather than the bulletin published on September 9, 2015, when considering whether an individual is eligible to file an application for adjustment of status.
Britsimon
Super Moderator
Ther changes have no impact on DV lottery.
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
"for some categories in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based preferences"...
no relevance to Diversity Visa applicants at all
laplace4
New Member
Hi Steph. Just wondering if you could describe how you went about in obtaining your E3 visa to begin with? I'm currently looking into this myself as the only other avenue of getting to the US (DV and marriage being the unlikely others).
guestgulkan
Well-Known Member
Hi Aussie Gemma. You don't get a credit score until your credit history is six months / one year.
Also the -real- credit score is the FICO score, the others aren't used by anyone.
Your first credit score will suck. Probably be 600 which isn't good.
700-800+ is where it's at. 400-500 is pariah status.
AussieGemma
Active Member
Thanks for the info. I have had the Aussie AMEX for 1 year and did a Global transfer for a US one. I called AMEX and they will be reporting the card on the 14th October. Based on the advice on here, this should give me a credit score in the 700's. We will get an additional credit card too so build up the score. We went to the bank today to talk about a loan and they said they don't have different rates for car loans, as the security is the car. Anyone else have info on this? Probably not the correct thread for the question.
guestgulkan
Well-Known Member
Amex used your Australian history to give you a credit card but the US credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Equifax, Experian) will only see one month and imho won't give a credit score yet.
Good thing about a "thin file" is no negatives, bad thing is no history and average credit card age is low.
Hey @AussieGemma, I am in Loveland Colorado, only an hour from Denver. I'd love to catch up with you some time. I too am loving Colorado, especially since I left
Pueblo. Glad youre enjoying life.