Around mid-April 2016 we got the call – my husband (then fiancee) got a job offer in the U.S starting early June, so we got married, sorted U.S visas, rented out our place and packed up.  I wouldn’t recommend doing all that in 6 weeks, but we made it happen…

We set the wedding date for the end of May, on a Friday – a Friday in low season helped us to get most suppliers we wanted and we got a good deal on the reception venue. The day was perfect, Perth’s weather did not disappoint and we had a beautiful day in front of 110 family and friends.

The job and the move completely depended my husband getting his E3 visa approved, there was no reason for it not too go through but we were still a bit anxious about it.  The process does take a bit of time, there is a lengthily online questionnaire and you want to make sure you get everything right, but once it was approved his passport was back to him within a week with the U.S visa sticker.  My visa was trouble free and easier – I only need to supply minimal information in comparison, I went and got my marriage certificate a few days after we got married and I then had my U.S Embassy appointment that week.  The staff at the Embassy were lovely and it was a quick and easy process, I did see them turn away a few people who did not follow the instructions – it clearly states that your photograph needs to be taken with the last 30 days but people were bringing in the same photo they’d submitted on their application two years prior, another applicant tried to pay for an application with AMEX but there was a sign clearly stating it wasn’t accepted.  I got my passport back with the U.S visa within 5 business days.

On the recommendation of friends we got a great real estate agent to rent our place in South Perth, we had strong interest but after a few viewings we were getting the feedback that our kitchen was too old so we got in a cabinet maker (the fantastic team at KR Enterprises) to replace the doors and hinges, and make a space for a new oven.  We loved the results and got new tenants signed just before we left.

 

Luckily we had help from my husband’s new company to relocate so we had packers come in, which took 2 days.  We weren’t taking everything so it had to be sorted then we sold a heap of electronics and white goods on Gumtree.  It was then time for my husband to fly to L.A so I stayed back to get the townhouse cleaned and final bits wrapped up and I headed off a week later.

The 6 weeks were fun, stressful and eventful – it seemed crazy when we were doing it and there were many trying moments but we got through it, and it’s been worth it.