ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Oh yeah - congrats Kelzm on getting through the interview etc, and for the review of the consulate. I'm always glad, when reading the Auckland Consulate reviews, that this is where the interview takes place, the seem to go out of their way to help.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-07-15 20:16:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Welcome along Lux.

Congrats Ruby - must be great to finally be there.

No further news our end, we are just hanging out waiting for my interview in Aug (well Brook is hanging out, I'm working like mad to make sure I have my current projects wrapped up so I can leave with a clean slate), and starting to put together a plan of the logisitcs of the whole pick up the family and move them across the world thing (especially when our kids will only be 20 months and 5 months old at the time). I have also basically finished my CV/Resume and will start the great job hunt soon.

Hope everyone else is making progress, no matter how slow and tedious it may seem to be. It has occured to me how tough it must be for those of you who aren't physically together through all of this, it must be very very hard, and our thoughts are with you (we were talking about this the other night).

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-07-15 20:13:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Kim - that's sad about your brother, hopefully it all works out well for you and your family in the long run.

Thanks for the naming of the Sattelite company (Setanta) that plays the rugby - this is something I will miss a lot. I was in the US during the Lions series a couple of years ago, and couldn't find anywhere airing the games (and Brook's parents had an endless number of channels on their sattelite provider). I had to ring home and get someone to tape the games, and I only got the results via the Web the next day.

Julie and Allan - A fair majority of my work now in Commercial Construction Project Management and other services around this such as construction logistics etc), not sure if this is Allan's game at all, but I'm keen for input/opinions on approaching companies in my search for a job (we are pretty open to anywhere around the Bay Area, San Jose, Sacramento areas. I have started to create a bit of a "hit list" of potential employers.

Hope all is well with everyone else, and that progress is being made.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-07-06 18:34:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Jul 3 2008, 12:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Grant, my brother lived in Menlo Park for quite some time while working for SUN. It's a beautiful area. Good luck with your job search! Did you try to move your interview date up? Maybe you're in no rush and don't care to. wink.gif I just know others have had theirs expedited...I certainly know we're going to try! smile.gif

We haven't tried to move my interview date up at all. I have two big contracts that finish in late August so we are not in any hurry to make too many plans until they finish up.

Good luck with speeding your one up!!

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-07-03 01:49:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Only update here is that I got a copy of my medical results from the Dr. in the mail. All good.

This was couriered to the Consulate on Monday (by the Dr.).

Just a waiting game now until the interview in August.

I am however updating my CV, and starting the look for a job in Northen California (Sacramento, Bay Area, San Jose etc) now. I have identified plenty of potential employers, so will get in touch with them over the next few weeks (just getting a couple of references written for me now). Will be hard being an employee again, at the moment I work for myself in a Project Management Consultant role, but there should be plenty of work in this field as an employee.

Hope everyone else is going well, and making progress.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-07-02 01:27:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (GnomeGrrl @ Jun 26 2008, 09:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was about to ask you which one you were talking to - if it was the blonde American ... but you wouldn't know that by email. LOL. All the staff in there are lovely, but she really stands out.

This is the lady that we spoke to, and helped us with the first lot of filing, arranged my interview date and time etc.

She was brilliant, so very friendly and helpful, and was able to answer all of our questions (we had a fair few).

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-26 02:43:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
The medical was all very easy. Saw a nurse who looked took my height, weight, blood pressure, measured by lung function with a peak flow metre, gave me a Tetanus shot (I had not had one for years) and sent me to the doctor who checked my hearing, and sight, checked me for hernia's and then asked me a bunch of questions (a lot relating to any mental illness or alcohol/drug abuse). I then was sent to give blood to check for vaccinations. I then had a chest Xray.

All was good with no problems at all (providing the blood samples show I have had all of the right vaccinations). They said they will ring me in a day or two just to confirm that all is ok and that they have sent the forms back to the Consulate.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-25 15:54:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (kelzm @ Jun 23 2008, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've got my medical on Wednesday, made an appointment with Dr Marcus Stone in Remuera


Snap!!, got my medical on Wednesday as well, but with Dr Daniels in Remuera instead. Wasn't given the cost (I didn't ask either).

Interesting that the pink form asks for a recent payslip with the I864 - we don't have one from our joint sponsor (they are retired, so don't have one). However we will get them to provide proof of their retirement savings and 401k anyway.

What was interesting at the consulate was that we were told not to worry too much about the I864. In fact the lady we spoke to said that the equity we have in our house (even if we don't sell it - which we aren't planning on doing) was more than enough to cover the level of assets needed to not even require a joint sponsor (but we have our bases covered).

We had both Brook's and her parents (joint sponsors) I864's ready to submit with the first lot of paperwork, but were told not to worry now, just bring it to the interview. They were very casual about the whole thing.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-23 03:16:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Oh - Brook also filed a G325a as well.
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-17 19:33:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
We went to the Consulate in Auckland today, armed with everything we could think of possibly needing to kick the whole process off.

The lady behind the window was brilliant. We basically filed (with the right supporting documentation) the I-130 (Brook filed), the DS230 (Part 1), the police clearance, the DS2001. We also had to pay the I-130 application fee.

We then took a seat and waited, the same lady came back with an interview letter and date and medical check information for me (19 August is my interview date), we then waited a bit longer and were called up to see a Consulate Officer who had checked all of the forms, and made Brook swear an oath and then we were able to go.

Lets hope the interview stage is as easy as well.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-17 19:29:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (kelzm @ Jun 13 2008, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do you have full birth certificates for both of you? Also my form for my interview stated I needed to bring in a recent payslip from my sponsor, even though they had the I-864 info on file, as well as his most recent tax return, so you may want to have something similar from Brooks folks.

Thanks for your quick answer.

Yes - we have both full birth certificates (and certified copies). Interesting about the recent pay slip from my sponsor. What we have it doesn't have anything about this, it asks for the latest IRS return (and if able the previous three years). We have all of these. Her parents are retired, so don't have payslips. Hopefully we don't need to provide these...however it will not be a show stopper, just a minor hold up.

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-13 01:14:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Thanks for the welcome guys.

Right my first question - if you think I will get a better answer in the DCF section let me know, but I understand that each Consulate has their own procedures, so thought getting a NZ perspective might get me the best answer.

We have the following forms completed and ready to file:

Brook:
- I-130
- G325A
- I-864 (hers)
- I-864 (her parents are my co-sponsors as Brook lives in NZ, and does not earn any income in the US, apart from a small amount of interest on money in the bank there)

Me:
- DS-230 (Part I)
- NZ Police Clearance Form
- G325a
- DS2001 - Readiness Statement
- Cover Letter

We also have all of the supporting documents we need (very recent passport photos, marraige licence, proof we actually are a proper married couple - although our two kids should be evidence enough etc).

Right after all that, here is my question....It is our intention to file all of these together on Wednesday. Is this what we should be doing?

We have rung the 0900 number, but the person on the other end was not overly helpful, and seemed suggest I post in my documents first (before Brook even files the I-130). This seemed contrary to what the instructions on the form says.

We only live 10 minutes from the Consulate, so filing them in person is easy.

Thanks in advance,

Cheers

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-12 22:16:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Hi All

This is my first post on here, but have been reading a lot of posts etc over the last few weeks. This site seems a great resource.

My name is Grant, I am a very typical Kiwi male, raised in the Waikato, but now living in Auckland. My wife, Brook, is a US Citizen, born and raised in California and has been living in NZ for about 12 years. She is a dual citizen. We met about 5 years ago, and have been married for a little over 2 years.

Brook retains US Bank accounts, credit cards and a California Drivers licence etc so we will be all set to hit the ground running when we get there.

We have two children, boys aged 17 months, and 8 weeks old. Our boys are both dual citizens and have both NZ and US passports (crazy at their age, but that is the way things work).

It was our intention to have two kids quite close together in age, and relocate to the USA once they were good to travel with.

We are about to start the Immigration path for me to become a permanent resident. In fact we have all of the forms filled in and ready to file in the next few days (most likely early next week as I will be out of town on business for the next couple of days). Obviously we are going the DCF route (have actually been to and from the Consulate a lot lately getting the boys birth abroad, and passports etc organised. To date we have found the Consulate Staff to be brilliant and they go out of their way to help out. This is very encouraging.

Anyway, that is enough from me. We are sure that we will not have any problems with the whole process, but I'm sure there will be times when I will ask questions on here.

Once I workout the timeline thing, I will create one for us as well.

Cheers,

Grant
gshennenMaleNew Zealand2008-06-10 18:48:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Hey Guys

Long time, no chatter, i've finally managed to get my access on the forums fixed, apparently when i changed my email address something happened and i haven't been able to post or reply at all.

Things with Rob and I are going well. Rob's doing ok healthwise, more tests, more doctor visits and he will have to have a transplant, not this year and hopefully not next but we have to see how he goes. I'm so over having to deal with the pharmacy and medicare or medicaid, i still can't get it right.

We're married, I have my social security card and I got my North Carolina drivers licence today. So much sitting around and waiting, you'd think i'd be used to that by now, but i'm not. Then they would only issue my drivers licence til August 12th, which is the date the immigration officer at POE put on my visa, not sure why he chose August 12, i arrived March 14 and visa was issued Feb 20th so none of it makes any sense but i was tired of trying to reason with people.

We sent off our AOS and EAD papers but they were returned to us, seems we sent them too much money. I thought it would be $1010 for the AOS and $340 for the EAD, so we sent them one check for $1350. They told us the amount was wrong but didn't make it clear whether they were ok with one check and we didn't have to pay for EAD or whether they wanted a seperate check for both. Anyways, sent them one check for $1010 today, hopefully we won't get another RFE. Does anyone know whether they'll have checked all of the paperwork the first time around and the rest of it checked out ok or whether we may get another RFE?

I never thought i'd be itching to get back to work, i can't wait for my EAD.

Oh and i found a solution to the icky bread problem, i just buy the pilsbury italian bread in the round tin and bake it, very very yummy smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-05-13 13:55:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
woohoo!!

Kate I'm so happy for you, you look so happy. Congratulations to you and Chase. I hope you had a wonderful day, sure looks like you had fun smile.gif

I love your dress, you both look glorious.

Edited by Michelle.S, 15 April 2009 - 08:57 PM.

Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-04-15 20:57:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Thought i'd add a copy of my email to the folks back home smile.gif

The flight out from Auckland was held back for approx 2 hours, which meant we missed the connecting flight to Charlotte from LA. Luckily the airline decided to send us to the LAX Hilton for the 8 hours we had to wait for the next flight. They also gave us lunch and dinner vouchers, so we had the most expensive burger for lunch and the absolutely best steak dinner I've ever had in my life, for dinner.

Immigration at LAX was a breeze. I got into the same queue as my daughter, the one for visitors as the other line had a sign that said for US permanent residents and US passport holders only. I had read about horror stories but it was a breeze, the immigration guy at the window just asked me a couple of questions about how long I'd known Rob and when were we planning to get married, it was quick and painless but man he had no sense of humour at all.

Finally flew into Charlotte airport at 0600hrs Sunday morning, 9 hours late but at least we were finally there.

I really can't express how happy I was to see Rob, it was truly like I was finally home and could finally relax and rest. Since Kelly and I have arrived we have mainly been shopping and sleeping. Poor Rob was dragged from shop to shop as we looked for rings and dresses, finally have everything we need.

In the middle of it all Rob had a doctors appointment and then they made an appointment for him at the hospital to test his lung function. It was all good news, Rob can be very stubborn and for some reason I won't bore you with, he hadn't been back to his doctor since I went with him in April 2008. But we had a very frank talk with the doctor and the doctor agreed that as Rob's condition seems to be stable, & he can carry on a conversation without getting breathless, he agreed with Rob that there was no immediate need for him to have a lung transplant, which is why we were at the hospital for the lung function tests, the doctor wanted a base line to compare Rob's progress too. All in all I'm very happy about our visit to the doctor, while Rob cannot come off the o2, we can put off the transplant for the forseeable future and he put Rob's worries about the addiction to o2 to rest. The doctor says the addiction is physiological, not psychological and therefore when Rob no longer needed the o2 his body wouldn't crave it. We're still waiting on the results for the lung function tests but I'm very optimistic.

We're waiting on some things I ordered online to arrive and when they get here we'll head off to the court house and get hitched (hehe)

Rob is going to have to put some of his things in storage, because there is no way that I fit with all my stuff into his bedroom, so we're organising that over the next few days while we wait for our packages.

Tomorrow we're going to be shooting Rob's gun and his fathers shotguns, well Kelly will, I'll probably just watch.

***

Now a question for those already here, what's with the bread and can anyone recommend a brand that doesn't smell quite so bad?


Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-20 22:05:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (Kelvan @ Mar 19 2009, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
APPROVED!!! Well, actually only partially because I had to take home my passport as we are going to Australia on Monday! So as soon as I return it I will get my visa!!! biggrin.gif The consulate also advised me that I might want to renew my passport while I'm still in NZ as it expires next year so I will have to do that as well.


hey guys, sorry it's late coming but CONGRATULATIONS!!

i haven't really spent much time near the computer since i got here (Harmony, NC), spending too much time in my honey's arms hehe
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-20 21:57:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Any ideas on health insurance for us non citizens?
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-12 20:03:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (cdneh @ Mar 12 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Doing okay ..in spite of the up and down weather. I have a cold coming on I think..I know I have a fever...bah.

On my second night here, the water heater tank in the next room to our flat died, and flooded us out. I had no idea the thing held so much water! We were ankle deep in the flat, and everything smells musty now, so we spent today clearing up. Thank goodness we haven't got to putting the new flooring down, or it would already need replacing.

5 of the boxes I sent myself in the post turned up here today early, they did say 25 days minimum, so it has only been 10 days. Not that I want summer clothes today no0pb.gif

Michelle...just a couple of days left for you...have a safe and enjoyable flight and a gret POE! See you on this side good.gif



hehe yep, thanks Kate, 2 big sleeps and then i'm flying.

Sorry to hear about the cold/fever and the weather and the water heater tank, wow, hope things get better, tho i'm sure being with Chase makes it all bearable, nice to be able to do the hard stuff together smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-11 20:20:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (Kelvan @ Mar 10 2009, 08:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Michelle! Wow 4 days to go for you!!! kicking.gif

Evan arrives here for his 2 week holiday on Sunday!!!



cool, i bet you can't wait, how soon do you plan to go to the states, after your interview?
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-10 02:50:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (Kelvan @ Mar 10 2009, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys! Just wondering, what size is a legal/foolscap size courier bag? My interview is next Thursday.



A4 is fine, that's the one i took with me smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-10 02:20:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
Hey guys, moved house and have been without the net for a few days.

Grats Dave and Genna, it's nice to get the interview over and done with, isn't it smile.gif

OK guys, any ideas on travel insurance and health insurance once there? i've been looking and looking at sites and just getting more and more confused.
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-10 00:39:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!

Kate: i sent you a message, haha like you don't already know

Ivannaloveskiwi: We are all rooting for you and will try and give what help we can



As for me, I'm still hoping to leave on the 14th March, no reason why I shouldn't unless they have no seats available on the plane by the time I get the money to make the bookings.

I'm very happy to be having my daughter coming with me for a 4 week visit, so I'll have company on the plane smile.gif

Now it's just about the waiting
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-03-01 02:48:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (kiwiana @ Feb 27 2009, 08:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Feb 21 2009, 12:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yes, he's leaving tomorrow =D im so excited. Sry havent posted a bit but ive had the flu and a birthday



Lisaandtim: All the very best on your wedding day on the 27th (tomorrow in usa) good.gif star_smile.gif


kimandruss: Great to see you back!! yes.gif

cdneh: wow.gif only like 4 days to go!!! woo hooo biggrin.gif

michelle: did you get a confirmed booking for 9th march?


I thought i would try and pack my two suitcases last night. woah! Looks like i am going to have to thin my stuff out even more. The NEW suitcase i bought was groaning under the weight of what i had packed into it so far star_smile.gif




unfortunately not, silly of me to hope i could go on the 9th, it was dependent on the ex wanting an earlier closure on the house sale and he didn't so now i've resigned myself to having to wait til the 14th march, even that is prob being optimistic but i'm gonna do my best to fly out of here on the 14th.
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 15:23:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (ivannnaloveskiwi @ Feb 26 2009, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'M CANT BELIEVE THIS... INTERVEIW DIDNT GO WELL...AND IF THIS MAKES NO SENCE IS'S BECASUE I'M CRYING AS I WRITE IT...THEY SAID I DIDNT HAVE MY DIVROCE PAPERS FROM THE COURT BUT I SENT THEM WHAT THEY SENT ME...HE HAD SOME PRIOR CONVICTIONS THAT WERE 15 YRS AGO.. NOTHING MAJOR, JUST MINOR BUT WANT IT RAN THROUGH HOMELAND SECURITY.. AND EACH OF US TO WRITE A LETTER OF HARDSHIP..GOING TO COST US 891 MORE DOLLARS AND MAYBE TAKE 2-6 TO PROCESS...MY HEART IS BROKEN... crying.gif crying.gif




wow i'm so very sorry to hear your bad news sad.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-26 00:28:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (cdneh @ Feb 16 2009, 10:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just checking in. Everyone has gone very quiet!

I've had my last day at work...Saturday. They were very good to me, did a big breakfast I didn't know they were organzing, and some of the roadstaff were able to come in for it. Got cards, and flowers, faxes, visits, and the other team members got together and bought me a lovely piece of greenstone. I had lots of calls from people who had no idea it was my last day...or why smile.gif

Funny how you never know they liked you so much, particularly the road staff, until they hear you are about to be history.

Now it's about packing up, settling all the loose ends, and getting ready to go. 16 days...and yes... I am counting biggrin.gif



i'm not looking forward to my farewell, i think there may be tears, possibly, maybe....

it's exciting isn't it? i'm counting days now too, hoping to fly out 9th march, so 21 days for me smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-15 20:05:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Feb 12 2009, 10:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Feb 10 2009, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Feb 10 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (cdneh @ Feb 10 2009, 08:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She'll be sitting outside in the coffee place waiting to go up the lifts now ...sending you calming vibes!!! good.gif



thanks so much, amazingly i was quite ok once i was seated inside the consulate and waiting, still very nervous but a huge improvement on just trying to get there smile.gif



CONGRATZ!

And yes, as Ruby asked, Tim and I are a young couple, which makes me worry. He's worked 3 jobs at a time before but now is just doing the mechanical assembly job as coming to the US a bit doesn't make you happy with the bosses lol. I am on disability for depression and wasn't able to get a dr note in time, so I attached a letter from myself explaining what I have, and how I am working on getting better, etc. Part of my plan to see if I can function is to pass a program (14 week pharmacy technician ) I am in at the moment, which I attached too. I hope that will show I hope to return to the workforce one day. He'd like to go to the program as well, should I mention that? Or will that look funny? My cousins could put a word in for him at dryer's ice cream if he knows his way around and has a licence lol. Any tips on what we should do? I have a cosponsor who is slightly above the poverty lines as well. Thanks




APPROVED!

Just waiting on police report now >< and i have to find a new cosponsor once we're married ><




congratulations, wonderful news, was it as bad as he thought it would be?
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-11 18:11:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (cdneh @ Feb 10 2009, 08:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She'll be sitting outside in the coffee place waiting to go up the lifts now ...sending you calming vibes!!! good.gif



thanks so much, amazingly i was quite ok once i was seated inside the consulate and waiting, still very nervous but a huge improvement on just trying to get there smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-10 15:40:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
My visa was approved smile.gif

I've done a full review of the consulate but i thought i would add a few things here.

Lisaandtim, I know exactly how you're feeling, everyone can tell us not to freak but until you actually go through it yourself you don't believe it.

I was a complete and utter mess, as i said in the review i left home at 7.30 for my interview at 8.45, traffic was horrendous and when i got diverted on queen st because of an accident i actually started yelling and crying. I had convinced myself that if i wasn't there at or before 8.45 they would turn me away. As it was i got up there at approx 8.50 and there was already someone there before me at the window. I didn't actually get seen til approx 9.15, not that i'm recommending you come late for the interview smile.gif

When it came to proof of funds all i had was the contract to the sale of the house, i didn't take my bank statements as i have no money in the bank (keeping two households running will do that for you), i explained how much money i would have to take with me from the sale of the house and they were happy with that.

The first woman did ask for my resume, however i'm not sure the second woman even looked at it, but again, i would recommend taking one, i totally understand about doing the resume, they're a pain in the you know whatsit but ruby's suggestion is a good one and i think that's the format of mine, i don't have an objective on mine either.


Rob and my daughter had to tell me several times over the last 3 days before my interview to breath as i would quite literally forget to do that, i was stressing myself out so much over everything. Really after all the worry it was a breeze and i do think it is just a matter of them ticking off the boxes and making sure that we fit the requirements and have provided the evidence.


Lisaandtim, good luck for your interview though i really don't think you need it smile.gif



Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-10 15:16:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (kiwiana @ Feb 9 2009, 09:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Feb 9 2009, 02:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok last minute freak out

the pink letter from the consulate says to bring a large (foolscap/legal size) self addressed courier pack or registered envelope

i bought an A4 courier pack, did i buy the wrong one?



ok now don't freak out.. I got out the stuff the consulate sent to me and tried to put it in a plain A4 envelope (not a courier bag, so the courier bag may be a little bigger) and it wouldn't fit just trying to slide it in.. BUT maybe if they folded over the yellow/brown envelope a bit more it could fit! be a tight squeeze but they may be able to do it!!
would you have time in the morning to get a foolscap size envelope at all?
what time is your appointment? There is a post shop nearby the embassy i think!!




my interview is at 0845, the post shop next door opens at 0830 smile.gif

the courier bag is maybe an inch larger all around then the standard A4 sheet, but i think i'll buy a bigger one anyway, just to be safe
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-09 03:48:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
ok last minute freak out

the pink letter from the consulate says to bring a large (foolscap/legal size) self addressed courier pack or registered envelope

i bought an A4 courier pack, did i buy the wrong one?
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-09 02:18:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (kiwiana @ Feb 5 2009, 07:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Feb 3 2009, 09:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
yes they certainly are, had to move up my doctors appointment to tomorrow as my interview at the consulate in on tuesday 10th feb biggrin.gif



How'd it go at the medical today? smile.gif



i was nervous as heck, i'd just about convinced myself that they wouldn't let me in cos i'm too fat but the doctor said that wouldn't happen.

he was amazing, made me feel very comfortable, was a good laugh in fact, i read and reread your post on your visit to the doctor and it all went really smoothly smile.gif

i found the doctor, the xray place and the place to have the blood tests.

i think you were very game walking that road, i drove smile.gif

and google maps with street view made finding everything so much easier

now i'm just hanging out for tuesday and my interview





Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-05 02:13:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (rubyred @ Feb 4 2009, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
they upside is that if you have nz debt to pay off (i have a student loan), it's much easier when you're over here earning US dollars.



hmm i don't have one, but my son does, hopefully i'll be able to help him out with it smile.gif

Edited by Michelle.S, 04 February 2009 - 09:04 AM.

Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-04 09:03:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (rubyred @ Feb 4 2009, 04:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if you can manage, i would recommend holding out on exchanging your nz dollars. the exchange is completely ####### for you right now, but will pick up in the next few months, probably.



yes we had thought of that too, i'll just take a little bit with me and leave the rest for when the exchange rates improve smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-04 01:04:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Feb 4 2009, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YAY! I already got an Email back form the consulate. They cleared up the case # fiasco, received her paperwork, mailed us a reply, and scheduled her Interview for 9:15am on March 6th!

They are so freaking efficient! good.gif



yes they certainly are, had to move up my doctors appointment to tomorrow as my interview at the consulate in on tuesday 10th feb biggrin.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-03 21:12:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
hehe i will, as soon as i get home, at my ex's at the moment

and YAY for you too on getting your passport/visa back so quickly

this is all so very exciting smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-03 16:17:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
kicking.gif contract on house is now unconditional, all i need now is my appointment with dr stone on monday and my interview at the consulate kicking.gif


oh and i sent packet 3 back last tuesday, am i being too impatient?

Edited by Michelle.S, 03 February 2009 - 04:09 PM.

Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-03 16:08:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (cdneh @ Feb 3 2009, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Michelle...you are looking for this:

Attached File  Michelle.jpg   288.83KB   11 downloads




you're a godsend Kate, i'm 99.999% sure i sent that back smile.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-03 01:06:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (cdneh @ Feb 3 2009, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have you sent back the letter to sign, that says you have everything in part 2?



eeek what? i sent back everything except the doctors forms, i think sad.gif
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-02 19:25:00
Australia and New ZealandNEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!
QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Feb 3 2009, 12:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Feb 2 2009, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, most likely a different Consulate.

You can contact the Embassy via email and ask them what they will require of you. They are extremely helpful and will tell you what you need.

Michelle's SO is also on disability so she may be able to offer some insight. My thougths are that you will just need a co-sponsor. Hopefully you will be ok and be working by the time AOS comes. good.gif



Thanks!

One more question, sorry if I am a pest. . .

On question 7 on the I-134, it says, I am employed as or engaged in the business of ___. . .

Thing is, social security disability isn't a job so do I say none, or none see attached sheet and say where I derive my income from?




i don't recall what Rob put on his form, again i'm at work, usually look at the forums when i'm at work, one of the few sites they let us into.

i'll try and remember to look tonight or tomorrow and let you know.

In regards to Rob's income, he's just given me what he gets from disability, a letter from them saying what he gets now, and what he got last year, he won't be working any time soon as his doctor thinks he needs a lung transplant, and if he eventually does go back to work it would only be part time, we have his parents as joint sponsors as we will be living with them for a while and we have his friend who will be a co-sponsor if needed and we'll have the money from the sale of my house here, i think we now have sufficient financial support/assets that it shouldn't be a problem, at least that's what i'm telling myself, doesn't mean i'm not going to be nervous about it all when it comes to my interview tho.

**

Now a question from me, does anyone recall how long after they sent packet 3 back they got the letter with the interview date on it? i'm still anxiously waiting.
Michelle KauffmanFemaleNew Zealand2009-02-02 18:39:00