Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Ummm yeah so apparently Russell accidentally booked a flight for Monday... last monday! Oooops! It's so not like him...and I didn't even notice it on the itinerary. This whole process just has us in a mess. He just text me from the airport and informed me that he had to buy a new ticket. Expedia wont even give him a break. $1800NZ more to have him arrive an hour and a half earlier... we best make that extra time good, eh? Ahhhh perspective... he's coming home!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-23 21:21:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Sep 23 2008, 03:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Kim...where I am...heh..it's tomorrow! You must be absolutely thrilled ! I think i'm in shock. In 5 hours we 'chat' for the last time long distance then he'll be on his way back home. Because of our circumstances, our visa journey has been several years in the making. It's surreal to think we can finally be on with it. QUOTE After years and years of flying between NZ and Canada I will never go through LAX again going last year through SFO. So much friendlier and less stressful. One bright spot of news..I've been worried about my Canadian police clearance expiring before I even get to the interview process, now that things out of VSC are going at a snail's pace. I emailed them and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good ! Doesn't air tahiti nui fly NZ-US as well? Russell found cheaper rates for them on expedia.co.nz earlier on. you guys know there is a bus shuttle that runs constantly between the LAX domestic/international terminals, yes? With only two hours between connecting flights we're hoping Russell doesn't run into any problems. We haven't yet (knock, knock, knock) .	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-23 07:39:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Kel, sorry you're home. Leaving is always so tough. Luciana, the POE was obviously an idiot. It never ceases to amaze/frustrate me the people who don't actually know the jobs they're being paid to do. You are correct to assume that the mysterious brown envelope (aka mbe) is sent to your local office. Hopefully there are enough people who actually do know at LAX that yours will get there. Here is the link on VJ explaining it., just fyi. As my love stated, just 2 more days until we are together again. We've worked so many years to reach this point it's surreal that it's right around the corner now. As most of you know, Russell already lived here with us for over a year so everyone else is quite anxious to see him as well. I'm trying to get lots done before he gets here as we're away together until Saturday night and have a very busy Sunday. Very much looking forward to this next chapter!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-22 07:20:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Sep 20 2008, 06:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Did they mention anything about the 1-134 or want to look at Kims original birth certificate at all? Once again congratulations! It's been a long wait for you guys but you will be together very very soon!!!!!!!!! Hi Guys this is Russ, here i thought i had killed the forum by posting, good to see things are moving again to anwser your question kiwiana, they didn't ask for any of kims original documents at all, i asked them and they said they didn't need to see them, but i had them just incase, it really is a case of being prepared for anything that might pop up. i was told that they had seen all her original documents when she filed the petition so it wasn't required, but i did ask just to make sure . As for the I-134, all the lady really did with that is take it from me and order in a slightly different way, Kim had labeled everything with postits and although they were a little dog earred from all the travelling they had done she still unrolled them to see what Kim had wrote, so yeah they seemed to like how prepared kim has been with it all. shes so cute as for shawn and lu's post, it really does pay to have that extra time in LA, but i am just too impatient , i had a similar experience with going through LAX, i had an hour delay in Auckland sitting on the ground while the rebalanced the plane (i mean comon you can't fill the plane balanced to begin with?.... its not the first time they had loaded a plane surely ) needless to say an hour to get through LAX..... not fun, but i managed to do it in 45 mins, i asked when i landed and kept on asking. a trick i learnt from that trip was to go to business class if economy lines are full, for one they aren't busy and would probably enjoy your story, and secondly they are usually the more experienced staff on any airline (i.e. they know the ins and out of the airport and all the things that need to be done). i managed to find an airline rep that walked me to the head of the x-ray que, i definately wouldn't have made it otherwise. i've done the trip ummm about 6-7 times now, and have never missed a flight yet, heres knocking on wood that this isn't the first . just two days now i have three different flights to take before i get to boston, and i was telling kim that each flight i will get happier and happier ok well good luck guys, next time i post i will be in heaven Russ	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-22 03:57:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 8 2008, 06:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 7 2008, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I went ahead and got everything done that I could. Police certificate, shots, and we have the things we need together for the interview pretty much. I just felt better having something to do. That way when the time comes I haven't got to do it in a mad dash and it has kept me off the streets and out of trouble	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-08 01:20:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Oct 8 2008, 07:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello again. Was just wondering if there's anything we can do between the time of the NOA1 and NOA2? I was reading some of you got fingerprinted and up to date on shots. Can/should we do that while we wait? I went ahead and got everything done that I could. Police certificate, shots, and we have the things we need together for the interview pretty much. I just felt better having something to do. That way when the time comes I haven't got to do it in a mad dash and it has kept me off the streets and out of trouble	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-07 15:24:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 5 2008, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks cdneh! I'm going to phone them tomorrow and try to make an appointment. I really want to get this out the way as soon as possible. Not sure what the forms were like for Canada but the ones i have to fill out for Australia has a staff-in confidence form where you are giving your consent to obtain personal information. and you have to write WHOM you consent to (name of organisation/department) so i am assuming I would write USCIS there? On an unrelated note.. I notice that the countdown banner i had on my signature doesn't appear to be working anymore (either that or it is just not showing up on my computer) So wonder what has happened there *sigh* Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I had to fill out a release form as well, but that was for the fingerprint company so they could get the information for me. In your case it sounds like it would be USCIS. Do they send the completed report back to you ? Mine came to me at my home address . My banner isn't going either at the moment, which I wondered about too..is it everyone? The flatmate has her elderly sister and husband visiting today, tiresome cranky people...I'm going to find something outside to busy myself with, if the rain holds off	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-04 15:38:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 4 2008, 02:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh: how did you go about getting your fingerprints? do you have to go to a specific place here in Auckland to get them done? do they have to be on a particular official paper or anything? I rang around and found out that the only place in Auckland to get them done is at the Central Police Station on the corner of Cook and Vincent Streets. Ring this number, (09) 302 6400, to make an appointment, and ask with regard to having fingerprints done for Immigration purposes. It took me about three weeks to get one, as they only have one retired chap who does them, and he only works one or two days a week. He's lovely and quite helpful. He has the paperwork form that your prints go on, with the Auckland Police letterhead at the top. He gives you the prints back on the day, all signed and all, and you send them on to where they need to go.	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-03 22:00:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 2 2008, 09:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 2 2008, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 2 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh: I 'think' you got a police report from canada?? How long is the Canadian one valid for? I need to get one from Australia but i read somewhere here on vj on a thread that the Aussie one is only valid for 3 months. That just doesn't seem long enough. It really would be nice to get this out of the way but no point if its only good for 3 months. *sigh* ( i did email the authorities that do the police checks but they haven't replied yet) Ok enough of my ramblings.. hope everyone is doing ok! The Canadian one they say is good for six months, but it was a total pain to get. I had to get fingerprints done here in Auckland, the appointment for that took 3 weeks to get, and then I sent the lot off to a Fingerprint Services company in Ottawa. They took it to the RCMP and got the clearance, and sent it back to me. That took four months. It was dated May 14th, and if it was going to be good for 6 months...well we aren't expecting a NOA2 until November ... I emailed the Embassey in Auckland and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good ! Makes sense to me, as I haven't been in Canada and I haven't any intentions of going there so I am okay with the one I got back in May. Hope that helps! Wow! that took quite a while to get eh? It sounds like i really should just go ahead and get it over with. It was the AFP i emailed about the aussie police checks. So if they are as efficient at doing the police checks as they are at (not) replying to emails then i really should do it now! Thanks ever so much for the information cdneh! No worries ..I'd go ahead if it was me. That's why I've got my shots all done and up to date...if they ever get around to giving us a NOA2..I'm going to be ready ...	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-02 08:54:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Oct 2 2008, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> tick tock tick tock omg i hate waiting, nothing, not even a touch and i've never wanted to be touched so much in my life i am so like this i'm sure half the time Rob must feel like a possum caught in headlights aarrgghh so how's everyone doing? It is discouraging, isn't it. No touches here either..no sign of any kind of activity. Well other than the date on my time line getting later and later...my poor man has just got into the habit of saying...'yes, dear'...	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-02 03:03:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 2 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh: I 'think' you got a police report from canada?? How long is the Canadian one valid for? I need to get one from Australia but i read somewhere here on vj on a thread that the Aussie one is only valid for 3 months. That just doesn't seem long enough. It really would be nice to get this out of the way but no point if its only good for 3 months. *sigh* ( i did email the authorities that do the police checks but they haven't replied yet) Ok enough of my ramblings.. hope everyone is doing ok! The Canadian one they say is good for six months, but it was a total pain to get. I had to get fingerprints done here in Auckland, the appointment for that took 3 weeks to get, and then I sent the lot off to a Fingerprint Services company in Ottawa. They took it to the RCMP and got the clearance, and sent it back to me. That took four months. It was dated May 14th, and if it was going to be good for 6 months...well we aren't expecting a NOA2 until November ... I emailed the Embassey in Auckland and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good ! Makes sense to me, as I haven't been in Canada and I haven't any intentions of going there so I am okay with the one I got back in May. Hope that helps!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-02 02:58:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	I think I'll just wait and see what it's like on the day. It would seem I have plenty of time to ponder It would be nice to see that darn date on the case status change. Even just the once. No wonder people worry that their file is lost, or misplaced, or gathering dust under the leg of some employee's wobbly table. I'm glad we do the clocks ahead tonight..we will be an hour closer together. The poor man sits up until 0300 so he can be sure I get in from work when I am on day shifts...	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-27 01:58:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	I've been thinking ahead to this too. If the date is one of my days off, I'll be trying to decide, and it will be summer here by then and a lot warmer (I hope!) If it is scheduled on my days on I'll have to go in uniform, and I dont know what sort of impression that will make. It might pay to take the whole darn day off heh...	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-26 19:23:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Sep 27 2008, 06:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (cdneh @ Sep 26 2008, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Sep 26 2008, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> well i guess i'll just have to join you stalking lol, something to do on a slow night shift, thank goodness they haven't blocked this website yet Our place either I was on nights last night, and it did get quiet in the wee small hours...so I did a little reading.... Hope it stays Q for you Well I'm about to send in the I-129F today =) Last night I had to take Tim to the airport ='( i cried all the way home. (2hrs away) >.< maybe I'm a softy. awww....*hugs* Lisa...that is a very hard thing to do, as any here will tell you . It's one of the reasons I didn't go up this summer...it's so heartbreaking to leave. If you are a softy, well then I am a wimp	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-26 14:49:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Sep 26 2008, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> well i guess i'll just have to join you stalking lol, something to do on a slow night shift, thank goodness they haven't blocked this website yet Our place either I was on nights last night, and it did get quiet in the wee small hours...so I did a little reading.... Hope it stays Q for you	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-26 02:20:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Sep 26 2008, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> wow the forums have been busy and i've missed it all, stupid email alert hasn't been coming thru, i did think we were all being rather quiet and i've been trying not to keep lurking like a stalker hoping for some news I wondered where you were! My email thing only works off and on too..sto I stalk	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-25 23:18:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Sep 25 2008, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Russell just called me from LAX! His next flight leaves in 40 minutes... I sure hope he makes it!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-24 22:50:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Sep 24 2008, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ummm yeah so apparently Russell accidentally booked a flight for Monday... last monday! Oooops! It's so not like him...and I didn't even notice it on the itinerary. This whole process just has us in a mess. He just text me from the airport and informed me that he had to buy a new ticket. Expedia wont even give him a break. $1800NZ more to have him arrive an hour and a half earlier... we best make that extra time good, eh? Ahhhh perspective... he's coming home! Worth the money at ten times the price!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-23 23:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Sep 24 2008, 12:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (cdneh @ Sep 23 2008, 03:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Kim...where I am...heh..it's tomorrow! You must be absolutely thrilled ! I think i'm in shock. In 5 hours we 'chat' for the last time long distance then he'll be on his way back home. Because of our circumstances, our visa journey has been several years in the making. It's surreal to think we can finally be on with it. QUOTE After years and years of flying between NZ and Canada I will never go through LAX again going last year through SFO. So much friendlier and less stressful. One bright spot of news..I've been worried about my Canadian police clearance expiring before I even get to the interview process, now that things out of VSC are going at a snail's pace. I emailed them and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good ! Doesn't air tahiti nui fly NZ-US as well? Russell found cheaper rates for them on expedia.co.nz earlier on. you guys know there is a bus shuttle that runs constantly between the LAX domestic/international terminals, yes? With only two hours between connecting flights we're hoping Russell doesn't run into any problems. We haven't yet (knock, knock, knock) . Oh it's only hours now!!! I work tonight, and we can sometimes hear planes taking off from the airport....so I'll be thinking of you two I'll check into flights with Air Tahiti...and thanks for the link. I am so excited on your behalf..heh..I hope ita ll goes as smooth as!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-23 17:13:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Sep 24 2008, 09:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone! =) I'm new to the board and wanted to say hi and introduce myself. My name is Lisa and I'm a US citizen and my love is Tim and he's from New Zealand (soo creative on the name here, right? =p lol). Our ages are 24 and 19. We are just filling out our I-129F and G-325A after getting a run around from people on how to go about this. I've cried so much over these forms let me tell you. It's been a huge stress with everything going on. But he's worth it =). This board makes it seem like I'm not alone in this. Welcome to the board! You'll have plenty of company here while you are waiting, and lots of great advice and answers to your questions as well. Kim had been such a huge help to everyone and I know what I've read around the place can really help with the stress part - so much paper, so many questions...I feel very lucky to have stumbled in here	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-23 17:11:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Kim...where I am...heh..it's tomorrow! You must be absolutely thrilled ! After years and years of flying between NZ and Canada I will never go through LAX again going last year through SFO. So much friendlier and less stressful. One bright spot of news..I've been worried about my Canadian police clearance expiring before I even get to the interview process, now that things out of VSC are going at a snail's pace. I emailed them and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good !	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-23 02:34:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kelvan @ Sep 22 2008, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Kim and Russ, it's awesome that things are moving fast for you two! I'm back in Auckland now. Boy did those three weeks in the US go by fast. They do don't they! I'm convinced time goes by faster somehow when you are together...some strange kind of time warp or something. I think it's a great pity time apart doesn't seem to move at that speed	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-22 03:53:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Oct 7 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello again. Was just wondering if there's anything we can do between the time of the NOA1 and NOA2? I was reading some of you got fingerprinted and up to date on shots. Can/should we do that while we wait? If your fiance has lived overseas at any time (usually between 6 months to a year or more there) since the age of 16 then he will need a police check from that country. If he hasn't then I think the US embassy here in Auckland does it for him for the New Zealand police check (is that correct? anyone?) I lived in Australia for over a year many years ago, so have to get a police check done in Australia, which means that i have to get fingerprints done here to send over there. I have an appointment for the fingerprinting in 3 weeks time. so can't wait to get the forms off and get it all over with. I just want to have peace of mind to know that i won't have to rush around trying to get it all done when the NOA2 arrives. The waiting game at times can be so frustrating. I have tried to busy myself inbetween the NOA1 and NOA2 by looking at the forms that need to be filled in at the next stage. Familiarizing myself with them. Slowly getting stuff together for interview (incase they want to see more evidence, like photos, hotel receipts etc) Downloaded the drivers handbook from DMV so i can read up on the rules etc in preparation for whenever i am able to go for a car drivers test over there. Looking into other car related stuff. Finding out about health insurance (which is still pretty confusing to me, still don't know which place to go to yet) Trying to find US job sites. Compiling a CV. On the home front here, i am slowly sorting through my stuff. Thinning out the clothes in my wardrobe. Culling my cd collection. Just in general, slowly sorting through everything so at the last minute I am not swamped with excess stuff to get rid of. But probably when the NOA2 does finally arrive, i will still no doubt panic about getting everything done	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-08 01:29:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 7 2008, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I went ahead and got everything done that I could. Police certificate, shots, and we have the things we need together for the interview pretty much. I just felt better having something to do. That way when the time comes I haven't got to do it in a mad dash and it has kept me off the streets and out of trouble	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-08 00:56:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Oct 4 2008, 09:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi everyone, I've lurked but not posted here before, have read every page of this thread though and got some good info off it. I received my package 3 from the consulate on Friday just gone , just wanted to know about the photos you need to have taken. I see they ask for 50x50mm pics. Are our standard passport photo's acceptable or do i need to get someone else to take them? Cheers Kim Congratulations on getting package 3!!! When i got the photos done for the 1-129f (G325A) i just went to my local chemist (think it was unichem) that did passport photos and asked. It took the woman a while but eventually she got them the right size for US standards. I think it cost something like $12 for 4 photos. So yes you do have to have the USA size.	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-05 01:49:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 4 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My banner isn't going either at the moment, which I wondered about too..is it everyone? yes something is definitely wrong with the banner. I just went and got a new one. Think its from a different site	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-04 17:01:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 4 2008, 03:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 5 2008, 09:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks cdneh! I'm going to phone them tomorrow and try to make an appointment. I really want to get this out the way as soon as possible. Not sure what the forms were like for Canada but the ones i have to fill out for Australia has a staff-in confidence form where you are giving your consent to obtain personal information. and you have to write WHOM you consent to (name of organisation/department) so i am assuming I would write USCIS there? On an unrelated note.. I notice that the countdown banner i had on my signature doesn't appear to be working anymore (either that or it is just not showing up on my computer) So wonder what has happened there *sigh* Hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I had to fill out a release form as well, but that was for the fingerprint company so they could get the information for me. In your case it sounds like it would be USCIS. Do they send the completed report back to you ? Mine came to me at my home address . My banner isn't going either at the moment, which I wondered about too..is it everyone? The flatmate has her elderly sister and husband visiting today, tiresome cranky people...I'm going to find something outside to busy myself with, if the rain holds off yes good question about if they send it back to me. I will have to make sure i state in a letter to them that i want it returned to me or the Auckland consulate may receive it 4 months early!! It's pretty overcast outside thats for sure. But hopefully the rain will stay away	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-04 16:26:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 3 2008, 10:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 4 2008, 02:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh: how did you go about getting your fingerprints? do you have to go to a specific place here in Auckland to get them done? do they have to be on a particular official paper or anything? I rang around and found out that the only place in Auckland to get them done is at the Central Police Station on the corner of Cook and Vincent Streets. Ring this number, (09) 302 6400, to make an appointment, and ask with regard to having fingerprints done for Immigration purposes. It took me about three weeks to get one, as they only have one retired chap who does them, and he only works one or two days a week. He's lovely and quite helpful. He has the paperwork form that your prints go on, with the Auckland Police letterhead at the top. He gives you the prints back on the day, all signed and all, and you send them on to where they need to go. Thanks cdneh! I'm going to phone them tomorrow and try to make an appointment. I really want to get this out the way as soon as possible. Not sure what the forms were like for Canada but the ones i have to fill out for Australia has a staff-in confidence form where you are giving your consent to obtain personal information. and you have to write WHOM you consent to (name of organisation/department) so i am assuming I would write USCIS there? On an unrelated note.. I notice that the countdown banner i had on my signature doesn't appear to be working anymore (either that or it is just not showing up on my computer) So wonder what has happened there *sigh* Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-04 15:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 2 2008, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 2 2008, 09:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 2 2008, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 2 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh: I 'think' you got a police report from canada?? How long is the Canadian one valid for? I need to get one from Australia but i read somewhere here on vj on a thread that the Aussie one is only valid for 3 months. That just doesn't seem long enough. It really would be nice to get this out of the way but no point if its only good for 3 months. *sigh* ( i did email the authorities that do the police checks but they haven't replied yet) Ok enough of my ramblings.. hope everyone is doing ok! The Canadian one they say is good for six months, but it was a total pain to get. I had to get fingerprints done here in Auckland, the appointment for that took 3 weeks to get, and then I sent the lot off to a Fingerprint Services company in Ottawa. They took it to the RCMP and got the clearance, and sent it back to me. That took four months. It was dated May 14th, and if it was going to be good for 6 months...well we aren't expecting a NOA2 until November ... I emailed the Embassey in Auckland and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good ! Makes sense to me, as I haven't been in Canada and I haven't any intentions of going there so I am okay with the one I got back in May. Hope that helps! Wow! that took quite a while to get eh? It sounds like i really should just go ahead and get it over with. It was the AFP i emailed about the aussie police checks. So if they are as efficient at doing the police checks as they are at (not) replying to emails then i really should do it now! Thanks ever so much for the information cdneh! No worries ..I'd go ahead if it was me. That's why I've got my shots all done and up to date...if they ever get around to giving us a NOA2..I'm going to be ready ... Yes, I have decided to get it done now. I emailed the US embassy here in Auckland very LATE thursday night with a few q's and received a reply BEFORE 8am friday morning!! They are soo fast at replying!!! They said that i will have to have fingerprints done for the Aussie check and that it is valid for one year but they said by then i would probably be having my interview anyway, so no worries about time frame of validity. I emailed the AFP again (different email addy this time) to find out how i go about getting fingerprints done etc. They sent me back reply telling me to go to their website which i have done and it doesn't tell you there how you go about it. cdneh: how did you go about getting your fingerprints? do you have to go to a specific place here in Auckland to get them done? do they have to be on a particular official paper or anything? Lisaandtim: Good to hear your NOA1 arrived safely. Now you can join the waiting room with us. Pull up a chair and grab a good book to read Kelmz: Thats great news about the green card How was the written test for the driving? was it fairly easy? Good luck with your practical on Tuesday! Grant: wow only 3 weeks to go! Did you get your health insurance through American visitors insurance or somewhere else? It really is a neccesity to have i think. Hope your auctions are all successful!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-03 20:17:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 2 2008, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 2 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh: I 'think' you got a police report from canada?? How long is the Canadian one valid for? I need to get one from Australia but i read somewhere here on vj on a thread that the Aussie one is only valid for 3 months. That just doesn't seem long enough. It really would be nice to get this out of the way but no point if its only good for 3 months. *sigh* ( i did email the authorities that do the police checks but they haven't replied yet) Ok enough of my ramblings.. hope everyone is doing ok! The Canadian one they say is good for six months, but it was a total pain to get. I had to get fingerprints done here in Auckland, the appointment for that took 3 weeks to get, and then I sent the lot off to a Fingerprint Services company in Ottawa. They took it to the RCMP and got the clearance, and sent it back to me. That took four months. It was dated May 14th, and if it was going to be good for 6 months...well we aren't expecting a NOA2 until November ... I emailed the Embassey in Auckland and they got back to me straightaway. As long as I stay out of Canada, it will be good ! Makes sense to me, as I haven't been in Canada and I haven't any intentions of going there so I am okay with the one I got back in May. Hope that helps! Wow! that took quite a while to get eh? It sounds like i really should just go ahead and get it over with. It was the AFP i emailed about the aussie police checks. So if they are as efficient at doing the police checks as they are at (not) replying to emails then i really should do it now! Thanks ever so much for the information cdneh!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-02 03:15:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	No touch here either The other day i had an idea I thought to keep my mind occupied, i'd go to the DMV site for California and download their drivers licence handbook. So i can learn up on their road rules and such for when the time comes i am there and can sit licence. Later on, I thought I would print it out until i saw how big it was. It is something like 92 pages!!!!!!! Now THAT will keep me busy for sure!!! Kim: It must be soo wonderful to have Russell back home! Not long to go till the ceremony!! cdneh: I 'think' you got a police report from canada?? How long is the Canadian one valid for? I need to get one from Australia but i read somewhere here on vj on a thread that the Aussie one is only valid for 3 months. That just doesn't seem long enough. It really would be nice to get this out of the way but no point if its only good for 3 months. *sigh* ( i did email the authorities that do the police checks but they haven't replied yet) Ok enough of my ramblings.. hope everyone is doing ok!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-02 02:07:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (markjo @ Sep 28 2008, 12:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi all, Just thought I would drop back in to let you know that my Green Card turned up in the post yesterday - stoked to have it in-hand. We were lucky in that the process has been relatively smooth sailing for us and hope that you all have easy journeys too. The web system kept us updated and I received email alerts as each stage of the process. Good luck to all. Cheers, Mark Congratulations on getting your EAD and AOS! That is pretty good that it took around 3 months! How long is the green card valid for? So happy to hear that everything went smoothly for you! Best wishes	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-28 01:13:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Sep 27 2008, 01:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I think I'll just wait and see what it's like on the day. It would seem I have plenty of time to ponder It would be nice to see that darn date on the case status change. Even just the once. No wonder people worry that their file is lost, or misplaced, or gathering dust under the leg of some employee's wobbly table. I'm glad we do the clocks ahead tonight..we will be an hour closer together. The poor man sits up until 0300 so he can be sure I get in from work when I am on day shifts... I'm with you on the clock change tonight!! I have just finished chatting with my SO on messenger and its way past 1.00am over there!! I really look forward to this time of year for day light saving and when theirs change soon we will be two hours closer together!! yay!! I'm starting to think that the case status site is just like a facade! one can see it on the outside but nothing really works on it Thanks for the advice folks about what to wear at interview. I'm not sure what month it will be when my interview finally takes place but hopefully it will be during the summer, so won't have to go in there wrapped up like an eskimo or wear wet weather gear	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-27 03:30:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	My heart goes out to you Lisa. I know how you feel. It is extremely hard and heart breaking. This year, i was in two minds about going to see my SO, as like cdneh said, it is just so hard, the leaving part. But I told myself that this would be the last time that we would have to do this, as we filed the 1-129f while i was there. And it's GREAT news that you have sent off your forms today!! Just keep telling yourself that soon you will be together for good!! And i have a quick question here about the interview at Auckland consulate. I know this sounds kinda lame but was just wondering to those that have been there. Is there a set dress code one has to wear for the interview? Do you think it is ok for women to wear jeans to it? or is that too dressed down?	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-26 17:05:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Sep 23 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello everyone! =) I'm new to the board and wanted to say hi and introduce myself. My name is Lisa and I'm a US citizen and my love is Tim and he's from New Zealand (soo creative on the name here, right? =p lol). Our ages are 24 and 19. We are just filling out our I-129F and G-325A after getting a run around from people on how to go about this. I've cried so much over these forms let me tell you. It's been a huge stress with everything going on. But he's worth it =). This board makes it seem like I'm not alone in this. Welcome to VJ! You are definitely at the right place. The folks here are just soo helpful and kind! Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, no matter how trivial you may think they are. I don't know what i would have done if i hadn't found VJ! The whole process can seem a little overwhelming at times but the information/help here is fantastic! dlopez: Congratulations on your interview date! That's great news that you may be there for Christmas! just wonderful! Kim: Best wishes to you and Russ. you will be with each other very very soon. Grant: Hows everything going? Michelle: Hope you are doing well.	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-24 03:31:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Russ: Wow! just two days to go! I am soo happy for you guys!! So at the interview it's just a safety measure really to have the originals on hand in case they ask. It's really good to know that the consulate isn't as strict and hard like some other ones in other countries. Have a safe and speedy journey to Boston! Very best wishes to you both	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-22 04:12:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	ShawnandLu: Welcome home! What a great feeling it must be to know that you don't have to leave again! I can never seem to sleep on the planes no matter which airline i travel when visiting my SO. I am usually too excited to sleep This year the Qantas plane i was travelling on, to LA, was delayed for 8 hours at Auckland airport. The first time I had ever encountered a delay. I was having doubts that it would ever leave that night. Fortunately it did around 2am but of course landed very much later at LAX than scheduled. I was everso glad i didn't have a connecting flight or would have definitely missed it. I didn't realise that the brown envelope stayed there at LAX. I wonder if anyone here knows if that is the case ? I was under the impression they sent it on to a service centre or such. Have you decided on a wedding date yet? Kelvan: Welcome back! Those weeks away certainly fly by don't they? Hope the process at CSC starts to move along a bit faster	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-22 03:59:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Kiwiana - the practical wasn't too bad, I was allowed to get 6 wrong, and I got 4 of them wrong. I didn't study too much for it, I read through the handbook that morning and I did a few of the tests online through the DMV site which I really suggest making use of, including the 'driver knowledge' quiz. I noticed some of those questions in my test sheet so that was what really got me through it all!	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-03 20:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	My green card arrived in the mail today. Overall I'm very impressed with the speed of things here since I'd read that some people waited months. SSN arrived 1 week after POE, greencard within 3 weeks of POE. Yesterday I applied for my CA drivers license and sat the written test while there. I passed that and have my practical driving test on Tuesday.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-03 19:56:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Michelle - by all means dress nicely if you wish As I said I dressed tidily, like I do for work, but I wouldn't worry about going all out with suits and the like. I don't think that they're judging the calibre of your clothing, it's more important to have all your paperwork ready to go. Honestly, I know that it's very nervewracking waiting for the interview but the people at Auckland are lovely. They actually seem to want to help and I don't think they're there to trip anyone up. As long as you're sincere about this visajourney (and I know we all are) then I don't think anyone has anything to worry about.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-09-27 14:56:00