Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 27 2008, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Dec 28 2008, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 27 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> joint sponsors have to be living in the same house as the petitioner from what i can see, but joint is def easier, and yes their income gets added onto the I-864 of our fiance's and the joint sponsor completes the I-864A oh good one! we will definitely do that then! Have you heard anything from nvc yet? any word of your package arriving at consulate in Auckland? nope not a word, i figure xmas has slowed everything down however i can't actually leave here til my house sells, hopefully that will be soon yes the embassy here is pretty fast with getting everything sent out, so the xmas holidays have definitely slowed things down. I hope you find a buyer for your house very soon!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 17:41:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 27 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> joint sponsors have to be living in the same house as the petitioner from what i can see, but joint is def easier, and yes their income gets added onto the I-864 of our fiance's and the joint sponsor completes the I-864A oh good one! we will definitely do that then! Have you heard anything from nvc yet? any word of your package arriving at consulate in Auckland?	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 17:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Dec 27 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> With some of the time I've had on my hands since being here, I've found a few web sites to source many of the things that we might miss from home. Some are expensive but I guess when you think of how far it's got to come. In many instances, it could be cheaper to get some of the lighter things sent from home if you've got someone who would do it for you. Here's a couple of sites, but there's quite a few other NZ, Aussie and British sites I've come across, it's just a matter of fishing around online to find what you want. http://www.simplyoz.com/ And because I'm in Arkansas at the moment, this ones a bit dear but only about 30 mins away so I can go browse and do away with the freight. http://www.everythin....com/index.html Happy shopping Wow! these sites are soo cool!! The everything Australian site has kiwi items like watties spaghetti and baked beans and also has nz flag lapel pins and crossed pin of both flags -nz/usa. fabulous!! Both sites have MILO!! yippee!!! I have bookmarked both of them!!! Thanks everso much!!! Michelle: so glad that you have found a solution to the sponsorship (ala your funds) but if you do have to go with joint sponsors do they have to fill out a 1-864A? I think we will go down that avenue with *joint* I haven't looked into it fully yet, but from what you say, if it is easier then co-sponsor then that is the way to go	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 17:05:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (amaciar @ Dec 8 2008, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yum vegemite. I do miss it. Anyone know how to get it stateside? http://www.worldmarket.com/home.jsp just been looking over this site. They have vegemite for $6.99 (picture on main page) as well as other things like cadbury roses for $1.99 (from UK). I found the site to be quite interesting. And they seem to have shops right around the USA!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-26 17:19:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (ivannnaloveskiwi @ Dec 24 2008, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> merry christmas everyone, I've recieved my NOA2 today....what a nice present....but i'm confused on what i do now... it doesnt really say.. am i suppose to wait the hear something from them.. or do i go ahead and do the I 134... and send to nvc. i thought there would be futher instructions...any help would be great! Generally the petitioner will receive a letter from nvc giving a case number and saying that the petition will be forwarded to the appropiate visa issuing port where the visa interview will take place. From nvc they will send it to Auckland US embassy where the embassy will contact beneficiary with instructions on what to do next. The petitioner will send the completed 1-134 form (it seems that uscis no long requires this to be notarized) along with evidence such as pay stubs, letter from employer, tax transcript etc to the beneficiary (not to nvc). Aswell as original documents that may be needed that was included in the original 1-129F package (birth certificate, divorce decree, etc) A letter of intent (not sure if it is needed but it can't hurt ) I already had a copy of the entire 1-129f package that we sent in. I'm not sure if it is needed at all at interview but i guess it can't hurt to have it as a back up incase the embassy asks for anything from it or may have lost anything from it. Those who have already been through the interview stage will be able to tell you if it is needed or not Merry Christmas!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-26 04:17:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	It's Xmas Eve here in NZ and just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!!!! (To those who are already over there with loved ones who may experience their first US Christmas and those who are still waiting to join their SO) cdneh: I assume you never heard from nvc before xmas? hope that the new year will bring some wonderful news for you! Michelle: Do you have any funds of your own you could show the embassy at interview? My SO doesn't meet the requirements for 1-134 so i am hoping my funds will be sufficient for them (fingers crossed). We can get a co-sponser but prefer not to at this stage, although we may have to when file for AOS. And i can't rave enough about how good the embassy is here. They are just soo efficient!! They received packet 3 from me yesterday and today i got the letter from them (packet 4?) with interview date! Don't think i have ever had mail arrive THAT quickly!! Not sure what the visa fees were but its $235.80NZ. When it says that you pay at post shop. I gather you just walk in there and say you want to pay visa fees for US consulate and take passport with me? as they did not send me any forms to fill in to give the folks at post shop. kimandruss: Looks like you will be celebrating a white christmas!! seasons greeting everyone!!!!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-24 03:57:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kelvan @ Dec 21 2008, 01:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Dec 19 2008, 06:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Kelvan: I have found the opposite.. I have found that it is going too fast for me since approval *Generally* your SO will receive notification via snail mail of your approval from uscis and then shortly afterwards you may receive a letter from NVC giving case number etc and saying that your petition will be forwarded to the appropiate visa issuing post where the visa interview will take place. The petition usually takes about 4 days for it to arrive at Auckland from NVC(when nvc mails it out) Cheers for that! I just read that out to Evan over the phone and we have a good idea now of what to expect! Seems like a lot of work to do still but we will get through it. I really should proof read before i click onto reply I meant that your SO should receive a letter from NVC They would really be splashing out financially if they sent out letters to all the beneficiaries worldwide LOL! silly me!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-21 01:58:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 19 2008, 02:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm not hoping for Christmas now. If they had sent the thing out in the same time frame as anyone else's there might have been a chance. Everything we need is ready, all the paperwork is in a stack labeled and ready to go. I sent the AKL embassy a scan of the noa2 and they did send out the packet 3 in the end. I had the medical last week. I've sent the intial papers back to the embassy here. All that remains is for them to send the case on. They still have it. It's an exercise in futility, but we can't help wondering why. That's good that the embassy sent out packet 3. How did you get on at the medical? You have everything ready now.. just waiting on the darn nvc to get their act together!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-19 20:21:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Apparently the 1-134 form doesn't have to be notarized anymore.. just read it on july filers thread and looked on uscis site and they updated their form. So that is good to know..so kelvan, michelle and others, the petitioner won't have to worry about finding someone to notarize it now so if you haven't got the newer version of 1-134 you will need to download it from the uscis site as the form is slightly different to the other version. (if you want the version where you don't need it notarized) just wish we'd had looked on the uscis website earlier as he got the form notarized last week Glad to know though that older versions are still accepted. whew!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-19 20:12:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 19 2008, 01:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Nothing yet...and they have had it a month. I have a feeling we aren't getting out of there any time soon. I just wish I knew why. I just hope they will release the petition before Christmas. This has gone on for far too long. It's just not good enough.	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-19 03:14:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (ivannnaloveskiwi @ Dec 19 2008, 01:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> pplication Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Current Status: Approval notice sent. On December 18, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i'm soooo excited...WOOOO HOOOOOO!!!! Woo hooo!!! Congratulations!! It's fantastic that so many of us on this thread have got approved before Christmas! Kelvan: I have found the opposite.. I have found that it is going too fast for me since approval *Generally* your SO will receive notification via snail mail of your approval from uscis and then shortly afterwards you may receive a letter from NVC giving case number etc and saying that your petition will be forwarded to the appropiate visa issuing post where the visa interview will take place. The petition usually takes about 4 days for it to arrive at Auckland from NVC(when nvc mails it out) In our case, the embassy received the petition on a Friday and we received packet 3 from them on the Tuesday. I immediately phoned docs for medical on that same day and managed to get appointment on the Thursday. Meanwhile, your fiance will have to send you things that will be needed. 1-134 form (notarized), letter from his employer, pay stubs, tax transcript, birth certificate ( my SO didn't want to send his 'original' one (even though its not the true original ) so he got it photocopied and notarized (not sure if that will help or not lol), photocopy of the NOA2, letter of intent. (Apologises if i have forgotten anything. this is off the top of my head ) I had a second copy of the 1-129f package, so he didn't have to send one to me. So getting those things from your SO can take time for sure. As i said, the process was going a little too fast for me, so was glad to have a breather while he got the documents together. They arrived today (except for tax transcript. he is still waiting for that) so i will send packet 3 back to the embassy tomorrow (have to send back to them forms DS-230 pt 1, DS-156 (filled out online, as a barcode is added to the form and then printed out), DS-156k, application form for NZ police certificate,photo copy of valid passport biographic data pages, and 2 additional passport photos (as well as ones needed for DS-156 form) and appointment form. Once the embassy receives packet 3 from you, then i think they make an appointment for interview. Hope others here (who have got the K1 visa) can tell you more about the process after NOA2 Edited by kiwiana, 19 December 2008 - 03:11 AM.	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-19 03:07:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kelvan @ Dec 18 2008, 12:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi guys, we just got an email to say that our NOA2 was sent on December 17 PS: Michelle, congrats!!! Isn't it awesome to get the approval before Christmas? yay!! Wonderful news!!! Congratulations!! Michelle: Soo good to hear that they have mailed the package off!! *Generally* it only takes about 4 days to arrive at the embassy here from nvc, so it may get here before Christmas KimandRuss: brrrh! it sounds soo cold over there at the moment. Hopefully the weather will improve by xmas day!! Kim & Chris: Let us know how you get on, applying for ssn cdneh: words fail me. What on earth is going on with them?? This is just ridiculous now. I'm soo sorry you have been held up like this.. I soo hope they get their act together and get it mailed off asap	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-18 01:54:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Dec 13 2008, 09:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Kim, I'm hoping you can help me with something else I'm a bit confused about applying for my SSN. (Plan on going early this coming week) and I have a few questions As per the SSN step by step guide on VJ, I've printed out the SS-5 form and filled it in. Am I meant to tick the Legal Alien Allowed to Work box?....or one of the others..... It says int he step by step guide to print out the following webpage and pay att to section C.....but I can't see a web page link. It also mentions to bring the document RM 00203.500 that I've printed out, but not sure where to get that from. In some places it says you can work with a valid I-94 and then in others it say you have to wait for EAD....... I am so confused it's not funny Hope you can clarify for me Thanks Kim I'm sure Kim can answer these q's for you. i have been reading threads on vj on how people are finding it difficult to get ssn especially if female and trying to get one in their new married name. Anyway, here are the links that you want for the documents, in case you have to show them to ssn in case they know nothing about k1 visas. https://secure.ssa.g...s/0100203500#c1 It is twelve pages long but i only printed out 7 of them (the ones relevant to show to them) On the first page where it says: 1. General- Evidence of Employment Authorization Highlight underneath that on the first part where it says: the alien's class of admission code as shown on the I-94 (the non-immigrant classifications shown on the I-94 with employment authorization inherent in status are listed in RM 00203.500C.1.); or and then highlight on C. Policy - Employment Authorization by Class Of Admission And on the part where it lists the class of admissions (A-1 E-1 F-3 etc) highlight the one that says: K-1 Fiancee of U.S Citizen The other site is: https://s044a90.ssa..../lnx/0100203210 This one is about when a person changes their name into a married one etc. Again I only printed out the pages relevant. Go to part C and highlight the part in bold here: <H2 class=sectitle>C. Procedure - Immigration Document as Evidence of Legal Name </H2>When issuing immigration documents, the Department of State and DHS issue them in the person’s legal name. The legal name is also generally the name in which the foreign passport was issued. When an alien applies for an SSN card, presume the name on the immigration document is the legal name unless the applicant presents evidence of a legal name change (e.g., marriage) that occurred after the immigration document was issued. In cases where an alien applies for a replacement SSN card and submits an immigration document showing a name that is different from the name on the prior Numident record, accept the immigration document as evidence of the legal name. In these cases, the prior SSN card may have been issued in a name that was not the NH’s legal name. Remember that immigration status must always be verified before an SSN card can be issued. Follow RM 00203.730 to RM 00203.740 for verifying immigration status. If the Numident record is being updated for a name change but an SSN card is not being issued, follow RM00203.560. I am pretty sure that when you fill in the ssn form that you tick the box that says "legal alien allowed to work"	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-13 21:04:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 12 2008, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It is. But they like our case so much they are hanging on to it. Not sent yet. Start of a new week is almost upon us and i am really hoping that you will hear some GOOD news from NVC! I have my fingers and toes crossed. My thoughts are with you!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-13 16:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 11 2008, 02:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I would't dream of holding you all up yours will be heading to embassy any time now! Just you wait and see!! (fingers crossed!!)	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-11 01:17:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 10 2008, 11:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> *** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL *** The last processing action taken on your case Receipt Number: EAC0822****** Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Current Status: Approval notice sent. On December 10, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service. If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283. *Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates. *** Please do not respond to this e-mail message. i was so surprised to see the email i actually gasped and then burst into tears, scared Rob, cos he had no idea what was going on YES!!! wooo hooo!!!! Congratulations!!! What a great feeling!!! All three of us may be at the consulate on the same day for interview Hoping Kelvan and others get theirs soon too!!!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-11 00:55:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 8 2008, 03:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> They must be...I'm a Canadian in sheeps' clothing...and they let me in ... hoping that tomorrow or this week you will receive packet 3 in your letterbox	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-08 23:45:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 8 2008, 12:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> At this point I'd like to know they at least have the case. Even if they found it tomorrow and sent it on at once, we won't be getting anywhere now until next year. We were hoping, had things progresssed as promptly as your case, to spend the holidays together. Thanks all who have tired to cheer me up...maybe we will hear something by way of better news the week coming. I sure could use a little good news today.... ....oh my good goodness..now I'm quoting country and western lyrics...the madness takes it's toll... I'm really hoping that nvc have got it all wrong and that the package that arrived at the embassy today may somehow be yours. And that packet 3 will arrive in your letterbox without any warning just like the NOA2 did. But if not, then you should definitely hear some news from them THIS week!!! (I wonder if the embassy here closes down for Christmas for a (week/few weeks) holiday or would they follow USA public holidays? As they don't have as many days off for Christmas over there like they do here. Because if they did only observe USA Christmas holidays and your packet 3 did come in the next week, you may be able to get an interview before Christmas. I realise you probably wouldn't make it there for Christmas, but you could get there possibly 2nd week of January?) Sending lots of good vibes!!!! hurry up packet 3!!!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-08 01:53:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (ivannnaloveskiwi @ Dec 21 2008, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i'm really worried that i dont make enugh money, i do have child support and ss for my children... but i didnt see anything where i could claim this... i dont think i can find a sponser...does anyone know if whats the least you could make to be approved....i hate to think i cant be with the one i love becasue i dont have a good job... The Australia embassy will count SSI I do know that as I sent a email asking if I could count my ssi with my income..they said yes and that I did not need a cosponser..not sure how NZ is and the best way to ask is email them and find out...it takes about 2 to 5 days for an email response to your question	Cham	Female	Australia	2008-12-24 00:40:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Congrats Kelly and Evan, that's great news. Cdneh, I'm sorry you're still held up in AP, I hope they put things into action for you asap. Kim - here's hoping that things don't get too much worse weather-wise. If you don't make it back online, wishing you, Russ and your kids a very happy Christmas together.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-18 00:31:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hi Kim, the I-94 is only valid for the 90 days, the EAD will be needed so that you can get employment after your wedding.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-15 16:32:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Congrats Michelle! So glad it came through before Xmas for you. I do miss my vegemite. Everytime I go to the supermarket I just stare at the shelves with all the jams in dismay. Plus, the peanut butter is sweet! I did find an unsweetened, salted kind at Trader Joes, thankfully, not quite the same as ETA back home, but it'll do.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-11 14:45:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE are non-kiwis welcome here? All you gotta do is pass the vegemite test..... But seriously, we're a friendly bunch around here, non-kiwi's are welcome.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-08 13:45:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 28 2008, 06:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Dec 28 2008, 06:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 28 2008, 02:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> good to know we can get vegemite there as from what i understand we can't bring any with us, can we? i'm pretty sure i've got the sponsorship problem fixed, after reading the instructions for the i-864 again, i see that we can use any money i take with me to make up any shortfall and we'll only need 3x the difference between rob's income and the poverty level failing that, his parents can be joint sponsors with him, not co-sponsors, a subtle but very important difference being that they don't have to meet the income requirements by themselves, we just add their income to his *sigh now just need that house to sell Hi Michelle Glad you've found a resolution for your sponsorship problem. Isn't it funny how we stress about stuff but a solution usually presents itself eventually...... You certainly can bring vegemite here with you... ....I brought Marmite, Vegemite, Jarrah Coffee, Cheese, and I can't remember what else. As long as you decalare that you have food with you when they ask. I told them I had cheese etc and they told me to pass straight on through, didn't even look. You're not allowed soft cheeses like brie, camembert etc, but edam was ok. There are some things you can't bring like meat products and some others which I think are listed here http://help.cbp.gov/...amp;p_topview=1 I still haven't managed to sort out the ssn yet, one of Chris' boys needs to get a replacement card so we're waiting on one of his papers to arrive in the mail to save two trips. cool thanks for that, i'll take a large jar with me, it'll last a good while With some of the time I've had on my hands since being here, I've found a few web sites to source many of the things that we might miss from home. Some are expensive but I guess when you think of how far it's got to come. In many instances, it could be cheaper to get some of the lighter things sent from home if you've got someone who would do it for you. Here's a couple of sites, but there's quite a few other NZ, Aussie and British sites I've come across, it's just a matter of fishing around online to find what you want. http://www.simplyoz.com/ And because I'm in Arkansas at the moment, this ones a bit dear but only about 30 mins away so I can go browse and do away with the freight. http://www.everythin....com/index.html Happy shopping	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 12:47:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 28 2008, 02:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> good to know we can get vegemite there as from what i understand we can't bring any with us, can we? i'm pretty sure i've got the sponsorship problem fixed, after reading the instructions for the i-864 again, i see that we can use any money i take with me to make up any shortfall and we'll only need 3x the difference between rob's income and the poverty level failing that, his parents can be joint sponsors with him, not co-sponsors, a subtle but very important difference being that they don't have to meet the income requirements by themselves, we just add their income to his *sigh now just need that house to sell Hi Michelle Glad you've found a resolution for your sponsorship problem. Isn't it funny how we stress about stuff but a solution usually presents itself eventually...... You certainly can bring vegemite here with you... ....I brought Marmite, Vegemite, Jarrah Coffee, Cheese, and I can't remember what else. As long as you decalare that you have food with you when they ask. I told them I had cheese etc and they told me to pass straight on through, didn't even look. You're not allowed soft cheeses like brie, camembert etc, but edam was ok. There are some things you can't bring like meat products and some others which I think are listed here http://help.cbp.gov/...amp;p_topview=1 I still haven't managed to sort out the ssn yet, one of Chris' boys needs to get a replacement card so we're waiting on one of his papers to arrive in the mail to save two trips. Edited by Kim & Chris, 27 December 2008 - 12:06 PM.	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 12:04:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kelzm @ Dec 16 2008, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi Kim, the I-94 is only valid for the 90 days, the EAD will be needed so that you can get employment after your wedding. Thanks for that	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-16 21:01:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Dec 14 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Dec 13 2008, 09:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks Kim, I'm hoping you can help me with something else I'm a bit confused about applying for my SSN. (Plan on going early this coming week) and I have a few questions As per the SSN step by step guide on VJ, I've printed out the SS-5 form and filled it in. Am I meant to tick the Legal Alien Allowed to Work box?....or one of the others..... It says int he step by step guide to print out the following webpage and pay att to section C.....but I can't see a web page link. It also mentions to bring the document RM 00203.500 that I've printed out, but not sure where to get that from. In some places it says you can work with a valid I-94 and then in others it say you have to wait for EAD....... I am so confused it's not funny Hope you can clarify for me Thanks Kim I'm sure Kim can answer these q's for you. i have been reading threads on vj on how people are finding it difficult to get ssn especially if female and trying to get one in their new married name. Anyway, here are the links that you want for the documents, in case you have to show them to ssn in case they know nothing about k1 visas. https://secure.ssa.g...s/0100203500#c1 It is twelve pages long but i only printed out 7 of them (the ones relevant to show to them) On the first page where it says: 1. General- Evidence of Employment Authorization Highlight underneath that on the first part where it says: the alien's class of admission code as shown on the I-94 (the non-immigrant classifications shown on the I-94 with employment authorization inherent in status are listed in RM 00203.500C.1.); or and then highlight on C. Policy - Employment Authorization by Class Of Admission And on the part where it lists the class of admissions (A-1 E-1 F-3 etc) highlight the one that says: K-1 Fiancee of U.S Citizen The other site is: https://s044a90.ssa..../lnx/0100203210 This one is about when a person changes their name into a married one etc. Again I only printed out the pages relevant. Go to part C and highlight the part in bold here: <H2 class=sectitle>C. Procedure - Immigration Document as Evidence of Legal Name </H2>When issuing immigration documents, the Department of State and DHS issue them in the person’s legal name. The legal name is also generally the name in which the foreign passport was issued. When an alien applies for an SSN card, presume the name on the immigration document is the legal name unless the applicant presents evidence of a legal name change (e.g., marriage) that occurred after the immigration document was issued. In cases where an alien applies for a replacement SSN card and submits an immigration document showing a name that is different from the name on the prior Numident record, accept the immigration document as evidence of the legal name. In these cases, the prior SSN card may have been issued in a name that was not the NH’s legal name. Remember that immigration status must always be verified before an SSN card can be issued. Follow RM 00203.730 to RM 00203.740 for verifying immigration status. If the Numident record is being updated for a name change but an SSN card is not being issued, follow RM00203.560. I am pretty sure that when you fill in the ssn form that you tick the box that says "legal alien allowed to work" Thanks for the info Kiwiana, that's a big part of my queries out of the way. I'm still a bit unsure of a couple of things though. When applying for SSN before marriage (we haven't tied the knot yet), if the I-94 gives you entitlement to work, why do we need to apply for EAD when we send in AOS? Does the entitlement to work based on the I-94 only apply until the I-94 expires (90 days).....and then EAD is valid for 2years (I think)....... Easy to see sitting around for a couple of weeks has dulled the brain eh!	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-14 09:28:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Dec 6 2008, 10:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ooops sorry I missed your post earlier Kim. Firstly, welcome to the States! You don't need to worry about where your paperwork will go for AOS. All AOS petitions are mailed to the Chicago lockbox and then distributed from there. So no worries for you. Your uscis office is located closest to the US residence listed on the forms. Ours is Boston. Very often K-1 visa holders are approved for AOS without interview anyway. Thanks Kim, I'm hoping you can help me with something else I'm a bit confused about applying for my SSN. (Plan on going early this coming week) and I have a few questions As per the SSN step by step guide on VJ, I've printed out the SS-5 form and filled it in. Am I meant to tick the Legal Alien Allowed to Work box?....or one of the others..... It says int he step by step guide to print out the following webpage and pay att to section C.....but I can't see a web page link. It also mentions to bring the document RM 00203.500 that I've printed out, but not sure where to get that from. In some places it says you can work with a valid I-94 and then in others it say you have to wait for EAD....... I am so confused it's not funny Hope you can clarify for me Thanks Kim	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-13 20:10:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Dec 28 2008, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 27 2008, 06:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> joint sponsors have to be living in the same house as the petitioner from what i can see, but joint is def easier, and yes their income gets added onto the I-864 of our fiance's and the joint sponsor completes the I-864A oh good one! we will definitely do that then! Have you heard anything from nvc yet? any word of your package arriving at consulate in Auckland? nope not a word, i figure xmas has slowed everything down however i can't actually leave here til my house sells, hopefully that will be soon	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 17:37:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Dec 28 2008, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Dec 27 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> With some of the time I've had on my hands since being here, I've found a few web sites to source many of the things that we might miss from home. Some are expensive but I guess when you think of how far it's got to come. In many instances, it could be cheaper to get some of the lighter things sent from home if you've got someone who would do it for you. Here's a couple of sites, but there's quite a few other NZ, Aussie and British sites I've come across, it's just a matter of fishing around online to find what you want. http://www.simplyoz.com/ And because I'm in Arkansas at the moment, this ones a bit dear but only about 30 mins away so I can go browse and do away with the freight. http://www.everythin....com/index.html Happy shopping Wow! these sites are soo cool!! The everything Australian site has kiwi items like watties spaghetti and baked beans and also has nz flag lapel pins and crossed pin of both flags -nz/usa. fabulous!! Both sites have MILO!! yippee!!! I have bookmarked both of them!!! Thanks everso much!!! Michelle: so glad that you have found a solution to the sponsorship (ala your funds) but if you do have to go with joint sponsors do they have to fill out a 1-864A? I think we will go down that avenue with *joint* I haven't looked into it fully yet, but from what you say, if it is easier then co-sponsor then that is the way to go joint sponsors have to be living in the same house as the petitioner from what i can see, but joint is def easier, and yes their income gets added onto the I-864 of our fiance's and the joint sponsor completes the I-864A	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 17:19:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Dec 28 2008, 06:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Dec 28 2008, 02:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> good to know we can get vegemite there as from what i understand we can't bring any with us, can we? i'm pretty sure i've got the sponsorship problem fixed, after reading the instructions for the i-864 again, i see that we can use any money i take with me to make up any shortfall and we'll only need 3x the difference between rob's income and the poverty level failing that, his parents can be joint sponsors with him, not co-sponsors, a subtle but very important difference being that they don't have to meet the income requirements by themselves, we just add their income to his *sigh now just need that house to sell Hi Michelle Glad you've found a resolution for your sponsorship problem. Isn't it funny how we stress about stuff but a solution usually presents itself eventually...... You certainly can bring vegemite here with you... ....I brought Marmite, Vegemite, Jarrah Coffee, Cheese, and I can't remember what else. As long as you decalare that you have food with you when they ask. I told them I had cheese etc and they told me to pass straight on through, didn't even look. You're not allowed soft cheeses like brie, camembert etc, but edam was ok. There are some things you can't bring like meat products and some others which I think are listed here http://help.cbp.gov/...amp;p_topview=1 I still haven't managed to sort out the ssn yet, one of Chris' boys needs to get a replacement card so we're waiting on one of his papers to arrive in the mail to save two trips. cool thanks for that, i'll take a large jar with me, it'll last a good while	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 12:11:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	good to know we can get vegemite there as from what i understand we can't bring any with us, can we? i'm pretty sure i've got the sponsorship problem fixed, after reading the instructions for the i-864 again, i see that we can use any money i take with me to make up any shortfall and we'll only need 3x the difference between rob's income and the poverty level failing that, his parents can be joint sponsors with him, not co-sponsors, a subtle but very important difference being that they don't have to meet the income requirements by themselves, we just add their income to his *sigh now just need that house to sell	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-27 08:10:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Well our co-sponsor has pulled out and nobody else we have asked who could do it, will do it. Does anyone have any ideas? I know I'm grasping at straws but does anyone know of any organisations that might sponsor? or anything/anyone else?	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-22 13:18:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kelvan @ Dec 18 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi guys, we just got an email to say that our NOA2 was sent on December 17 PS: Michelle, congrats!!! Isn't it awesome to get the approval before Christmas? Congratulations guys, I know exactly how you feel	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-21 13:30:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (ivannnaloveskiwi @ Dec 22 2008, 06:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> i'm really worried that i dont make enugh money, i do have child support and ss for my children... but i didnt see anything where i could claim this... i dont think i can find a sponser...does anyone know if whats the least you could make to be approved....i hate to think i cant be with the one i love becasue i dont have a good job... this link will show you how much income you need. To calculate how many people, you have to count yourself, your fiancee, your children and the sponsors family size as well. http://www.uscis.gov...form/I-864P.pdf	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-21 13:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kelvan @ Dec 18 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi guys, we just got an email to say that our NOA2 was sent on December 17 PS: Michelle, congrats!!! Isn't it awesome to get the approval before Christmas? wow that is excellent, congratulations	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-18 00:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	There's a package coming to NZ, so Rob rang NVC and they said they sent ours today	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-16 23:06:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 12 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Dec 12 2008, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> cdneh... stay strong g/f! *still sayin NO to vegemite* Trying thanks...another weekend coming up with no good news. Still at NVC. but it's still friday there	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-12 13:05:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Dec 11 2008, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Still not sent. i really am sorry	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-11 02:52:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL *** The last processing action taken on your case Receipt Number: EAC0822****** Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Current Status: Approval notice sent. On December 10, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service. If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at (800) 375-5283. *Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov under Case Status and Processing Dates. *** Please do not respond to this e-mail message. i was so surprised to see the email i actually gasped and then burst into tears, scared Rob, cos he had no idea what was going on	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-12-10 23:07:00