Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	2-6 MONTH MORE	ivannnaloveskiwi	Female	New Zealand	2009-02-25 19:32:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	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...	ivannnaloveskiwi	Female	New Zealand	2009-02-25 19:14:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	I don't know why anyone would want to give up New Zealand and move to the US?? I'll take NZ in a heartbeat over the US. To old and they won't take me!	Dakine	Male	Philippines	2009-03-01 20:01:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Dave, I know exactly how you feel about AOS at this point. Only don't let it hold you up 6 months like we did! l: The guides will walk you through most of it. I also made a post a couple of weeks back regarding the vaccination info. Ivanna, Russell and I lived together for almost two years before he was denied entry and had to go home to NZ. We were then apart for 4 months before my mom and I went to NZ to visit him for 3 weeks. Leaving that time and knowing we'd be apart for more than 7 months was devastating....but ohhhh those 3 weeks! It wasn't the first time I'd been to NZ but it was still an amazing trip! Enjoy your time in that beautiful Country and start your lives together NOW.... hopefully soon after you get back home you will have wonderful news to share! Congratulations Kelvan! Michelle, welcome home. I hope your happiness continues as ours certainly has! I don't know what to tell you about the bread. I'd say it's a southern thing but perhaps it's in CA too. We have great bread here in MA but there are a lot of Italians here! yes, the chocolate is quite different and so are other things you'll come across. Most of what you want can be ordered online and/or you can find substitutes if you look hard enough. My love is a fantastic cook so we've certainly done our share of looking for equivalents. Justine, the big day is coming up, eh? We're still extremely busy with work but very happy. AOS is just waiting on a few more papers then it's off. From what i've seen, the Civil Surgeon's sign off is being overlooked for K-1's (at least the folks I know) so we're sending it off without. Nice to hear so many of you are moving on and are so happy! Don't lose touch!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-21 09:56:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Kate ( I dont think I even knew your name ) , i'm sorry you're sick and for all the troubles you've been having. Like Michelle said, at least you're together! Get plenty of rest! Michelle, you must be about jumping out of your skin right now! Kelly, only a few more days until you see your man! woohooo.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-12 09:59:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	dave, hope genna got her visa! michelle..have a great trip home! good luck at the interview kelvan congrats on getting the process moving again Kim & Chris congrats lisa and tim Example Forms scroll down a bit for the AOS ones. How is everyone else doing? Edited by KimandRuss, 11 March 2009 - 10:56 AM.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-11 10:55:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Justine, still waiting to hear back from my g/f but here is the website for the CA Bar association. They have links and should only be posting reputable sources. Taxes are a nightmare here...especially when you're self-employed. I take care of finances for several small companies ....but my own are a mess! I think i'll wait till april!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-07 10:08:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Dave, congratulations to you and Genna! Yes, we were so done with immigration that we waited over the 90 days to file for AOS but no regrets... We just weren't in the rush some people are but it is good to get out of the way asap. The paperwork was like doing the K-1 all over again.... not fun!!! The AOS Guides are much like the K-1.... an easy to read checklist. The only thing confusing is the I-693 and recent changes but if you read my 'long winded' post from last week you should be caught up. I'm always here if you have any questions too. Justine, how exciting! I still remember the first time we chatted and now here you are....how time fly's! I'm very happy for you! I have an attorney friend in CA so i've asked her if she knows of any reputable immigration attorney's in the area. Will let you know.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-06 08:48:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Justine, I'll have a look later to find the exact law and/or the name of a reputable immigration attorney near you or online that you can ask. I think what I posted yesterday is basically what the law states... you do lose your current non-immigrant status once you adjust but you can still work. EAD shouldn't take too long to get anyway. It seems to me like it's one of those 'don't pull the tag off the mattress' kind of laws, ya know? cdneh, Virginia is in a heat wave compared to us up here in Massachusetts! I know if you guys get more than a couple of inches of snow everything shuts down... up here we have to have at least a foot of snow falling at the time for school to be called off. Yesterday morning we were 0? F ... but this weekend we'll be in the 50's.... too bad i'm headed up to Maine, where it's usually even colder.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-05 11:29:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Justine, I know... it's nuts! I'm sorry to stress you more. I just want to be sure there is nothing to come back and bite you. If your employer is good with it then I think you should be too. cdneh.. nice to see you made it home. Where are you in the states again? We're freezing our tushies off in N.E. too! But ahhhhh clocks move forward this weekend and the sun is shining brighter so spring is surely on it's way! ana..have a lovely trip home.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-04 15:01:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Justine, I don't want to shadow your good news but it's important that you know some facts. First, I think you can find information or someone who's suppose to know what they're talking about to support almost anything ....so be sure to ask 1, 2, then 3 times! According to the DHS, once you apply for Adjustment of status you lose your current non-immigrant visa status and become 'pending adjustment of status'. J-1 is a non-immigrant visa and 485 is an adjusting process. Therefore, you techically lose your J1 Status... BUT...... Under Section 214( of the Immigration and Nationality Act, (Act), most nonimmigrants who apply for adjustment of status to that of permanent residents of the United States are presumed to be intending immigrants and, therefore, are no longer eligible to maintain nonimmigrant status. Section 214(h) of the Act, however, permits aliens described in section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) and of the Act, i.e., temporary workers in specialty occupations, intracompany managerial or executive transferees, and their depend ent spouses and children, to maintain their nonimmigrant status during the pendency of their applications for adjustment of status. You can really take either answer from that ^ The Service has, traditionally, considered applying for adjustment of status as relevant evidence in determining whether an alien has abandoned the requisite nonimmigrant intent. Section 214( of the Act does not, however, require the Service to hold this position as an absolute rule. So long as the alien clearly intends to comply with the requirements of his or her nonimmigrant status, the fact that the alien would like to become a permanent resident, if the law permits this, does not bar the alien's continued holding of a nonimmigrant status. Also of importance... The USCIS may issue RFEs asking for an advisory opinion regardless of what is stamped on a J-1 visa. This is especially true once a person moves to a new institution, because such moves MUST be documented under the Department of Homeland Security SEVIS system, which means USCIS will know about it. The institution is responsible for updating the SEVIS system, not the J-1 visa holder. found this in another forum Now you ask if it's legal that you are still working in J status. The answer is that you are probably fine, since USCIS doesn't really enforce considering you to have abandoned your J status. This will change if you dare travel outside the US of course; if you leave the US it will be almost impossible to get back in with a J visa since you are clearly intended immigrants. But as long as you are still here, you should be okay staying on J-1 and you can keep using your ©(5) EAD for now. But make sure you have AP documents in case you need to travel. While your J-1 status right now is okay, your J visas in your passport is pretty much useless. More to absorb and fret about. Sorry to overwhelm you and give you even more to check into, but knowledge is power! cdneh... have a wonderful trip and WELCOME HOME!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-02 13:51:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Ivanna, i'm so happy for you. I'm sure he'll have his visa in no time! Also, be sure to quote the law I sent you regarding the old convictions in the letter you write! I'm envious of you getting to go back to NZ, the unplanned trip we had after Russell got das boot was so wonderful! I hope it turns out to be the trip of a lifetime for you both and that by the end of it you have wonderful news! Edited by KimandRuss, 02 March 2009 - 01:17 PM.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-02 10:47:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Dave, a copy is all that is requested by the uscis. An 'original' is simply one with a raised stamp or seal. Do you have that?	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:16:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Haole @ Mar 1 2009, 08:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I don't know why anyone would want to give up New Zealand and move to the US?? I'll take NZ in a heartbeat over the US. To old and they won't take me! Haole, that's Australia that doesn't want you 'old' men! NZ doesn't like fat people! Just for the record... I agree with you, most beautiful place i've ever been, and hope to live in NZ at least part time in the future. Lots of people leave NZ anyway for job opportunities and such. Family is why Russell moved to me in the States. I do have children from a previous marriage and wouldn't think to take them that far away from their father. My family immigrated from Sicily in the early 1900's, to where I am now and helped build the city we live in. We are surrounded by lots and lots of family and very close friends...people i've had to count on many times in my life and people with whom we cherrish our time with. Some things... well, they're just worth it.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:08:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Dave, divorce laws are dependant on the State in which you were divorced. Your lawyer most likely gave you the correct document for your State. In MA, for example, you have to wait 120 days after you go to court to get your 'decree of absolute'... you are not considered 'divorced' and 'free to marry' until that time. *insert grumble here* In some States you are divorced as soon as you are before the judge and in some you must wait even longer before being considered 'free to marry'. Some documents to prove that are one or two pages and some (like in some counties in TX) are dozens of pages long! Just like the immigration process... difficult! Normally, if the paperwork is not right you will know that from the USCIS... not the Embassy. I'm not sure what happened with Ivanna. Edited by KimandRuss, 01 March 2009 - 08:10 PM.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:04:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hi Dave, nice to see you. Wow ...how far you all have come! Unfortunately we do have one of our NZ/US couples who was denied at the Embassy very recently. You can read their posts from this week. Hopefully all they will need to do is file a waiver and wait a bit longer to resolve the issues and get the visa! I'm sure that as long as Genna has everything they've requested that she'll be fine. Most will tell you that it's a breeze. cdneh, we're not really doing AOS the way we should (...we sure do like playin with fire, eh? ) but I do know what is required and would be happy to help clear up any questions when the time comes. I can tell you that for those of you getting your medicals for K-1's, be sure you get a TB test (new requirement that not many seem to know about) and a copy of your DS3025 (vaccination worksheet) from the panel physician. If you've already had your medical you can have a TB Test done relatively cheap through the health dept once in the States. Send the results of that test, along with the DS3025, to a civil surgeon to transcribe onto the I-693. They will need to sign this doc and send it back to you. You'll need this for AOS. There is a list of CS on the uscis website but all of the civil surgeons I called had no clue what I was talking about and weren't willing to sign off on the forms if they didn't perform another full physical (costing hundreds of dollars). A K-1 medical is good for one year so as long as you are filing for AOS before 1 year you do not need another medical so do not let them talk you into that! Either these people are just extremely uneducated to the process or they're just snakes looking for some $$$...either way, it's a hassle! There's a doc that lots of people here have used that will cost you about $30. You just call, fax your docs over and they'll send it to you in days. This seems to be the best bet (unless you can find a civil surgeon in your area that knows what they're doing and will do it cheap). Now some people (mostly K-1's) seem to get through ok without certain things and some do not. Because Russell's medical was so close to the new guidelines being put in place we decided to send the AOS package without the TB test and without a civil surgeon transcribing and signing off on the new form I-693. We expect we may receive an RFE and need to have these things done but i'm pretty sure it will only slow up the GC a very short time. (I'm pretty sure they just need updating but, the instructions for the I-485 on the USCIS website still states that a K-1 visa holder need only submit their DS3025 with the application.) Edited by KimandRuss, 01 March 2009 - 06:45 PM.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 18:42:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Justine, When you file for AOS you file for EAD so that it comes early and allows you to work before your GC will. Some people are getting this in less than 60 days and I know of some couples who actually called the service center handling their case and had it expedited. I also know some people who continued to work... perhaps discuss the issue with your employer and you can work something out. Michelle, getting close! I'm glad your daughter gets to travel and stay with you for 4 weeks. Now, it's on to getting your soon-to-be hubby a new organ! (not that kind, dirty minds!) We're doing our aos today (blah!)!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 08:48:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	The bread is weird...I dunno what's with that. I've tried 3 or 4 sorts and had no luck.	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-21 10:05:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW 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!!! 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. Congratulations !!!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-18 20:24:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 13 2009, 02:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Kate ( I dont think I even knew your name ) , i'm sorry you're sick and for all the troubles you've been having. Like Michelle said, at least you're together! Get plenty of rest! Michelle, you must be about jumping out of your skin right now! Kelly, only a few more days until you see your man! woohooo. That's me It's still the best time, I'm being well looked after never fear, and at least although we had a minor disaster we did get to have that together...	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-12 10:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Mar 12 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> 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 Michelle...just a couple of days left for you...have a safe and enjoyable flight and a gret POE! See you on this side 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 Oh it does make it easier for sure...picture if you will...the dark of night, a sudden boom, and Niagra falls comes cascading from across the hall. And in the middle of the chaos the two of us laughing so hard I thought we'd do ourselves an injury...	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-12 10:22:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	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 Michelle...just a couple of days left for you...have a safe and enjoyable flight and a gret POE! See you on this side	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-11 18:55:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 10 2009, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Did anyone have trouble tracking their courier bag, or have a longer wait than they were told by the consulate for the Visa shipping? Genna was told it would arrive in 1 to 3 days. Its been 2 working days, 4 days total, and the tracking number from the courier bag is still coming up as not in the system. No...but remember they won't send it out over a week-end. It will probably go out on the Monday..and depending where she it may take a day or two. I was in Auckland, so interview Monday, sent on Tuesday, arrived on Wednesday. Not long now	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-09 19:44:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Congratulations Dave and Genna !!!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-06 16:18:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 5 2009, 08:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Justine, I know... it's nuts! I' m sorry to stress you more. I just want to be sure there is nothing to come back and bite you. If your employer is good with it then I think you should be too. cdneh.. nice to see you made it home. Where are you in the states again? We're freezing our tushies off in N.E. too! But ahhhhh clocks move forward this weekend and the sun is shining brighter so spring is surely on it's way! ana..have a lovely trip home. I am in Virginia ...baby it's cold outside	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-05 09:14:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	I'm home Safe and sound...summer to winter in 21 hours....and there is snow! POE ...wow..less than 5 minutes...I went to the new immigrants line, and no one ahead of me. Lovely lady, who took my MBE and tore the envelope to shreds...opening it...after all the great care I took guarding that with my life...lol.. The steward didn't know which customs form, but it is the white I-94, and they staple part of that to your passport. More...when I get some rest....it may be 11:00 here...but it is 05:00 for me.... Have a great trip Kiwiana..you're next!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-04 10:57:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Contratulations Ivannna!!! I've been thinking about you this week, and hoping everything would come right! Today is the big day for me. I have some last minute things to do, of course, and then I am off at 1930 tonight. I'll be sure to let you know how my POE went, and thank you to everyone in here for all your support during the wait. I'll be back...but I'll be there !	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-02 13:10:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 2 2009, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks everyone. Looks like I am probably freaking out over nothing again. I apologize, and thanks again for all the quick advice. =) This place really is a lifesaver. It's a great place is VJ ...where would any of us be without it I understand the freaking out over nothing...been there...done that...happy to loan out my T-shirt It's lovely here I agree. But the one thing they haven't got is my SO, and he has grandchildren it would break his heart to leave. Also I am not from NZ. .. CDN= canadian eh= eh???	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:41:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 2 2009, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Can someone please for the love of god tell us EXACTLY what this Divorce Decree that they ask for is??? None of the paperwork form the Divorce is actually titled DECREE. My lawyer consultant told me that the decree is the "Judgement." so this is what I sent to Genna. Is this correct??? After seeing the rejection becuz of divorce papers, I am completely freaking. Also, should Genna take a pre-paid envelope with her or something for them to mail her Visa and Passport? Or is this the courier bag you are talking about? If someone could PLEASE give me a detailed description of the paperwork they used for the Divorce for the interview, it would help immensely! Yes, she does need a pre-paid courier bag. Get a legal size one (big) Write down the number from it so you can track it. My papers for my divorce didn't say DECREE anywhere. Mine said judgement on it. I was also divorced in 1970's and that one says certificate.	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:02:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 2 2009, 11:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey guys! Been busy lately and have not had much time to stop in here. Genna's interview is this week. I'm nervous as all hell. Is there ANYTHING we should be doing last minute? Does anyone in the NZ process get rejected at the interview??? That would just kill us. I'm a severe worrier.. and this last minute wait is killing me. We have all the forms they asked for... her medical and Police thing are in... I make enuff money for the Affidavit... Anything anyone can give would help... almost there... deep breaths... On the whole, things seem to go quite smoothly, although we did get a denial there this week (hugs) Ivannna If you have all your paperwork in order, and it seems that you do, it should go well. I found them to be helpful, and not at all intimidating. More of a conversation than an inquistion. The first person she speaks to will ask for some of the papers, so perhaps knowing just where to find what in the things she brings would be good. I had mine in an accordian folder, tabbed. The second person will go through the case and ask for things as she comes to the items she needs to see. Be sure to have Genna get a courier bag, a large one, so they can send her entry paperwork back. And make a note of the number...so she can track it. There are some entires you can read up on Embassy reviews ..up at the top right of this page. I wish you all the best ..and let us know how it went!	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 18:51:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (KimandRuss @ Mar 2 2009, 02:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Michelle, getting close! I'm glad your daughter gets to travel and stay with you for 4 weeks. Now, it's on to getting your soon-to-be hubby a new organ! (not that kind, dirty minds!) We're doing our aos today (blah!)! Ooooo...glad my mind was in the right place AOS....arg....I think I am not thinking about that until I get there. And again, VJ will be the place once I am. Kim, I am sure I will again follow your progress with interest	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 14:15:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Mar 1 2009, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> 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 Now it's just about the waiting Got that ! I hope there are seats left when you look, you can check online if you know or think you have decided the Airlines you are going to fly. Don't forget www.seatguru.com I think it's wonderful she gets to keep you company on the way over, and be there for your wedding! The waiting. The one thing I hate to do the most, and have spent the last 18 months doing. I swear this last couple of days have taken an eternity to pass. My SO has shifted into the new flat at his daughter's house, and is busy as putting in the new bathroom this weekend past. We've done a lot of online shopping...which cracks me up..."Honey do you like these faucets? Maybe you 'd like these better? Do you like opaque glass or would you rather have clear? Have a look at this link sweetie...which of these 256 tiles do you want me to get?" Such a love he is, and so concerend that everything is perfect.	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 14:12:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kelzm @ Mar 1 2009, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> SFO is a much smaller airport than LAX. To get to immigration simply turn right once you get out of the plane lounge and walk till you see the tapes and lines. Signs for citizens point to the left, for others to the right. The new immigrants line is on the left hand side past the citizen lines, with the line for aircrew on the other side of it. There will be a sign there, just go up, stand behind the yellow line and hold your MBE in front of you. If you ask one of the people messing around with the tape they'll tell you where to go, but you definitely do not line up with all the other NZ visitors. If you're lucky and beat all the wheelchairs (the send them to the same area) processing takes all of 10 minutes. Thanks for that! I'll do what I can to outrun the wheelchairs I have quite a short layover, but it was either that or get in way after midnight at Dulles. We aren't going far the first night, we have a hotel booked until the 5th, and then we will wander on home from there.	cdneh	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 01:10:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Mar 4 2009, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm home Safe and sound...summer to winter in 21 hours....and there is snow! POE ...wow..less than 5 minutes...I went to the new immigrants line, and no one ahead of me. Lovely lady, who took my MBE and tore the envelope to shreds...opening it...after all the great care I took guarding that with my life...lol.. The steward didn't know which customs form, but it is the white I-94, and they staple part of that to your passport. More...when I get some rest....it may be 11:00 here...but it is 05:00 for me.... Have a great trip Kiwiana..you're next! Wow! two seasons in one day! happy to hear all went well. Finally, you are with your loved one!! I will definitely remember to ask for the white form. My internet is due to be disconnected in a few hours time and i will be staying at my sons place overnight until i leave for usa tomorrow! Hope everyone is doing well and i will catch up with you's soon!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-04 13:14:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Ed+Cindy @ Mar 3 2009, 05:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's so nice to know that there are many kiwis out there who's experiencing a rough time immigrating to the US for their loved ones! US CBP officers in Vancouver coerced me and Ed into applying for a K-1 Fiancee Visa last October, so I had to come back to Auckland to wait for the visa while Ed works in the US . It'll be nearly 5 months since Ed submitted the petition for K-1 visa. I really hope the US Consulate General will contact me soon! Just wondering, does anyone know of any way of finding out the status of visa application ? Hi there! The petitioner should have received a notice of action 1-797 letter (NOA1) shortly after he sent in the 1-129f package. On the top left hand side of the letter is a receipt number (usually starts with WAC or EAC.....) If you go to the uscis website and register you can check the case status online (type in your receipt number and a password) Sometimes if a uscis employer looks at your case or moves the file, the date may change on your status (touched). During the time we was waiting for approval we did not receive any touches at all. The only 'touch' received was when they first got our file and when we finally got approved. Some peoples status never changes online even after approval, so it's really a hit and miss kind of thing But when you are waiting for the approval, any prospect of seeing some movement on your case is in ones mind the whole time. I know i checked the case status probably hundreds of times over the 120 days or so of waiting for approval. As it's almost 5 months for you guys, i would think the waiting may soon be over. Hope you get it very soon!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-03 16:43:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Mar 2 2009, 02:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Contratulations Ivannna!!! I've been thinking about you this week, and hoping everything would come right! Today is the big day for me. I have some last minute things to do, of course, and then I am off at 1930 tonight. I'll be sure to let you know how my POE went, and thank you to everyone in here for all your support during the wait. I'll be back...but I'll be there ! Ivanna: so happy for you! hopefully the approval will come through when you are both here in NZ together!! yay!! cdneh: You are probably at the airport by now. Hope you have a safe, swift journey. won't be long till you are in each others arms again!! let us know how it all goes through POE etc.	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-02 23:29:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Mar 1 2009, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 2 2009, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks everyone. Looks like I am probably freaking out over nothing again. I apologize, and thanks again for all the quick advice. =) This place really is a lifesaver. It's a great place is VJ ...where would any of us be without it I understand the freaking out over nothing...been there...done that...happy to loan out my T-shirt It's lovely here I agree. But the one thing they haven't got is my SO, and he has grandchildren it would break his heart to leave. Also I am not from NZ. .. CDN= canadian eh= eh??? cdneh:Tomorrow is the BIG day!!! wooo hooo!!!!! I am soo excited for you!! what time does your plane leave? Did you have to sit on the suitcases to get everything in?	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:50:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 1 2009, 09:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thanks everyone. Looks like I am probably freaking out over nothing again. I apologize, and thanks again for all the quick advice. =) This place really is a lifesaver. Yes i don't know where i would be without vj and the wonderful people on it! I think you and I would tie for 1st place as the biggest worriers!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:48:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Dave_n_Genna @ Mar 1 2009, 08:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Can someone please for the love of god tell us EXACTLY what this Divorce Decree that they ask for is??? None of the paperwork form the Divorce is actually titled DECREE. My lawyer consultant told me that the decree is the "Judgement." so this is what I sent to Genna. Is this correct??? After seeing the rejection becuz of divorce papers, I am completely freaking. Also, should Genna take a pre-paid envelope with her or something for them to mail her Visa and Passport? Or is this the courier bag you are talking about? If someone could PLEASE give me a detailed description of the paperwork they used for the Divorce for the interview, it would help immensely! yes you have to take original divorce certificate (i'm assuming the one you sent in 1-129f package was just a photocopy of it, so the one you photocopied from is shown at interview) it sounds like you are pretty much set. Genna can give them either a self addressed large (foolscap/legal size) courier pack envelope or a registered envelope. There is a post shop near the embassy, if she happens to forget before her interview. Good luck! let us know how you get on!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:28:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Haole @ Mar 1 2009, 09:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I don't know why anyone would want to give up New Zealand and move to the US?? I'll take NZ in a heartbeat over the US. To old and they won't take me! The things we do for love!!	kiwiana	Female	New Zealand	2009-03-01 20:12:00