i checked out Igor's List for the first time, 270, 'nuff said

anyways, just so i have this clear, we've already paid the initial $455.00 with the I-129F, am i right in thinking that when it gets to NVC we will need another $470.00??

oh and kate i was going to ask for the recipe to that potion but then i had this vision of us standing around stirring a cauldron so perhaps you could just chuck some of those potions my way?

Michelle, there is no charge at NVC. You will need to pay for your medical (varies) and your visa ($131USD). There is no other charges until you go through Adjustment of status after you're married and that's $1010, it includes EAD (work) and AP (travel).

thanks so much for that Kim, i do try really hard to read what's in the forum and on the govt websites but i just seem to get so confused, i don't know why, i'm not a stupid person, truly i'm not ; /

Belated welcome to Bobsagetti Thanks for the info on car insurance.
I think one of the major things i am concerned about (one out of the MANY i have ) is to do with health insurance over there. Is it compulsory to have health insurance?. Or can you go along to the docs or dentist like in NZ and just pay a fee at the end of the consultation? If it is compulsory, is it hard for new immigrants to get cover? Can you get it whilst you are waiting for work permit? or do you have to have a job first? Sorry this sounds like a lot of questions but hopefully someone will be able to fill in these gaps as i think one of the biggest worries is if a person suddenly fell ill and to not know what the heck happens or if you can seek medical help etc?

Bobsagetti: How long have you been waiting for EAD? What is the general waiting time before it is issued?

cdneh and Michelle: I looked on igors list, 250

oooook... i clicked on add reply before i had finished (blame it on old age )

Kelvan: Have a lovely time in Kansas with your man

Grant: Good to hear you are making progress. Not long to go now! Hope you had success on Trade Me and with the job hunting.

Kim: It is almost Tuesday here!!

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble.... yes..you might be right...heh..that is a bit of a mental picture...

I really need to stay away from Igor, bless him...I wanted to see movement though, and I am. Pity it's still going in the wrong direction...we may pass each other yet!

I've looked into the insurance thing, I don't want to be without it either. I don't know what the story is with walk ins up there, but I don't think it will be quite the same somehow. Here's what I've found so far...

http://www.americanvisitorinsurance.com/

Thanks for the link cdneh. It's kind of like being piggy in the middle with it all. One one hand we aren't tourists seeking temporary insurance and on the other hand we aren't permanent residents of america either (yet), so to speak. It is definitely confusing.

Here is what I have been looking at insurance wise:

http://www.visitorscoverage.com/immigrant/plans/

I spent a good few hours researching this, and this company/plan seemed to me to be the best combination of cost and coverage.

I am planning on buying 6 months worth, as a starter.

Cheers

Grant

It is...there is just sooo much to sort out

I think i've posted this before in this thread.... Insurance. It's probably much like the place Grant linked to. I did get this link from somewhere in VJ as others here have used it.

I've also posted a link regarding the car insurance and who to contact to get it. It's not too far back.

Our petition has arrived at the Consulate and been signed for by good ole 'Rona' yesterday ...errrr or today... at 3:10! It feels so good to be in NZ again! Will keep you posted as to what the Consulate has to say later today.

Congrats to Kim and Russ on your latest news! I hope things go smoothly from now for you guys.

Kiwiana: yeah health insurance is a big challenge (including for lots of Americans) and very confusing at first. It took me months to work it out when I was studying here (and I was doing a class on health economics!) It's not compulsory and you can certainly do user pays. That should be fine if you're healthy but won't cover anything catastrophic. I looked at Southern Cross's options (https://www.scti-online.co.nz/wo/public.aspx) but think the link Grant posted is much better for any emergencies (at first glance anyway).

A few more considerations: depending on your auto insurance your medical bills may be covered if you have a car accident (one of the most likely causes of serious injury). Also, once you're married if your spouse is working often you can tag on to their health insurance for a small amount. Finally, it's not uncommon to have a 'stand down' period once you start work whereby your health insurance doesn't kick in for three to six months, so that's something to keep in mind.

As for EAD, grrrr, longer than I'd like (and you all thought the waiting would be over). It seems that there are two paths once you send in your AOS: you either get transferred to the California Service Center or it goes to your local office. If you get the CSC then things seem to move much faster. For instance people who filed at the same time as us and were transferred are already getting their EAD. Needless to say we haven't been transferred and I'm still waiting (it's only been two months but it feels like longer because we took a while to file). I'm hopeful that it will arrive within the next three weeks. That seems to be a more common time line (2-3 months).

Good morning Kiwi friends. I come bearing good news!

Russell called the Embassy yesterday and they told him they couldn't book k1's on the phone. Well, he emailed after he got off the phone and received an email back right away stating that they had received our petition from the NVC late afternoon the day before and had already sent out the appointment package to him and that his appointment was on the 17th...next Wednesday at 10am!!! That's 6pm Tuesday night for us in the U.S. What a difference from being in the U.S. ...thank goodness for the New Zealand Consulate and the wonderful people that work there! They've been so patient with us for a year now and have really done all they could to help us.

NZ usually takes about two days to process the visa but that's without any issues...sadly, we almost expect issues. He plans on flying home the following Wednesday...the 24th. Just hours away from the very day he was denied entry in Dublin last year! Ironic, no?

So, in just two weeks, we will have everything we have fought so hard for and waited soooo, soooo many years for! We are riding on a cloud! Just thrilled!

Bob, where were you a year ago when I was gathering all this information and researching it on my own???? I hope you find your EAD very soon. Shouldn't be much longer.

We have a unique medical situation as I am self employed and still covered under my ex husband. As soon as we're married, I wont be eligible any longer. Russell is planning on using this place only because we know other VJ'ers have used it but i'm sure there are many. It only comes to like $39/mo if you sign up for at least 3 months. We'll take it. Not sure what i'll do.. I suppose i'll have to get covered on my own. We'll have to work something else out very soon. Another reason for you all to get citizenship and vote... universal health care!

Well I hope this day finds you all doing well and finding the patience to deal with this difficult process. just remember, there is another side to this and it's just lovely.

That's such wonderful news Kim, i'm sure there'll be no problems at the interview and all you'll have to worry about is the wedding plans

Great news Kim

I'm on my last week of work now, flying out Monday evening to San Francisco. I'm spending this week sorting and re-sorting all my belongings and trying to get myself down to three suitcases only! The nerves are starting to kick in when I think about the big trip, I'm very excited but the prospect of leaving family is a bit daunting. I'm worried about my son who will be staying in NZ to finish High School, I'm sure that he'll be fine but I know the next few months are going to be a bit traumatic for us both.

What excellent news Kim Such a fast turn around! I am hoping we all have such a time frame...when the time comes! Only two weeks left to go !!!

bobsagetti: its kinda ironic that the california service centre is the slowest out of the two centres when processing the 1-129f forms but are faster at processing the EAD (when you send in the AOS) then the local office I hope it comes through for you soon.


kelzm: wow not long to go now. How does one put all their stuff into 3 suitcases?. I mean, you can't fit a lot into them really. Did you find it hard to narrow everything down and what to take and what to leave?
It's definitely understandable and normal to be worried about your son.
As you say, he will be fine though.

kim: great news! only another two weeks!

Thank you friends.

Russell booked his flight last night and we booked a few days of 'away' in Boston as well. We're just so excited to be so close. I will talk to the JP tonight to make some final arrangements regarding our ceremonies. Our first will be a very intimate oceanside ceremony on October 18th, where we will exchange our personal vows to each other. Short, sweet, romantic... just what we both want. In the spring we are planning another short ceremony with the same JP and a huge party with hundreds of our family and friends..including Russell's family from NZ who will fly up for the occassion. That should be great fun too. No fuss... just celebration!

Kel, how exciting for you! Have you tried those space bags? You know those ones that suck all the air out? You wouldn't believe the things you can fit in a tiny little space! The only problem is that then you must watch the weight of the suitcases. Your son is going to be just fine with your folks. Hopefully it wont be long before he joins you here as well. Have a safe trip HOME!

Kim - space bags sound like a good idea, I might give those a go! What I'm finding is that I'm having to put aside lots of things like clothes so that I can take other things like photo's, little sentimental knick knacks and old cards and letters. I suppose ... you can always buy new clothes, right?

Yay for Kim and Russ!!! It's about time, eh!? Hopefully the interview will go smoothly so you'll be together soon!

Kelzm- Here's wishing you a safe flight to your honey! I know it's hard leaving family behind, I can't imagine leaving a son, but I hope these next few months go well for you both and that he'll be visiting you in no time!

Leave clothes, just be sure to take your favorites. Clothes shopping is one of the biggest things I miss about the US, it's nothing like NZ. Prices are better and there is a larger variety so you're more likely to get something that fits you well. When I moved here and needed to pick up a few things I did what most women do, saw someone close to my size wearing something I liked and asked where she got it from. The answer? The US! A lot of NZ women go on vacation to the US and stock up on clothes to bring back here!

We just spent a week seeing parts of the South Island. The west coast is breathtaking, I want to go back already! We rode the train over the Southern Alps, it was so exciting 'cause I've never been on a train! I have piles of pictures to sort through, why are vacations never anywhere near long enough?

Thanks Tiara

I agree with you about the clothes although I have some favorites I picked up in NZ... of course, that could just be because they are from NZ! That merino wool keeps you real warm here in the Northeast!

Russell sister lives in Dunedin and he went to University in Christchurch. He then worked in Westport on the West Coast for some time afterwards. There are some pictures in this slideshow of the west coast. Just beautiful! I think we will just have to add that train trip to our next NZ adventure!

Hope everyone is ticking along fine

I've had a look in the wardrobe...I have a certain amount of thinning down to do it seems. I'll have to be less packrat and more ruthless...I don't know where it all came from

Hi everyone!
Hope the weekend has been a good one.
(A few q's on my mind).....To those who have been to the interview at Auckland consulate (and to Russ who will go this week). Where is the best place to park ones car in the city? Also, Do you have to give/send them an original birth certificate of your fiance (petitioner) or just your own birth certificate?
Also, I have read some threads where some people have been asked to redo the medical once in USA for AOS, due to medical/vaccination records being lost. Has anyone here asked for copies of medical records when they went for their medical here? Just wondered if it was neccesary or not.

sorry for all the questions but just trying to fill my head with as much as possible about it all, seeing as i have so much time waiting for the process to proceed

cdneh.. I know where those clothes came from! I seem to have the same sickness... and don't even get me started on shoes!

ana, people have mentioned parking everywhere but Russell found a 'carpark' (also known as a parking lot) on the same road as the Embassy...something about if you get there before 9am it's just $11 for the day... i'm quite sure he will post all about it in his review as he knows how much others have helped us..he'll want to do the same for those who come after us.

The Embassy didn't specifically ask for a certified copy of my b/c but I sent in anyway as they did say all originals and I have a few copies.

Regarding the vaccinations. The vaccinations are not actually required at the interveiw stage of the K1...they are actually needed for AOS. Most people do this in their own Country as it can be much cheaper and is often better to just get it done with. Anyway, at AOS you need to fill out a I693 (this is new form with new requirements as of 8/1/08) and have it signed by a civil surgeon. When you go for your medical in NZ you can have that doctor fill out a vaccination record and sign it for you. This is what you will submit with your AOS packet. Most people are perfectly fine with just this paper. If you do not have this from your medical then you can get a list of your vaccinations and have it signed by a civil surgeon here in the States.

Hope that answers your questions.

10 days, 13 hours!!!

Heya

Here's some links for parking. I parked in the Customs St carpark, I was there for just over an hour and it cost about $5. It took about 2 minutes to walk from there to the Embassy.
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auckland/T...rking/guide.asp

There's also the Wilson parking yards which you can find info on here: http://www.wilsonparking.co.nz/go/regions/auckland-cbd

Good luck for your interviews everyone, I'm flying Home today I'll talk to you all later on, from there!

Kiwiana - as far as parking is concerned, the Downtown Shopping Centre carpark is one and a 1/2 blocks away, easy to find, easy to get into and out of and probably the most convenient.

Also, we have started to send some boxes of staff (important documents, clothes, kids books etc) to the US. To give you an idea, we are using Allied Movers packing boxes, these are 45cm long, x 35cm high, x 30cm wide. They weigh between about 8kg and 12 kg when full, and is costing between $60 and $100 to post over using international economy (which takes 2 - 3 weeks).

Glad progress is going well for most of you.

We are just plodding along, as I am a project manager, I have created a complete project plan for our move (it seems so complicated with very young kids), so we have it all planned out - which makes it seem a lot less daunting.

Cheers

Grant



Whoops - Kel beat me to the parking thing.

Cheers

Grant

Oooo..that's the Shoe Fairy! (second cousin to the shoemakers elves)

10 days!!! OMG!!!

OMG you guys are NOT talking about shoes! Everyone I know keeps me away from the shoe section when we're shopping because once I catch that new shoe smell....well, we're gonna be there a while. I have an itch to go clothes shopping since the weather is warming up here, but every time I think of it I remember we're only here for another 4 months and if I save up now I can have one hell of a shopping trip when my feet hit US soil! Still, I'll probably pick up a few things now that winter clothes are being discounted since NZ has such good quality wool... After all, I still have no clue where we'll end up living when we move!

We were in town way early, so parked in the open air parking lot right across from the train station, you can see the building the Consulate is in from there. It cost $3 per 1/2 hour, with a maximum of $15 for 12 hours. We paid $15 since we opted to pay the whole day fee so we wouldn't have to worry about the meter going over, it was so worth it IMO!

Grant- Good to know about the shipping prices, that's what we plan to do before we leave here!

yankiwi: I'm with you on the clothes shopping in the US. Definitely much more variety there and cheaper too. Another thing that i miss about the US (apart from my SO of course ) is CD shopping. Just great prices and variety!!

Grant and Kelzm: Thanks so much for the parking information in the city. I have started to jot these answers down on A4 writing pad, that i have divided into catergories: medical, interview, aos etc. so that as i find out about stuff, i write it down and will then have it at the ready. There is so much to take in (both locally for the interview and in general with the K-1) and sometimes no matter how many times I read over the faqs or guides here at vj, there is still a lot of things that goes right over my head.

One such instance is the vaccination record. Thanks Kim, for putting me in the picture with that. For some reason, i had the idea that the record was put in the secret envelope to give to the person at POE, when infact, I, the beneficiary hold onto it myself?

Best wishes to Russell with the interview. Look forward to his review! not long until you are together!!

Grant: The boxes seem a pretty decent size. It's good that you have a complete project plan for the move. Not long to go now!

Kelzm: Have a safe journey home!!!

thanks for the information! I will write it all down

lol..and alas I know her well

shoe fairy! Yes, we'll blame her! I have yet to find a place for Russell's clothes. I know we had room for them all last year... it must have shrunk!

Ana, try not to worry too much about not understanding every part of this process. It's confusing to say the least. When you receive your visa you will also get a 'mysterious' sealed envelope that you are NOT to open! This includes your medical information and is to be handed to the POE officer. You will also want to ask the panel physician for a signed vaccination form at your medical to send with your I693 at adjustment time.

9 days - 13.25 hours!

Hi everyone,

I had a virus on my computer and could not log onto VJ. My God, I missed a lot.

Kim: I am so sorry your process was delayed again. I know how it feels! I am glad it's finally all moving and a hope it all goes smoothly tomorrow for Russ. I just had mine last week and it was a breeze. So tell him not to worry too much although I know it's hard not to. I was so anxious and excited the night before, I was only able to get 3 hours sleep. But it was ok as my adrenaline was running high!!!

I stayed with a friend who lives in town, and parked on the corner of Beach St and Te Taou Crescent. It was $7 for the whole day (they only accept cash), and a 10 minute walk to the consulate. The parking lot that Kim mentioned is very close to the embassy and there is also the foodtown parking lot that is a couple of blocks away but I'm not sure how much it is. There's a post shop right underneath and a coffee shop in case any of you get there too early. Make sure you take a large courier envelope with you (I almost forgot about the sealed envelope that had to come with the passport).

I was the only one there for my interview at 9 am. It was only after 9.10am or so that other people started arriving for non-immigrant visas, so I still had the window all to myself. I rang the bell but the lady did not hear it, so I waited a few minutes until she saw me sitting there. She gave me some things back that she no longer needed, and just got my birth certificate and the affidavit of support. She also gave me a stamped copy of my vaccination records to present for AOS if they ask for it. She told me it would take ~20 minutes for the immigration officer to call me. The immigration officer was really nice, and just went through the paperwork with me. The only question she asked was how we kept in touch, and asked if I had any photos of the two of us (the consular lady had given it back to me). The rest felt a lot more like a conversation than an interview! At the end she told me that they would process it the next day (Friday) and would send it on Monday. And I just got it this morning!!!!

So now, I am finishing my packing. It really is hard packing it all into 3 suitcases!!! But I'm almost there... flying out on Friday!!!!

Grant: Good luck with the packing!

Kiwiana: Make sure your vaccinations are up to date (you can check with your doctor), and when they send you package 3, make sure you have the vaccination form (it was missing from mine so I downloaded it from the net). The doctor/nurse will go through it and see which ones you need and which ones you don't. I took my vaccination record so it made things a lot easier. I had Shawn's birth certificate with me, but they didn't ask for it.

Bobsagetti: Hope you get that EAD soon!

Kelzm: Hope you had a safe journey!

And for all waiting for their NOA2s: I hope those timelines start speeding up! I'll let you know how the POE went!

Interveiw in 7 hours!!!

I'm more anxious and excited than nervous. So is Russell.

Send us your good vibes!

I'm home.

Lots of good vibes being sent out to Russ, I'm confident that he's going to breeze through the interview.

three hours now by my clock...and I am sending you my best vibes !!

Cool - I know Russ will have no problems at all. Your knowledge and experience of the whole process, along with being well organised will mean he will blitz it.

Not long for you guys now.

Cheers

Grant

Thank you friends. Just 40 minutes now. I'm going to the pub! Will let you know in a bit.

Welcome home Kel!!

Approved!

He's still on his way home from Auckland so I haven't really talked to him yet. He text me to let me know it was all good and that his visa will be delivered by Monday. I can hardly belive we are finally here!

I'm sure he'll come tell you all about it.

Awesome - very well done.

Its a great feeling isn't it!!

Cheers

Grant

Kim and Russ- YAY!!! So glad that is all sorted out now! Soon you'll be in each others arms, it's so exciting!

Kelzm- Glad you made it home, bet you're glad all that travel is over!

ShawnandLu- You must have had the same Consulate Officer we did, she was so friendly! Have fun packing and a safe trip home!

Kiwiana- Yes! CDs in the States are SO much cheaper, and books! Before moving here I would order my books used through Amazon (I think of it as shopping and recycling at the same time... ) , so I'm looking forward to being able to go back to that. I recently picked up a photography book I needed here in a local shop--almost $40 for a book I could have found for less than $10 used! *shakes head*

That's awesome news Kim, i'm so happy for the two of you

Woo Hoo Congrats Kim and Russ.

Nic and I have been back in the states for a little over a month. Nic's not so green "green card" arrived in the mail last week. He has been showing anyone who will look at it ever since. There is a on going game to find all of the holograms on the card.
No luck with jobs yet but we are waiting for Nic to find a job in New England somewhere before I can start my search. There seems to be plenty of positions but I am sure there are plenty of people applying. One site I have foudn that has been great for just general work and apartments is Craigslist.com. There are heaps of apartments added daily and many people appear to be adding jobs on the site as well.

Congrats to Kim and Russ and Shawn and Lu too! Lots of things happening.

Amaciar - How long did it take for Nic to get his SSN? Did he wait for it to be sent by mail or did he go into the office? I'm trying to get a good idea of the timeframes so that I know if I need to go in to apply. Lots waiting on getting that SSN!

ShawnandLu, in my own selfish haste, I don't think I ever properly congratulated you on your approval! Congratulations and have a safe trip home Friday!

Russell still hasn't had a moment to post but i'm sure he will share the few tidbits that he thinks you should know soon enough.

Congratulations to ShawnandLu and Kim and Russ!!! Great news!!

Hope everyone else is doing well. A lot has certainly been happening this past month in the kiwi region! It's wonderful to see that some are already in USA, with others almost heading over there.

I looked on the igor list the other day. I had gone from #250 down to #233 then back up to #239! No wonder my head has been in a spin all week with all this bouncing around jk!

Thanks again everyone. We are counting down the minutes!

Amy, what does nic do? Sometimes a job recruiter (aka headhunter) can help a lot. If you get close to Central MA you'll have to let us know.

Nic has had a social secutiry number for a few years. He was here on a work visa and so he does not have to worry about that step. We called a while ago just to make sure. I would suggest going in though. Just to change a spelling on Nics name on his card he would have to send in his passport plus his green card. So as you can imagine we don't really want to let go of that little card! We did send in the SSN sheet provided from immigration and the lady on the phone at SS said they had not received anything. Yet another reason to go in I would say. Sorry I couldn't of been any help.