Cielle.Cielle

Hi fellow kiwis, wondering if anyone else is at the trying to organise the logistics of getting to the USA stage? Or has done so successfully?

I am trying to find the best way to send a small amount of clothing and sentimental, personal things to the US (specifically TX) - a little under 2 cubic metres worth. The prices I am getting quoted are a LOT more than I was expecting, anywhere from $1,100 - $1,800, which is more than I paid for my plane ticket!

Has anyone been in a similar situation, what did you do? I'm even considering just taking them with me as extra checked baggage but I'm a bit nervous about costs of that too... not sure if there's any way around it but would be nice to hear other people's experiences.

Good luck guys! I have been a bit slack at updating my timeline and posting here, there didn't seem to be any other kiwis around as I was going through the process!

I had my interview in August, it wasn't nearly as scary as I was expecting. The consulate staff are lovely and helpful. They didn't ask for any other proof of relationship even though I came prepared with folders of it - possibly because my fiance was there with me too though, so they just asked us each some questions about how we met, where we'll be living in America, etc. I'm sure you'll be fine!

One thing we did get caught out by is that the medical is only valid for 6 months now even though the paperwork I received said 12 months - I opted to go for a second medical before my visa was actually issued as it reduced the expiry of the visa too much.

Glad to hear you got your interview appointment scheduled too! And yes, we'll most likely bump into each other, I'm guessing the 10am is the next slot to the 9:30am. Happy photocopying and printing evidence! So basically, we only bring our passport, $313 in cash (I think that's the amount on the letter), the interview letter, and the evidence of relationship right?

Oh, just a note, make sure to eat a big breakfast or bring snacks and water, I read that other people waited 3 hours for their interviews. But otherwise, good luck to us!! so excited!

I've been lurking here all here but I haven't posted, we filed in February and I'm now at the stage where I'm waiting for my interview - how long did it generally take for people to be contacted? I hear you on finding the process a little daunting!

I am! Have you had your interview yet? I'm waiting for my interview at the moment...