NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!

[cdneh 3,112]

I know, i actually had a wee cry, it was very emotional seeing him again, i forgot about all those expressions i love, those little smiles and that look on his face he gets when he's teasing me, telling me i should do what the man says, just everything really

awww...we've had ours since Thanksgiving...and I don't know where we'd be without it. I'm watching Himself working at the moment..lol....he may not realize that he mutters as he does...

[gshennen 0]

We have made some significant progress today.

We have booked out flights, and are heading to San Francisco on the 22nd of October. Because this will be stressful enough for the kids, we have forked out and are flying Premium Economy with Air NZ. Therefore we can take advantage of the Koru Lounge before leaving, get bigger seats/room (we have reserved front seats, to get more room, and also get a bassinet), and have an easier check in. They will also provide the baby essentials should we need them.

We also bought a car today, a Subaru Outback station wagon. Brook's father found it (it ticked all of our boxes), and we bought it. Therefore we can really hit the ground running.

We also have a list of essential bits and pieces we want for when we arrive (car seats, high chairs, cots etc) and we are going to order these on line and get them delivered to Brook's parents.

Brook also spoke to her bank in the US (she is so glad she kept an account) and has organised credit cards etc, and these are being sent out here.

We are also starting to sell our stuff on Trade Me.

It is all go!!

Hope everyone else is making progress as well.

Cheers

Grant

[Kelvan 0]

Wow I'm so excited for you Grant! I agree, it sounds like a great idea to pay the extra and get the Premium seats. Someone at work told me it makes a HUGE difference!

Guys, I'm off to Kansas on Sunday night. Gone for 3 weeks. 3 flights there. Will probably stay away for 32 hours straight like last time. Yay!

[Michelle Kauffman 0]

WOW Grant, that's excellent news, sounds like you've got everything sorted

Kelly, you are so lucky, I'm really happy for you, truly i am, not feeling any green monster feelings at all, none, none whatsoever

seriously tho Kelly, have fun and say Hi to your beloved from all of us

[LandS 0]

Hi guys,

I just had my medical today and thought I would reiterate what Russ said about it being pretty easy. I did it in Chch, so it was a little easier to get an appointment. When I called, the lady said: "when do you want it for?" So I gave myself one work day to make sure I didn't forget anything. The biggest hassle of the whole process was finding a place that took US-size passport photos!!!!

In Chch, the consultation, blood work and vaccinations are all done at the doctor's office and it cost me $191 (I didn't need any vaccinations). They gave me a referral for the X-ray, which was about 5 blocks away, and I only had to wait about 10 min to be seen. The x-ray cost $84.40. Dr. Wilson, the lab tech and x-ray supervisor were all very good at remembering to sign the instruction sheet, in fact that's the first thing they all did. The x-ray supervisor also scanned my passport. I found it a little odd and was wondering if the same happened to Russ?

I also got a tip from the doctor to take the signed medical instruction sheet and x-ray film to the interview in a separate bag and to not bring it out unless they ask for it. Apparently, they get annoyed if they don't ask for them and people want to show them thinking that the officers are forgetting to ask for them.

The consulate did not include the vaccination form in my packet 3 (form DS-3025), so I downloaded it from the net, which was a good thing since the doctor's nurse filled it all out for me and now I'm done with my vaccinations and don't have to worry about it come AOS time.

I guess that's it for me!

Cheers,

Lu

[KimandRuss 0]

Grant, congratulations on booking your flights!!! We only paid an extra $40 to fly premium the last time we flew. It was just selected flights. Request the upstairs premium seats if you can.

Michelle, congrats on your webcams. We've had ours for 10 years now but you're right, there is such bittersweetnes is seeing but not being able to touch.

Kel, have a safe trip! Don't forget your ties to home.

Lu, i'm not sure if the xray tech scanned Russell's passport. I'm sure he'll chime in with an answer for you. I didn't even know you were suppose to take the xrays to interview. I thought everything the Consulate would need from the doctor was either sent back with P3 or sent automatically and that xrays were just carried to the US. Hmmmm

So what is it exactly you folks are confused by? Let me see if I can explain it differently...

So you know that the US citizen must provide proof that their alien fiance will not be a public charge....

At the K1 interview stage the I134 is required. It does not have the same criteria as the I864 (filed at adjustment time) but because you will at some point need to file the I864, most Consulates will use the same standards (ask for the same proof) that is asked for with the I864.

New Zealand Consulate isn't as strict in their interpretation of the I134. It seems that all you must really prove to them is that there is some income and that the NZ citizen can support him/herself and will not become a public charge on the US government. This is why they ask for the CV.

So those of you who may require co-sponsors should be all set at this point. Especially if you have assets/savings (in liquid assets...things you can get money from easily...you'll need $3 or 5 for every $1. So if your income is short say 10,000...you need 30,000 in assets to make up for it. As I said, NZ isn't quite as concerned with these standards.

However, after you are here and married you will file for adjustment of status and with that you will need to include another affidavit of support (I864) before the NZ citizen receives his/her 2 year conditional green card. It's likely the US government is going to ask for all the proof of support that the NZ consulate seems not to be so concerned about (eg; a co-sponsor).

So, while you may not need a co-sponsor for the NZEM, it's likely you will at the adjustment stage if circumstances dont change.

2008 Poverty Guidelines

I hope that explained it better.

[cdneh 3,112]

Thanks Kim...I think I get it.

[kiwiana 2]

Shawnand Lu: thanks for letting us know about the medical etc. when do you go for the interview?

Kelvan: Have a great time in Kansas! wow three flights. don't realise just how big USA is! makes NZ look very itty bitty!!

Grant: Congratulations on booking your flights! wow! not long to go now. As far as driving goes over there. Are kiwis allowed to drive over there on their nz licence or do we have to get an international driving licence from the AA here? If not, would we have to do a complete driving test over there straight away?

Also, and i realise this probably sounds silly but if one takes their laptop from NZ, would it be ok to use it in USA? i read that the power adaptors for laptops here can adjust to the different electricity voltage over there (they work from 110-240 vlts or something like that) but would need a plug adaptor to put over the plug end for the different pins/plugs over there. is this right ?

[KimandRuss 0]

Ana,

You do not need an international drivers permit to drive overseas (even tho he has one) as that's more for proof if there is any language problems. Driving laws depend on the State so you will need to check with the DMV where you're going to be. In MA, Russell can drive on his NZ license for up to 1 year. Sometime in there he'll take the test and get a Massachusetts license.

One thing I would suggest is to get a driving record from NZ otherwise your insurance rates are going to be outrageous! I guess they charge you as if you had a new license. Not sure this is the case everywhere but after I heard of others paying what I do for my teenage daughter we started looking into it and asked my insurance company. They recommended a driving history from NZ. This is the email reply Russell got when he inquired about getting one...

Traffic Offence History

You may apply for a list of traffic offences on your New Zealand driver licence record by either faxing 06 953 6267, by emailing toh@landtransport.govt.nz or writing to:

Driver Licensing Administration

Transport Registry Centre

Private Bag 11777

Manawatu Mail Centre 4442

NEW ZEALAND

The list of traffic offences includes offences up to seven years old, including Demerit Suspensions records. It also includes information on traffic convictions and sentencing from court appearances.

All Requests must include the following information:

driver licence number (if known)

full name (as shown on your licence)

date of birth

postal address (to have the information sent)

OR email address (to receive the information electronically)

contact phone number

Please allow 10 working days after the request is received.

There is no fee for this service.

Certificate of Particulars

You can obtain details of your New Zealand driver licence by applying for a Certificate of Particulars (CoP), which is a document showing your driver licence number, issue date, classes, endorsements and conditions that appear on your licence. You can do this by either calling 0800 822 422 and speak to our driver licensing representatives or by writing to:

Driver Licensing Administration

Transport Registry Centre

Private Bag

Manawatu Mail Centre

Palmerston North

NEW ZEALAND 4442

Note: payment of $9.10 is required for a CoP. If applying for a CoP over the telephone, please ensure you have a credit card on hand to process the transaction. If applying for a CoP by writing, please include a cheque/bank cheque for $9.10. The cheque must be made out to Transport Registry Centre and payable in NZ dollars.

When applying for a CoP, please provide the following:

Driver licence number (if known)

Full name (as shown on your licence)

Date of birth

Last address recorded

Where to post/fax or email your certificate

Payment of NZ$9.10

On 1 July 2007, a payment of $9.10 was introduced for a CoP. Land Transport NZ does not recommend that credit card details are sent by email or fax as there is no guarantee of the security of the details via these methods. For this reason there are only two options available to apply for a CoP.

I hope this information is helpful.

Kind Regards

Senior Customer Service Representative

NZ Transport Agency

Your laptop will work with a converter but it's not very safe to do so as you could really do some damage to the components. If you wish to use your laptop to use in the States your best bet is to simply have your power supply replaced once you get here. It's not that expensive.

[gshennen 0]

Kiwiana - I have used three different NZ bought laptops in the US, with just the cheap plug adapter from ####### Smith electronics, they all worked fine.

I am pretty sure as long as the cord has an adapter box somewhere between the device and the power socket that you should be fine. This handles the voltage change for you (I just had a close look at the adapter on my laptop, and on the adapter box, it says what voltage range it can handle - in my case 100v - 240v). I just looked at Brook's (different brand of laptop, and hers also has the same range).

However as Kim has suggested, I would definately get a proper US supply asap to make double sure you are ok.

Cheers

Grant

Edited August 27, 2008 by gshennen

[gshennen 0]

Whoops meant to add this...as far as California is concerned, you can drive there on your NZ licence for 1 year. I am planning on getting my Californian licence asap though once I get there (Brook's expires at the end of the year, so she has to go in anyway when we first get there).

Cheers

Grant

[kelzm 0]

Just to add about the CA drivers license - once you are a resident of the state you need to get a CA drivers license after 10 days. To apply for your license you need to have your SSN.

Here's the DMV's take on 'resident':

If you take a job here or become a resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner’s property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.

You can find more info on applying for a license here: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#2500

Like Grant I plan to get my CA drivers license asap, I'll be in there as soon as my SSN arrives. One of the big reasons is that my husbands insurance company won't insure me if I do not have one.

[kiwiana 2]

Grant, Kim and Kelzm: Thanks for the information. I will be in California as far as driving licence goes. Its good to know you can use your NZ licence for a year.

I have never actually driven on the 'wrong' side of the road before,(as my partner does all the driving when i am there with him) so it will certainly feel weird when i do drive over there at first.

That sounds like a good idea to get a traffic offence history from here for when one gets insurance over there.

Many thanks for the dmv website. i have bookmarked it.

It's good to know that the laptop worked ok over there. Like you guys said, it will probably pay to buy a US power adaptor/cord when i am there. I would assume places like circuit city or best buy may sell them.

[yankiwi 0]

Wow, y'all sure have been chatting up a storm! Welcome Dave n Genna and ShawnandLu!

Kiwiana- Good job sites? What sort of job are you looking for and in what area?? I know there are some great industry specific job sites out there, just depends on what industry.

Kim and Russ- Glad the medical went so well! I really think Dr. Stone is the way to go for people in the Auckland area. Here's hoping that interview date comes soon so you can be on your way home Russ! I never thought about the driving record though, I gotta add that to the "to do" list, thanks for mentioning it!

Kelvan- Have a great visit!!

Grant- Well, I wasn't entirely sure if we'd get the "special envelope" or not, but since we've not received it I'm assuming we won't get it 'til the passport has the foil in it. I bet they have some form stating the date it was issued that has to be included in the file. When we do get it I'm seal it in a giant ziploc bag to protect it from any fluid damage, add the copies of all our documents to it, and try to hide it out of sight so I'm not tempted to touch it!

She didn't formally say "You're approved" or anything, she just reiterated what we'd need to do when we were ready to travel, and closed the folder and smiled. So I said "That's it?" and she said "Yes, everything is in order" and I said "So, we're good?" and she said "Yup!". So yeah, I guess they just don't formally say "You're approved!" LOL Both the woman at the beginning and the consular officer reminded us Chris would be able to apply for citizenship after 3 years, but they didn't overly stress it. I think that was because they were focusing most of their effort on explaining why we should wait 'til after our anniversary to enter if it was at all feasible.

I'm so excited for you guys, all your plans sorted out, flights booked, and even a car purchased! Lets hope everything sells on Trade Me so you have less to store. How's the job hunt going, any bites yet? Some places accept applications for weeks before anyone hears anything... We transferred money to my bank in the US several times from our bank here (ASB) with no issues, just a small fee, and we did it all online!

Lu-I don't know if the rules for the K-1s are different, but we didn't take the x-rays to the interview, just the radiologist's report, which they already had a copy of with the medical certificate so they didn't ask for ours. But, you may want to email the Consulate to double check just to be sure. I just can't imagine them needing it for anything.

[dlopez86 0]

Hello everyone, just thought I would post in here since me and my new wife are living in New Zealand and plan to move to Colorado in the coming months. We are sending the I-130 off Monday and hopefully we will be moving around Thanksgiving or Christmas.