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

[KimandRuss 0]

Good morning kiwi/US friends.

Things are quite hectic on the homefront as we prepare for our wedding ceremony (part 1) on Saturday. It's only close family and friends but there sure is a lot of them. We're expecting 60-80 or so people. So much for the intimate ceremony we were planning. I feel badly that Russell's family can't be there with us but that's why we're doing it again on our 6th month anniversary in April. Something more to look forward to.

I purchased a black dress with a little lace on the chest that I can wear again at some stage. I bought it online and it's not here yet so I'll have to see if it fits when it finally does come in. If not, i'll just wear something else. Funny how i'm not stressing at all about the ceremony itself. I guess that comes with age and wisdom ....but also the crazy process we've had to endure to get to this point. As long as we are finally joined as husband and wife ...well, the rest is just 'fluff'.

We should be right at peak fall foliage on Saturday so it should be gorgeous! Now if the weather will just cooperate... I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures to share.

Congrats to everyone moving forward... adjusting to life here in the U.S.... moving on to the next stage..etc.

For those left waiting, all I can offer you is my support and understanding. I know just how hard the waiting is and how very painful it can be. I am sorry you are having to endure that heartache...it's not easy. What I can tell you is that there is an end to this... and the other side is just beautiful. Stay strong, you will get there.

[kelzm 0]

Kim pictures would be great. Here's hoping for good weather for you.

Kiwiana - the practical was surpisingly easy. I too was dreading a parrallel park because of having to do everything the wrong way around. I didn't have to do that but I did have to reverse alongside a curb. I looked over the wrong shoulder (my left) while doing so, old habits die hard! The things that I got wrong were my hand signals, I hadn't read that part of the guide! Also I stopped too close to other vehicles at intersections, you have to leave 6 ft between the cars or you get a mark against you each time.

All in all it was pretty simple, I didn't have to go on the freeway as I live in a small town and it takes 20 minutes to get to the freeway. I had to do lane changes, show where everything was located in the car like wipers, lights, emergency light etc, and lots of driving around, with many stop signs and interseactions included. I sat my NZ license quite a while back but I'm sure this test was easier.

[cdneh 3,112]

Kim...just wanted to wish you and Russell all the best for your big day. I hope the sun shines for you both...in every way.

And for heavens sake...we do need pictures!

[Kim & Chris 0]

Hi guys.....I have the dreaded medical tomorrow afternoon with Dr Stone.

Just a couple of questions though...... How much of the DS -2053 and the other forms do you have to fill in yourself or is it all done there with them..........Also, You keep the x-ray to take with you to the states, is that right

Been trying to find where I'd read it on here but I've run outta time....last minute being my middle name

If anyone is lurking on here through the night or what's left of this evening, I'd be grateful for any help

Cheers

Kim

[dlopez86 0]

We had our medical yesterday and when we gave the receptionists our form she told us what we should fill in, because we weren't sure either. We were also told we don't need the x-ray for the interview but we need to bring it with us to America.

Our medical ended up being $551 because my wife needed three shots. We are just glad that part is over though.

[Kim & Chris 0]

We had our medical yesterday and when we gave the receptionists our form she told us what we should fill in, because we weren't sure either. We were also told we don't need the x-ray for the interview but we need to bring it with us to America.

Our medical ended up being $551 because my wife needed three shots. We are just glad that part is over though.

Yikes $551.....thanks for the heads up.....I'll make sure to take plenty of cash with me.......and thanks for the reassurance on the forms

[Michelle Kauffman 0]

wow dlopez and kimandchris, i had no idea you guys were so close to the home stretch, well done, i'm very envious but still happy for you

kim and russ i hope you have a wonderful and magical day and that it's everything you dreamt of and hoped for

kelzm thank you for all the info on your drivers test etc, such necessary stuff i hadn't even begun to think about

still hanging in there, no touches, i'm hoping processing at vermont and california will speed up after the election

[kiwiana 2]

kelzm: whew! thank goodness there was no parallel parking! Thanks for telling us about the test! It must feel strange driving on the other side of the road. Does it take long to get use to it? It's something that i haven't done over there yet.

dlopez86: Good to hear the medical went ok. Wow! it's pretty expensive eh? Do you have a date set for the interview?

Kim & Chris: Hope the medical went well. If you find time, we'd love to hear about it all.

Kim and Russell: All the best for the BIG day! Don't forget to show us a pic of the wedding!!

[dlopez86 0]

Yep it's expensive, she needed the Cervical Cancer Shot and that costs $170 and the other two shots were $90 for both. We were there for about two hours maybe more because the Dr. was running late. We received the X-ray today which I thought was very fast.

Our interview is November 13th at 9:30am, we are very excited/nervous but we think everything will go ok and be approved.

[kiwiana 2]

dlopez86: Best wishes and good luck with your interview

*************

It takes at least 3 months, from what i have read to receive EAD and i was thinking today of how to fill in time when i am over there during that time. My SO will of course be working and I probably won't be able to drive at first.

Not meaning to sound like a whiney person but I am so used to working all the time that to not work for at least three months or more is going to be very hard for me.

So i was wondering, have any of you thought about how you will fill in your time before you receive your ead (if you are planning to work that is )

I would like to do volunteer work maybe while waiting for ead, but not sure of what organisations etc are over there.

And to those that are already living there, did you find the move a big adjustment at all? What are the pro's and con's that you have found so far about the move/settling in to a different country?

[Kim & Chris 0]

kelzm: whew! thank goodness there was no parallel parking! Thanks for telling us about the test! It must feel strange driving on the other side of the road. Does it take long to get use to it? It's something that i haven't done over there yet.

dlopez86: Good to hear the medical went ok. Wow! it's pretty expensive eh? Do you have a date set for the interview?

Kim & Chris: Hope the medical went well. If you find time, we'd love to hear about it all.

Kim and Russell: All the best for the BIG day! Don't forget to show us a pic of the wedding!!

The medical went ok.....Got there about 20 mins early and Dr Stone took me in more or less straight away.....the initial medical only took about 10-15 mins so I was out of there before the actual apt time....lol

The x-ray and blood test were down the road further but not that far.

$125 for the medical, $50 for a tetanus shot, $80 for the x-ray and $31 for the blood test....$286 all up.

Allowing for driving between locations the whole thing took about 2 hours.

Since you have to sign to say you have all your paperwork for the interview I thought it best not to send back package 3 yet as i'm still waiting for the forms from my SO in the U.S. Never had a problem with the post in the past, but of all times for it to take the slow route, it would have to be now , I'm sure they won't be too far off but I would def get them fed-ex'd or similar if i was doing it now.

Kiwiana: God you're good, I've worked all my life, with the exception of a couple of years off having my son. This year has been a very eventful and somewhat stressful one in part, so I'm planning on taking all my favourite dvd's and some books and having an initial period of time off to relax and recharge the batteries while waiting for EAD. With all the sorting and selling things off and everything else that goes along with a monumentous move like this, the thought of time off is about all that's holding me together right now... ..........LOL

Probably practice my driving too, drove earlier in the year when i was there, took a bit of getting used to.....lol

Edited October 17, 2008 by Kim & Chris

[kiwiana 2]

The medical went ok.....Got there about 20 mins early and Dr Stone took me in more or less straight away.....the initial medical only took about 10-15 mins so I was out of there before the actual apt time....lol

The x-ray and blood test were down the road further but not that far.

$125 for the medical, $50 for a tetanus shot, $80 for the x-ray and $31 for the blood test....$286 all up.

Allowing for driving between locations the whole thing took about 2 hours.

Since you have to sign to say you have all your paperwork for the interview I thought it best not to send back package 3 yet as i'm still waiting for the forms from my SO in the U.S. Never had a problem with the post in the past, but of all times for it to take the slow route, it would have to be now , I'm sure they won't be too far off but I would def get them fed-ex'd or similar if i was doing it now.

Kiwiana: God you're good, I've worked all my life, with the exception of a couple of years off having my son. This year has been a very eventful and somewhat stressful one in part, so I'm planning on taking all my favourite dvd's and some books and having an initial period of time off to relax and recharge the batteries while waiting for EAD. With all the sorting and selling things off and everything else that goes along with a monumentous move like this, the thought of time off is about all that's holding me together right now... ..........LOL

Probably practice my driving too, drove earlier in the year when i was there, took a bit of getting used to.....lol

Thats good that the medical only took like 10-15mins. For women, does the doctor do a full medical (like breast check, cervical smear check?) or does he just do the usual checks like blood pressure etc?

I know a few here have already mentioned their medicals, but i know Grant and Russell wouldn't have had the breast/cervical checks LOL! so am just curious.

Anyway,it's great to know that the medical all went well and that you only needed a tetanus shot. The fees do seem to vary with everyone, depending on what shots are required etc.

It certainly sounds like you will need a well deserved rest once you get there

The driving part for me will also take a bit of getting used to, as i have never driven over there

I can imagine my SO will want to get a megaphone to alert upcoming and oncoming drivers that there is a KIWI loose on the road!! LOL!!

[dlopez86 0]

My wife said that they only did breast check and did an external check on the genital area. She made sure to get a Women Dr. cause there was no way she was gonna see a male for that kinda stuff.

[Michelle Kauffman 0]

External check on the genital area? wha?? really?

[Kim & Chris 0]

The medical went ok.....Got there about 20 mins early and Dr Stone took me in more or less straight away.....the initial medical only took about 10-15 mins so I was out of there before the actual apt time....lol

The x-ray and blood test were down the road further but not that far.

$125 for the medical, $50 for a tetanus shot, $80 for the x-ray and $31 for the blood test....$286 all up.

Allowing for driving between locations the whole thing took about 2 hours.

Since you have to sign to say you have all your paperwork for the interview I thought it best not to send back package 3 yet as i'm still waiting for the forms from my SO in the U.S. Never had a problem with the post in the past, but of all times for it to take the slow route, it would have to be now , I'm sure they won't be too far off but I would def get them fed-ex'd or similar if i was doing it now.

Kiwiana: God you're good, I've worked all my life, with the exception of a couple of years off having my son. This year has been a very eventful and somewhat stressful one in part, so I'm planning on taking all my favourite dvd's and some books and having an initial period of time off to relax and recharge the batteries while waiting for EAD. With all the sorting and selling things off and everything else that goes along with a monumentous move like this, the thought of time off is about all that's holding me together right now... ..........LOL

Probably practice my driving too, drove earlier in the year when i was there, took a bit of getting used to.....lol

Thats good that the medical only took like 10-15mins. For women, does the doctor do a full medical (like breast check, cervical smear check?) or does he just do the usual checks like blood pressure etc?

I know a few here have already mentioned their medicals, but i know Grant and Russell wouldn't have had the breast/cervical checks LOL! so am just curious.

Anyway,it's great to know that the medical all went well and that you only needed a tetanus shot. The fees do seem to vary with everyone, depending on what shots are required etc.

It certainly sounds like you will need a well deserved rest once you get there

The driving part for me will also take a bit of getting used to, as i have never driven over there

I can imagine my SO will want to get a megaphone to alert upcoming and oncoming drivers that there is a KIWI loose on the road!! LOL!!

I went and saw Dr Stone in Remuera as Russell's review said he only took about 10 mins or so and he was reasonably priced....and he was right. I also read on here that someone who went to one of the medical centres in town had a thorough going over including checking out down below and i couldn't be bothered with all that.

He just asked about any existing medical conditions etc, he tested my reflexes, blood pressure, checked my throat, listened to my chest, lungs etc, and just pressed on my abdomen to feel for anything amiss. I mentioned that i'd recently had a smear and he said they're not really interested too much in that. That was about it.

Luckily enough I'll be in a smallish town for a while so driving isn't so bad, but we're hoping to move to San Franciso in the northern spring. We were there checking a few places out in April just gone and there's no way I'd want to be driving there without a heck of a lot of practice under my belt....lol