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

[cdneh 3,112]

thank you kim for answering my questions..really makes me feel better...one more....lol...on a f1 visa to you have to show proof of income? i'm worried i dont make enough and could this be held against me? or is it random..do they pick and choose if they feel you dont make enough?

Who is on an F1 visa? And will who hold it against you? If you mean in order to travel I wouldn't think it would matter so much as I can't see them expecting a student to be making too much anyway. If you're talking about the Consulate then the beneficiaries income is irrelevent.

OMG!! i just checked website and it says i was touched on 17th nov. I checked online status and it says i am approved!! it says a notice was sent out on 17th Nov!!!

OMG! i can't believe this!!! i just can't think straight at all. I am just sooo happy, i am crying!!!

cdneh, michelleS and others.. PLEASE check USCIS and see if you have any changes!!! they may have just updated the site as i had just checked!!

I should be thinking about the next stage now but my mind is just still in shock that i have been approved!!

and my police certificate from australia arrived today too!!! yay!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Ana!!! I will never in my life forget that moment... just gets better from here!

cdneh, it's coming sweetheart. I know this is so difficult but stay strong! The timelines you see here on VJ are really irrelevant at this point... your date is going to move with all the new members joining and dependant on who updates and who does not. It really doesn't mean a whole lot. I know it's harder than every to keep perspective during this stage but we're here to remind you that you're almost on your way!

Thanks Kim... for sure the closer it gets the harder it is. We are down to 46 on Igor's, and haven't gone backwards in a while. That adjudication timeline thing started us off in October and has been getting further out since then.

I just wish the darn website for USCIS was working. Nothing on ours has changed since July.

And I used to think I had such patience

[KimandRuss 0]

Oh I remember thinking the very same thing right about where you are. Ready to lose my mind every time I looked at that dang site or when our timeline would jump up! You might remember that my blood pressure even went up for a while. Not good. I work with computers but I was a psych major ....so you would think i'd be better at it.

I know people will tell you not to look or to try to keep busy but I know that your mind is on nothing but this right now. Just do your best to keep your sanity. It really is coming.

I know it's hard to see any good but I remember getting a lot of comfort knowing that we were dealing with a highly effecient and accommodating Embassy. Once you're through with CIS and NVC and on your way to NZ the time will fly!

[cdneh 3,112]

I can't wait for that...time flying by

It seems that my BP is way the heck up to...but I had to laugh when my Doc asked....' do you think you could be stressed?"

*ack*...we have gone from 47 to 77 on Igor's.... *head banging smiley here*

[Michelle Kauffman 0]

OMG!! i just checked website and it says i was touched on 17th nov. I checked online status and it says i am approved!! it says a notice was sent out on 17th Nov!!!

OMG! i can't believe this!!! i just can't think straight at all. I am just sooo happy, i am crying!!!

cdneh, michelleS and others.. PLEASE check USCIS and see if you have any changes!!! they may have just updated the site as i had just checked!!

I should be thinking about the next stage now but my mind is just still in shock that i have been approved!!

and my police certificate from australia arrived today too!!! yay!!!!!

:dance:

Grats guys, I'm really happy for you :yes:

maybe you can be together for new years!

[Michelle Kauffman 0]

ok i just looked at igors, and i feel ill, quite literally ill

and like you Kate, my blood pressure is up too

aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok that's out, think i feel a little better

[kiwiana 2]

Thanks guys!!

I just have a feeling that you guys are gonna get approved any moment soon!!! I am hoping soo much that good news are coming your way. Can't believe that the website is being screwy to people. I haven't had any trouble logging on but when i clicked onto receipt number it wouldnt open and had to go to online case status and enter my receipt number there to get details. Also, as far as igors list goes.. I updated my timeline 4 times over (yesterday and today) as it wasnt showing up on igors list, so there may be people updating when they get approvals and the details don't show up for a few days.

You guys have GOT to get approved VERY soon, as i am starting to feel a bit lonely out here

kimandruss: now that we have been approved. what happens now.. (apart from getting stuff sent from US fiance ready for the interview).do we just sit and wait for the NOA2 to arrive in the mail and then wait for NVC to send the information to auckland US embassy,who in turn will contact me?

I have read that some people contact NVC. Is this neccesary? do we have to get a reference number from them or something?

I feel that i have entered into some unknown territory where i'm not sure what to do.

[KimandRuss 0]

Your approved petition will be sent to the NVC. It's not as easy to judge timing for CSC filers but with VSC is a matter of just a couple of days. There are more security checks at NVC which normally don't hold you up too long... although, we got held up for 3 weeks so it is possible. Normally the petition is sent off to the Embassy in a matter of days. It's not neccesary to call the NVC if you don't want to. One benefit is that you can schedule your medical with your new case number. But, if you're in no rush it really doesn't matter if you call or not. Your petition will be forwarded.

The beneficiary will be contacted by the Embassy (packet 3) as soon as they receive the approved petition. Most of the forms can be downloaded and filled out ahead of time and are usually in much better quality. Send back what is required with packet 3 and you will sent packet 4 (interview packet) with a date very soon thereafter. Be sure you have everything you need from the USC and all you need for the interview.

Russell wrote a really good review of the process at the Embassy so be sure to check that over.

To the ladies in waiting... remember that Igor's list means very little. I realize moving up and down the list screws with your mind but it really has no true bearing on your actual timeline.

[kiwiana 2]

Your approved petition will be sent to the NVC. It's not as easy to judge timing for CSC filers but with VSC is a matter of just a couple of days. There are more security checks at NVC which normally don't hold you up too long... although, we got held up for 3 weeks so it is possible. Normally the petition is sent off to the Embassy in a matter of days. It's not neccesary to call the NVC if you don't want to. One benefit is that you can schedule your medical with your new case number. But, if you're in no rush it really doesn't matter if you call or not. Your petition will be forwarded.

The beneficiary will be contacted by the Embassy (packet 3) as soon as they receive the approved petition. Most of the forms can be downloaded and filled out ahead of time and are usually in much better quality. Send back what is required with packet 3 and you will sent packet 4 (interview packet) with a date very soon thereafter. Be sure you have everything you need from the USC and all you need for the interview.

Russell wrote a really good review of the process at the Embassy so be sure to check that over.

To the ladies in waiting... remember that Igor's list means very little. I realize moving up and down the list screws with your mind but it really has no true bearing on your actual timeline.

Thanks Kim! I think it's best if we just let nvc do what they do and not hassle them with phone calls etc (unless it gets held up for ages!) will my US partner get a letter from nvc at all or do they only get the NOA2 from uscis? I shouldn't think an interview will be happening before Christmas? (This will probably be my last xmas with family etc here, so want to make the most of it)

when the embassy here sends out package 3, is that when i phone the doc in remuera and make an appointment for the medical?

I will definitely be reading over everyones reviews and advice on the medical and interview. I am a worry wart at the best of times

[KimandRuss 0]

The USCIS will send your fiance the I-797 (NOA2). It will look like the NOA1 he got but it will say the petition has been approved and it will have your A# on it. I believe you can make your dr's appointment with that. You can probably wait until the P3 comes as most of the doc's seem to make the appointments fairly quick...at least the ones in Auk. There will be a form in there for you to fill out and hand to the doctor but it's just destroyed after he inputs all of your information.

With regards to the medical... you may want to inquire about a TB test as it is now needed for all K-1 applicants. It seems not very many of the panel physicians (overseas approved docs) and civil surgeons (US approved docs) have figured out quite how this will work just yet. AOS is a nightmare right now for those of us caught in the midst of it all.

Your fiance will also receive at least one letter from NVC (usually...but they are pretty inconsistent with this) just saying they've received the approved petition and that it will be sent off to Auckland. You may receive another stating it has been sent. I got two saying it would be sent...with two different dates..and none saying it had been sent so it's really a ####### shoot. Don't worry if you don't get these as it really doesn't matter.

You will, however, want to hold on to your NOA2 as you will need it when filing for AOS and a new copy is very expensive to get.

If you were approved on the 17th, your petition most likely reached the nvc on the 18th and will probably leave for Auckland either today, tomorrow or Monday and arrive just a couple of days later. This is the normal progression for most people...the exception is those like us who got held up at NVC for 3 weeks. The Embassy is likely to have an electronic version of your approval so you can probably call to have them send out the P3 now if you wish. It will (should) get to you very soon after they receive the petition.

The interview will be based on when you can get the P3 back to them and when the doctor gets the medical info to them (usually within a week). Once they have that they will schedule. It seems that normally the interviews are scheduled for anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month after but you can request an expedite so I guess it really depends on whether or not you are wanting to spend xmas in NZ or the US. Once approved it will take about 3 days for you to get the visa via post (you will need to bring a pre-paid mailer to interview for this).

Again, there are security checks all the way through... up until that visa is printed into your passport and sent off to you... so this is all just how it usually goes.

[kiwiana 2]

The USCIS will send your fiance the I-797 (NOA2). It will look like the NOA1 he got but it will say the petition has been approved and it will have your A# on it. I believe you can make your dr's appointment with that. You can probably wait until the P3 comes as most of the doc's seem to make the appointments fairly quick...at least the ones in Auk. There will be a form in there for you to fill out and hand to the doctor but it's just destroyed after he inputs all of your information.

With regards to the medical... you may want to inquire about a TB test as it is now needed for all K-1 applicants. It seems not very many of the panel physicians (overseas approved docs) and civil surgeons (US approved docs) have figured out quite how this will work just yet. AOS is a nightmare right now for those of us caught in the midst of it all.

Your fiance will also receive at least one letter from NVC (usually...but they are pretty inconsistent with this) just saying they've received the approved petition and that it will be sent off to Auckland. You may receive another stating it has been sent. I got two saying it would be sent...with two different dates..and none saying it had been sent so it's really a ####### shoot. Don't worry if you don't get these as it really doesn't matter.

You will, however, want to hold on to your NOA2 as you will need it when filing for AOS and a new copy is very expensive to get.

If you were approved on the 17th, your petition most likely reached the nvc on the 18th and will probably leave for Auckland either today, tomorrow or Monday and arrive just a couple of days later. This is the normal progression for most people...the exception is those like us who got held up at NVC for 3 weeks. The Embassy is likely to have an electronic version of your approval so you can probably call to have them send out the P3 now if you wish. It will (should) get to you very soon after they receive the petition.

The interview will be based on when you can get the P3 back to them and when the doctor gets the medical info to them (usually within a week). Once they have that they will schedule. It seems that normally the interviews are scheduled for anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month after but you can request an expedite so I guess it really depends on whether or not you are wanting to spend xmas in NZ or the US. Once approved it will take about 3 days for you to get the visa via post (you will need to bring a pre-paid mailer to interview for this).

Again, there are security checks all the way through... up until that visa is printed into your passport and sent off to you... so this is all just how it usually goes.

wow thanks Kim soo much!! I didnt realise that it could happen this quickly if all goes smoothly, seeing as we have waited 4 months to get this far!! lol! I kind of feel giddy about it all at this moment, trying to take in all that is happening. last night i was tossing and turning in bed, i had images of all the forms i have to send in going round in my head. I have already practiced filling in the ones that i could get online, but forms and me don't make a good combination really. I always tend to panic at the sight of anything official, silly i know as they are JUST forms.

I found out through asking here on vj that on the ds-156 on q18 where it says 'spouses full name (even if divorced or separated)', i have to put my ex husbands name there but on DS-230 part one it says on Q14 'Name of spouse (maiden or family name). I would put N/A there wouldn't I as i am not married yet until i get to the usa?

I find the forms are somewhat contradicting at times. I mean to me a spouse means your present husband/wife but on ds-156 it tells you to list spouses name even if divorced. well if divorced, then you don't have a spouse?

I noticed that on the uscis site, i had another touch on 18th (day after the approval) so not sure if that meant anything or not but hopefully it meant that they were moving it ,to be sent to nvc.

i will definitely ask the doctor about the tb test when the time comes.. crazy that it is implemented by the officials without docs etc really know what the heck to do about it.

[ivannnaloveskiwi 0]

Hi..changed my name...thought it would be better to add my fiance..since i'm not the only one going through this....and if some of this makes no sence..i'm sorry..trying to figure this site out..lol...

[KimandRuss 0]

Yeah, the forms are no fun at all. You would think they'd fix that but...

It's not uncommon at all to get a touch after an approval. Usually means your petition was scanned before heading out to NVC.

[yankiwi 0]

OMG!! i just checked website and it says i was touched on 17th nov. I checked online status and it says i am approved!! it says a notice was sent out on 17th Nov!!!

OMG! i can't believe this!!! i just can't think straight at all. I am just sooo happy, i am crying!!!

cdneh, michelleS and others.. PLEASE check USCIS and see if you have any changes!!! they may have just updated the site as i had just checked!!

I should be thinking about the next stage now but my mind is just still in shock that i have been approved!!

and my police certificate from australia arrived today too!!! yay!!!!!

kiwiana- Yay!!! That's great news!! Seems to me the Consulate here gets all the paperwork out pretty quick once they receive the documents from the US. You should be able to schedule your medical check before Christmas I would think!

cdneh- I'll be sending good energy that you hear something soon! Their website is so frustrating, it never was accurate with when our case was touched and NOAs were issued. We got documentation in the mail before we got email notification, and considering they were sending everything to NZ (since I'm here instead of in the US) that's really bad. Not to mention the two sets of notifications we were sent with different approval dates...

Edited November 24, 2008 by yankiwi

[kiwiana 2]

kiwiana- Yay!!! That's great news!! Seems to me the Consulate here gets all the paperwork out pretty quick once they receive the documents from the US. You should be able to schedule your medical check before Christmas I would think!

cdneh- I'll be sending good energy that you hear something soon! Their website is so frustrating, it never was accurate with when our case was touched and NOAs were issued. We got documentation in the mail before we got email notification, and considering they were sending everything to NZ (since I'm here instead of in the US) that's really bad. Not to mention the two sets of notifications we were sent with different approval dates...

Thank you!! It is still sinking in My SO told me yesterday that the hard copy of the NOA2 arrived in the mail for him on Saturday. So that was good to hear! I really do hope that i can get the medical done before xmas, so i can get it out of the way. I know i am going to be a bundle of nerves the day i go! Things do seem to go pretty quick though. I mean,we got approved on 17th, had another touch on 18th and then NOA2 arrived on 22nd!! After waiting 129 days for NOA2 it seems like everything is whizzing along now. I can't keep up with it!! lol!! How is everything going with you?

[cdneh 3,112]

Approved

18th November. No touches, no change on the website..just turned up in the letterbox