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

[kiwiana 2]

Thanks for that! Sets my mind at rest in the event that we get that far. I won't be walking...lol....sounds like a bit of a hike for me.

Thanks for all the great info, but I think there is little point in my booking at this stage..

He rang NVC back again tonight, and asked to speak to a supervisor. According to the person he spoke to, we have been in AP since November 21st, which is 3 days after the first letter was sent, and 5 days after the second letter went out.

She could not say why the other people we spoke to said it was not in AP, or why they failed to see the flag. She could not say "which agency is hanging it up." She did say they will send a notice in the post.

She did say she doesn't know where the case is.

this just SUCKS!! how could they have first not known it was in AP and then they did and now they don't know where the case is!! just crazy!! you should have had your package arrive here by now.. can't believe you have been held up! as if you didn't wait long enough for the NOA2!!

you said earlier that a package had left for NZ. you don't think they have got it ALL wrong and it is your one heading this way? it would be great if that was the case!!

soo hoping that they wil sort it all out and you will get it VERY soon!!!!

[kiwiana 2]

w ow thanks for that kiwiana, excellent review

Thanks Michelle! hoping you guys will get your approval soon! it would be a wonderful, if you were able to get it before xmas!! (fingers crossed!)

[KimandRuss 0]

ana... Russell had his medical in Auckland with Dr. Stone not in Remuera. Different place, no? Sorry you hurt your tootsies. Glad everything seemed to go ok so far. Don't know what to say about the TB shot. The panel physicians don't seem to be on the same page as the uscis yet but they are hassling those who didn't get it now so who knows. This process... grrrrrrrrrr!

Your A# is your alien #. You were assigned one the first time you dealt with US Immigration and it will be listed on your NOA2.

cdneh... i'm sorry sweetie. We know just how you feel! We weren't told immediately that we were in AP either and we received two different letters stating it would be sent ...never did get the one that said it was. All those packages we saw leave for NZ, I called every time only to be dissapointed. The petition is not lost... nvc just has no way of telling you why it was held up. The good news is that in all the research i've done and people i've asked, the security checks done at NVC don't seem to hold you up too long. We were only there for three weeks...still no clue why. There is nothing at all on either of our records... no common names... no idea. I know it's difficult but get everything settled that you can now, including your medical. When it finally does arrive they will be all ready to schedule your interview. Russell was actually interviewed before others who were actually approved before us because of our stubborness and effeciency. You're almost there hon. Soon....none of this bs will matter.

[cdneh 3,112]

wow thanks for that kiwiana, excellent review

Thanks for that! Sets my mind at rest in the event that we get that far. I won't be walking...lol....sounds like a bit of a hike for me.

Thanks for all the great info, but I think there is little point in my booking at this stage..

He rang NVC back again tonight, and asked to speak to a supervisor. According to the person he spoke to, we have been in AP since November 21st, which is 3 days after the first letter was sent, and 5 days after the second letter went out.

She could not say why the other people we spoke to said it was not in AP, or why they failed to see the flag. She could not say "which agency is hanging it up." She did say they will send a notice in the post.

She did say she doesn't know where the case is.

huh? so they've lost it?

Well...they can't find it...so to my literal mind it's lost.

[cdneh 3,112]

Thanks for that! Sets my mind at rest in the event that we get that far. I won't be walking...lol....sounds like a bit of a hike for me.

Thanks for all the great info, but I think there is little point in my booking at this stage..

He rang NVC back again tonight, and asked to speak to a supervisor. According to the person he spoke to, we have been in AP since November 21st, which is 3 days after the first letter was sent, and 5 days after the second letter went out.

She could not say why the other people we spoke to said it was not in AP, or why they failed to see the flag. She could not say "which agency is hanging it up." She did say they will send a notice in the post.

She did say she doesn't know where the case is.

this just SUCKS!! how could they have first not known it was in AP and then they did and now they don't know where the case is!! just crazy!! you should have had your package arrive here by now.. can't believe you have been held up! as if you didn't wait long enough for the NOA2!!

you said earlier that a package had left for NZ. you don't think they have got it ALL wrong and it is your one heading this way? it would be great if that was the case!!

soo hoping that they wil sort it all out and you will get it VERY soon!!!!

Oh it does indeed suck. They told us twice before it wasn't in AP, that nothing was amiss, it just hadn't been sent on. We saw DHL shipping to NZ, so that is why he rang to check, only to be told it's been in AP since the 21st. She didn't know why we had two letters saying it would go out within a week. She didn't know why the other people couldn't have seen the AP flag on the case. She doesn't know where it is.

I emailed the Embassy here as Kim and Russ did, back about ten days ago or so, with the new case number, in the hopes that they would send along packet three as they did for Russ. Starting to think their refusal to do that for me might be down to them seeing the case status accurately.

Edited December 4, 2008 by cdneh

[cdneh 3,112]

cdneh... i'm sorry sweetie. We know just how you feel! We weren't told immediately that we were in AP either and we received two different letters stating it would be sent ...never did get the one that said it was. All those packages we saw leave for NZ, I called every time only to be dissapointed. The petition is not lost... nvc just has no way of telling you why it was held up. The good news is that in all the research i've done and people i've asked, the security checks done at NVC don't seem to hold you up too long. We were only there for three weeks...still no clue why. There is nothing at all on either of our records... no common names... no idea. I know it's difficult but get everything settled that you can now, including your medical. When it finally does arrive they will be all ready to schedule your interview. Russell was actually interviewed before others who were actually approved before us because of our stubborness and effeciency. You're almost there hon. Soon....none of this bs will matter.

I am trying not to let it get to me Kim, but failing quite miserably.

She told him when he asked that she could not locate the case, that she could not tell him where it is. I don't know how this happens, how you misplace a thing like that.

I won't do the medical until I hear. They refused to send me packet three when I emailed them the new case number, although they have done so in the past, so perhaps they knew, as we did not, that we were delayed, and why. I don't want a medical report turning up there with no case to attach it to given the circumstances.

Once they get back to me I'll go to Remmers...it's easier. Is this the same Dr Stone as Russ? It's from the Embassy info page...

AUCKLAND:

Dr. Daniels (09) 524 6504 320 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Dr. Stone (09) 520 1565 377a Remuera Rd, Remuera

Edited December 4, 2008 by cdneh

[Lisaandtim 0]

cdneh... i'm sorry sweetie. We know just how you feel! We weren't told immediately that we were in AP either and we received two different letters stating it would be sent ...never did get the one that said it was. All those packages we saw leave for NZ, I called every time only to be dissapointed. The petition is not lost... nvc just has no way of telling you why it was held up. The good news is that in all the research i've done and people i've asked, the security checks done at NVC don't seem to hold you up too long. We were only there for three weeks...still no clue why. There is nothing at all on either of our records... no common names... no idea. I know it's difficult but get everything settled that you can now, including your medical. When it finally does arrive they will be all ready to schedule your interview. Russell was actually interviewed before others who were actually approved before us because of our stubborness and effeciency. You're almost there hon. Soon....none of this bs will matter.

I am trying not to let it get to me Kim, but failing quite miserably.

She told him when he asked that she could not locate the case, that she could not tell him where it is. I don't know how this happens, how you misplace a thing like that.

I won't do the medical until I hear. They refused to send me packet three when I emailed them the new case number, although they have done so in the past, so perhaps they knew, as we did not, that we were delayed, and why. I don't want a medical report turning up there with no case to attach it to given the circumstances.

Once they get back to me I'll go to Remmers...it's easier. Is this the same Dr Stone as Russ? It's from the Embassy info page...

AUCKLAND:

Dr. Daniels (09) 524 6504 320 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Dr. Stone (09) 520 1565 377a Remuera Rd, Remuera

O.o after reading some of your posts on things getting lost/delayed, I am worried more now lol. Still no noa2 yet but it's to be expected since we're september filers.

I came on here to ask something tho. I know it can be a problem if my so comes to the us too often but what about if I go to nz? Do you think that will have any delay on the application? Also, anyone know any good, cheap places to stay for 3 months or so? lol.

[kiwiana 2]

I am trying not to let it get to me Kim, but failing quite miserably.

She told him when he asked that she could not locate the case, that she could not tell him where it is. I don't know how this happens, how you misplace a thing like that.

I won't do the medical until I hear. They refused to send me packet three when I emailed them the new case number, although they have done so in the past, so perhaps they knew, as we did not, that we were delayed, and why. I don't want a medical report turning up there with no case to attach it to given the circumstances.

Once they get back to me I'll go to Remmers...it's easier. Is this the same Dr Stone as Russ? It's from the Embassy info page...

AUCKLAND:

Dr. Daniels (09) 524 6504 320 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Dr. Stone (09) 520 1565 377a Remuera Rd, Remuera

I don't know if it is stress from all of this process but i feel rather deflated today. I asked my fiance last night for the case number from nvc as i was thinking this was our case number. Then by coincidence, today when i get home from work there is a message on answer machine from receptionist at Dr Stones office for me to contact them. I did and she said that she wanted to know our case number. So i quoted the one from NVC. But now i have read Kims post that it was the first number that was given to us for NOA1 which is our case number!!! *sigh*

I just can't be bothered to phone them back and quote another number!! Surely they will be able to match my file up with my name and address on the forms?? aaaargh!! i just want to scream!!! And why didn't the embassy here send me a case number when they sent packet 3 to me? nothing!! just photo copied pages of the forms and instructions of what to do!!

And my heart soo goes out to you cdneh I know i said it before, but I still can't understand how they can blunder with your approval the way they have. They have either let it go through ok or they haven't.. what is all this yes we have, no we haven't, now we don't know where it is stuff??? unbelievable!!!!!!!! *taking a deep breath* ooooooooook...............................

kimandruss: yes, the docs is the same one that russ went to. I printed out his post he wrote about the medical. And would like to thank him soo much for that. It was a great help!!!!

LisaandTim: Sorry i can't help you with your q. Kim (kimandruss) will probably be able to help. Kim? And i just want to take a moment too to thank Kim sooo much for everything she does here on vj. I don't know where we would be or what we would do without you!

[cdneh 3,112]

Kim's a peach

[kelzm 0]

Hi all, been a while since I checked in and I've been busy reading everyones posts to see where they are up to. It's great to see some folks have made progress. Cdneh I really hope your packet gets shipped out to the embassy soon, Michelle - I'm certain your approval is just around the corner.

Dr Stone in Remuera is the same one that Russ went to. I took my car from the Dr's to the X-Ray place, it's not a long walk, but it is around 15 - 25 minutes depending on speed. I then just walked from there to the blood lab and then back to collect my car.

Hard to believe that I've nearly been in the US for 3 months now. I'm still unemployed. I've been applying for a few jobs but have been pretty selective so far, I'm thinking that I need to branch out of my own field and cast my net a bit wider.

Other than that, like Gnomegrrl said I'm glad that winter has come along as the temperature in spring was reaching 40 degrees celsius and I felt like I was melting. Now it's a little chilly but not too cold and I'm liking it just fine.

I spent my first Thanksgiving in Hawaii, which was fabulous. We didn't have a traditional Thanksgiving meal, so I've still got to experience that, but instead we enjoyed a bbq cooked poolside after a day of swimming and relaxing. I'm looking forward to my first Christmas spent with my husband, we're planning on visiting friends in Washington State so there's a chance that I may experience a white christmas, which would be a first for me too.

Today my son turns 15 and not being with him is the only downside to this whole great adventure. He'll be coming over early January for a few weeks though so and I'm busy telling myself that my husband and I managed to keep a relationship going across the ocean, so surely I can do the same with my son.

I hope that good news comes for all who are waiting and that everyone enjoys the holiday season and manages to share it with their loved ones in some way.

[KimandRuss 0]

You guys are sweet. Thanks for the kind words. I'm really just paying it forward.

cdneh, I would NOT take anything any phone operator having anything to do with uscis/dos, or any gov't agency for that matter, told me to heart. I think what they were attempting to tell you (and failing miserably at) is that they can't tell you where your case is and/or why it is held up. They have no way of telling you anything because they do not know anything. All they know is when it arrived there and when it leaves to be shipped....that's all she told me was in her system. In order for someone to tell me that we were AP I had to call a bunch of times and ask them to look deeper into it. They didn't know where our case was either. As mentioned, I also got two letters (different dates) stating it would be sent within a week.... two weeks later..it was finally sent.

I think that not everyone at the Embassy is as accomodating as others. Keep in mind we were contacting them a full year before Russell's interview just to be sure we had everything right so they knew very well who we were and that we were coming.

Yes, Russell saw Dr. Stone. I thought he was in Auckland city itself. My bad.

Lisa, visiting NZ will have no bearing on your case. If anything, it will only add to the proof of a bona-fide relationship. Even though Russell's family owns loads of property and always had places for us to stay, we looked at some homes to rent on the coast while we were there as well. They were a lot cheaper than they are here! I think next time we'll rent an RV and just travel all over so I can see more of the Country. That was real cheap! Have a wonderful time. I miss it already.

Ana, I don't think the doctor would want your WAC #... that is from the uscis and not DOS. The AUKXXXXXX number or the A# is the one the doc took, I think. I wouldn't worry about the Embassy matching your medical to your file. I will pass on your thanks to Russell. He is quite a walker so i'm sure it was just his perception of the trek!

Kel, happy birthday to your son!!!! I have a 16 year old daughter that I barely see ...and I live with her! I'm sure your relationship is only going to grow stronger now. I think our experience with long distant communication certainly taught us how important the written word and sustaining a healthy relationship really is. Ahhh the holidays in Hawaii! I bet it's much warmer than New England!

[cdneh 3,112]

Thanks Kim.

We won't be ringing them again, it's too confusing. Every one you speak to has a different story. He rang last night and was told they don't know if it's there or not, they are unable to locate it at all in the system, and anyway, cases never go out in less than a month. I know that is patently untrue.

Our bits and bobs are ready if it arrives here. I'm not sure what we will do if it doesn't turn up.

Today I have to slap on a happy face and spend the day up at Amanasco House, it is Santa parade day in the Bay. The elderly flatmate is with the local Historical Society and I have been drafted for the day.

I can't say I can remember a time in all my years I have ever felt less like Christmas.

[Kim & Chris 0]

I too have been reading posts and catching up on what everyone's been up to. Good to see things moving for some of you and I'm sure things won't be far off for the rest

I've been here in the States for about a week now and have really spent most of that time catching up on sleep and trying to get rid of the sinus infection I had for about a week before I travelled. I def do not recommend flying with bad sinus, but when you've been waiting all that time, nothing was going to stop me

The trip was pretty uneventful. I bought a one way ticket with Air Tahiti with a connection on NWA to Memphis. It worked out to be the cheapest option. $1669 all up. I did contemplate an open return ticket but to me it was more important to spend less right now and have more in the bank to live on for the next few months till I can work.

The flight leaves at 3pm and it's a 5hr trip to Tahiti. Once there you leave the plane via the old fashioned airplane stairs, and then walk across the tarmac to the main building. Even at 9pm Tahiti time, stepping out of the plane was like walking into a sauna. The main building is all open and only has ceiling fans so there's no respite there You line up to have your passports inspected and then go around the corner and get on board a different plane for the rest of the 8hr flight to LA. All in all we were lucky to have been there for not much more than 30 mins.

Once we landed at LA I decided not to try and keep up with the hoards charging off for customs and immigration. I made that mistake last time I did this trip as I only had a 2hr window for my connection, (which I missed coz the flight was late leaving Auckland), and I felt like I'd just run a race....all hot and bothered.

The good thing with Air Tahiti leaving Auckland at 3pm instead of Qantas that leaves at 7pm is that it arrives in LA at 8.15am, giving a 4hr 20min window to get all the POE sorted and still get my connection.......so I let the hoards pile on the first bus across the tarmac to POE and sat quietly with the remaining straglers in the 2nd bus that was waiting for the crew.

By the time we got over to POE everyone else had processed and I was as fresh as a daisy, well almost....lol. I waltzed straight through POE with the guy just asking the odd question in conversation while he opened the MBE, took my finger prints and took my photo. Barely took 5mins

I nipped around to terminal 2 with my bags and checked them in, then with 3hours or so to spare I sat myself down out in the LA morning sunshine to enjoy the fresh air after all the hours couped up on the plane. Everything else went without a hitch and the flight was even a bit early getting in to Memphis where Chris was waiting for me I was the most wonderful thing to fall into his arms again

And that was my trip.

I do have one question for Kim (Kim and Russ) though.

I asked the officer at POE which USCIS office my paperwork will be sent to as per the instructions, but all he told me was that they will be sent to the main POE sorting office there in LA and will be forwarded on from there. Even asking again saying that I'm supposed to find out at POE and why... got the same reply, which I'm assuming meant he had no idea.

So now I'm a bit worried about where to send the AOS paperwork to. Is there some other way of finding out at all?

Kiwiana: I packed my x-rays in my check in luggage, could be wrong but as far as I am aware they're not needed at POE and I wasn't asked for them at all.

Well I guess my next move is to plan a wedding, which is something we never gave much thought to earlier as there was so much else to sort out.....and to get my SSN sorted out next week.

I'm loving the cooler weather too, even spring was getting too hot for me at home and I am indeed hoping for some snow around christmas time. We've already reached today's high of 3deg and the overnight low is supposed to be -5

It's been a journey but it's been well worth it....

[KimandRuss 0]

i'm sorry sweetheart. Like I said, believe nothing they tell you.

I know it's hard to get in a festive mood with all of this hanging in limbo. Unfortunately, we too spent many a Christmas like that. Just try to keep focusing on the fact that, even tho it feels no closer, it really wont be much longer now.

[KimandRuss 0]

Ooops sorry I missed your post earlier Kim.

Firstly, welcome to the States!

You don't need to worry about where your paperwork will go for AOS. All AOS petitions are mailed to the Chicago lockbox and then distributed from there. So no worries for you.

Your uscis office is located closest to the US residence listed on the forms. Ours is Boston. Very often K-1 visa holders are approved for AOS without interview anyway.