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| Auckland, New Zealand |  Review on June 29, 2015: |
drinkynz
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Had a great experience overall at the US Auckland Consulate. Probably the easiest part of the immigration process this far. The communication was really good from the embassy. On the first packet, there is a number and an email that you can communicate with "B" on. "B" handles the IV and K1 process at the consulate. I called her once to clarify something and she was very warm, clear and helpful.
TIP: Apply for a (FULL/Clean Slate Act does not apply) Ministry of Justice Criminal Records check once you get NOA2, it took me over 4 weeks to receive mine. I had to call the MoJ and explain my circumstances to get it. They MoJ a high case load and low staffing as it was the NZ summer holiday period. They were kind enough to jump me ahead of the queue because it was over 4 weeks and I required it urgently.
Interview Day: Found the Citi building easily. Caught the elevator which opens up directly to a zig zag line/queue full of people waiting to enter the consulate office. At the end of that line/queue there is a third party security guard getting you to take out your belongings. The guard X Ray scans your packet and stores your belongings that can't come in with you (cell phone, keys etc) in a plastic basket. He gives you a number to pick them up once you are done. Once you are screened through the metal detector, a person behind a window buzzes you in and proceed to the window you are told. Your first window (immigrant visa window) is to meet with B who goes over the process and checks your documents. She was very warm and clear about the process. I then got told to proceed to the cashier who took my fee. I was then told to wait to be called by the consular officer. I took a seat. I waited around 90 mins as it was extremely busy that day due to a large number of visitor visas being processed. I just read a book until I was called to the interview window with the consular officer. The consular officer asked pretty simple/predictable questions. How did you meet? When did you see each other? Then he asked me about what my fiance's hometown was like and the sports teams there. It was done in less than 5 minutes, then the officer just asked when i should expect to receive the visa and to not book any travel yet.
TIP: Arrive to the consulate as early as possible and a while before your interview time. You end up waiting in a long security line if you don't arrive early. There was over 50 people being processed on my interview date, the line took 30mins to clear.
MEDICAL: Went to Dr. Wiles in Remuera. It was a good experience. Nurse was nice and very professional. Pricey process considering what it is (long checklist) and how little time you spend with the Doctor. They made me get a chicken pox vaccine even after I have had chickenpox/medical history when I was a child. Apparently, I had a no immunity on my blood test. With Exam, X Ray, Blood Test and tetanus, MMR booster, and chicken pox vaccine was $500 NZD. Ouch.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17200