We have just been notified that Mike's USA visa interview is on August 2nd up in Auckland. It hasn't been a very difficult process, but it has been an involved process so fingers are super crossed that it all works out well and we are able to get his visa which will eventually turn into a green card. Thankfully, our interview won't be as stressful as the one in the movie, but there is a mist of stress that seems to be float in and out of my day. So for all those out there who read this, send your positive thoughts, prayers, or happy wishes to us and the immigration officer that will be interviewing us. I hope that our officer has had some really positive experiences in their recent life and we are on the receiving end of their gratitude :)
7.19.2007
Visa Interview
We have just been notified that Mike's USA visa interview is on August 2nd up in Auckland. It hasn't been a very difficult process, but it has been an involved process so fingers are super crossed that it all works out well and we are able to get his visa which will eventually turn into a green card. Thankfully, our interview won't be as stressful as the one in the movie, but there is a mist of stress that seems to be float in and out of my day. So for all those out there who read this, send your positive thoughts, prayers, or happy wishes to us and the immigration officer that will be interviewing us. I hope that our officer has had some really positive experiences in their recent life and we are on the receiving end of their gratitude :)
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7 comments:
Good Luck! Positive thoughts are being sent your way. My experience with this was that it didn't seem too difficult, but the whole thing just takes a long time and is pretty stupid. So enjoy. We look forward to seeing you both.
Yeah, good luck Chris, Eve and Chuck had lots of fun down your ways. Guess what we don't even need Syrian Visas, what a waste of time. Anyway Will probably see you or Mike or Lucy on August 2nd in Auckland. And we paid for our tickets today, painful.
When I had my "interview" it went like this, drive for 10 hours to get to Auckland, park 5 minutes walk away, wait for 10 minutes outside in line to go through security, sit inside for 30 minutes and breastfeed Macallum while they are getting set-up, get called up to window, answer the one question with a raised right hand "are these answers true to the best of your knowledge" Yes sir. Papers stamped, visa issued.
Good luck and make sure you pee beforehand, and take water for the wait!
Really??? What about all the documents and everything you have to show? Hey what's your email? I need to ask you about coming to visit you on our way home to my parents!
May the force be with you!
Oh I missed a step, I handed over my documents when I entered the room - I had an 8am appt, so I was one of the first in the door. The security people outside assign you the window to go inside. I went to the window, handed over all the documents they asked for...then waited and fed Mac, then was called up again to another window with the consulate general - did my swearing to the truth thing, he stamped it and that my friend was that. It was a long arduous trip with a 6 week old baby, but the consulate thing was over in a flash. The higlights, I got my visa and I got to stay the night with Rob, Viv and everyone.
The trip before that to register Macallum as a US citizen was a NIGHTMARE - but the visa interview was just that, one official question.
The consulate general asked me where I was going to be living in the US and it just so happened he had grown up in Santa Cruz, so we had lots to chat about while he was stamping and signing. He was really personable and friendly. Do make sure you have EVERYTHING filled out and every i dotted and t crossed though. They are VERY pedantic about the paperwork. It is stressful, but its over quickly. And boy I felt like I could accomplish anything after going through that process. The prices are taking a HUGE jump @ the end of this month too. INSANE!
MY email is gpomare@gmail.com and you are welcome anytime - I hope you know that! Our closest airport is San Jose, but SFO is only 1 1/2 hours away - totally do-able.
Oh and the best place I found to park was in the parking building on the corner of Custom and Queen. You have to drive to the very end of Queen, take a Left turn, then take another L turn and make sure you are in the lane furtherest L. Your final L turn will take you into the building lane. I think it cost me about 8 bucks or so.
The consulate is about a 1 1/2 block walk down Custom. It's really easy. Oh wait, you probably aren't driving there... doh!
Once your done, walk to the Sky Tower, and take photos for me... its really close. We tried to do that but Mac screamed and screamed so we ditched that idea.
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