I had my interview a few days ago and it was successful! Since the process is slightly different in New Zealand and because everyone likes stories here is mine. I may have missed or forgotten something so use at your own risk
For the previous six years I have entered the DV lottery, all unsuccessful until DV2013.
On the results release day I checked the website and I had won - I always knew that it was unlikely for me to win (something like 5% for the OC region) so it was a fantastic surprise! What was even more amazing was I had a low rank number so I knew that I would probably be current in October!
For the next few days I filled in the forms and got my photos done (US Passport photos seem quite common so no problem at the pharmacy you will need at least six) and submitted my forms by registered post on the 08-May. I decided to use a NZ 'International Express Courier' bag which is the most expensive ($43NZD) but well worth it so I could track it all the way (DHL is actually the carrier once it arrives in the US). My forms arrived a few days later on the 10-May at 'Erlanger -USA'. I gave KCC a ring a few weeks after that to ensure it had arrived - which it had!
I received my 2NL by e-mail mid-August - which was simply a message asking me to login to the ESC website "You have received this email notification to inform you that you have updates available at
http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC. Please log in using your confirmation number from your original application to complete further processing.". The 1NL had been replaced with my 2NL which contained the interview date of October!
A few weeks later I booked in for my medical exam. The entire process was very straight forward - some questions, a physical examination, eye test and a blood test. Make sure you bring a record of your current vaccinations from your normal GP and two passport photos. The medical exam cost around $200NZD (obviously it may be more if you need extra vaccines) and took approximately one hour. They gave me a script to get an X-Ray which cost around $100NZD. A few days later I got a call from the doctor saying the forms had been submitted to the Consulate for review and gave me a tracking number so I could check that it had arrived safely (and it did!). If you are interested do a Google for 'DS-2053' which is the medical form that is used by the Doctor - it appears the blood test is for Syphilis and the X-Ray for TB.
In late August/Early September I received a letter from the Auckland Consulate with a copy of the blank medical forms, interview date/time and instructions. If you live in NZ I recommend that you wait for this letter before you have your medical (so you can bring your own forms). I believe that the DV process for New Zealand is unique so if you are from other countries your process is probably completely different. For New Zealand applicants you must submit the police clearance form (the Consulate directly ask the police for your records), a photo copy of your passport id page, two passport photos AND all original documents WITH copies prior to the interview including Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Education Records, CV/Resume and evidence of Funds/Assets (yes this was specifically asked for). Also, for NZ at least it states that I-864 (Affidavit of Support) is NOT required for DV cases. I took photo copies of everything. I sent the forms to Auckland and waited for my interview. I called the Auckland US Consulate with a few questions and they are really helpful and nice.
To the interview you need to bring a Registered Post Foolscap prepaid envelope ($13NZD) - not all post shops stock them (I had to visit three!) so go to a proper KiwiBank/NZPost to be sure.
THE DAY:
The Consulate is located on the 3rd floor of the Citibank building in Auckland. I was staying at a Hotel close by and arrived around 45 minutes early. There was queue of around 20 waiting to pass through security - this does take some time so be prepared to wait. You cannot take bags or cellphones into the waiting area but they do have free lockers available to hold your things. You need to present your passport and interview form (the one you got with the 2NL) - I also took a folder with all my document copies. When you get passed security you are directed to Window 5 'Immigrant Visas' - there was no queue (there was a queue of around 20 or so for the non-immigrant line) so I went right up and pressed the buzzer. At this point I was greeted by my case manager who was very nice and helpful (I had spoken to her on the phone already). She had already reviewed all my documents which I had previously submitted and she told me rules and regulations of the green card. She let me check that all my details were correct on the screen - you can also update the delivery address of the green card. The case manager saw that I was very nervous and she told me not to worry and that everything was in order - she said that if there was something wrong she would have told me before the interview so I could fix it (phew!) She took my finger prints and I went to Window 4 to pay. I had the exact amount ready $429NZD in cash and they do have change available and they do not accept USD. I was told to sit and wait.
People were reading magazines and newspapers (so this appears to be allowed in NZ). They seem to process all the non-immigrants first, so I waited for around 2 hours until it was just a small number of immigrants waiting. I was called up to a window with the Consulate officer and asked to raise my hand to swear the standard oath and had my left hand scanned again. He quickly certified my documents (he didn't seem interested in my University qualifications - only my High School). I can't really remember the exact questions he asked - but it was like Where are you going? Do you have a job lined up? When do you intend to move? etc. He asked me to sign the bottom of the DS-230 (the area you left blank on page four that you sent to KCC) and said "Today I am approving your Visa - congratulations!". That was it!
My passport (with VISA) and the big yellow 'DO NOT OPEN' folder arrived two days after the interview!
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Originally Posted by Annabelle Nyst
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