Lisa D
Member
I just got back yesterday from my POE trip to Honolulu. I know most people have already done it, but thought I'd throw in my two cents worth for anyone still to activate.
Coming down the escalator into the immigration area, there was a guy directing US residents and citizens one way and visitors the other. I held up my yellow envelope and he knew exactly what I was there for. He called out, 'Jenny, new immigrant!' and immediately a lady named Jenny came over and directed me to the new immigrant area. After 10 minutes a customs officer came and introduced himself and took my paperwork, I waited another 15 minutes until he returned and asked me to follow him to his little booth. He took fingerprints and asked me a few questions (do I have any health conditions, how do I know the person listed as my US address etc). He seemed to be taking ages and after about 40 minutes said he needed his supervisor. I was freaking out thinking something was wrong but his boss came over and explained the customs officer was new and hadn't processed a Diversity Visa before. The boss only took 90 seconds on the computer before my passport was stamped and he gave me the form about changing address if I move. Then he shook my hand and said, 'congratulations, welcome to America'...I asked if that was it and he said, 'that's it buddy - you're one of us now!' Most exciting moment of my life!!
Now my only problem is...Honolulu! I've been to America about 15 times and was pretty settled on moving to Denver, as I know some people there. This was my first time in Honolulu and - wow!! In several ways it reminded me of where I grew up (Cairns) but with the benefits of being a big city. I felt at home there from the first minute. So it looks like I have some decisions to make over the next few months (but deciding between Colorado and Hawaii isn't the worst decision in the world!). I'm lucky in that I'm still young-ish (late 20s) and single with no kids, so I have the freedom to try both if I really can't decide.
So that's it, I'm a LPR! My friend in Colorado emailed last night to say she's received mail for me, which I assume is my green card or SSN. Now it's all about saving, saving, saving for the big move (please stop dropping, Aussie dollar...). Am jealous of you all that have already moved, I can't wait to be living there
PS: Sorry this post is the length of War and Peace!!
I just got back yesterday from my POE trip to Honolulu. I know most people have already done it, but thought I'd throw in my two cents worth for anyone still to activate.
Coming down the escalator into the immigration area, there was a guy directing US residents and citizens one way and visitors the other. I held up my yellow envelope and he knew exactly what I was there for. He called out, 'Jenny, new immigrant!' and immediately a lady named Jenny came over and directed me to the new immigrant area. After 10 minutes a customs officer came and introduced himself and took my paperwork, I waited another 15 minutes until he returned and asked me to follow him to his little booth. He took fingerprints and asked me a few questions (do I have any health conditions, how do I know the person listed as my US address etc). He seemed to be taking ages and after about 40 minutes said he needed his supervisor. I was freaking out thinking something was wrong but his boss came over and explained the customs officer was new and hadn't processed a Diversity Visa before. The boss only took 90 seconds on the computer before my passport was stamped and he gave me the form about changing address if I move. Then he shook my hand and said, 'congratulations, welcome to America'...I asked if that was it and he said, 'that's it buddy - you're one of us now!' Most exciting moment of my life!!
Now my only problem is...Honolulu! I've been to America about 15 times and was pretty settled on moving to Denver, as I know some people there. This was my first time in Honolulu and - wow!! In several ways it reminded me of where I grew up (Cairns) but with the benefits of being a big city. I felt at home there from the first minute. So it looks like I have some decisions to make over the next few months (but deciding between Colorado and Hawaii isn't the worst decision in the world!). I'm lucky in that I'm still young-ish (late 20s) and single with no kids, so I have the freedom to try both if I really can't decide.
So that's it, I'm a LPR! My friend in Colorado emailed last night to say she's received mail for me, which I assume is my green card or SSN. Now it's all about saving, saving, saving for the big move (please stop dropping, Aussie dollar...). Am jealous of you all that have already moved, I can't wait to be living there
PS: Sorry this post is the length of War and Peace!!
Thats so exciting! My activation trip is to Hawaii next Friday and I cant wait!!
I just got back yesterday from my POE trip to Honolulu. I know most people have already done it, but thought I'd throw in my two cents worth for anyone still to activate.
Coming down the escalator into the immigration area, there was a guy directing US residents and citizens one way and visitors the other. I held up my yellow envelope and he knew exactly what I was there for. He called out, 'Jenny, new immigrant!' and immediately a lady named Jenny came over and directed me to the new immigrant area. After 10 minutes a customs officer came and introduced himself and took my paperwork, I waited another 15 minutes until he returned and asked me to follow him to his little booth. He took fingerprints and asked me a few questions (do I have any health conditions, how do I know the person listed as my US address etc). He seemed to be taking ages and after about 40 minutes said he needed his supervisor. I was freaking out thinking something was wrong but his boss came over and explained the customs officer was new and hadn't processed a Diversity Visa before. The boss only took 90 seconds on the computer before my passport was stamped and he gave me the form about changing address if I move. Then he shook my hand and said, 'congratulations, welcome to America'...I asked if that was it and he said, 'that's it buddy - you're one of us now!' Most exciting moment of my life!!
Now my only problem is...Honolulu! I've been to America about 15 times and was pretty settled on moving to Denver, as I know some people there. This was my first time in Honolulu and - wow!! In several ways it reminded me of where I grew up (Cairns) but with the benefits of being a big city. I felt at home there from the first minute. So it looks like I have some decisions to make over the next few months (but deciding between Colorado and Hawaii isn't the worst decision in the world!). I'm lucky in that I'm still young-ish (late 20s) and single with no kids, so I have the freedom to try both if I really can't decide.
So that's it, I'm a LPR! My friend in Colorado emailed last night to say she's received mail for me, which I assume is my green card or SSN. Now it's all about saving, saving, saving for the big move (please stop dropping, Aussie dollar...). Am jealous of you all that have already moved, I can't wait to be living there
PS: Sorry this post is the length of War and Peace!!
Thats fantastic! Im off to Hawaii for my activation trip next week then moving mid next year.
What did you write on your landing cards both on arrival then back to OZ?
