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DV 2015 Oceania winners

hopefulinnz said:
I sat for the first part of my Ontario drivers license today. The good thing is that once i have it, I will be eligible for a license in most US states when and if we move there.
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I have an Ontario Drivers License - Aussies can swap them without sitting for a test :) I've got a plan to swap it again for a Colorado license, but the expiry date will be cutting it very close.

Having moved to both countries, your credit experience in Canada will be repeated in the USA.

Scotiabank have a new immigrant banking program and will give you a $500 credit card, then never raise the limit. Otherwise I'd recommend the American Express Global transfer route.
 
For DV-ers intending to move to Colorado (there seem to be alot) the drivers license test (in 2009) was very very easy.

No reverse parking, no three point turns. It was a drive around a few blocks, a lane change and stopping at a stop sign.

No P levels - straight to full open license. I might have had a learners permit for one week.

You can talk on your mobile while driving
No seat belt required in the backseat
You can turn right at red lights​

But you need to learn about 4-way stop signs and shared lanes.
 
guestgulkan said:
I have an Ontario Drivers License - Aussies can swap them without sitting for a test :) I've got a plan to swap it again for a Colorado license, but the expiry date will be cutting it very close.

Having moved to both countries, your credit experience in Canada will be repeated in the USA. .
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Argh yes, it was very frustrating to find out we have to sit the full tests while the Aussies just rock up to the Drive Test office, and do a swap *sigh* LOL
Most annoyingly, British Columbia have a license swap agreement with NZ, If I had the funds I could fly there, get a BC license, then come back to Ontario and swap for one here. Hehe

Yeah I know our credit experience will be repeated, I was just sharing some of my rambling thoughts. I hope we will be mentally better prepared to put up with it ??
 
guestgulkan said:
For DV-ers intending to move to Colorado (there seem to be alot) the drivers license test (in 2009) was very very easy.

No reverse parking, no three point turns. It was a drive around a few blocks, a lane change and stopping at a stop sign.

No P levels - straight to full open license. I might have had a learners permit for one week.

You can talk on your mobile while driving
No seat belt required in the backseat
You can turn right at red lights​

But you need to learn about 4-way stop signs and shared lanes.
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Thanks for that. Colorado here I come!
 
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For anyone applying from NZ - as far as police records go all it says on the U.S. website is to get a ministry of Justice all convictions report which is a PRIV/F1 form .
My question was is this all that will be required or is there a seperate police clearance cert that U.S. embassy will need to request for us ?
 
Hey there, you can get the Ministry of Justice report however this wont be enough for your interview for a immigrant visa, however still get it. I emailed the consulate in Auckland and they forwarded me a "New Zealand Police Clearance Authorization" form, you sign this, send it back directly to the consulate and they will then obtain from the New Zealand police and information held about you but you have to disclose any convictions you have. The email isAucklandIV@state.gov I suggest doing this ASAP so that they can send it to the NZ police. If you have any problems message me and I can email you the form.

I read the above on the forum hence the question. Appreciate any help.
 
Perhaps check with the consulate regarding what their expectations are. They will be able to clarify and then you can move forwards with confidence.
 
Carolineinthecity said:
Thanks ladies! I'm beginning to get nervous now.
Safe flight @SuicideBlonde and enjoy your new life.
The new VB will be out any day now @EmilyW fingers crossed that you go current!
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It would be a cruel twist of fate if it were to stay the same or go up by 50 only. If it goes up by 50, I'll be in the same boat @Deb7a was two months ago.

I'm hopeful that this week we might find out.
 
GANDT-SYD said:
Hi All,

I heard back from the AFP with regard to the police check.

This was their response with regard to "full disclosure".

"If you require a complete disclosure you will need to select Commonwealth Purpose- code 33 Immigration/Citizenship."

So that's nice and clear. Also, there is a section for my wife to put her maiden name as well.
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Thanks for the tip...I couldn't wait any longer and just applied for my police check..without this advice I probably would have selected another option. :)
 
EmilyW said:
After our conversation with KCC two weeks ago, I'm quietly confident of a reasonable jump. He did say we'd be current 'very soon' and that, a few weeks ago, they were up to 925 in scheduling. I think at least 975. 1000 would be brilliant as a quasi mid year mark.

I've got my money on monkey man @guestgulkan joining our OC-er jamboree.
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Agree. Predicting a jump of between 150-200. Good luck to the interviewees tomorrow and good luck to us 900ers for going current! :cool:
 
Hey all.

Can anyone recommend an Australian or New Zealand based Immigration Lawyer that specialises in the Diversity Visa or at least USA/Greencard immigration?

I'm now concerned about my case given one of the anecdotes from earlier in this thread - and am keen for some professional advice.

Basically, I'm a 100% NZ citizen, as are my parents, who were both born in NZ. I happened to be born in the UK because my parents were living there and my Dad was working there for a few years. We all moved back to NZ when I was 6 mths old. My parents were NOT residents of the UK and never have been. Dad went over for work (but was not 'stationed' through the company per se). He was however eligible to work there because of an British grandparent. Their stay in UK was always 'temporary' (though i'm not sure if/how that could be proven).

I've done a lot of reading up on this, and it seems like a very grey area. Grey = concerning.

Any advice - or as mentioned, can anyone recommend an Immigration lawyer?

Cheers
 
reeko said:
Hey all.

Can anyone recommend an Australian or New Zealand based Immigration Lawyer that specialises in the Diversity Visa or at least USA/Greencard immigration?

I'm now concerned about my case given one of the anecdotes from earlier in this thread - and am keen for some professional advice.

Basically, I'm a 100% NZ citizen, as are my parents, who were both born in NZ. I happened to be born in the UK because my parents were living there and my Dad was working there for a few years. We all moved back to NZ when I was 6 mths old. My parents were NOT residents of the UK and never have been. Dad went over for work (but was not 'stationed' through the company per se). He was however eligible to work there because of an British grandparent. Their stay in UK was always 'temporary' (though i'm not sure if/how that could be proven).

I've done a lot of reading up on this, and it seems like a very grey area. Grey = concerning.

Any advice - or as mentioned, can anyone recommend an Immigration lawyer?

Cheers
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First. Forget a lawyer. They don't know anything about the DVD process because almost no cases use lawyers. You can get all the advice you need from here.

The situation you are in is called the missionary exception. We can direct you to the laws which you would take to the interview along with a well documented case.

Since your Dad went under his own steam you will be expected to show how temporary the stay was. If your parents kept a home back in NZ that is useful info. There is a well documented case here that was adjudicated in London I think pretty similar scenario to your own - that was approved. I'll dig that link out.

Again, don't hire a lawyer unless you want to pay someone to learn new things...
 
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