Embassy of the United States

1. What is the difference between a 'fiance(e) visa' and a visa for your spouse?
2. How long does each type of visa take to process?
3. Which visa is "better"?
4. My U.S. citizen spouse has to start a new job in the U.S. We can't wait to go through the Immigrant Visa process. What else can we do?
5. My attorney says I should file for the K-3 visa because I can move to the U.S. right away. How can I do this?
6. My fiance(e) and I have changed our wedding plans and now will be married in New Zealand, but my fiance(e) has already applied for the fiance(e) (K-1) visa. What should we do?
7. My fiance(e) is petitioning for me but what about my children - can they go to the U.S. with me?
8. Can I work after entering the U.S. on my fiance(e) visa?
9. Can I enter the U.S. on my fiance(e) visa, depart the U.S. and then re-enter on the fiance(e) visa?
10. Can I buy a one-way ticket to the U.S. if I have a fiance(e) visa?
11. My lawyer in the U.S. has told me to apply for a tourist visa, and then apply for immigration or adjust my status after I arrive in the U.S. Can I do that?
12. Can I enter the U.S. and wait while the visa is being processed?
13. Can I enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program while I'm waiting for my visa interview?
14. How long will it be before I'll be given an immigrant visa interview date?
15. Does the U.S. citizen have to attend the visa interview?
16. I have sent my checklist and biographic data - when will I be notified of the interview date?
17. Do my children need to attend the visa interview?
18. How long does the visa interview take?
19. How long after the interview will the visa be issued?
20. If the visa is not able to be issued at the time of the interview, how can I collect it?
21. My paperwork says there are 4 pages to the DS-230, but I only have pages 1 and 2. Where can I get the other pages?
22. I live a long way from Auckland. Why do I have to go there for an interview?
23. I need a visa interview urgently because...
24. I need to change my visa appointment date. What do I do?
25. How soon can I travel once the visa is issued?
26. For how long is the visa valid?
27. What if I don't use the visa within six months? Can it be extended?
28. How long must I remain in the U.S. after I have entered on the immigrant visa?
29. Can a third country national (not a permanent resident of New Zealand) apply for an immigrant visa in New Zealand?
30. I have a family-based petition pending. I've changed my address. What should I do?
31. The checklist for the family preference/employment based visa sent to me says I have to have a police and medical check done, but I can't find those materials amongst the materials you sent me. What do I do?
32. Why can't I have the medical check done by my own doctor?
33. I'm pregnant and can't have the X-rays done. What can I do?
34. I don't want to have the innoculations/vaccinations. Does that mean I can't have a visa?
35. I haven't been required to file tax returns in the U.S. Can't I use my New Zealand tax returns?
36. I don't understand the I-864. Where can I get help?
37. I don't understand the concept of 'domicile'. Where can I get help?
38. How can a petitioner re-establish a domicile?
39. How do I calculate the number of people domiciled in the household?
40. I need a joint sponsor. What are a joint sponsor's responsibilities?
41. Can the U.S. citizen provide a pay slip for proof of employment?
42. Can my relatives petition for me to immigrate to the U.S.?
43. Can my U.S. citizen child petition for me to immigrate to the U.S.?
44. How else can I immigrate to the U.S. to join my U.S. citizen child?
45. When we immigrate can our parents/nanny/au pair come with us to the U.S.?
46. Can I download all the forms from the internet?
47. We have been advised that USCIS has approved the I-130 immediate relative petition, what happens next?
48. Can I request information on both the fiance(e) and spouse options to help me decide which is best for me?
49. If we are not leaving for another year, can I order the information now to see what is involved?
50. I am a U.S. permanent resident. I have been (or will be) out of the U.S. for more than 12 months. How can I extend my Green Card?
51. I have lost my Green Card and need to return to the U.S. tomorrow (next week etc.) What do I do?

1. What is the difference between a 'fiance(e) visa' and a visa for your spouse?

An American citizen files a petition (I-129F) for a fiance(e) visa if the couple plans to marry in the U.S.  This visa will allow you to enter the U.S. for 90 days to marry there and apply for legal permanent residence after your marriage.

An American citizen files an I-130 petition for a visa for their spouse if the couple is already married, the spouse currently resides outside of the U.S., and wishes to immigrate to the U.S.  Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) may file immigrant visa petitions (but not fiance(e) petitions) for their spouses too.

2. How long does each type of visa take to process?

Processing time for an immigrant may take much  longer:  the I-130 must be filed with USCIS in the United States, and adjudication may take many months. The cases are then processed at the National Visa Center, and finally an appointment will be scheduled for the alien to apply for the actual immigrant visa at the Post abroad having jurisdiction over your place of residence.  The whole process could take 9 – 18 months.

3. Which visa is "better"?

Both allow the recipient to immigrate to the U.S., that is, to remain permanently.  You apply for a fiance(e) visa if it is your intention to enter the U.S., marry your U.S. citizen fiance(e), and remain in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

You should apply for an immigrant visa if you are already married to a U.S. citizen and want to join your spouse in the U.S.

4. My U.S. citizen spouse has to start a new job in the U.S. We can't wait to go through the Immigrant Visa process. What else can we do?

If it is your intention to move permanently to the U.S., you are advised to apply for an Immediate Relative immigrant visa before traveling to the U.S.  To qualify you for immigration to the U.S. your U.S. citizen spouse must first  file the I-130 petition with USCIS in the United States, download form from website: www.uscis.gov - FORMS.  There is also the option of filing for a K3 visa, an interim immigrant-type visa, which may take a little less time to adjudicate and process than the  immediate relative visa. Instructions are on the I-129F form for the K3.   Also see ITEM 5 below.

If you intend to remain permanently in the U.S., attempting to enter on a non-immigrant visa or the visa waiver program is not advisable and could result in your involuntary return to New Zealand.

5. My attorney says I should file for the K-3 visa because I can move to the U.S. right away. How can I do this?

Your U.S. citizen spouse must file the I-129F Petition to qualify you for a  K-3 visa. This a two step process, requiring the U.S. citizen spouse to file an I-130 and then an I-129F once he receives the Receipt I-797 for the I-130 filing. (See instructions on I-129F form.)   However, the I-129F (K3 Petition) will still take several months to adjudicate, and be forwarded to the overseas Consular Post via the National Visa Center. This a two step process, requiring the U.S. citizen spouse to file an I-130 and then an I-129F. (See instructions on I-129F form.)

6. Married in New Zealand, but my fiance(e) has already applied for the fiance(e) (K-1) visa. What should we do?

Unfortunately, you can no longer be processed as a FIANCE/E and your U.S. citizen spouse must file an I-130 Petition with the U. S Citizenship & Immigration Service for you -  see USCIS website: www.uscis.gov to download the petition & instructions. 

7. My fiance(e) is petitioning for me but what about my children - can they go to the U.S. with me?

Any unmarried children under the age of 21 can apply for a "derivative" fiance(e) visa with you.  The children must be under 21 years of age and unmarried at the time of their entry into the U.S. on such a visa.

8. Can I work after entering the U.S. on my fiance(e) visa?

Yes, provided you first obtain permission from U.S.C.I.S. Please see the U.S.C.I.S. website for further information on how to obtain an employment authorization.

9. Can I enter the U.S. on my fiance(e) visa, depart the U.S. and then re-enter on the fiance(e) visa?

The fiance(e) visa is a one-entry visa.  You are required to marry within 90 days of your arrival and to apply immediately thereafter to U.S.C.I.S. for an adjustment of status using Form I-485. You should not depart the U.S. until after you have adjusted your status and have been granted lawful permanent resident status.  If you leave the U S before completing the adjustment of status, you will have difficulty in re-entering the U.S. and may have to remain abroad until you qualify for an Immediate Relative Visa, by your spouse filing an I-130 Petition for you.  Please see U.S.C.I.S. for further information.

10. Can I buy a one-way ticket to the U.S. if I have a fiance(e) visa?

Yes.

11. My lawyer in the U.S. has told me to apply for a tourist visa, and then apply for immigration or adjust my status after I arrive in the U.S. Can I do that?

No.  If you are intending to move permanently to the U.S. you do not qualify for a nonimmigrant (tourist) visa.  Also, many categories of immigrant visas involve long waiting periods before the visa can be issued. It is not possible to spend this period in the U.S.

If you intend to remain permanently in the U.S., attempting to enter on a nonimmigrant visa or under the visa waiver program is not advisable and could result in your involuntary return to New Zealand. In order to be granted admission on a nonimmigrant visa or under the visa waiver program, you must prove that you have a residence outside the U.S. to which you intend to return. It is always at the discretion of  the Immigration Inspector, CBP/DHS at the port of entry whether to admit a traveler.

12. Can I enter the U.S. and wait while the visa is being processed?

Generally not. Many categories of immigrant visas involve long waiting periods before the immigrant visa can be issued. It is generally not possible to spend this period in the U.S.

If you intend to remain permanently in the U.S., attempting to enter on a non-immigrant visa or under the visa waiver program is not advisable and could result in your involuntary return to New Zealand. In order to be granted admission on a non-immigrant visa or under the visa waiver program, you must prove that you have a residence outside the U.S. to which you intend to return, at least temporarily. It is always at the discretion of  the Immigration Inspector, CBP/DHS at the port of entry whether to admit a traveler.

13. Can I enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program while I'm waiting for my visa interview?

You can travel to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program, however, the maximum period of admission under the VWP is 90 days, and this period cannot be extended..  No one can be guaranteed, prior to their arrival at a U.S. port-of-entry, whether or not they would be granted permission to enter the U.S.

Please bear in mind that in order to be admitted, you must still demonstrate that you have a residence outside the U.S. to which you intend to return, if even for a short time.

14. How long will it be before I'll be given an immigrant visa interview date?

To be scheduled for the final fiance(e) or immigrant visa interview, the consulate must have received the applicant's approved I-129F (fiance(e) petition), I-130 (family-based petition) or I-140 (employment based petition) from the National Visa Center (NVC), completed biographic data (forms DS-230 Part 1) and the checklists (form DSL-1076 for fiance(e) visa applicants and form DS-2001 for immigrant visa applicants).

As soon as the Consulate receives the DS-2001 or DSL-1076 signed to indicate the person is ready for the interview we will mail you an appointment letter, and in the case of immigrants, the medical instructions will included in that letter.

15. Does the U.S. citizen have to attend the visa interview?

For fiance(e) visa applications, if the U.S. citizen is in New Zealand at the time of the applicant's interview, we urge him or her to attend the interview with the applicant.

For family-based (spousal or children - unmarried & under 21 years of age) applications, the U.S. citizen does not need to attend the immigrant visa interview, but may do so if he/she wishes.  Both parents' consent is required before a visa  can be issued to a minor under 16 years. can be issued to a minor under 16 years. However, if U.S. citizen petitioner  is residing in the United States, and the APPROVED petition is already on file at the Consulate,  s/he is not expected to come to New Zealand for the immigrant’s interview.   . However, if U.S. citizen petition is residing in the United States, and the APPROVED petition is already on file at the Consulate,  s/he is not expected to come to New Zealand for the immigrant’s interview. 

16. I have sent my checklist and biographic data - when will I be notified of the interview date?

Provided we have received the approved petition, an interview will be scheduled for all fiance(e) and immediate relative applicants (spouses, parents & unmarried children under 21 years of age) within 4 weeks of receiving your information.

Depending on the availability of visa numbers, all other family and employment based applications will be scheduled within 2-3 months.

17. Do my children need to attend the visa interview?

Yes, unless your children are already U.S. citizens. Children, regardless of age, who are applying for immigrant or derivative fiance(e) visas, must attend the interview.

18. How long does the visa interview take?

The interviews are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays only  between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.  Waiting times may vary according to our caseload on the day. In general, you should be available to spend up to three hours at the Consulate.

19. How long after the interview will the visa be issued?

If you are found to be fully documented and eligible to receive a fiance(e) or immigrant visa, the visa will be issued to you within 2 – 3 working days.

20. If the visa is not able to be issued at the time of the interview, how can I collect it?

Applicants are required to supply a pre-paid, self-addressed courier bag or registered mail envelope. If all your documents are in order, and your application is approved for issuance, your visa will be issued and mailed to you in the envelope you provided.

21. My paperwork says there are 4 pages to the DS-230, but I only have pages 1 and 2. Where can I get the other pages?

Download from following website: state.gov/m/a/dir/forms   OR travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html.  When your case file/petition is received from the National Visa Center we will send you confirmation of your appointment, along with the medical examination instructions and forms.

22. I live a long way from Auckland. Why do I have to go there for an interview?

The Consulate in Auckland is the only visa processing post in New Zealand.  The law requires all visa applicants to make a personal appearance in order to receive their visa.

23. I need a visa interview urgently because:

• I've booked airline tickets
• I can't be separated from my spouse/fiance(e)/children
  I've sold by business
• I'm pregnant
• I've made wedding arrangements in the U.S.
• Other

Each application is important to us, so we schedule interviews on a "first come, first served" basis. That means that when an applicant sends us their biographic data forms, form DS-2001 (for immigrant visa applicants) or form DSL-1076 (for fiance(e) visa applicants) saying they have all necessary documents, and we have received an approved petition for that applicant, we will schedule him or her for the earliest available appointment consistent with their wishes.

24. I need to change my visa appointment date. What do I do?

Should you need to change your appointment date, please call the Consulate directly on the phone number listed on your appointment letter.  We will endeavor to reschedule an appointment for you.

26. How soon can I travel once the visa is issued?

In most cases the immigrant and fiance(e) visas are valid only for 6 months. Therefore, you must enter the U.S. with your visa within 6 months of its issuance.  In some cases, visas can be limited to expire before the 6-month period. In this instance, you are required to enter the U.S. before the expiry date of your visa.

27. For how long is the visa valid?

Immigrant and fiance(e) visas have a maximum validity of 6 months. That means you must enter the U.S. within 6 months of the date we issue the visa to you.

28. What if I don't use the visa within six months? Can it be extended?

Immigrant and fiance(e) visas cannot be extended.  If the visa is not used within its period of validity, you must return it to this office for cancellation, along with a note explaining the reasons why the visa was not used.  Upon return of the visa and explanation, we will inform you as to the requirements needed to have a new visa issued.  Usually at least the visa fee is required to be paid, and you may need a new N.Z. Police clearance, and possibly a new medical examination. 

29. How long must I remain in the U.S. after I have entered on the immigrant visa?

U.S. law does not specify how long one must remain in the U.S. after first entering.  Immigration officials, at the time of your return to the U.S. after a temporary absence of LESS than ONE year,, will look very closely at the amount of time spent away from the U.S.  If they determine that you have been spending more time out of the U.S. than in the U.S., they are empowered to revoke your lawful permanent resident status. You would then have to re-qualify for permanent resident status.

30. Can a third country national (not a permanent resident of New Zealand) apply for an immigrant visa in New Zealand?

In some cases. First, that person must show that they have permission from the New Zealand Immigration Service to remain in New Zealand for 6 months or longer i.e. NOT just on a tourist visa.  Depending on the immigrant visa category involved, it is possible that we would accept that person's immigrant visa application. In general, however, the person must have some ties to New Zealand; that is, some reason for being here beyond applying for the visa.   Alien applicant needs to provide Consulate General with evidence of visa status in New Zealand, also case number, name and date and place of birth and current N.Z. address and phone number. We can then request the case file from another Post or directly from the National Visa Center.

31. I have a family-based petition pending. I've changed my address. What should I do?

If your file is currently with us, you should email us at AucklandIV@state.gov, giving the details of any changes to your application, including your new mailing address, your full name, date & place of birth, current address, and your case number.  If your file is not at the Consulate in Auckland you or the petitioning relative will need to contact the National Visa Center to advise them of the change of address.

32. The checklist for the family preference/employment based visa sent to me says I have to have a police and medical check done, but I can't find those materials amongst the materials you sent me. What do I do?

Contact us at AucklandIV@state.gov.

33. Why can't I have the medical check done by my own doctor?

The panel physicians must comply with U.S. health regulations to perform medical examinations for our visa applicants.  These panel physicians, when accepted and approved to provide this service, are issued with U.S. medical handbooks.  Each country can only have a limited amount of qualified and approved physicians to provide this service for the U.S. government.

34. I'm pregnant and can't have the X-rays done. What can I do?

You are not expected to have X-rays taken when you are pregnant.

35. I don't want to have the innoculations/vaccinations. Does that mean I can't have a visa?

Should you not wish to receive any of the required vaccinations, you will be found ineligible to receive an immigrant visa.  You may apply for a waiver of that ineligibility, but must establish that compliance with the vaccination requirements would be contrary to your religious beliefs or moral convictions.

To qualify for a waiver you must show that:

1. You are opposed to vaccinations in any form;
2. The objection is based on religious beliefs or moral convictions (whether or not as a member of a recognized religion); and
3. The religious belief or moral conviction (whether or not as part of a recognized religion) is sincere.

Applications for vaccination waivers must be sent to our regional U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service office for their consideration.  These waiver applications can take several months to process and there is NO guarantee a waiver will be granted.

36. I don't understand the I-864. Where can I get help?

Please contact the U.S. Visa Information Service on +64 9 915 1081 with any questions you might have in regard to the I-864 Affidavit of Support. You can also find information on the I-864 on the State Department website.

37. I haven't been required to file tax returns in the U.S. Can't I use my New Zealand tax returns?

U.S. Immigration laws and regulations require that the petitioning relative or joint sponsor submit the most recent U.S. Federal Income Tax returns - not foreign tax returns.  IRS requires Americans and lawful permanent residents who are working abroad to file a return even if most or all of their overseas income is excluded from U.S. taxes.  For information on filing U.S. federal tax returns and declaring foreign income check the IRS website's Frequently Asked Questions.

38. I don't understand the concept of 'domicile'. Where can I get help?

Domicile is a complex issue and must be determined on a case by case basis. To qualify as a sponsor, a petitioner who is residing abroad must have a principal residence in the U.S. and intend to maintain that residence for the foreseeable future. Lawful permanent resident (LPR) sponsors must show they are maintaining their LPR status.

Many U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents reside outside the United States on a temporary basis, usually for work or family considerations. "Temporary" may cover an extended period of residence abroad.

The sponsor living abroad must establish the following in order to be considered domiciled in the United States:

• He/she left the United States for a limited and not indefinite period of time;
• He/she intended to maintain a domicile in the United States, and;
• He/she has evidence of continued ties to the United States.

An American citizen or LPR spouse or dependent who has maintained a residence in the U.S. and/or whose spouse/parent works in one of the categories listed below would also qualify as a sponsor.

Please see the I-864 information page for further information.

39. How can a petitioner re-establish a domicile?

When a sponsor has clearly not maintained a domicile in the United States, he/she will need to re-establish a U.S. domicile in order for him/her to sponsor the immediate relative/spouse.  The sponsor may make a number of steps to show that he/she considers the United States his/her principal place of residence.  Examples of things he/she can do are given below:

• find a job in the United States, or provide evidence of job seeking in the U. S.
• Locate a place to live in the U. S.
• Register children in U.S. schools, or show correspondence regarding registering children at U.S. schools
• Make arrangements to give up (relinquish) residence abroad, i.e. selling house (listing with real estate agent), renting house, selling household effects.
• Maintaining a current U.S. bank account
• Hold a current U.S. driver’s license

If the sponsor establishes intention to re-establish U.S. domicile, it is not necessary for the U.S. sponsor to go to the United States before the sponsored family members.  However, the sponsored immigrant may not enter the United States before the sponsor returned to the U.S. to live.  The sponsored immigrant must travel with the sponsor or after the sponsor has entered the U.S.

40. How do I calculate the number of people domiciled in the household?

Part 4C - 'Sponsor's Household Size' of form I-864 clearly breaks down how you should calculate household size.  If you still are in doubt on how to calculate the household size, please call the U.S. Visa Information Service on +64 9 915 1081.

41. I need a joint sponsor. What are a joint sponsor's responsibilities?

The joint sponsor's responsibilities are the same as that of a petitioning relative. The affidavit of support is a legally binding agreement to provide financial support to the person(s) immigrating to the U.S.

42. Can the U.S. citizen provide a pay slip for proof of employment?

Provided that the pay slip is the most recent at the time of the applicant's interview, we can accept it.  However, it is at the discretion of the consular officer to request additional evidence of employment if he/she requires it.

43. Can my relatives petition for me to immigrate to the U.S.?

For family sponsorship, only immediate relatives can file a petition on your behalf.Immediate relatives who may petition for a relative are U.S. citizen parents, adult U.S. citizen children, U.S. citizen brothers and sisters, and spouses.  Full information of  on categories, and how to qualify go to “Visa Types for Immigrants”.

44. Can my U.S. citizen child petition for me to immigrate to the U.S.?

Petitioning children must have reached the age of 21 to be eligible to file a petition. Therefore, a U.S. citizen child must be 21 years or over to file for a parent.

45. How else can I immigrate to the U.S. to join my U.S. citizen child?

You must qualify for an immigrant visa in your own right.  There are only three ways in which to qualify:

• through family sponsorship;
• employment and/or investment;
• the Diversity Visa Lottery program. 

You may request information on these categories from the U.S. Visa Information Service 0900 87 847.  For more information about immigrant visa types, please visit this section of travel.state.gov.

46. When we immigrate can our parents/nanny/au pair come with us to the U.S.?

Each must qualify for an immigrant visa in their own right.

47. Can I download all the forms from the internet?

You can download the I-130 or I-129F Petition forms and I-864 from the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov.  The Immigrant Visa application form DS-230 can be completed on line and downloaded from either of the following sites: http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/forms/  OR  travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_1342.html.  The N.Z. police clearance form must be obtained from the Consulate General, Auckland at AucklandIV@state.gov -  completed and returned to the Consulate, as the N. Z. Police do not deal directly with the public.   Always provide your case number when communicating with the Consulate (i.e ACK--------) 

48. We have been advised that USCIS has approved the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, what happens next?

The Petition will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. NVC will contact you with further instructions on how to pursue your immigrant visa application.  

After an immigrant petition filed in the United States is approved by USCIS, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for processing. NVC plays an important role in the next steps of the immigrant visa process by providing instructions to petitioners, sponsors, and visa applicants; reviewing required Affidavit of Support forms from sponsors; and receiving fees, application forms, and other required documents from visa applicants.

NOTE: For numerically limited family preference petitions, NVC contacts the petitioner once the petition’s priority date is about to become current.  Learn more about the National Visa Center (NVC) and processing at the NVC.  

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Applicant document processing information is listed on this site.

NOTE:  The following link Country Reciprocity Schedule advises applicants  how to obtain Police Clearances. Just enter the country in the drop down menu.  N.Z. residents/former residents  must obtain the application form from the U.S. Consulate in Auckland; residents/former residents of Australia must obtain a “fingerprint” clearance from Australian Federal Police.

Numerical Limitations:

All categories of family preference immigrant visas are issued in the chronological order in which the petitions were filed until the numerical limit for the category is reached. The filing date of a petition becomes the applicant's priority date. Immigrant visas cannot be issued until an applicant's priority date is reached. In certain heavily oversubscribed categories, there may be a waiting period of several years before a priority date is reached. Check the Visa Bulletin for the latest priority dates.

49. Can I request information on both the fiance(e) and spouse options to help me decide which is best for me?

See Items 1 & 2 above. You  can obtain instructions  for the spouse or fiancee of a U.S. citizen, wishing to immigrate to the United States, from the Call Center (0900 87 847 user pays).  The processes are similar  in that most of the required supporting documents are the same, and both the I-130 or the I-129F  Petitions must be filed with, and approved by, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.   Therefore your U.S. spouse/fiancée must obtain the Immediate Relative I-120 petition or the Fiancee Petition I-129F  with instructions, directly from the U. S. Immigration Service at www.uscis.gov. 

50. If we are not leaving for another year, can I order the information now to see what is involved?

To start the immigrant visa process for an alien spouse to immigrate to the U.S., as the first step, the U.S. citizen spouse/sponsor must file the I-130 petition with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service: download form from  www.uscis.gov .  The adjudication/approval process may take many months, and you therefore may wish to file the petition now.  Once it is approved it will be sent on to the National Visa Center for processing of the actual immigrant visa application, which will take a further few months.  The NVC will then schedule the appointment with the Consulate General, advise the applicant, and send the case to Auckland about 4 weeks prior to the appointment.  The Consulate can then work with you if you wish to alter the appointment. The visa application should be pursued within one year from receipt at Post if possible.

51. I am a U.S. permanent resident. I have been (or will be) out of the U.S. for more than 12 months. How can I extend my Green Card?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to extend the 12-month limit. You must return to the U.S. within 12 months of your last U.S. departure.  If you don't, you will be deemed to have abandoned your U.S. resident status. It is possible to apply to have your residency reinstated, though this process is costly and requires showing that the absence was due to compelling reasons beyond your control. Statistically, very few cases succeed.  For more information, please email us at AucklandIV@state.gov.

52. I have lost my Green Card and need to return to the U.S. tomorrow (next week etc.)  What do I do?

If you have not been out of the U.S. for 12 months or longer, please contact us at AucklandIV@state.gov to obtain a Boarding Foil application form.