Contents

1. U.S. History and General Information
2. Travel
3. Vital Records
4. Finding People
5. Getting Married in the U.S.
6. Taxes and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
7. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)* & Firearms
8. Military
9. Consumer
10. Communicating with U.S. Government and Embassy
11. Miscellaneous
12. Non-Immigrant Visa FAQs
13. Immigrant Visa FAQs
14. Passport FAQs

 *Some of the links below are PDF files, which can be downloaded using Adobe Reader. If you do not have Adobe Reader, download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader from here.

If you have any other questions please email the American Reference Center: wellington.arc@state.gov 

 

1. U.S. History & General Information

 

1. Can I find a text of The National Anthem?
2. Can you tell me about the American Flag, the significance of the stars and stripes on it, or the flag timeline?
3. Can you tell me about the Great Seal? (pdf document - 3.01MB)/ The Constitution? / The Capitol?
4. How does the American Government Work?
5. Can you tell me how many Presidents there have been? / Where can I find bios of U.S. Presidents?
6. Where can I find speeches of U.S. Presidents or contact a Presidential Library
7. Can you tell me the dates of U.S. federal holidays?
8. Where can I find information on the Statue of Liberty?
9. Where can I find U.S. legislation?
10. Where can I find the U.S. Government's Official 'Web Portal'?

 

2. Travel

 

1. Can I drive in the United States?
2. Where can I find road maps of the United States? Driving directions?
3. Where can I find state Tourism & Visitors Bureaus?
4. State Photo Galleries - Travel and Tourism in the States
5. Musea: Virtual Library with museum listings by name, state, type, etc.
6. National Parks Service & World Heritage Sites in the U.S. 
7. Am I able to take my pet to the U.S.?
8. Can visitors to the U.S. get their sales tax refunded?
9. Are there any tips and hints on how to be better prepared for my airport security check?
10. Who do I contact about lost or damaged luggage or items I believe were removed from my luggage during an airport security check?
11. Can I travel with my prescription medication?
12. Where can I find information on the 50 states?
13. What's the time in ......?

 

3. Vital Records

 

1. How can I obtain a copy of a birth / marriage / divorce / death certificate?
2. Where can I find out about Social Security Administration services, benefits and payments if I am living outside the United States?

 

4. Finding people

 

1. How do I find a friend or relative in the U.S.?
2. What if my friend is not listed in the public phone book?
3. How do I find out the zip (post) code for a letter/parcel?
4. How do I find the two-letter abbreviation for a U.S. state?

 

5. Getting Married in the U.S.

 

1. Can we get married in the U.S.?

 

6. Taxes and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)*

 

*Note: the U.S. Embassy and Consulate cannot provide U.S. tax advice or assistance. See below for links to helpful websites and information from the IRS or see our list of U.S. tax specialists in NZ for assistance. Note that the information provided below refers to matter of U.S. Federal tax obligations only. For questions having to do with state taxes contact the appropriate state’s Department of Revenue.

1. How do I know if I am obligated to pay U.S. taxes?
2. Does New Zealand have a Tax Treaty with the U.S.?
3. How do I get an International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?
4. Can the Embassy help me with my U.S. tax forms?
5. How do I contact the IRS?
6. What are the tax requirements if I want to start a business or buy property in the U.S.?
7. I worked temporarily in the U.S.; can I get a refund on the taxes that were taken out of my paycheck?

 

7. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)* & Firearms

 

1. What do I need to know about importing or exporting goods?
2. What items can I take with me into the U.S. and what items are prohibited?
3. Can I purchase a firearm in the U.S. while I am there visiting?
4. Can I temporarily import a firearm into the U.S. for hunting of lawful sporting purposes?

 

8. Military

 

1. How can I support U.S. troops overseas?
2. I am looking for information about the 'invasion' of New Zealand by American forces in 1942. Where should I start?
3. How do I get copies of U.S. military records?
4. Can I join the U.S. military as a foreign citizen?
5. Can I work for the U.S. Military in a civilian capacity?

 

9. Consumer

 

1. How do I make a consumer complaint about a U.S. company, transaction or business person?
2. How do I identify and complain about a possible scam or fraud?
3. What should I do if I think I've been targeted by a U.S. scam?

 

10. Communicating with U.S. Government and Embassy

 

1. How can I contact The White House?
2. How do I send a letter, fax or email to President Obama?
3. How do I address the U.S. President?
4. How do I tell you what I think about the U.S. government?
5. How do I address the U.S. Ambassador?

 

11. Miscellaneous

 

1. What is the time in the U.S.?
2. How many women are in the U.S. Congress?
3. Where can I find the text of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech?
4. Where can I find information about the American flag?
5. Where can I find information about the Capitol?
6. Where can I find information about the Statue of Liberty?
7. Who is the current Surgeon General, America's chief health educator?
8. Where can I find information about Presidential Libraries?
9. How can I buy or borrow an American flag?
10. How do I get help with my U.S. federal income tax return?
11. Can I mail alcohol to the U.S.?
12. How do I mail food to the U.S.?
13. What is an International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?
14. Do the United States and New Zealand have an income tax treaty?
15. Where can I find a comprehensive guide to the U.S. government?
16. Where can I find information about past U.S. presidents?
17. Who do I contact if I would like information about going to study in the U.S.?

 

2. Travel

2.1  Can I drive in the United States?

All US states should recognize and accept a New Zealand driver’s license as valid for driving in the US for short periods of time, check with the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for confirmation.  Though it is not necessarily required, we strongly recommend obtaining an International Driver Permit before driving in the US. Some car rental companies have specific rules/regulations for foreign drivers, check with the rental company before renting.

Driving rules and regulations, driver licensing, and vehicle registration are all administered on a state by state basis through the state DMV. 

2.8  Can visitors to the U.S. get their sales tax refunded?

Each US state sets and collects sales taxes through the state Department of Revenue.   In most states visitors are not able to claim a refund of any sales tax paid to the state.  Louisiana is the only state that allows international visitors to claim back sales tax.

2.11  Can I travel with my prescription medication?

The US Transportation Security Administration allows travelers to carry prescription medications.  It is recommended that travelers carry only as much medication as they will need during their travel, keep medications in original prescription containers, and carry a copy of the original written prescription or doctor’s note.  Also see their guidelines for travelers with medical conditions or disabilities.

 

3. Vital Records

3.1 How can I obtain a copy of a birth / marriage / divorce / death certificate?

Copies of vital records from the U.S. must be requested through the State Department of Health of the state which holds the record.  Most states have a specific vital records office within the Health Department which handles requests for birth, death, and marriage certificates.  In some cases they may also hold divorce records.  Vital records offices accept and process requests differently in every state, you can search for records and vital records office contacts here. In some cases records may be held by a city or county government, county clerk’s office, or county courthouse.  The State Department of Health (or Public Health) is the best place to start for assistance in these matters.

3.2 Where can I find out about Social Security Administration services, benefits and payments if I am living outside the United States?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government.  SSA administers federal social welfare and benefits programs.  The SSA website has information on international agreements and payments outside the U.S.  and Social Security Numbers for non-citizens. If you have questions about Social Security please contact the nearest office, located in the Philippines; or see Where to Write for Vital Records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

4. Finding People

4.1 How do I find a friend or relative in the U.S.?

If you are trying to contact a friend of relative in the U.S. there are a few places you can look. Try looking them up in the White Pages online and make sure you have the correct address or phone number. We do not hold copies of U.S. phone books at the Embassy in Wellington and do not have access to personal contact information that is not publicly listed. If someone is not listed in the public phone book we will not be able to help

4.2  What if my friend is not listed in the public phone book?

If you know where someone lives (city and state) you should include as much information as you can in your search, see below for links to zip code and state abbreviation finders. You can also try a people search from Whitepages.com, which links to pay-for-use people finding services. If you are concerned about a friend or relative who may have passed away, you can try to contact the local library or newspaper in their city of residence for assistance searching local records. Or contact us for help locating a specific obituary

4.3  How do I find out the zip (post) code for a letter/parcel?

Zip codes in the U.S. are used when sending mail and are similar to post codes in New Zealand. Zip codes are typically 5 digits but in some cases you may need to use a nine digit zip code. You can search for zip codes through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) or look up a zip code to find out what city it corresponds to.

 

5. Getting Married in the U.S.

5.1 Can I get married in the U.S.?

Each U.S, state sets the regulations and guidelines for getting married within the state. You can find detailed information for each state’s requirements at U.S. Marriage Laws, or look up the website of the County Clerk’s office in the county or city where you plan to marry, many have specific instructions and downloadable applications on their websites.

Generally speaking, most people who are legally able to get married in New Zealand can get married in the U.S., you do not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident.

Both parties must apply for and obtain a marriage license, in most cases this must be done in person, from the county clerk in the county they plan to marry (see county clerk contact details for each state), there is usually an age minimum and fee involved, you should also be prepared to provide valid identification. Marriage licenses are generally valid for 30-60 days after they are issued and allow the parties to get married in that county/state within the validity period of the license, a marriage certificate will be issued during or after the ceremony.

In some cases, non-US citizens wishing to be married in the US may need to provide proof that they are legally able to marry each other. A certificate of no impediment to marriage can be obtained from the NZ Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) before traveling. You may also want to register your marriage with the DIA in New Zealand after you return. This is not required by law, as most overseas marriages are recognized in New Zealand, but some people chose to do this in order to acquire a NZ marriage certificate.

 

6. Taxes and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)*

*Note: the U.S. Embassy and Consulate cannot provide U.S. tax advice or assistance. See below for links to helpful websites and information from the IRS or see our list of U.S. tax specialists in NZ for assistance. Note that the information provided below refers to matter of U.S. Federal tax obligations only. For questions having to do with state taxes contact the appropriate state’s Department of Revenue.

6.1  How do I know if I am obligated to pay U.S. taxes?

If you acquired any income or assets from U.S. sources during a U.S. tax year (January-December) you may be legally obligated to pay U.S. taxes. Income can be from work, interest, inheritance, property, investments, etc. See IRS webpage on U.S. tax information for international taxpayers and/or their U.S. Tax Guide for Aliens for details. They also provide information on the Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities.

6.2  Does New Zealand have a Tax Treaty with the U.S.?

Yes. You can read the full text of the treaty.

6.3  How do I get an International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

If you are obligated to pay U.S. taxes you may need to acquire an ITIN before being able to do this. See information from the IRS on applying for an ITIN.

6.4  Can the Embassy help me with my U.S. tax forms?

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate cannot provide U.S. tax advice or assistance. See our list of U.S. tax specialists in NZ for assistance. We do not hold copies of IRS form at the Embassy, but you can download most IRS forms from their website.

6.5  How do I contact the IRS?

There is no IRS office in New Zealand, but they have several international offices. The IRS can be contacted in a number of ways, see the IRS contacts page for details.

6.6  What are the tax requirements if I want to start a business or buy property in the U.S.?

The IRS has compiled some tax information for international businesses. They also have websites for non-resident aliens with real property in the U.S. and the withholding tax related to these properties.

6.7  I worked temporarily in the U.S.; can I get a refund on the taxes that were taken out of my paycheck?

Only the IRS can determine an individual’s right to a federal tax refund, in order to claim a refund you’ll need to file a tax return after receiving a wage and tax statement (W-2 form) from your employer, you may be able to file online. See links in 6.1 above for information on filing obligations for non-resident aliens. Note that some U.S. taxes are usually non-refundable to any taxpayer (i.e. social security taxes); for information on state taxes please contact the appropriate state’s Department of Revenue.

 

7. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)* & Firearms

*The U.S. Embassy cannot provide Customs decisions on travelling with specific items. Please see information below or contact the nearest Customs office directly. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers are authorized to make individual decisions on the admission of any item into the U.S. at the port of entry. Links provided below are guidelines only and are not comprehensive.

7.1  What do I need to know about importing or exporting goods?

•  
  Customs Enforcement Attaché Office
  American Embassy
  27 Napier Road
  SINGAPORE 258508
  Ph: +65 6476 9425
  Fax: +65 6476 9188 or 9479
  

See U.S. Customs information on Basic Importing and Exporting or you can use the Customs Find an Answer site to search their database of frequently asked questions. If you cannot find an answer to your questions you can contact us for further assistance or contact the nearest Customs Office in Singapore:

7.2  What items can I take with me into the U.S. and what items are prohibited?

The CBP provides information on Restricted/Prohibited Goods and Bringing Food into the U.S. If you cannot find an answer to your questions you can contact us for further assistance or use the Customs Find an Answer site to search their database of frequently asked questions. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a list of prohibited items for U.S. domestic travel.

7.3  Can I purchase a firearm in the U.S. while I am there visiting?

Nonimmigrant aliens are generally prohibited from purchasing firearms or ammunition in the U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is the main federal regulatory department on firearms. See their FAQs regarding firearms and nonimmigrant aliens for more information and exceptions, and their guidance publication on Nonimmigrant Aliens Purchasing Firearms and Ammunition in the U.S.

7.4  Can I temporarily import a firearm into the U.S. for hunting of lawful sporting purposes?

You may be able to temporarily import a firearm into the U.S. if you first obtain an import permit from ATF by submitting the proper form to the Firearms & Explosives Import Branch. See also the ATF’s answers to questions regarding firearm import permits. You may also need to contact the NZ Police and/or the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for a permit to export a firearm from New Zealand.

 

8. Military

8.1  How can I support U.S. troops overseas?

The U.S. Department of Defense Community relations Office supplies lists of troop support groups by category. Most support organizations allow for donations online or you can contact them directly to find out more. Or you can use the online form to send a message to troops overseas.

8.2  I am looking for information about the 'invasion' of New Zealand by American forces in 1942. Where should I start?

NZ History online tells the story of the U.S. Marines stationed in NZ during WWII. Old St. Paul’s cathedral in Wellington played a major role in the lives of those stationed in the Wellington region, they still display the U.S. and Marine flags in commemoration. From 2007-2009 the cathedral housed an exhibit called “A Friend in Need” which told the story of these young men. The exhibition closed in June 2009 but will reopen at a permanent location later in the year.

8.3  How do I get copies of U.S. military records?

•  
  National Personnel Records Center
  Military Personnel Records
  9700 Page Avenue
  St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

You may be able to request military records from the National Personnel Records Center for yourself or for a relative if you are their next of kin. Some people can request records online but you can also download the records request form and send it to:

8.4  Can I join the U.S. military as a foreign citizen?

In most cases, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents can join the U.S. military. We recommend interested parties contact the military branch they are interested in joining directly for specific criteria information.

8.5  Can I work for the U.S. Military in a civilian capacity?

The Civilian Personnel Management Service (CPMS) of the Department of Defense provides information about civilian personnel opportunities with the department. Please contact the CPMS for more information.

 

 

11. Miscellaneous

11.10  How can I buy or borrow an American flag?

We may be able to lend you an American flag for your event; however, we regret we are unable to donate a fabric flag to any organization or individual. Paper flags of differing sizes may be available.

Please contact:

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Embassy

Ph: +64 4 462-6082

If you wish to purchase an American flag please contact:

Flagmakers

3 Sar Street
Thorndon
Wellington

Ph: +64 4 473 6680
Fax: +64 4 473 6683

There may be other flag manufacturers in your region. Please check your local Yellow Pages.

 

11.11  How do I get help with my U.S. federal income tax return?

•  
  • contact the Philadelphia Service Center
    or
  • engage the services of a commercial tax consultant here in New Zealand

The federal tax agency in the United States is called the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS website includes copies of all forms, tax guides, instructions and publications. We regret Embassy and Consulate staff may not advise on legal matters such as IRS tax returns.

If you have specific questions, you may either:

 

11.12  Can I mail alcohol to the U.S.?

No, you cannot. According to Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted, & Perishable Mail of the United States Postal Service, intoxicating liquors having 0.5 percent or more alcoholic content are non-mailable. This includes taxable liquors with 3.2 percent or less alcohol, as well as those obtained under a prescription or as a collector's item. The prohibition of the mailing of intoxicating liquors is contained in federal law (18 U.S.C. 1716).

For more information about restricted or potentially harzardous goods please see the USPS's Publication 52.

 

11.13  How do I mail food to the U.S.?

All commercial shippers who wish to send food to the U.S.A. must electronically file a prior notice with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A confirmation of the FDA receipt of prior notice must be presented to New Zealand Post along with the parcel.

Although this rule also applies to non-commercial shippers, a revised Compliance Policy Guide issued March 2005, states that "no action" will be taken if a non-commercial individual shipper sends food to either him/herself, another family member or a friend.

This means that members of the public may continue to send food products as gifts to the United States without completing the prior notice.

Foods that are excluded from the prior notice requirement include food that was made by an individual in his/her personal residence and sent by that individual as a personal gift (i.e., for non-business reasons) to an individual in the United States.

More information on the Bioterrorism Act and the FDA.

More information on Prior Notice of Imported Foods.

 

11.14  What is an International Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

The Internal Revenue Service, the federal tax agency of the United States, issues the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

More information on the ITIN may be found here.

 

11.15  Do the United States and New Zealand have an income tax treaty?

Yes. The United States-New Zealand Income Tax Convention  was entered into force on November 2, 1982.

 

11.16  Where can I find a comprehensive guide to the U.S. government?

An online edition the brochure entitled "Our American Government'' (2000 edition)  is a useful resource.

For a more basic introduction to many aspects of the U.S. government and how it works you could try "Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids".

 

11.17  Where can I find information about past U.S. presidents?

Wikipedia.

 

11.18  Who do I contact if I would like information about going to study in the U.S.?

• If you're a New Zealander considering a U.S. university education, Fulbright New Zealand is is the place to start. Fulbright can help with information about the U.S. academic environment, selecting a university, student visas, what you need to pack and more.

  Fulbright offers Educational Services to undergraduates, postgraduates, professionals (teachers, doctors, nurses) and school and university career counsellors.

  Fulbright also administers a range of U.S. exams and tests including the SAT, GMAT, and TOEFL.

  Contact Fulbright's Educational Advisor:

  Ph: +64 4 472 2065
  Education Advising Line: +64 4 499 6218
  Fax: +64 4 499 5364
  Email: info@fulbright.org.nz  (for general enquires) or educate@fulbright.org.nz  (for education advising)