Bozeman
27th May 2008, 10:49 AM
Just six days before we step on the plane to Christchurch, our blue stickers were issued yesterday. That was cutting it a bit close for comfort but it was probably my fault.
As soon as I knew our (SMC) application had been received, I rang our case officer and let him know how important it was that we stick to our June 1 departure schedule. He was very understanding and professional and assured me that there shouldn't be a problem. I then got busy and did not talk to the gentlemen again for a number of weeks. When I did call, I realized that no action had been taken. After the call, however, things moved quickly (including the frantic submission of an additional medical test). In retrospect, I realize that if I had been making polite update calls every week or two, the process probably would have run its course more quickly. Not rocket science, I know...
We are, by the way, based in Hong Kong. Our visas were issued from the NZ Consultate here which was much easier and faster than sending passports to Beijing.
As soon as I knew our (SMC) application had been received, I rang our case officer and let him know how important it was that we stick to our June 1 departure schedule. He was very understanding and professional and assured me that there shouldn't be a problem. I then got busy and did not talk to the gentlemen again for a number of weeks. When I did call, I realized that no action had been taken. After the call, however, things moved quickly (including the frantic submission of an additional medical test). In retrospect, I realize that if I had been making polite update calls every week or two, the process probably would have run its course more quickly. Not rocket science, I know...
We are, by the way, based in Hong Kong. Our visas were issued from the NZ Consultate here which was much easier and faster than sending passports to Beijing.