[Thyrza]

Hi everyone,

We submitted hubby's PR application in Washington last Thursday under Family/Partner category (I'm a NZ citizen) and received a letter today (exactly one week later) with all our original documents back and a letter noting that a CO had been assigned.

The letter noted that my NZ police certificate is in process and that it will take 6-8 weeks to come back (hope it doesn't really take that long). I noticed Minnie Cooper got her hubby's PR approved in 11 days in London but not sure whether they needed her NZ police cert or not).

The letter also asked just one simple question for clarification and noted that they need a response by July 15, 2009 or they will proceed with a decision without the response. Hubby emailed the response, is that sufficient? Do we need to send a formal letter?

I think our application is straight forward, no medical issues (hubby was cleared by doctor to be in "excellent health"), FBI clearance both clear and we sent a lot of relationship evidence.

Does NZIS normally send back all original documents (passports, birth certificate, USB with photos, marriage certificate) when CO is assigned?

Could they have more questions later or since they've already sent a letter with the one question and sent back all our original documents, they've already reviewed and are satisfied with the application/documents and all they're waiting for is my NZ police cert?

Any insight to this process would be appreciated!

[dusk]

It's perfectly normal to have your original documents back :) (assuming they've checked through them and kept copies there's no need for them to keep them sittingon their desk)

email response should be fine for clarification - if the CO wants anything else or in a different format they will let oyu know, never fear :)

Otherwise sounds like you're just really waiting for the police clearance, which could take as long as it takes them I guess :)

[M-Squared]

They send them back as soon as they've checked through them all and ticked all the boxes. Completely normal. :) :nice1

[Thyrza]

Thanks for the reassurances!