[SarahEDH]

Hello all,

I'm behind in posting to the Intro forum -- have been lurking on other threads since finding this site a few weeks ago. I wish I had seen this when I began the PR application process last January, but better late than never. I'm a former attorney, now IT contracts manager / kayaker / empty-nester, currently in California.

Big news yesterday -- I got the letter saying "approved in principle"! Had the interview on 2.10 and just sent my CO a pestering email yesterday morning, asking for status (she's not one to email much, apparently), and there was the letter when I got home. What a nice way to end a Monday. Hope to talk with you all more in the weeks to come --

SarahEDH

[Oregonkiwi]

hi Sarah
welcome to the forum!
Where in NorCal are you? We're homeless, but currently in Nevada City.
Avril

[SarahEDH]

thanks Avril -- I'm in El Dorado Hills, about 35 miles east of Sac on 50. Can see the mountains from here . . . and drive to the snow when we want it, without having to live in it :) What's it like in Nevada City this a.m.?

[Bruckner]

Congratulations Sarah and welcome to the forum!

Emily

[SarahEDH]

thanks Emily -- can I ask about your timeline, if you don't mind? Looks like about six months in between your approval in principle and the final approval. Was this your choice or NZIS processing time?

[Ana&Steve]

Wow, is this a US to NZ thread? :p Welcome to the forums, there is a wealth of info on this site! I have family in Oroville, is that near you? (I know we fly into Sac & drive the rest of the way to get there) Hope to see you on the other side. :)
Ana

[SarahEDH]

Yes, it looks like it! hi Ana --

I've passed the Oroville exit on I-5 many many times on my way to Mt. Shasta (favorite playground), but I live about 100 miles southeast. thanks for the welcome, and I look forward to seeing everybody at one of these meets eventually. From other posts it looks like there are several in-bound Californians -- I guess we're doing our part to reduce the congestion here :)

[Bruckner]

Hi Sarah,

We waited the maximum six months to pay the Migrant Levy Fee after we were approved in principle. Once we paid the fee, we were granted a PR visa that's good for one year. We wanted to give us as much time as possible to save up for the move. I answered your PM too.

Emily