June and I are in New Zealand. My visa expires on April 2 one day after we were scheduled to leave on April 1 to take a cruise from Abu Dhabi. Of course that was cancelled. We booked a flight to LAX for March 30 as I can not over stay my visa as they could deny me entry for several years in the future. We saw an immigration lawyer about extending my visa. Can not extend my visa but can apply for a new visa as the spouse of a New Zealand citizen. Did that on March 18. We were told by the lawyer that they normally grant an interim visa so I can stay while they process my new visa. Have not received the interim visa as of today. Will give them until middle of next week but will need to either get an interim visa by March 29 or pack and take the flight home on March 30.
If I get the visa we will be here until around June 1 at which time we would return to CA. Even with the new visa there are stay limitations that I need to keep in mind or we can not return on November 19, 2020 as planned.
As I do not expect most of you are aware of what is happening here I will summarize.
The government of New Zealand has taken excellent steps to control the spread. They have been well ahead of the curve on the transmission of the virus. As of last night there has been no community transmission of the virus. There are 39 cases all of which are travelers from outside the country. I really commend the government for taking the steps they have. All travel into the country is limited to citizens or spouses of citizens. Stores have been emptied which has frustrated the government which is constantly telling the public that there is no shortage of supplies. We are not limited in our ability to go out and about. Had lunch with the Howell's on Thursday afternoon at a local restaurant at the harbor. There were not many customers and we were able to sit mostly well away from others. Schools are still open. The governent has warned everyone that they may need to put in place more restrictive polices in place so are encouraging all to limit contact and wash, wash and wash your hands. The government yesterday gave New Zealand air a loan of almost One Billion as the air carrier is considered an essential national asset. Which I agree. Kiwi's can not get around their country without air transport nor get to other parts of the world. Air New Zealand has cancelled most of its international travel schedules with only a handful of fights still flying.
I apologize for the long post. Just thought some may be interested.
