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It was interesting filing our AOS papers today for my wife and her son.  I was really surprised when they told us that they didn't need the $50 fingerprinting fee that every website says you must submit!  I asked them if they were sure they didn't need my cashiers check for this and they said "nope, don't need it, they're not doing that right now"!

I had also read that getting the EAD card could take up to 40 days but they made my wife and her 7 year old sons cards right there while we waited and we walked out with them.  Yes, my 7 year old son needed an EAD in order to get a social security number!  They are giving socials only to those who are "work authorized" we were told so even though he is only 7, he had to get work authorized!  I guess now that he has an employment card I could stick him in a local sweat shop or something for a couple of bucks a day! LOL!  
Now we can go get their social security numbers at the social security admin office.  We tried to get them before but they told us that without the EAD cards, it would take forever to get the social security numbers!  The whole affair cost a total of $655.  Man, just to push a few papers around!  Amazing!

Also was told that you will only be able to file AOS papers locally till the 15th of June, after that they must go to the regional level (not good!).  So I am glad we finally got it done.  They guy who helped us told us that we should be glad we were able to do it there rather than shipping it all off to Nebraska..  Couldn't agree more!

I swear, it doesn't matter who you talk to, read what website (even the government website!), who has been through it all before you, you just never know what answer you are going to get on this stuff, just like dealing with the IRS!  I told the clerk that helped us I had read some of the stuff I thought we needed right off the BCIS Official website and he simply said "you can't believe that stuff"! LOL!

Later,
Oscar

PS, our boy is doing great!

... in response to Somewhat surprised at AOS filing-, posted by Yeahbaby on May 28, 2003

You didn't have to waste money by getting an EAD for your son, just for an SSN.  All you had to do was get an ITN from the IRS (free), this is used for his school, your tax forms, etc.  After the green card comes, then you could get him an SSN (free).

... in response to Somewhat surprised at AOS filing-, posted by Yeahbaby on May 28, 2003

glad to hear that everything went smooth for your AOS filing. Next step is getting the 1st green card. And that should be no problem either.
So how is the vacation planning going? Pick a spot to stay on Maui yet? Look forward to meeting you and your family...aloha, Stan

... in response to hey Oscar, posted by Stan B on May 29, 2003

The vacation is planned, we leave in less than 2 weeks!  We will be in Hawaii for 13 days.  Going to Oahu first, then Kauai then Maui.  Will be at the Royal Lahaina in Maui June 16-20.
Really looking forward to it... It would be great to meet you there.

Later,
Oscar

... in response to Yes, we leave June 9th!, posted by Yeahbaby on May 29, 2003

I added my email to my profile, so drop me a line and I'll give you my # so you can call once you get here. The Royal is about 5 miles from where I live, are you renting a car? If not I would highly recommend it.

... in response to Re: Yes, we leave June 9th!, posted by Stan B on May 29, 2003

Yep, have all our car rentals and inter-island hops already reserved.

Oscar

... in response to Yes, we leave June 9th!, posted by Yeahbaby on May 29, 2003

Aloooooohaaaa,

I've been looking at Maui lately, and am beginning to wonder about the quality of anything less than some $300/day resort (gag me).  The Royal Lahaina was looking good, until I put it into Google and looked at some reviews.  You can do the same, or try the below link:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60634-d90119-Reviews-Royal_Lahaina_Resort-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html

I was also looking around Kihei area such as Kamaole Sands, but have read reviews that the water there is murky (possibly from sewage?).  You're probably better-off being in the Kaanapali area.

Where are you staying on Kauai?  We stayed at the Radisson near Lihue, it is very nice and has a great central location.  We also spent a layover day on Oahu, we did not care much for the bustling "cityness" of Honolulu & Waikiki.  The North Shore along Sunset/Waimea is nice, but not much there, good for day trips.

Please report back on your experience, and the Royal Lahaina - mahalo.

... in response to Maybe next month????, posted by T P Cornholio on May 29, 2003

You have to get a tower room at the Royal Lahaina for sure, which we have.  Certainly there are more expensive hotels there, but I figure, how much time are you going to be spending in your hotel room in Hawaii??  I would rather spend the money on the great activities and seafood.

Kauai we are going to be at the Kauai Coconut Beach.  It's in the middle of the island so it's an easy jump to either side.

Actually, Oahu boasts one of the very top beaches in all of Hawaii, Lanikai.  Saw a cable travel show a few weeks ago that was called the "Top 10 beaches in Hawaii".  It was rated the number one beach..  Lot of fashion photograpers shoot there evidently.

Oscar

... in response to Re: Maybe next month????, posted by Yeahbaby on May 29, 2003

Have you been to Kauai before?

I believe your hotel is in Kapaa near the Coconut Market Place, and it can get fairly crowded around there.  But it's close to everything, lots of good shops, supermarkets, and eating places (plus close to the Wailua River for boat rides).  There's also a jewelry store run by Russians in Coconut Market, but their prices tend to be higher than other shops (it's in the back corner behind Hula Girl near the ice-cream store next to the big colorful plumbing exhibit).  Have a dinner w/music at the Hula Girl restaurant there (definitely try a LAVA FLOW), and make sure to take the kid(s) to Lydgate Park just down the road.  Lydgate is a great place for young ones (and adults) to snorkel (especially for learning), it is protected and only ~4ft. deep, plus it has a great innovative play park... I found it to be fun.

I could write another couple paragraphs, but I'll leave the rest up to you!  :~)