Originally Posted by jamesneilsmith (Post 12438662)

Hi

I am looking to immigrate to New Zealand, I am a single parent, aged 45, son of nearly 14yrs. My score on the skilled migrant EOI was 130, I am a building surveyor with just under 4 years working experience (Decorator who went back to school to learn new trade) and I have a BSc (Hons) degree. I am going through various Skype interviews at the moment, I had a job offer in 2016 but had to pass due to circumstances at that time. It's only a matter of time before I get another offer, my skills, experience and qualifications are in demand and on the immediate skills shortage list and appears to be on the long term skills shortage (Although it only says surveyor in the description, not building surveyor). I know the minimum points score for skilled migrant is 160, are there any other options available?

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Neil

Originally Posted by inkedneonurse (Post 12438743)

With the current SMC points level set at 160 it almost certainly means you would need a job offer, i would attend immigration expos they are bormaly jam packed with recruiters from all walks of life, unfortunately your age is against you and the rules are always changing so if your serious about comeing over i would start Asap. The other option is a two uear work/talent visa (research which one is best for you as each have their own conditions) this alows you to gain the extra points you would need by working over here.

Originally Posted by Bo-Jangles (Post 12438768)

Work arrangements and points aside; you would also need to consider any legal issues with you bringing your son to NZ as a single parent. Depending on circumstance with his mother you would need consent to take him out of the country.

Originally Posted by jamesneilsmith (Post 12438772)

I have full custody, and all the appropriate paperwork, and she has not made contact or seen him in nearly 2 years so I assume there will be no issue with that side of things.

Thanks for the thought though ;)

Originally Posted by NZ Immigration

F5.20 Dependent children under 16 whose parents are separated or divorced

If the parents of a child under the age of 16 are separated or divorced, the New Zealand citizen or resident parent must have the right to remove the child from the country in which rights of custody or visitation have been granted, or, if no such rights of visitation have been granted, from the country of residence.
Such children will not be granted a resident visa unless the New Zealand citizen or resident parent produces satisfactory evidence of their right to remove the child from the country in which the rights of custody or visitation have been granted or, if no such rights of visitation have been granted, from the country of residence.
Except where (d) applies, evidence of the right to remove the child from the country in which rights of custody or visitation have been granted must include original or certified copies of:
legal documents showing that the New Zealand citizen or resident parent has the sole right to determine the residence of the child, without rights of visitation by the other parent; or
a court order permitting the New Zealand citizen or resident parent to remove the child from its country of residence; or
legal documents showing that the New Zealand citizen or resident parent has custody of the child and a signed statement from the other parent, witnessed in accordance with local practice or law, agreeing to allow the child to live in New Zealand if the application is approved.
Where an immigration officer is satisfied that:
by virtue of local law, the New Zealand citizen or resident parent has the statutory right to custody of the child; and
it is not possible or required under that local law to obtain individualised legal documents to verify that custodial right, the New Zealand citizen or resident parent will be considered by INZ to have the right to remove the child from its country of residence.

Originally Posted by Bo-Jangles (Post 12438777)

I believe in UK law the mother still retains 'parental responsibility' and therefore still has a legal interest in his wherabouts and location, no matter what circumstances of the divorce settlement or amount of time away from the child. She therefore will still have rights with regards to your ability to remove your son from the UK. You should not infer any automatic rights of removal and really do need to check with the legal eagles on this.

Originally Posted by BEVS (Post 12438792)

Bo-Jangles is steering you straight & true. Thanks Bo.

I believe that to keep things in order , you will likely need written consent from the other parent . If not you will need to show reasons why this is not available or possible.

Please have a read of what the New Zealand Immigration manual has to say in this regard.

Originally Posted by Bo-Jangles (Post 12439756)

I think it will be much more than just a simple matter of supplying paperwork.

Unless you have already have written consent from the mother you will find the law is pretty clear on the matter and that you cannot remove your son from his country of residence without obtaining her consent.

If you are unable to approach her or she is unlikely to give you consent freely in writing, then you will no doubt face a long drawn out process with the family court in order to obtain a relocation order to allow you to remove your son from the UK.

You will need to do a lot of homework and gather lots of evidence to support your case in order to show that living in New Zealand will be beneficial and in the best interests of your son. You would need to show them that you have been to New Zealand and be able to demonstrate that have a really good plan, other family ties or support network in place in NZ.

Originally Posted by jamesneilsmith (Post 12439483)

Thanks, I will look into it, although when someone goes for a holiday and does not return, and the other person who is left with the child has no idea of their whereabouts then I would like to think this should just be a tick box situation, I was granted full residency, the other party was a no show for every legal step, despite the courts and lawyers taking all the correct steps to keep her involved.
I suppose I will find out once I take the leap...Thanks for the advice though, I just assumed because of the circumstances things would be fine... kind of... ;)

Originally Posted by jamesneilsmith (Post 12438662)

Hi

I am looking to immigrate to New Zealand, I am a single parent, aged 45, son of nearly 14yrs. My score on the skilled migrant EOI was 130, I am a building surveyor with just under 4 years working experience (Decorator who went back to school to learn new trade) and I have a BSc (Hons) degree. I am going through various Skype interviews at the moment, I had a job offer in 2016 but had to pass due to circumstances at that time. It's only a matter of time before I get another offer, my skills, experience and qualifications are in demand and on the immediate skills shortage list and appears to be on the long term skills shortage (Although it only says surveyor in the description, not building surveyor). I know the minimum points score for skilled migrant is 160, are there any other options available?

Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Neil

Originally Posted by jamesneilsmith (Post 12439798)

Thank you again for your comments. Grey areas and loooholes in everything, hence the reason the world is the way it is.

Originally Posted by jamesneilsmith (Post 12439798)

Grey areas and loooholes in everything, hence the reason the world is the way it is.