nick333

HI everyone, would be greatful if someone could offer pearls of wisdom.

Wife and I (nurse and electrician) are hoping to apply for PR with our 2 kids.

Problem we have is our son has moderate learning difficulties and epilepsy(well controlled by drugs approx 4 fits per year). Am pretty sure this will have a bearing on our appliation, and braced for the fact that NZIS may reject our application because of this.

Is it worth going down to NZ house to speak with them b4 we get wife qualifications recognised and then submit an EOI with job offer, and be upfront and ask their opinion is it worth even startiong the process. Or are we flogging a dead horse b4 we even start due to his condition.

Any advice or pointers in the right direction wold be much appreciated

Nick

Gail5

Hi Nick,

Our son (Ryan is 15) has learning difficulties and we had doubts about applying for PR in case we were rejected and would it be worth our while, etc. but we went ahead anyway and we are now waiting for a decision from NZIS. We submitted our ITA in October (with a job offer) along with all the information we thought relevant to Ryan but we were asked in December for further details and a recent medical report (we thought we had supplied enough but obviously not!) We managed to get all this together by February. Once it had been 'checked' by the medical assessor in the UK it was then referred to the medical assessor in NZ and that is where we're up to now - just waiting (and waiting) for a 'yes' or 'no'.

Others in a similar situation have applied and been accepted with no problems so (well, in our case) we just decided to 'go for it', if we get rejected then at least we tried. I would just advise that you make sure you submit as much information, as many details, reports etc. as you can get. Before we applied I contacted NZIS to ask if we might be rejected because of Ryan's situation but they just said each case is dealt with individually and every case is different - they don't commit themselves, it's up to you to decide to apply or not.

It's a huge step we all make, deciding to emigrate, and it's not easy, and to have added problems isn't fair but we make it part of the process. I just keep saying 'que sera sera' - 'whatever will be, will be' - and keep fingers and toes crossed. If you have a dream then follow it and just see what happens. Think positive . . . . .

I wish us all lotsa luck!

Keep me posted

Gail

BEVS

As Gail5 states, your application would probably be referred to an NZ medical assessor. You could try a trip to NZ house but each case is taken on its own merit. I doubt an NZIS officer would comment until they saw the medical reports. My understanding is that it will all depend on whether NZIS feel that your sons difficulties would be a burden on the NZ health system.

What you could perhaps think to do would be to collate together GP and specialist reports in advance to send with your medicals.

nick333

Gail and Bevs, thank you so much for taking the time to reply and offer your advice.

How spooky, my son is called Ryan and will be 15 this year.

We are hoping to move over in March/April 09 so had better get the ball rolling as have to get my wifes qualifications recognised by the District Health Authority b4 submitting EOI.

If selected for ITA will include school reports, references from Head Master re his learning difficulties and a report from his consultant re the Epilepsy. Hopefully this will be enough to get the PR process going.

Gail all the VERY best with your application, i truely hope you receive positive news very soon. Please let me know how you get on.

Bevs, thanks for great advice as ever.

Regards,

Nick