Hi everyone

Please can anyone help my mate in new plymouth ( No not to get out of there). She came over on a working holiday visa with her partner he has now been granted residence but she is still on temp basis as needed to prove relationship!!! She has been told that could take upto a year before she is granted residency but her visa runs out in January 08. How does she get her visa extended until she achieves residency??? any advice would be welcome

Thanks
Jan

Hi Jan

In order to prove the relationship, they would have to be seen to remain in a long term, living together type relationship for at least that year. I would imagine that is why the 'up to a year' clause. Therefore, I would also imagine that immigration would grant an extension on the visa so that they are able to do that, cos it'd be a pretty poor show if Immigration told them the relationship could not be proved because your friend had to leave as her visa ran out. Also, don't forget that you can be in this country for up to 6 months visiting without a visa as a visitor - or at least that is what I believe was the case when we came out last year, so long as you had a valid brit passport and a valid return ticket.
Her best bet is to enquire with immigration. It may be that some alternative type visa is available.
If I get a chance, I will make enquiries next week with a contact I have through work in Border Control and see if he can shed any more light.

Cheers steve Looking forward to next week,

Chilli, Lasagne, or Stew!!!!

No goat stew? GOOD! Chilli would be really good - I'm answering for him as he reads over my shoulder!
I read your last post out and nothing would do but he log on himself on the main PC... he's off out for a cig now and nothing but nothing comes between a man and his rollie!

Have just posted this on another thread. Don't know if it will be useful for your friends. All they need to prove is that they have been a couple for 12 months, more if they can but it is just the last 12 months NZIS need proof of. Even for people who've been together, married for years a marriage certificate and childrens birth certificates are not enough to prove your relationship. If they have lived together for 12 months UK and here, they can prove this by getting friends and family to write relationship testimonials. The writer should put their name, address and all contact details at the top. Address the letter to NZ Immigration, To Whom It May Concern and date the letter.

The writer should state who they are and what relationship they are to you and/or your partner/spouse. They need to state the length of that relationship. They should say how long you have been in your relationship and confirm you both live at the address you have stated and the length of time you have both lived there. They should also put in a paragraph about joint things/hobbies you as a couple enjoy, details of any family holidays, events, etc. The should close by stating their opinion on whether you are in a loving, stable relationship. It is unlikely but the writers of yours letters should be aware that NZIS may want to contact them to confirm any of these details. These just have to be brief, to the point paragraphs, not lengthy novels! Photographs or events attended, especially in the preceding 12 months also count (write on the back in pencil who's who and what event and the date of the event), joint invitations to family functions, joint utilities bills, joint bank statement, joint gym membership, etc. Cards to you both, ie anniversary etc. Oh, and they do like to see the envelopes as well if possible to see that the letters are addressed to you both at the address you have stated and so they can see the postmark/date.

They don't necessarily need proof of a joint mortgage or utilities. All our previous bills were in my OH's name (smart move eh? ).

Hope this helps.

All good advice - if you get really stuck then there is an ex-NZIS investigator at the end of my desk......I can ask her specifics but it will have to be next Tuesday.....good luck

Thanks for all your input will past on to my friend am sure she has loads of stuff from uk.

Good move re utilities team embo!!!:

Another option would be to apply for a family sponsored (open) work visa.
This is usually for 1 year and would provide the time necessary to prove the 12 months of living together.
Once the PR application is made, it can take another 2-12 months for the application to be approved.

Shawn