kiwichick36

Hi All
I'm returning to NZ after living in the UK for over 15 years. Will be very sad to leave the UK but 15yrs away is long enough. Feel that I know more about living in the UK now than about NZ. Originally from Invercargill but planning on living just out of Christchurch. Moving back with my husband who is english, 7month old, 2yr old and a dog. Dreading the flight back but at least its only one way.

Jo-Chris

Good luck with your return home

jmh

Nice to hear from you. I'm a kiwi and I have been away 22 years!! I can't drag myself away just yet, but I can see having kids might affect your decision. I went back for a hol at Christmas. I would be interested to hear of your experiences once you have settled in.

kiwichick36

Thanks. Just can't imagine the kids growing up without a big garden and loads of outdoor space that we'll hopefully have in NZ.

JAJ

If you've not got your British citizenship, you probably want to sort that out before you leave.

kiwichick36

Hi
I've never got round to getting it as have unlimited leave to reamain in uk so was never important. We have no intentions of returning to the UK as all my family live in NZ and the kids have both passports so they can go back when older. I can only see myself going back for holidays. Do you know what the rule is for returning to the Uk within so many years? Should find out really.

JAJ

As soon as you are no longer living in Britain you are at risk of losing your status, and once your absence passes two years, you need returning resident entry clearance: http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk

It really would be a good idea to get your British citizenship before you leave, as opposed to abandoning your resident status - plans and circumstances can change later on in ways you cannot predict.

As you are (apparently) married to a British citizen, planning to emigrate is not a reason to refuse naturalisation, but it must be done before you leave. Afterwards, it's generally too late if you change your mind.

Were your children born in Britain? If so, read the following about their NZ citizenship - it's important:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/New_Ze...hip_by_Descent

jmh

Another considerable advantage of having a UK passport is the ability to go live in the EU!. Might seem unlikely now, but who knows what the future will bring.

Am Loolah

My husband was born in NZ and was moved back to the UK as a young child.

He always kept his NZ passport in which he had a "Right of Abode" in the UK. (English mum, Kiwi dad.)

It was always a bit of a pain in the bum travelling with him on our UK passports (me and the kids) as he always had to faff about with visa's etc around Europe on his NZ one.

He never changed to a UK passport and lo and behold we moved to NZ nearly 2 years ago. He on his NZ passport the kids' on theirs (citizenship by descent, so they used their NZ ones and have UK ones too) and me on the UK one ... the only immigrant in the family!

I imagine we thought along the same lines as you - as far as the kids go, everywhere is open to them, except the States ........