Where to start?
May 27th 2006, 1:44 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Where to start?
Hi
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
May 27th 2006, 11:26 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: our own home, chch
Posts: 812
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by Houghfamily
Hi
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
I would suggest that the preferred route for most people is permanent residency if you can (ie have qualifications / experience that are sought after) - that way you can apply as a family / you will have complete freedom to live where you want / get whatever type of job you want (using your quals or not) / not be tied to any particular employer. If you choose this as your route, then I would firstly complete the online points checker - if your points are healthy then go for it. If your points are low then you can focus on getting a job - that way your points will go up and you will be fast-tracked, however you may find yourself in the quandry of not being able to get a job without a visa.
If your quals / skills are not sought after then you could go for work visa, then you do have to all apply seperately, however you will find there are more restrictions when you arrive - not overly familiar with this one as didn't go this route!
Others have come out on a visitors visa, sourced a job on arrival, got work permit and put PR application in at same time - gets fast tracked etc etc.
If you go PR route you will need to provide all evidence that is given points - you will need medicals / x-rays / police checks / proof of quals which may need NZQA assessment / proof of work experience / you will need the long version of all birth certs. It is a major paper trail and the sooner you collect your evidence together the easier it gets - however remember that the police certs are only valid for 6 months (they take up to 40days to get) and the medicals are valid for 3 months - and they can need serious booking ahead!
Good luck with it all
HTH
Vicki
May 28th 2006, 4:52 pm
#3
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 20
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by Joshlin
Welcome to the forum.
I would suggest that the preferred route for most people is permanent residency if you can (ie have qualifications / experience that are sought after) - that way you can apply as a family / you will have complete freedom to live where you want / get whatever type of job you want (using your quals or not) / not be tied to any particular employer. If you choose this as your route, then I would firstly complete the online points checker - if your points are healthy then go for it. If your points are low then you can focus on getting a job - that way your points will go up and you will be fast-tracked, however you may find yourself in the quandry of not being able to get a job without a visa.
If your quals / skills are not sought after then you could go for work visa, then you do have to all apply seperately, however you will find there are more restrictions when you arrive - not overly familiar with this one as didn't go this route!
Others have come out on a visitors visa, sourced a job on arrival, got work permit and put PR application in at same time - gets fast tracked etc etc.
If you go PR route you will need to provide all evidence that is given points - you will need medicals / x-rays / police checks / proof of quals which may need NZQA assessment / proof of work experience / you will need the long version of all birth certs. It is a major paper trail and the sooner you collect your evidence together the easier it gets - however remember that the police certs are only valid for 6 months (they take up to 40days to get) and the medicals are valid for 3 months - and they can need serious booking ahead!
Good luck with it all
HTH
Vicki
I would suggest that the preferred route for most people is permanent residency if you can (ie have qualifications / experience that are sought after) - that way you can apply as a family / you will have complete freedom to live where you want / get whatever type of job you want (using your quals or not) / not be tied to any particular employer. If you choose this as your route, then I would firstly complete the online points checker - if your points are healthy then go for it. If your points are low then you can focus on getting a job - that way your points will go up and you will be fast-tracked, however you may find yourself in the quandry of not being able to get a job without a visa.
If your quals / skills are not sought after then you could go for work visa, then you do have to all apply seperately, however you will find there are more restrictions when you arrive - not overly familiar with this one as didn't go this route!
Others have come out on a visitors visa, sourced a job on arrival, got work permit and put PR application in at same time - gets fast tracked etc etc.
If you go PR route you will need to provide all evidence that is given points - you will need medicals / x-rays / police checks / proof of quals which may need NZQA assessment / proof of work experience / you will need the long version of all birth certs. It is a major paper trail and the sooner you collect your evidence together the easier it gets - however remember that the police certs are only valid for 6 months (they take up to 40days to get) and the medicals are valid for 3 months - and they can need serious booking ahead!
Good luck with it all
HTH
Vicki
We felt the same about 3 months ago, the confusion drives you mad!
Anyway, we kinda did it all back to front and luckly its all worked out ok.
Hubby applied for lots of jobs on the net, recieved job offer, sold the house, sent off for police checks - still unsure at this point whether we were going to apply for PR or general work visas.
Decided that work visas would be the quickest way out of UK. Then went for full medicals, including the children, except they didn't have to have chest x-rays. We figured that if we got full medicals here in the uk, then we wouldn't have to bother when we want to apply for PR in NZ.
Had everything together appart from hubbys police check was very late coming back, so i would recommend you do that early on.
When his Police check finally arrived we posted applications & recieved them back 8 DAYS later.
Exchanging contracts on Tuesday next week moving out of the house the same Friday, Flying on 22nd of June. Shockingly fast! is all i can say.
Cant wait!
Good luck
May 28th 2006, 5:42 pm
#4
Dreams can come true :)
Joined: May 2006
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 330
Re: Where to start?
Hey you - we are new to this also and just looking in to everything. I called NZ immigration from here one night (they are 12 hours ahead) and they were SO helpful. The woman made me smile as I said that we are thinking of coming for a year and then deciding re PR and she said 'You won't want to go home!!!' - she recommended that if we have the PR points to go for it as then we have all doors open! Good advice I thought. I also have bought a whole bunch of books on Amazon about working and living in NZ (a v. up-to-date one is just coming out - looks great).
Anyway I will be keeping an eye on your replies as we need all the info we can get too. When do you plan on going?
I have to finish my degree first
Good luck - checkout the site on what to take with you - I have been taking notes!!!
Bye for now
Anyway I will be keeping an eye on your replies as we need all the info we can get too. When do you plan on going?
I have to finish my degree first
Good luck - checkout the site on what to take with you - I have been taking notes!!!
Bye for now
May 29th 2006, 4:32 am
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 977
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by Houghfamily
Hi
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
anywaysyou say your partner's father has NZ citizenship...does he (your partner) not qualify for citizenship through descent?
Not sure, maybe look on the Department of Internal affairs website....
If not, then it will be a Residency/ Work Permit route. You dont have rto be married but need to be able to prove defacto status for two years.
We came over on a Work-to-residence visa, and certainly my wife was alloed to apply as well..(i think in theory your partner has to fill out her own form, and apply as a partner, but in practise it really is the same as her applying on the back of yours). Probably just the Immigration departments way of getting more fees....
see if you have enough points to get Residency, thats the best option. Second best would be to apply for jobs, get an offer, and then apply for a work to residence or work permit (thats what we did). feel free to fire away with more questions.
all the best of luck.....
May 30th 2006, 2:02 pm
#6
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 29
Re: Where to start?
"I also have bought a whole bunch of books on Amazon about working and living in NZ (a v. up-to-date one is just coming out - looks great)."
any recommendations ??!
have just finished the one written by the family from the channel 4 series.
any recommendations ??!
have just finished the one written by the family from the channel 4 series.
May 30th 2006, 11:09 pm
#7
Dreams can come true :)
Joined: May 2006
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 330
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by RodandEm
"I also have bought a whole bunch of books on Amazon about working and living in NZ (a v. up-to-date one is just coming out - looks great)."
any recommendations ??!
have just finished the one written by the family from the channel 4 series.
any recommendations ??!
have just finished the one written by the family from the channel 4 series.
Emigrating to New Zealand: An Independent Guide by Steve Horrell publish date 26 May 2006 - am waiting for my copy to be delivered! Should be here any day now will let you know if it is as good as it looks
Jun 1st 2006, 8:48 pm
#8
Just Joined
Joined: May 2006
Location: uk
Posts: 14
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by Houghfamily
Hi
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. I've got a general education but some good experience in specialist areas and he has a professional qual (MCIPS). We're trying to establish what we need to do...we've had a good look around the immigration site, but feel confused re visas and applications. From what I can see, both he and I need to get police certificates and medical certs and also for the eldest child - but will he require a policecert also? Will both the children?
As neither of us has applied for visas or jobs yet, I would guess we need to get the visa through first - and this is where the confusion starts.
Do we:
Apply for a work visa or a residence visa? Do we get this first and then apply for a job? Do we apply for jobs once we've moved to NZ or before?
We noted that on the work visa, it said that "your partner or children cannot be included in your application". Would we have to apply separately then (unless we marry before leaving the UK?)
We've got enough money to support ourselves without needing a job for the first 2 years, we believe, but would want something before/very shortly after arriving. We don't know where to start!
BTW, my partners father has NZ citizenship, but lives in the UK - how does this affect us?
We also have 2 kids,7 and 5 and both (me and hubby)have recognised qualifications on the long term shortage list(jobs).
It depends how quick you want to go to nz.the online expression of interest needs 140 points to automatically be selected and offered to apply for residency.Without a job,we had 130 points but we were selected as we both have skills in areas nz needs.When you get your invitation to apply,you have 4 months to get all your paperwork together inc.medicals,police checks,etc.You all need a medical but only those over 18 yrs need a chest xray and blood tests.After returning your paperwork it could be another 1 to 3 months before you are approved for residency,that is if you still don"t have a job offer.We are there at the moment trying to sell our house.If you get a job offer then residency is approved very quickley.
I hope this helps.I don"t know anything about work visa as we didn"t go down that route as we still had our house to sell and weren"t in a desperate rush to go.
Jun 1st 2006, 9:04 pm
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Re: Where to start?
Hello and thanks for all you valuable advice!
"anywaysyou say your partner's father has NZ citizenship...does he (your partner) not qualify for citizenship through descent?"
We found out yesterday that my partner DOES qualify for this and he has been sent an application form for this. The lady who sent the email also sent details through for an NZ Passport, so he's applying for this also - does this mean he has some sort of automatic permanent residency, or is that a separate issue?
Thanks again for any advice you can spare
"anywaysyou say your partner's father has NZ citizenship...does he (your partner) not qualify for citizenship through descent?"
We found out yesterday that my partner DOES qualify for this and he has been sent an application form for this. The lady who sent the email also sent details through for an NZ Passport, so he's applying for this also - does this mean he has some sort of automatic permanent residency, or is that a separate issue?
Thanks again for any advice you can spare
Jun 2nd 2006, 3:50 am
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 977
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by Houghfamily
Hello and thanks for all you valuable advice!
"anywaysyou say your partner's father has NZ citizenship...does he (your partner) not qualify for citizenship through descent?"
We found out yesterday that my partner DOES qualify for this and he has been sent an application form for this. The lady who sent the email also sent details through for an NZ Passport, so he's applying for this also - does this mean he has some sort of automatic permanent residency, or is that a separate issue?
Thanks again for any advice you can spare
"anywaysyou say your partner's father has NZ citizenship...does he (your partner) not qualify for citizenship through descent?"
We found out yesterday that my partner DOES qualify for this and he has been sent an application form for this. The lady who sent the email also sent details through for an NZ Passport, so he's applying for this also - does this mean he has some sort of automatic permanent residency, or is that a separate issue?
Thanks again for any advice you can spare
next step will be to apply for a spouse visa for you and dependant visas for the kids, not sure of the requirements, but look on the immigration.govt.nz website for "partners of NZ citizens", because that is what you are now becoming................
let us know how it all goes..........sounds like a giant leap forward to me to have him get NZ citizenship......
Jun 2nd 2006, 10:39 am
#11
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by newkiwi
Once he gets his citizenship and passport he is a citizen and considered a true New Zealander, just as much a Kiwi as you are a UK citizen....no need to worry about residency permtis or anything for him....
next step will be to apply for a spouse visa for you and dependant visas for the kids, not sure of the requirements, but look on the immigration.govt.nz website for "partners of NZ citizens", because that is what you are now becoming................
let us know how it all goes..........sounds like a giant leap forward to me to have him get NZ citizenship......
next step will be to apply for a spouse visa for you and dependant visas for the kids, not sure of the requirements, but look on the immigration.govt.nz website for "partners of NZ citizens", because that is what you are now becoming................
let us know how it all goes..........sounds like a giant leap forward to me to have him get NZ citizenship......
I'll go and have a look now! Thanks so much for your help and advice - scared and excited now...
Jun 3rd 2006, 1:29 pm
#12
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by newkiwi
Once he gets his citizenship and passport he is a citizen and considered a true New Zealander, just as much a Kiwi as you are a UK citizen....no need to worry about residency permtis or anything for him....
It is possible for a NZ citizen by descent to "upgrade" to becoming a naturalised NZ citizen after living in New Zealand, however it seems that few people who could benefit from this concession know about it.
Jun 3rd 2006, 6:54 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Posts: 248
Re: Where to start?
[QUOTE=Houghfamily]Hi
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. QUOTE]
Does the father of your two children have any parental rights? If he does, you will need his permission to remove the children from the UK and you will have to prove it to the NZIS. As your children are young, you will also likely have to have a letter from their father indicating that he agrees that the children may have a passport.
We're new to this site and first timers, so Helloooo!
Sure that this had been asked many times before, but we could really use advice/guidance you may have.
My partner (not married), myself and my children (2 of, aged 12 & 8) want to move to Auckland, NZ. QUOTE]
Does the father of your two children have any parental rights? If he does, you will need his permission to remove the children from the UK and you will have to prove it to the NZIS. As your children are young, you will also likely have to have a letter from their father indicating that he agrees that the children may have a passport.
Jun 4th 2006, 3:35 am
#14
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by CWEMM02
Does the father of your two children have any parental rights? If he does, you will need his permission to remove the children from the UK and you will have to prove it to the NZIS. As your children are young, you will also likely have to have a letter from their father indicating that he agrees that the children may have a passport.
Or obtain a court order.
Jun 4th 2006, 10:45 am
#15
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6
Re: Where to start?
Originally Posted by CWEMM02
Does the father of your two children have any parental rights? If he does, you will need his permission to remove the children from the UK and you will have to prove it to the NZIS. As your children are young, you will also likely have to have a letter from their father indicating that he agrees that the children may have a passport.
The youngest, her father and I were unmarried and she was born in 1998, before automatic parental responsibility came in in Dec 2003 for unmarried fathers, so hopefully that's covered, but I'm looking into that.
JAJ, thanks for your advice above, re naturalisation - most useful
