[Mark & Emma]

Once you submit an EOI, is there a certain amount of time you have to complete the rest of the process? Its just we'd like to know if we COULD go before telling family and possibly saving a lot of upset by telling everyone only to find we cant go! Our points come to 125, so its a bit 'iffy' :(

Ta, Mark

[Mal]

Mark,

If your EOI is selected, you will receive your ITA (invitation to apply) within a few weeks. Once you have received this, you have 4 months to send in your complete application. Then, your residency should be processed according to NZIS 'in between 3 weeks and 3 months'.

Mal

[Mark & Emma]

thanks for the prompt answer Mal, looks like we've got a desition to make!

[sfordjasiri]

Your EOI will sit in the pool for up to 6 months if it does not get selected before that time. (After 6 months it is "thrown away".)

The above is my understanding.

I had 125 points as a software engineer and got selected in the first drawing after I submitted my EOI, so maybe you will get selected also.

If your EOI is selected, you then have 4 months after they send you the ITA to return the ITA.

[Mark & Emma]

becoming clearer now thanks. If the EoI was not selected, or if the ITA was not returned within the time limits, is it still possible to re-apply later or would they frown upon that? If for example we didnt get selected, and i gained a qual in my field, surely they would see that the situation had changed and a re-application would be allowed? Although i read that the Microsoft quals are not recognised.

[StevieD]

Welcome to the forum guys!!

You can apply later on again. There is also room for manoeuvre if you need to dalay your move, as you have 4 months as correctly said, to send in your ITA, then when you (hopefully) get PR, if that is what you are after, you have 6 months to pay your migrant levy (more money I afraid).

Good luck!

Steve

[Mark & Emma]

Hi Steve, great replies here, so many people willing to offer thier 2p's worth.

Indeed, PR (had to look that one up!) is our goal, but we are at a very early stage - having never visited, nor know where we want to go except that we would prefer the quieter life that seems apparent on the south island, maybe Christchurch. The closest we can get is google earth haha.

While on the subject of EoI's ect, are these companies that help you apply worth the money? I'm assuming like accountants can save you more money on your tax return that you doing it yourself, that they know all the little tricks of the emigration trade?

[Belmont Babes]

Hi Mark and Emma

We are pretty much at the same stage as yourselves. Our EOI has been selected (31 Jan) but haven't heard anything since. With regard to Immigration Bureaus the general feeling is that they can be a rip off and a needless expense. We did enquire and they wanted over £900 to get the ball rolling! With the internet and this fantastic forum with all the friendly guys who use it I would plod on if I was you.

With regard to telling family etc. We haven't told a soul yet. I feel it's a little early yet as the process can be lengthy. Good luck with everything and look forward to keeping in touch.

[Trigirl]

unless you have a particularly complicated case its really pretty straightforward to DIY your application. an emigration company can't get you any extra points, can't apply for the paperwork for you, can't go to the medicals for you. personally for a skilled migrant application i'd say they were a waste of money.

welcome to the forums by the way!! :)