[Deb&Andy]

Hello
There seems to be a lot of time differences displayed by people between being selected and receiving an ITA. I'm not even sure about the process after that. We were selected 2 weeks ago with 195 points (based almost totally on Deb's quals, skilled migrant job and firm offer of a job (see my intro a few days ago). Anyway, are we being much too optimistic? When could we receive the ITA (if they are going to send one)? Deb needs to start work 21 May (we hope to arrive 10 May). Is there any chance at all of us getting everything processed by then? If not can we apply for temporary work and student permits and continue the AR (is that the correct/accepted abbreviation for Application for Residency?) when we arrive? Any advice will be much appreciated.
Andy

[andrewandjane]

hi there,

i submitted my EOI Jan and was selected Jan with 140 points and a job offer. got Invitation to apply shortly after towards end of Jan along with an allocated case officer. about ten days later i think.

we went ahead and booked medicals and police checks etc to make sure we had it all sorted in advance and had it all back within two weeks for meds. Whilst we were waiting for medicals to come back NZ imigration invited us to apply so as soon as the medical forms arived i went down to london and submitted the ITA. we got confirmation of receipt letter. and a letter saying it would take 1-3 months, two weeks and a two days later (TODAY) we got a letter saying decision in principle and we will get visa in 1-3 weeks from now.

overall from EOI to decision in principle has taken less than two months.

[Deb&Andy]

Hi Andrew & Jane
Thanks for that. That gives me a bit more hope. I was wondering about going down to London to submit the ITA. Had seen somwhere on the forum that this can help as you can try and talk to someone there about your application. Is that the case? Hope everything goes OK with your move.

[Trigirl]

its very doable in that timeframe - but the most important thing is to make sure you dont hold up the process. have you had/applied for your police checks? have you had your medicals or are they booked? have you sorted out all your evidence of qualifications/partnership etc?

[kiwiroberts]

I agree with TriGirl, make sure your police checks are done because they seem to take the longest. In SA they take 28 working days and they almost held up our application. Also make sure you have your letters of reference and all the other paperwork. It will really help you to get it all sorted out so that the day you get given an ITA, you are ready to submit it all as well.

[Deb&Andy]

Thanks
We have applied for the police checks. Were going to wait for the ITA to book medicals. Thanks for the advice on getting everything together. Andy