[Jo Jo]

I'm currently in the process of collating as much info as possible for my application for residence in NZ via partnership, and I have what I thought was a beautiful file, with separate numbered sections for each of the categories (proof of shared residence, financial interdependence, documents showing public or family recognition of your relationship, etc) with sub-categories within each section, and the documents for each section are filed in numbered and labelled plastic folders, and I've typed up a document explaining what everything is, and cross-referencing certain documents...

Then I read the Tips for residence application lodgement (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/BB72F465-E9D3-4DB9-8460-4F15F4F25B60/0/TipsforResidencyApplicationLodgement.doc) and it says "Please do not put documents in plastic folders".

Now, this might be a stupid question, but how am I supposed to file and reference all the documents without using plastic folders? I can't just punch holes in them and put them in the file because there are things like birth certificates, greetings cards, post cards, photographs etc which I obviously can't punch holes in. What do I do? Just bung everything into a box file? Buy lots of cardboard folders instead?

How did you present all the documents supporting your applications for residence?

[Lilly]

Hi JoJo,

We applied for my Husbands residency last August. I did the same as and you and supplied all of the documents with a letter explaining what they were. I also noticed you are not meant to use plastic folders. Instead, I simply folded a piece of paper and placed the documents in this. is They are then seperated but are also easy to access.

I hope this helps!and good luck!:p

[Oregonkiwi]

We just put all the documents in an envelope together, in the order listed in the covering letter. Seemed to work fine.

[jen]

That's what we did, too. The smaller items like photos, envelopes and cards we taped onto standard-sized pieces of paper so they would stay in order in the stack of paper.

[anna_c]

We did the same as Oregon Kiwi - in an envelope, with a list at the front and the documents in that order. We also included a letter stating what they showed if it wasn't obvious. They seemed happy with they organisation.

[Trigirl]

same for us too - all in an envelope with a list in that order.

[Jo Jo]

Thanks for the advice. Now I'm thinking I've got too many documents as they definitely won't fit in an envelope! (Still, yesterday I was worrying i didn't have enough, so that's an improvement!)

[wiki]

Are you taking them in in person?

I put ours in a manilla folder pouch with a cover sheet noting the docs and a piece of paper folded over to separate each section. I clipped things like the postcards together but had some odd bits like our old English heritage joint membership cards (and the sign-up form) which I had to hand over as they were.

The case officer who checked took most of the paper clips and bits of paper off as she went through everything, so I wouldn't worry if I was you.

To be honest - they see these sorts of documents every day so will recognise what they are and what they mean, so don't go over the top sorting them. If they want clarification, or any further details they'll be in touch.

[Jo Jo]

Super - thanks, Wiki.