[Tomsk]

We're currently in the process of completing the ITA and are planning to move out to NZ in 2008. I've recently realised that all our passports are due to expire either late '08 or early '09.
So, how easy is it to get replacement UK passports (complete with the PR stickers) once you're in NZ? Or would I do better just forgetting that they've all got over a year to run and applying for new passports now, so that our PR stickers go straight into a brand spanking new passport, and I'll not have to worry about it for 10 years.
I think I'll probably get replacement passports now, but we seem to be going through money at a ridiculous rate at the minute and if this is one thing that I don't actually need to spend out on just yet then I'll happily economise:o
It is important of course that we have valid passports, we'll be leaving behind some very special family members, and we need to know that we can simply get on the first available plane and come back should there ever be a major problem.
Thanks for any info any one can give me.

[Caniwi]

Hi Tomsk

I've been looking into this for my Canadian husband. For our timeline his passport would expire, before the NZ work permit would. I emailed NZIS and they suggested to me that they wouldn't issue a work permit that lasted longer than the passport.

I would suggest getting a new passport, as I also understand there is a fee to transfer any papers from an old passport to a new one.....

Caniwi

[sizzlingbadger]

I would get them done now.

I've had to get a new one while here in NZ and for a British passport it was $300 and another $40 to get the visas put in it.

They've just put the prices up to over $300 for a new passport now :exit and over the $200 mark for a child's passport, got to get our son's done as his has expired :roll

[zardell]

Yes, I would definitely get them done in the UK too, but remember that when you send your passports in with your ITA application, you can request to have them returned a.s.a.p. so that means you can send your old ones in, get them back and replace them later.

Also remember that you DO NOT have to fill in and return the Migrant Levy form with your ITA. You only need to fill that in and send it to NZIS when you want your visas in the passports, so unless you have a NZ job to go to and are leaving the UK very shortly, you have no hurry there.


If in the meantime, you have replaced your passports (as we did) simply send an email to your case officer (when one is assigned to you) informing them of the change of passport number(s) and/or a letter enclosed with the new passport(s) when you finally send them in.

The only time that NZIS require your passports for any length of time is when they attach your visa's into them.

Hope this helps........

Julie

xx

[vixxann]

Just check this but I think you cannot renew a british passport until at least nine months before it is due to expire.

[zardell]

Just check this but I think you cannot renew a british passport until at least nine months before it is due to expire.



Good point - maybe they have changed the rules since we did it.

Julie

xx

[sarahw]

Yeah but you could 'loose' them! ;)

[lockstock]

...or maybe try the washing machine route and see what Churchill says. :o Oooh, did I just write that out loud??

[vixxann]

and there was me - being a good honest british citizen who'd never pull the wool over any official eyes :D

[zardell]

...or maybe try the washing machine route and see what Churchill says. :o Oooh, did I just write that out loud??





:confused: What?? Did somebody speak ??? Nah ?? Thought not....:laugh


Julie

xx

[Tomsk]

Thanks all for the advice. You can replace a British passport at any time, however they will only credit you with a maximum of an extra 9 months on a passport that is renewed early. So if I choose to renew them 18 months before they expire I will get a new passport that lasts 10 yrs & 9 months. If that makes sense. I have checked that out pretty thoroughly with the Passport Office website.
I like the idea that we can submit the ITA and then send in the Migrant levy with a new passport at a later date, thanks for that tip Julie, I think that's the way to go.
Hubby has a job starting Feb 08 in NZ, but the children and I will be in the UK until June 08 as son's sitting his GCSE's then, so there's no rush at all for us to get the visas.

[R&A]

Thanks all for the advice. You can replace a British passport at any time, however they will only credit you with a maximum of an extra 9 months on a passport that is renewed early. So if I choose to renew them 18 months before they expire I will get a new passport that lasts 10 yrs & 9 months. If that makes sense. I have checked that out pretty thoroughly with the Passport Office website.
I like the idea that we can submit the ITA and then send in the Migrant levy with a new passport at a later date, thanks for that tip Julie, I think that's the way to go.
Hubby has a job starting Feb 08 in NZ, but the children and I will be in the UK until June 08 as son's sitting his GCSE's then, so there's no rush at all for us to get the visas.

You are absolutely right - I just renewed my passport and it arrived on saturday and is valid for 10 yrs 9 months. 9 months is the maximum amout of time that can be carried over.

I agree with previous posters that you should definitely renew then before you go - mine came back within a week and I can't imagine it would be that quick or easy from NZ! :)