[Bernadette]

Last week I had my phone interview with my case officer. I am now waiting to hear the outcome (I am praying we get a PR!). If they say yes I was wondering what the next stages are.

We sent in a certified copy of my husband's passport as he flies frequently with his current job. I guess that this needs to go to immigration within a certain timescale. And then what?

In my mind I have had this hope we would go after Christmas so that our families can spend some time with our children (1 and 4) before we go for good. Also my 4 year old starts school in Sept and I don't really want him to start for a few weeks and then do a major move on him.
Do you think, if we get the "yes", I am being realistic?

All advice is appreciated!
Berni x

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

In theory it's 12 months before you have to arrive here and claim your residency, however, I think that the 12 months is measured from when you pay your migrant levy, which you have 6 months to do, so in theory you have 18 months. Basically, ages.

We flew out 48 hours after getting our passports back with blue stickers, so it wasnt an issue for us, we had no intention of hanging about in the UK a moment longer than necessary !

[migratory birds]

Yes, it's realistic to expect to be there by December/January. It'll give you plenty of time to pack/sell your home. To get your blue stickers ('stamps') you will have needed to pay the Migrant Levy Fee - then you've got 12 mos from the date the stickers are dated to set foot in NZ.

48 hours, Baldy Beardy! You must have had your bags packed! Good for you! I'm dragging my heels thinking of all that we'll leave behind (tough time of year to think of leaving a sweet home with a lovely perennial and fruit garden in a terrific neighborhood...)

What would you think of not having your 4 yo start kindergarten till you get to NZ at the start of the school year in February? One less loss/heartbreak for the little one esp if he really LOVES his new school, his new teacher and new best buddies. Maybe you've been building up the excitement of going off to school in the fall but, if not, maybe he could stay where he is (home or in his daycare) for a few months longer...

Hope all goes as you desire!