[dilanium]

I had emailed the NZ embassy in the US earlier with a question about bringing my husband with me when I have a student visa. They took a few days to get back to me, but were very nice in their answer (especially since it was an answer that makes things easier for us :D ).

Since the program I would be going into culminates in a qualification needed on the long term skill shortage list, my husband can get a work visa for the duration of my program without having a job offer.

I thought I would share that with everyone here just in case it could help someone.

-Liz

[Super_BQ]

Great post and i'm sure others will look for this info. Despite recent changes to NZ immigration policies, the country is still by far one of the easiest countries to visit or stay.

For example, overseas students studying in NZ under a student visa are allowed to work in the country for the duration of their stay. Also, renewing the student visa doesn't present much difficulty - which means the student can supplement their income by working in NZ ; instead of depending all of their funding sourced overseas. For Canada (http://www.immigration1services.com/engweb/students.htm) (and I believe the same in the US), students are not allowed to conduct any form of work that is outside of their study (unrelated to their study). Furthermore, once a visa has been granted, the student can not have the visa changed while in the country (a visa status change requires the person to physically leave the country and re-apply for that appropriate visa).

As Liz described, NZ appears to be quite liberal in granting work visas to spouses. Such a case is not permissable in Canada (especially if the primary applicant is under a student visa). Some years ago I knew a NZ aircraft engineer that was head hunted by Bombardier Canada. He was on a 2 year contract and while his spouse was allowed to move to Canada with him, during that 2 year stay she was not allowed to take employment whatsoever and no exceptions. This is also true for my friend that worked in S. Korea for over 5 years ; his wife routinely had to fly back to Bali (where she's from) every year and re-enter S. Korea under a new visa.

Overall, i've heard numerous cases of people going to Canada and at the airport, the boarder security & immigration agency had denied their entry. The same applies for many Americans that travel to Canada by land. You have to demonstrate 1) that you have sufficient funds for the time you're staying 2) a clear purpose for visiting / staying in Canada and 3) proof that you will leave the country.

When arriving to NZ and visiting the customs and immigration officials, the intent is somewhat different and definitely more relaxed. It's like they're welcoming visitors and returning residents. A case i've never felt each time I visit the US or Canada. In the US I suppose the intent is based on anti-terrorism. In Canada the intent is based more towards taxation (boarder control & immigration is under 1 pillar named the Canada Boarder Security AND Revenue Agency). While in NZ the boarder and immigration is separate to IRD.

How about passing immigration of the country you want to visit before you even board on the airplane? In Vancouver Airport, there's an area just past the US check-in counter that is considered US soil and US law. A way to stop potential terrorists (or illegal aliens) before they board on the plane.

[kanatakiwi]

How about passing immigration of the country you want to visit before you even board on the airplane? In Vancouver Airport, there's an area just past the US check-in counter that is considered US soil and US law. A way to stop potential terrorists (or illegal aliens) before they board on the plane.

Never fails to tick me off seeing that "Welcome to the USA" sign in the Vancouver Airport!!:no