[zsj]

Now I know that quite a few of you will have done this so I wonder if you could tell me what evidence you put in to prove that you had been resident here for the 2 years and were 'committed' to living in NZ?

I have bills and rate statements but my one problem (potentially) is that they are almost exclusively in my name not mine and my husbands, but he is the principal applicant and as such will have to sign the application for RRV and prove *his* (and therefore our) commitment to NZ.

What is generally acceptable as evidence?

Thanks,

Sarah.

[Moorf]

Hi there,

We got our IRRV's a couple of months ago. I also worried that I'd need proof of this, that and the other.

However, the process went like this:

- We picked up forms from NZIS office in Chch (they were in a rack by door).
- We filled them in - we did not need to provide any additional proof except the form and our passports. I assume that they can see from your passport number what your movements have been over the past 2 yrs. Plus part of the form is a declaration whereby you sign to say it's all true and that NZIS may investigate your tax records via the Inland Revenue.

I can't remember the cost, but I am sure it was around $140. We had to fill in a form each but I think we were only charged for the principal application - I'll need to check with hubby!

But, it was completely painless and I need not have worried about providing them with our house details, mortgage details and travel details.

Hope that helps a little
Moorf

[jubjub]

Honestly, its nothing to worry about as long as you have spent the required amount of time in the country, they seem to regard that as proof enough that you are settled and making a life here. I took mortgage statements and stuff with me, they did not need to see them, they can just check on the computer how long you have been in the country from your passport number.

The forms can be downloaded from here http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/formsandfees/formsandguides/returningtonz.htm

We only had to fill out one form for the original principal applicant (hubby in our case) and add on any other names that were granted PR under that application (me!) pay one fee (was $100 a month or so ago). I did it in person and apart from 45 mins in the waiting room, the whole visa application itself took 10 mins for more little blue stickers!

[zsj]

Ok great, thanks guys. So my growing list of paperwork is probably not needed then! I'll probably take a couple of rates bills just in case.

Thanks alot.

Sarah.

[DMcG]

I think they're mostly interested in how long you've actually spent in NZ as compared to out of it. If you haven't been out of the country for more than several months total in the previous 2 years, it's fairly automatic.
Having things like a rent contract or a mortgage and a full time job (or two!) is probably good enough to prove your "commitment".

Dougie

[zardell]

Still on the subject of IRRV, I have a question or two and help from you lot would be appreciated.

I have read the NZIS website, but I can't get my head around it - no change there then !!

If my understanding is correct, once you have activated your PR by landing on NZ soil, you have to stay a minimum of 180(something) days in NZ every year for the first 2 years.

Does that mean then that in reality, you can actually apply for your IRRV after spending 18 continuous months in NZ ?

Let me see if I can explain my thinking....

We activated our PR by arriving in NZ in October 2006. By October 2007 we will have spent 12 continuous months in NZ (obviously more than the 180 odd days required) By April 2008 we will have spent another continuous 180 odd days here, so does that therefor mean that we are entitled to and can apply for IRRV ?

Does that make sense ?

Julie

xx

[jubjub]

I see what you are saying Julie, but nope! You can only get it when you have got to two years after the first date stamped in your passport at NZ customs.

[zardell]

Cheers Sal, but your answer now brings another question...

What if we are in England and our RRV runs out ?

Does this mean a trip down to London (PLEASE say no!! Won't have time to post it I wouldn't think) because by what you have said, I can't get it in NZ before we go.

Julie

xx

[jubjub]

If you are travelling at the time it runs out, then I would think they would process it early for you... just need to ask I guess, and maybe show them your travel itinerary as proof. Cos if it runs out before you make it back, you are in a bit of a pickle!

[DMcG]

Phone the immigration office here and explain to them that you'll definitely be out of the country when your RRV expires. That, coupled with the length of time you've been in NZ should convince them to give you an IRRV.

Mines expired before I left to go for a holiday in Samoa - but they let me leave ok. Getting back in again was a whole different issue :wah
Eventually Samoan immigration let me on the plane (they didn't have to) and I was issued a visitor visa when I got to Auckland with instructions to visit the immigration office asap. They gave me an IRRV on the spot, so it was a LOT less painful than it could have been.

Dougie

[Caroline and Dave]

I know this does not apply to 99% of you but thought it would be an ideal opportunity to let you know this.
We are on a Business Investment Visa and our PR visa lasts for 5 years instead of the normal 2. Our RRV also lasts for 5 years. In this time we only have to stay In NZ for 180 days per year for the LAST 2 years. At the end of this period we can apply for our IRRV and also Citizenship.
It use to confuse us that everything was different for us than most others but we have got used to it now.
I have put this on here so anyone thinking of coming over on a business investment visa will have a bit of info.
If anyone wants to know more, feel free to pm us anytime

Kind regards

Dave and Caroline