[Johnson]

Hi,

I'm a newbie! My partner and I have recently started looking into NZ as an option for immigration. We have a little girl as well.

How does NZ view unmarried couples when it comes to immigration, is it an issue?

My partner is a police officer - has anyone here become a police officer in NZ?

Thanks!
Tanya

[IanW99]

Hi and welcome to the forum,

From NZIS:-
R2.1.10 Definition of 'partner' Immigration
Regulations 1999 reg 20

For the purpose of inclusion in a residence application, 'partner' means:
i. a person who is legally married to, or
ii. a person who is in a civil union partnership (whether opposite or same sex) with, or
iii a person who is in a de facto relationship, (whether opposite or same sex)
with, the principal applicant*.

So no, it won't be an issue that you are not married.

As long as you are living together in a stable relationship and have been for more than 12 months then you shouldn't have a problem (as long as you can prove it of course).

Ian

[Johnson]

We've been together for nine years. Not sure how to prove it though :confused:

[IanW99]

They will be looking for evidence that you live together, normally that will be easy but sometimes more difficult.

They like to see such things as joint bank accounts, that you are both on the same rental agreement or mortgage. Utility bills in joint names, or different bills in each name but for the same residence etc. Children of the partnership so if the birth certificate lists you both, that will be useful.

When you start to think about it, there are normally lots of things that you can use to help prove that you live together e.g. plane tickets to a family holiday, photographs of you together on holiday etc.

If you are still having trouble proving it, then ask on the forum for more suggestions, sure that there are lots.

Ian

[Johnson]

Thanks for responding Ian! Our daughter's birth certificate lists us both so that should help and I'm sure we have family holiday pics from quite a few years. Should also be able to find post delivered to the same address although the mortgage is in my name.

[Steadybears]

Welcome Tanya

We in process of immigrating from SA - where about are you from and where do u plan to go in NZ.

Good luck with the process let me tell u its a long process but if you got patience its fine!!!

Good luck
Jayne

[Silverwing86]

Hi Tanya,

Nothing to add to what's been said really, just wanted to wish you a warm welcome to the forum ! This is a great place to find answers and support when you are in need.

Good luck with the process !

Silver

[Caroline and Dave]

Hi and welcome.Can't help really just wanted to welcome you.

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

[Johnson]

Welcome Tanya

We in process of immigrating from SA - where about are you from and where do u plan to go in NZ.

Good luck with the process let me tell u its a long process but if you got patience its fine!!!

Good luck
Jayne

We in Johannesburg at the moment and I'm guessing we'd end up in Auckland or Wellington if we are succesful but we havent applied for anything yet.

My OH is getting all his paperwork together to apply for police training and then we'd look at dates for a visit that coincide with the police testing dates.

I'd love to be able to chat to you more about the process from SA and what your experiences have been, should I send via private message?

[annette]

Hi, we are also from JHB. We have done all our paperwork..whoohoo! and will be sending it to NZIS this coming week. Paperwork has been a pain..lol..glad it's done. We are heading to Auckland, leaving mid Nov...Can't wait!!!