[kimifan]

Hi, just wondering if anyone can help me:

I have a job starting next month so going to NZ on a work visa. The problem is the cost of flights is going up and up and I want to book it asap; I don't have my visa yet. Is this likely to be a problem? I plan to fly on 12th November.

My worry is what if I book the flight and then there's a delay with the visa?
But then someone at work told me that you can't be issued with a visa unless you have a ticket already!! - please help, I'm so confused :confused:

[BkyMonster]

The problem with booking your ticket before you have a visa is that with a work visa in hand you won't have to book a return trip like you will for a visitor visa.
You may be alright just proving you have enough funds for a return ticket, but to be safe I'd see where your work visa is held up at and explain your problem with buying tickets and such. NZIS may have some suggestions or paperwork you could produce at the airport should that become necessary if for some reason you STILL don't have a visa by the time you fly.

If you are concerned that the visa won't be timely you can go in on a visitors, but that may mean you need to buy return tickets.


As for not getting a visa until you have a ticket, that's crazy. :)

[M&J]

If you go to London in person with you visa application, and it is only you they will normally issue it there and then. If they don't it normally will be done in the next few days even if you have a patner application.

[kimifan]

That's great. Thanks, I'll book the flight today and go to London in the next couple of weeks.