[Leccy-Lee]

...Ok slight exaggeration but its kinda true.

Cutting a long story short, as many of you know i came here alone and single to NZ on a "risk" and a "gamble" with just a few thousand dollars in my pocket and a 12mths open work permit and a trade on the skills shortage list.

Well i am still here 6 and a 1/2 months later so i have really stretched that money eh! No actually i been working hard and twisting the banks for loans etc but thats another story all together eh.

Now i have had some bad days, and some doubts, but generally all-in-all i do like it here, and really want to stay on and make a life here in NZ, so my options.....

Obvious answer of course is apply for PR, but read on...

I am a big guy (ok lets be frank my current BMI is mid to high 40s) and i am on an extreme diet right now (with docs permission and weekly check-ups before anyone worries i might be killing myself!). Now with this diet i hope to get my BMI to about 37-38 by about May, but my current work visa runs out on June 11th :no So what to do?

If i submit my EOI now with 200+ points and working, i am likely to be selected fast and fast-tracked maybe, meaning if i take a medical soon my BMI still be way too high and almost certain declined PR. Now i could leave it too last minute to submit EOI and then leave medical and ITA until as late as possible (not sure when this would be though with my visa running out in june) and then my BMI would be improving but still OTT, and also if i leave it too late i may find my visa runs out before anyone makes a decision!

Or the other option is to try and get an extension or new Work permit? Probably have to be new permit as my current is a special once-in-a-lifetime kind of visa (an IEP Visa). But having been in NZ at that time for 12mths i assume i would still need to meet the medical requirements even just for a work permit? So would i still be in the same boat as PR option?

Now has anyone any experience of medical waivers for BMI? I have read mixed reports and dont think they would give me one, although i am hoping if i can show that my BMI is dropping fast with medical assistance they may go for it? But again how long does that take to process etc?

Of course option C is to go back to UK and either give up on NZ (/sob) or return when BMI is suitable, but i dont think that would be financially an option sadly.

So basically what i am saying, is i have 5 and 1/2 months before i become an illegal (and wreck any hopes) and right now i have no idea which way to turn, do i do nothing for another couple of months and try apply at last minute, do i start PR process only to be declined at the end, or do i try in a couple of months to get a new work permit (and worry about PR when health is better).

Sadly once again finances are also a major factor in my next move, as funding the PR route going to be tough anyhow, and if i spend every penny i earn on that to be declined in June, i wont have any money left for a flight home! :p

Oh decisions, decisions, any ideas you wonderful lot?

<oh what i would give to have some decent genetics>

[Will_2007]

Maybe try speaking to NZIS... if you're getting 200+ points and have a job you'd seem to be a benefit to the NZ economy etc etc, with only BMI holding you back. If you can show your commitment to getting fit, maybe with the back-up of a doc, who can document your progress, they might be able to extend your current visa by 6 months or allow you a medical waiver... worth speaking to someone I reckon...

[RamblingPaddies]

yes talk to them or to a case officer - not necessarily someone in the call centre. they've always been very helpful to me. :confused:

[Jennispink]

I say if you're living the dream and don't want it to end, go for it.
I reckon have a chat with your doc and NZIS and try for medical waiver route.
Good luck:nice1

[wilson182]

yes talk to them or to a case officer - not necessarily someone in the call centre. they've always been very helpful to me. :confused:

I agree with the other posts, in that it might be worth discussing your options with NZIS, but whatever you do - don't call the helpline. I have had some really duff advice from them everytime I called.

(The tried to tell me, when we were still on two year work permits, and my daughter was starting school that I would have to pay international school fees - even though the MOE had told me I wouldn't. And the officer was quite nasty about it too.)

[Leccy-Lee]

Thanks guys, so hows best way to get hold of a case officer when of course i dont have one yet?

I am in Wellington, so we have an office in town here.

[Carol]

The amazing thig about all of this to me is ...
A friend of mind has a company in the Wairarapa - who renovate homes.

He has had so many problems finding DECENT tradesmen to work for him - its not actually funny anymore.
He has actually lost money on jobs because he has had to go in after contractors and do the jobs properly.

And here we have a UK trained lekky - who is about to lose the right to work here - and who possibly might have to argue his case because he is overweight.

It's complete madness to me.:mad:
Sorry - I know this is a negative post - but it just makes me so mad.



Lee.....I dont know what else to say!:confused: I feel for you - I do really.

[skibumwa]

Lee - try setting an appt to see a visa officer at the WakeField street office. They should be able to advise you of the proper course of action..

I agree with the other posts, only call to try to set an appt to talk face to face with a visa officer. Discussing the issue over the phone only might not be of much help considering all the variables you are dealing with...

good luck mate!
John

[wilson182]

You could try just popping in and wait to see one, but that might only work if you get there first thing in the morning.

[Leccy-Lee]

Thanks all i will try and book an appt later to see an officer. :nice1

And Carol, you are so right, its been the same getting my NZ Electricians license, 6mths and it still is not finalised due to completing hoops and red-tape (although should be in next 2 weeks!) and my boss has even contacted the government complaining that there is a shortage of tradesmen and when NZ invite overseas here they make it a nightmare to get it sorted, its all very similar really.

But back on subject, i will see what NZIS advise then...

[Kim39]

Good luck with it all Lee, as i'm sure you'll be here in another 12 months let alone the 5.5 you have left on your current visa. Just take the options folk have posted.

Kim

[SNK05]

Hi Lee

Just a thought, don't know how strict they are in NZ re: medicals? On the Medical and X-ray forms for UK, they suggest.......

If BMI > 35 in adults or > 97th percentile for applicants aged 15-19 years of age, or waist circumference of females ≥ 88cm, males ≥ 102cm, arrange and attach fasting lipids and fasting glucose tests.

Have you had these tests done? I'm sure people have mentioned before that despite being above on their BMI, these tests have come back ok and they've been granted PR? Also, if you're seen to be obviously aware and actively doing something about it, surely that must go for you in your application!?

Not entirely sure that that's any help to you, but all the best. You seem to have had your fair share of obstacles along the way....sincerely hope that this will only be a temporary, minor hurdle for you.....

Good Luck :D

Sue n Kev

[holland]

Good luck lee,can,t give you any advice other than ring people and ask for names,.We got given bad advice in uk regarding visa extension and didn't take any names down to follow it up,but we got there in the end through hard work and determination so will you all the best g and j

[scotsfamily]

Hi there,
Here’s a different tact, no hand holding here.
Now I know you said your on a diet but read on anyway.
If it was me i would empty my fridge of all that cheese, pepsi, butter, milk, and heavens above even the beer (i'm a wine man myself) etc, and then fill it with salads fish, chicken breast etc. We all know the healthy stuff its yuk! lol. And then i would set myself an exercise program, walking is by far the best, and keep a very accurate record then when you have made fantastic progress, its all there in your graph you made. If you can show how determined you are to loose weight then the powers that be might give you a reprieve of sorts eg an extension to your work permit. In the end your in win win situation, you get to stay, you get healthy and i bet with your new physique you will pull the girls no prob (or guys) you seem a handsome guy in your picture. I'm a married and straight so don’t think i will be looking you up when i get into NZ lol.
I really believe if you set your mind to anything you can achieve it.

Good luck, in fact why don’t you start a blog here and tell us what your doing to diet and more importantly what weight your loosing, you will end up being a star. Seriously why not, it will help motivate you. Before you know it you will be a size 6.

Go for it

David & Janice

[cathgates]

Hi Lee, hope you manage to get a solution.
Out of interest, what is considered a 'bmi pass'?
Thanks
Cath X

[BkyMonster]

To Cath:
35 is the magic number. Below that seems to get a pass, while above is subject to a suite of other tests that look for health issues associated with obesity.
They also take into account waist measurements as mentioned above; 88cm for women and 102 for men.

To Lee:
I'd say start the PR process. I think you can do it :)

Keep the soda beverages away! That is probably one of the biggest and best changes you can make. It will also help change your blood chemistry so those extra tests will turn out better for you. One of them is likely for blood sugar levels as an indicator of type II diabetes.

[dilanium]

I just hate the waist measurements, because though they will be good for the average person, they're not good for those of us who live in the clouds. Heck with a BMI of 26 I have problems keeping my waist under 88cm. Oh well, I'll do the tests if I have to.

[BkyMonster]

Hee, see now my waist measurement isn't that far off, but my BMI (despite losing 50 lbs over the last few months :D) is still in the too-high category.
I think I'm just dense :roll

[dilanium]

hehehe- Becky- you just have too much iron in your blood.

congrats on losing 50 lbs!!!

[Leccy-Lee]

If it was me i would empty my fridge of all that cheese, pepsi, butter, milk, and heavens above even the beer (i'm a wine man myself) etc, and then fill it with salads fish, chicken breast etc.

Thanks for kind thoughts, just as a side, even if i ate salads and all that is healthy i would break my diet and fail (i did say its extreme, not just a "diet") and get told off by the people in white coats, so if its ok i shall steer clear of them salad things! :nice1
So as for the fridge its turned off its so empty... :laugh
Exercise, for the past month i go for a 4km walk at least 4 nights a week right now.
Already have a graph and progress being held by the people in white coats.

So i think i am already on top of everything, was just trying to see what the best immigration route is..

Thanks all, i forgot NZIS shut early and will now have to phone monday morning, to make an appointment for advise. :roll

Size 6
Bl***y hell i hope not! Firstly thats way too small, and secondly that would mean a sex change too :laugh

[alan999]

...Ok slight exaggeration but its kinda true.




I had to lose lots of weight very quickly, you can do it too. If not the answers simple, don't pay the "get out of New Zealand" fee at the airport- they won't allow you to leave then!!

[Indigoazure]

The amazing thig about all of this to me is ...
A friend of mind has a company in the Wairarapa - who renovate homes.

He has had so many problems finding DECENT tradesmen to work for him - its not actually funny anymore.
He has actually lost money on jobs because he has had to go in after contractors and do the jobs properly.

And here we have a UK trained lekky - who is about to lose the right to work here - and who possibly might have to argue his case because he is overweight.

It's complete madness to me.:mad:
Sorry - I know this is a negative post - but it just makes me so mad.



Lee.....I dont know what else to say!:confused: I feel for you - I do really.


I agree and it's actually made me reconsider moving to NZ, especially when I was told the BMI thing was to regulate the amount of Pacific Islanders moving to NZ. I have IT skills, publish books and do music and film. I feel I have a lot to off NZ but don't want to be thrown away because I'm pleasantly plump. :)

[Leccy-Lee]

I had to lose lots of weight very quickly, you can do it too. If not the answers simple, don't pay the "get out of New Zealand" fee at the airport- they won't allow you to leave then!!

"get out of NZ fee" ??

[benandclare]

[QUOTE=Leccy-Lee;174127]"get out of NZ fee" ??[/QUOT

25 NZD you have to pay as departure tax..... which is quite right as why anybody would want to leave this country is beyond me
:D :D

[benandclare]

25 NZD you have to pay as departure tax..... which is quite right as why anybody would want to leave this country is beyond me
:D :D

[skibumwa]

Hey Lee, since July 19th when I arrived here, I lost 3% BMI (from 31%-28% and my High cholesterol dropped from HIGH to normal by doing this basically each day with a variation on weekends:

1) Breakfast: porrage w/blueberries, whole-grain/wheat toast, fruit, 2 Omega-3 fish oil pills
2) morning snack: more fruit (pears, tangerines, oranges, apples, etc)
3) Lunch: Salmon or tuna sandwich on whole grain/wheat bread with spinach leaves, and tomatoes, pretzels, some steams veggies like broccoli, garlic hummus with crackers
4) Afternoon snack: more fruit, some veggies maybe..
5) Dinner (always before 7pm!): chinese stir fry with veggies, chicken and some noodles of some sort- YUMM! :nice1
6) After dinner snack (optional)- more fruit or some nibble veggies (carrot)
7) never eat after 10pm!
8) and of course drinks TONS of water and limit your coffee and/or pop intake!
9) Exercise: walking or boogie boarding or biking 3-4 days a week!
10) Get a good night sleep each night (6.5 hrs/night at least!)

Good luck Lee!

Cheers!

-John

[PeteS]

its been the same getting my NZ Electricians license, 6mths and it still is not finalised due to completing hoops and red-tape (although should be in next 2 weeks!) and my boss has even contacted the government complaining that there is a shortage of tradesmen and when NZ invite overseas here they make it a nightmare to get it sorted, its all very similar really.

Aaahh the delights of the EWRB. Apart from selling me a plastic card every year, I'm really not sure what they do. Oh, I remember what they do, after 35 years as a sparky, they made me do a trade test that required me to demonstrate resetting a circuit breaker and changing a fuse.....

Meanwhile, back at the thread, just go talk to an NZIS officer. As you and others have pointed out, they are gagging for decent sparks down here. And then they got me!!!!

Good luck.

[Leccy-Lee]

Aaahh the delights of the EWRB. Apart from selling me a plastic card every year, I'm really not sure what they do. Oh, I remember what they do, after 35 years as a sparky, they made me do a trade test that required me to demonstrate resetting a circuit breaker and changing a fuse.....


LOL yup i took the "please demonstrate how to reset an MCB" test too!
Laughable really :no

[cathgates]

HI Lee, just wondering if you had got any further with your way around the bmi thing?

Cath X

[djchicane]

hey Lee,

Thanks for your response to my other post, and if its any help, re BMI - I lost 5 stone in 5 months through walking alone, (I clock up 18km a day through walking to the office and back, with a commute to London inbetween), all this distance is covered in about 2 hours.

I wish you all the best.

Dave