[MartinW]

Hi All

Haven't been able to track down the answer to this one, but thought someone here is bound to know:)

My wife is a kiwi and we're headed for New Zealand (from the UK). Assuming I get granted a spouse visa, will there be any expiry date on it? That is, will we have to arrive in NZ within a certain amount of time or is it left up to us?

Thanks,

Martin

[unar]

I think you have a year to enter New Zealand, but not 100% sure.

I am kind of in the same boat. Hopefully getting a visa by October this year, but won't move until next year.

-Una

[Leanne]

Can't help you with your visa question...but just wanted to say hello and welcome to the forum.
:)

[wwwdot]

I have a Kiwi husband and was recently granted the Residence Permit. Yes, looking at the blue sticker and the accompanying coverletter, you will have to arrive within 12 months of the day the visa was issued.

The Returning Resident's Visa is valid for two years after first arrival in NZ.

[JandM]

Hello, and welcome.:)

[napiers]

I agree with wwwdot. I have partnership PR and you have a year to activate the visa and get to NZ. I think this is the same as for everyone else (help me out here guys, especially if I'm wrong!) My deadline date is next February but I don't think we'll be ready to make the big move just then, I'm planning on activating it in October and then going in April ish time for real.

[rowells]

Hi there,
I also have kiwi husband, a question for you all, have you been granted returning residence visa straight off or a temp visa for starters?
But answering the original question of this forum, it does have to be activated within 12 months I think.
Also, where are you all heading?
Rachel

[Clappy]

My wife is a Kiwi and I was given PR under the Family (Partnership) Category.

The Residence Visa is valid for one year from the date it is issued, so it is necessary to at least turn up once in New Zealand within that year to get the Resident's Permit.

At the same time as the Residence Visa, you get given a Returning Resident's Visa. This will be valid for the two years from the date that you first turn up in NZ and are given the first Resident's Permit. The RRV allows you to get a new Resident's Permit every time you leave NZ and return again within those two years. (Officially your Resident's Permit expires every time you leave the country, and you are given a new one when you return.)

When the two years Returning Residence Visa expires you have to apply for a new one, the length of time that will be valid for will depend on how much time you actually spend in NZ during the first two years. If you have spent enough time in NZ, then I think the second RRV will be permanent.

I hope that is clear! I have tried to make that as concise as I can. :o

[MartinW]

Wow, big thanks everyone.

Great responses, and one of the friendliest forums I've ever come across :)

Thanks,

Martin

[rowells]

I never realised there were so many spouses about!!!!!
Hi everyone and hope NZ works out for all of you.
Rachel

[napiers]

Hi there,
I also have kiwi husband, a question for you all, have you been granted returning residence visa straight off or a temp visa for starters?
But answering the original question of this forum, it does have to be activated within 12 months I think.
Also, where are you all heading?
Rachel

We're heading for Auckland (unless the right-ish!! job turns up in Wellington). What about you?

Tamzin

[rowells]

We're heading for Auckland (unless the right-ish!! job turns up in Wellington). What about you?

Tamzin

Hi,
Who knows!!!! We have so much time on our hands waiting for the house to sell that we change or minds every 5 minutes!!!
But probably Welly or Christchurch.
Rachel

[Scotty69]

Hi and welcome to the forum

[dharder]

My wife is a kiwi and we're headed for New Zealand (from the UK). Assuming I get granted a spouse visa, will there be any expiry date on it? That is, will we have to arrive in NZ within a certain amount of time or is it left up to us?


Like others have said, it is the same as for PR obtained via other categories: you get your letter, then you have 6 months to pay the migrant levy to get the stickers, and then from the point of stickers you have 12 months to enter the country. So the longest between being granted PR and entering is 18 months.

Good luck with everything,

Daniela