[jo1966]

Hi, I was under the impression that once your visa was issued that you had a year to make the move to NZ.
I received an email from the immigration group yesterday - see below.
Can someone tell me please what timescales are correct.
Jo

FACT: Most migrants for New Zealand have up to 3 years in which to emigrate (once your visa is issued)

These time scales allow for great flexibility when choosing the date that you actually make the move a permanent one. We would all hope that within the next year or so the economic situation will be much improved. But why wait? Once you have your visa, should you allow your migration plans to be forced ‘on- hold’ simply because you are having trouble selling your house? What options are open to you?

[timeanzbound]

From reading that, it sounds like it really depends on your visa. It says 'most migrants' and 'up to 3yrs'. So it can be anywhere up to 3 yrs, but I don't know for certain. Why not send immigration your question in email?

[napiers]

My guess is that they are talking about the longest possible scenario. I think I've got this right now. When you get your PR and blue stickers you have to enter NZ within a year and that 'activates' your visa/permit. When you enter NZ for the first time with PR your Returning Residents Visa, RRV, starts from that date and is valid for 2 years. That means you can travel in and out of NZ on your RRV for that time without having to apply for another one.

So, in theory, the one year after receiving blue stickers plus the 2 years of the RRV would allow people up to 3 years to make the move permanent.

I can only think that's what they mean! :D

[IanW99]

...
I can only think that's what they mean! :D

I would agree, you have up to 3 years (from visa being issued) to actually emigrate. You have 12 months to activate the visa and then it is valid for 2 years so you can come and go as you please during this time.

Of course if you do take a long time to actually make the move then this may affect when you can get your IRRV.

Ian