[Elainep]

Hello, does anyone have any experience of applying under the 'work to residence' visa (with an accredited employer) and have acheived this plus taking a partner and child under the 'family stream'? This may seem like a stupid question but does the partner have to work, if as a family you can prove that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourselves, or does it look better at the end of the 2 years that both partners have worked during that period when applying for residence? Thanks.

[IanW99]

Hello, does anyone have any experience of applying under the 'work to residence' visa (with an accredited employer) and have acheived this plus taking a partner and child under the 'family stream'? This may seem like a stupid question but does the partner have to work, if as a family you can prove that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourselves, or does it look better at the end of the 2 years that both partners have worked during that period when applying for residence? Thanks.

We came over on a WTR.

Not sure what you mean by the 'family stream', in our case my OH came over on a WTR and we were granted a general work visa and student visas on the back of their WTR.

We could have applied for a visitor visa instead if I didn't want to work, the only difference is that with a work visa (permit) you would be allowed to work if you want to (but you don't have to).

You don't have to prove you have sufficient funds as they will take the job offer as being able to earn enough money to support you.

As you don't even need a work visa, then I'm sure that it would have no effect on applying for your residence (if you are going to wait for 2 years).

Just in case you don't know, if you have enough points to apply for PR now, or anytime before the 2 years is up (e.g. gaining NZ work experience) then there is nothing stopping you applying sooner.

Ian

[Elainep]

Thanks for your quick reply Ian. That all seems to make sense (the 'family stream' is something the NZ Immigration site call it but it sounds exatly what you did, with the separate work and student visas). I didn't know about being able to apply earlier that the 2 years if your points suddenly 'tip over' the edge, so to speak - so thanks for that. I don't think we will get in on the normal PR/points route (i.e. fewer points available as we're both in the middle of degrees - OH further along that me!), so the plan now is to find a job with an accredited employer and go the WTR way. At least it'll give us a good crack at the NZ way of life. Thanks for your help:)

[YouMeAndThree]

Ian, the font of all knowledge :nice1, has replied, so there is nothing I can add :D.

OH has a WTR visa and myself and the children came out on the back of that. I have a general work visa, but don't work (well apart from the constant 24hr days that are part and parcel of being a domestic technician :D), the 5 and 4 year old have student visas and the youngest has a visitor visa.

Good luck

Lx

[Ana&Steve]

Just wanted to add that you need a work permit to do volunteer work as well if you aren't a resident.
Just in case you aren't planning on working but you had free time to give.:nice1