[sharonvanb]

Hi

I've applied for an extended 6 month visitor's visa, due to my dutch citizenship I do not automatically have right to the 6 month duration as UK citizens do. Today I received a letter to query the 6 month length of the visitors visa, asking why I intend to be in the country for that length of time with no employment and my son not being eligible for the education system. My sister has sponsored us to be there, covering accommodation and maintainance.

It was my belief that my son could attend school on a visitor's visa for the first 3 months as implied through correspondence with schools over there.

Also I thought it was acceptable to be there on a visitor's visa in order to see what opportunities for work there might be.. I realise I cannot work until I get the relevant permit. But does a visitors visa actually stop you from looking for work?

I'm lost now, I thought I'd done my research! not sure how to reply to these questions from immigration... If I say my intention is to look for employment they may not grant the application! Do I just say that our 6 month duration is to tour NZ?!

HELP!!!

Sharon.

[ourquest]

Perhaps you could register with a homeschooling organisation in your home country which would then cover how your child will receive education. Otherwise if you are prepared to pay international school rates then your child will qualify for New Zealand education.
There are certain criteria listed as "bona fide" reasons for being a visitor to NZ, just make sure that any explanation you provide for NZIS uses one or more of these. They can be found on the website. I remember something about looking for employment as not being considered acceptable as a reason, although they know everyone does it, and they certainly do not prevent it as such. You are permitted to negotiate business for up to 3 months so perhaps it's the 6 months that concerns them. I think they are most worried about how you will manage financially...I guess they are ultimately protecting residents against illegal employment taking place in NZ and thus taking jobs away from locals.
Do you automatically qualify for a 3 month permit? If so why not arrive and then look to extend it while you are here?