[GYBlues]

Hi Kiddlywinks

Being right at the beginning of this great adventure (did I sound confident when I said that?) and having looked at the board for some time, I feel really unsure as to how to proceed.

As there is no bottomless pit of cash we are concerned about the next step that we take.

Is it really a sensible thing to try and go it alone on the application route or is it better to fork out the cash and go through an agency? I am scared that if we go it alone and we get something wrong that we will have screwed up our chances to emigrate.

We look at the threads almost on a daily basis and get confused by all the acronyms used by everyone and then wonder if we know enough as newbies to try it on our own.

We have looked at and spoken to any number of agencies and websites and tried to calculate if we score enough points to get through the hoops ahead of us and we seem to get a different response each time.

The cynical part of me thinks the the agencies will tell you anything in the chase of the almighty dollar.

I would really value peoples honest opinion and experiences as to the route they chose in the hope that it might help Tracy and I on our next tentative steps.

Thanks A&T

[ck38]

We have just completed the process and been approved for PR and if I can manage it on my own with no help, I believe that 90% of everybody else would be able to also. I thought the whole thing was pretty straight forward. Just work through the application slowly, don't rush it, ask questions on here if you are unsure of anything, and you should be fine.

(Just my own opinion of course)!

Welcome to the forum. :)

[YouMeAndThree]

The cynical part of me thinks the the agencies will tell you anything in the chase of the almighty dollar.

I would really value peoples honest opinion and experiences as to the route they chose in the hope that it might help Tracy and I on our next tentative steps.

Thanks A&T

This forum was my agent:nice1

If you are unsure of anything written on ENZ, just ask. I asked stupid questions on a regular basis......and still ask them now I'm here.

Unless you have a really difficult case - or are in too much of a hurry, I'd say do it yourself. An agent will only fill out the paperwork, you'll still have to supply everything, get your medicals etc. etc.

Good luck

[victoria24]

I agree. we did it on our own and very fast. the knowledge you gain from reading various posts is unrivalled and free! you can't beat real people with real stories to tell. having said that, it's not for everyone especially if you don't have much free time.

[JandM]

We look at the threads almost on a daily basis and get confused by all the acronyms used by everyone Everybody here started out not understanding. Go ahead - ask whatever you like. About acronyms, though, here are a couple of threads to start you off.

http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8621&highlight=abbreviations+explained
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25026

[seattle]

I agree that most people can do it on their own. You have to gather a ton of information to give to the agency anyway. I was just talking to a friend who just got here from the UK and paid 5000 poiunds to an agency :eek: It sounded like it took her just as much time to pull everything together..not much value added considering the cost...

[M-Squared]

If your case is straight-forward-ish, then do it yourself. :nice1 As said above, these forums are a gold mine of information. Do be aware that the law here in NZ changed recently, and only licensed immigration advisors are legally allowed to give advice, which is why you might see disclaimers in people's posts. NZIS appears to think pretty highly of these forums, though, as they link to them!

What are your circumstances? Are you skilled in an area of skill shortage?

[Bozeman]

From what we have heard, using an agent may actually extend the time it takes to get through the process. Even if you do utilize an agent, you will still have to gather all of the necessary documents yourself - and that is the hard part.

[IanW99]

As others have said, IMO best to go alone if your case is straightforward.


...
Do be aware that the law here in NZ changed recently, and only licensed immigration advisors are legally allowed to give advice, which is why you might see disclaimers in people's posts. NZIS appears to think pretty highly of these forums, though, as they link to them!
...


If you do go with an agency then check to see if they are licensed (http://www.iaa.govt.nz/)

If the agency is NZ based then they must be licensed already otherwise NZIS will not process your application.

The same will no doubt occur for all overseas advisers next May when it becomes compulsary for all agents - not sure what would happen to your application if it was still being processed by then and your agent wasn't licensed?

Ian

[baboonworld]

I did my partners forms and my in-laws. They might seem daunting but take your time. Basically you will have to answer all the same questions anyway if you use an agent. download/print/send off for the forms and make an attempt to fill them in - if you are struggling ask on the forum or post a question to nzis website.

I have also heard of people using agents - a couple of times for Oz anyway - and they cost a fortune and it does slow down the process.

All in all - if you are ready to go ahead i think it would take a month to submit - but that is allowing for police checks to come back and medicals.

good luck!!

[adacakes]

You will find all the help you could possibly need on here and they explain things, in such a easily digestible way, even a plank like me can follow.:laugh

There seems to be quite a few of us from around Norwich, Yarmouth, Lowestoft going to New Zealand.


good luck with whatever method you choose to use.

Ada

[M-Squared]

I did my partners forms and my in-laws. They might seem daunting but take your time. Basically you will have to answer all the same questions anyway if you use an agent. download/print/send off for the forms and make an attempt to fill them in - if you are struggling ask on the forum or post a question to nzis website.

:nice1 Yeah that :)

[c_kashyap]

Here is a thread that might be relevant..
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=24705&highlight=agency

[stephenom]

I have used a agent that is NZ based and has been very good. After filling in there assessment they offered to call us and talk things over to explain our options at no cost before even agreeing to use them, where as some of the well advertised agents charge for a telephone consultation. I had never seen this company advertised and got it recommended by a Job angency my partner has contacted. They also offer no visa no fee so will only take on your case if they think you have a very good chance. Maybe we could have dont the whole process ourselfs but when we filled out the points calculator on NZIS we were coming up short, but the agent informed us of bonus points we were never aware of. So thought it was best to use the agent as did'nt want to get things wrong. If you want to contact me i'd be happy to give you the companies name and website.

[M-Squared]

I have used a agent that is NZ based and has been very good. After filling in there assessment they offered to call us and talk things over to explain our options at no cost before even agreeing to use them, where as some of the well advertised agents charge for a telephone consultation. I had never seen this company advertised and got it recommended by a Job angency my partner has contacted. They also offer no visa no fee so will only take on your case if they think you have a very good chance. Maybe we could have dont the whole process ourselfs but when we filled out the points calculator on NZIS we were coming up short, but the agent informed us of bonus points we were never aware of. So thought it was best to use the agent as did'nt want to get things wrong. If you want to contact me i'd be happy to give you the companies name and website.

Just remember they must be licensed otherwise you are throwing your money away...

[stephenom]

They are indeed licenced..

[GYBlues]

If you want to contact me i'd be happy to give you the companies name and website.

Hi Stephen

I'm not sureif you got my PM but I would be grateful if you could PM me with the details of the agent that you use please.

Thanks Andrew & Tracy

[newkiwis2]

:)Hi

I used an agency in London. Total cost was about £1200 and that included Blue stickers, medical and all the trips they took to Imigration which was round the corner from their office.

Although I am married to a Kiwi I ahve medical issues. They would not take me to start with but I begged. they did and they were so good. I could not have done it alone.

My brother in law used the same agency to get his family approved.

Depends, you can do it alone if you are staright forward and confident.

A lot of people on this forum will help you and so will Imigration.

Best of luck