[MB]

We've had a few threads recently by new/recent members, asking about the application experience and NZIS procedures. Also, the number of new forum members is increasing steadily each week.

So I thought it might be useful for those of us who have completed or been in the process for a few months to post our two personal best tips or 'pearls' for the folks just starting. This could be a nice supplement for new folks who are busy searching existing threads. Just two things that you really think helped you, your family and/or your application strongly.

I reckon the brief re. what we might include should be really wide -- experiences; advice; emotional or practical; new tips or repeats from old posts; v.specific or v.general; short or long; obscure or obvious; whatever!

Here are our family's, one from me and one from Vera (our principal applicant):

1.) From me: once you have noted down the likely NZIS interview questions and thought about your answers, try them out loud on each other or with a friend. This is the equivalent of holding up an old shirt to the sunlight: you might think everything's ship-shape, but actually trying questions such as "Why New Zealand?" or "Likely barriers to settling in NZ?" aloud can reveal any holes or hollowness in your answers. Don't make each other feel daft, but use any long pauses or cheesy-sounding answers to help you shape your responses better.

2.) From Vera: sketch a timeline that maps out the whole NZIS process, and use it to get familiar with what you can usefully do and when. For example we all trouped downtown on a rainy Tuesday last winter to get our FBI fingerprints squared away and sent off, many weeks before we even got the ITA. It seemed an early, wet, strange little outing on the day, but it made sense later when we had this kind of paperwork ready.

:nice1

[Babette & Andy]

As always, an excellent idea from Matt :nice1

Can think of many things to add, but will limit it to the following two: -

1. Unless you are wanting to apply for a Business Visa, think very long and hard before entering into an agreement with a Migration Bureau or Consultancy. They in general charge astronomical fees, and (in our opinion) add very little or no value to the migration process at all (apart from extra stress :? ) By reading through the NZIS and this forum site you will be more than able to handle your application yourself. And should you have any questions, post them on this site :nice1

2. If you think that you are going to need to do some DIY to your house before it goes on the market:- start this asap. This way you'll get to enjoy your newly decorated house for a little while yourself too, and won't get in a flap trying to rush the necesarry jobs before getting the 'For Sale' sign up. Yep you've guessed it - we're still painting before our house (finally) goes up for sale :wah

Babette

[RoadRunner]

Great idea, Matt! :clap

1. Learn to have patience. It is a long process and there are many stages each of which require tremendous patience.

2. Speaking of FBI checks - get them done as soon as your EOI is selected. Seriously! We had to delay sending in our ITA for over a month while we waited on the FBI.

RoadRunner

[Moorf]

1. Don't go selling off your furniture and whiteware and wordly goods - pack as much as you can, it'll be cheaper in the long run and you can always sell what you don't need when you get here.

2. Unless you "know" the area you will be living in, don't agree to rent a place in advance, stay in temporary acccommodation, scout out the areas with the aid of the newspaper/net and THEN decide on somewhere to live. And beware of rental agreement small print that "may" lock you into a rental for an entire year instead of 6 months.

[xanctus]

1. Do lots of research, both website or other medium (eg. Books, etc)
2. Use "SEARCH" button a lot in this website. There are plenty
questions/topics has been covered in the past times.

[wilson182]

1. Come for a visit first. Do Not just assume that New Zealand will be the answer to your dreams.

2. Listen to and accept both positive and negative experiences.

[Annierobrigado]

hallo there!

1) if you're nearby any of the meets that some of the forum members are organizing, join them. meeting the people who share your dream/plans and peppering them with questions about their own experiences with the migration process is just so helpful it will literally take a load off your mind and shoulders. really!

2) read a little about nz history. won't hurt to know something about the place you're going to live in for the next few decades or so. that way the kiwis will feel that you put importance to the land of their birth. and you'll understand their quirks.

just my 2 pearls! maybe even if i don't get to go to nz, i could apply for a consultancy position, but not at exorbitant prices! just kidding...

:cheers
annie

[Caven]

1. Picture your initial rental property...now picture it empty. Make a written list of all the things you NEED in a house to cook, clean, wash, etc. until your shipment arrives. Don't spend too much on it though, buy tastless and borderline useful items from the Warehouse ( Kettle, $9, "dinner set", $17 for example ).

2. Don't mix 50mg of Diazapam and two bottles of cheap plonk on the London - LA leg, you'll pay in spades for it on the LA -Auck leg!

[coyotewildwomen]

Here are my suggestions

1) Read the posts on the forums and ask questions. People are very helpful on the forum, and unlike some other forums, I have never seen anyone get "flamed" for stating an unpopular opinion or asking what might be considered a stupid question.

2) Be very clear about your objectives in wanting to relocate and make a plan of how you are going to achieve these objectives. Are these realistic goals? Are they shared by your partner ( if you have one)?

3) Start gathering all your supporting documentation NOW. It takes time to get transcripts, medical exams, criminal checks etc. The sooner you have it done, the better.

4) Organization from the onset will help in managing all the paperwork and process. Do lots of research on New Zealand, ie where you want to live, cost of living, and where you might best find work. This site can be an invaluable resource if you take the time to use it. It has certainly made our process a whole lot easier.


Wendy

[GeorgeM]

I have never seen anyone get "flamed"...

HOW DARE YOU????

CAN YOU NOT READ???? OR IS IT COUNTING YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH????

YOU WERE ASKED FOR TWO SUGGESTIONS, NOT FOUR!!!!!

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[MB]

George - :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh... very sharp.

And thanks too, Wendy and everyone else so far. Great reading.

[markkellaway]

My 2 suggestions:

1. Start clearing out all the "rubbish" in yor house early, or you'll have one hell of a job at the end.
2. Don't do anything to upset George. :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

Mark. :P

[veronica]

hmmm.....can't answer too much on the general visa as we did it through the LTBV. but ...................I think that maybe the boyscouts have got it sussed...BE PREPARED.

Try using the search button before asking questions on the forum, lots of the questions have been asked several times and the answers are already here and take the time to read some of the old topics/threads. There is masses of general and specific info on this forum.

Right through the process and when you arrive try to keep an open mind.

[Annierobrigado]

I have never seen anyone get "flamed"...

HOW DARE YOU????

CAN YOU NOT READ???? OR IS IT COUNTING YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH????

YOU WERE ASKED FOR TWO SUGGESTIONS, NOT FOUR!!!!!

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:


george!

don't you know a coyote can be dangerous, and more so wild women?
run for your life!!

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :laugh :laugh :exit

annie ;)