[Going2NZ]

We've run into a problem and I could really use some advice. We included my mother-in-law on our ITA since she is our dependent, lives with us and isn't capable of living by herself for a variety of reasons. Well, we've just been told we can't do that by our case worker. I explained all the circumstances in a covering letter, included documentation, etc. but the case worker said it was not an option. They will process the ITA for my husband and I by the way so at least we have that.

So now we're in a quandry - since she is a retired homemaker and 75 years old, I can't imagine that NZIS will approve a seperate ITA just for her. I know we could bring her over under the Family Quota plan but we can't do that until we've been residents for 3 years. Best case, we'll get our PR in the next month but that still means we have a 3-year gap (2 years if she comes over on an extended Visitors Visa).

I'm frantically checking the NZIS website looking for options and I'll probably give them a call tomorrow to see what they suggest but if anyone has any insight on how to handle this, I would appreciate it.

My husband and I are going to NZ but the plan was to take the whole family not just us. If nothing else, we'll bring her over with us and sort it out there within a year but that is awfully risky. Surely with such a strong, family-oriented culture there is some provision for this situation.

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

Susan

[mechidna]

I would contact Terry Murphy or one of the other marketing directors. Terry's number is 877-884-0697 . He's very nice and very helpful.

[Glenda]

New Zealand is not so understanding on the subject of bringing aged dependants. You can either have her live with you for 6 months of the year, and live 6 months back in your home country until you get citizenship or ... try Australia - if you can get PR there you can get into NZ.

(Anybody - please shoot me down if I am wrong!)

[baboonworld]

We are in a similar position - but my partners inlaws are not dependant on us (well not totally!)

I thought that NZIS would also be trying to keep us together as a family (they want to go to NZ too - but whole 3 year wait situation). My daughter sees them every day so they are a lot closer than some grandparents (not offending any grandparents out there - but i only saw mine on the odd holiday - maybe once or twice a year).

It is going to be really hard on them and my girl when we go (as well as my partner of course).

If anyone knows how we can all keep our family together then please post on this thread. (I thought Oz was supposed to be harder than NZ to get into?)

[Glenda]

Oz has a category where you can take elderly relatives with you if they are dependant or will have one or no children left in their home country. Anyone interested should check www.immi.gov.au or put a post on a Australian forum. I think NZ, being smaller, feels that allowing too many aged folks into the country will be a drain on their health system.

[richie & michelle]

hi i know in april it changed from 3 years to 5 years before you can sponser people but as you applied before jan 1st your ok.
depending on your line of work she could buy a business ie yours and get entry that way.i met a guy who sold his bussiness 3 times to elderly koeran families so they could gain entry.so i might be worth digging deeper good luck

[Going2NZ]

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I'm still not sure what we will do but if there is a way, we'll find it. <keeping fingers crossed>

Unfortunately, as far as the 6 months back and forth between countries, we're her only option as far as family. There simply isn't anyone else except for one distant relative. Plus she's already feeling unwanted so I know that would be devastating for her.

richie & michelle - that is a good point about the switch from 5 to 3 years, I hadn't put that together. Hopefully, it will only be a year that we have to bridge.

I think we could put a good case together for us being her financial support rather than NZ. We're still at least 6 months out from making the leap (breathlessly waiting for PR!) so we've got time. I hadn't thought about her buying a business. That might be a great way – I'll dig through the requirements for that and see if that is an option.

BTW, I'll post anything I figure out or find out since it sound like others have similar concerns.

Susan