[Snappy]

:clap Just got my passport back today, complete with unrestricted temporary work visa for 19 months.
I know this is not as exciting as those people being granted PR, but my initial plans are to test the waters in NZ first, before making any firm decisions.
I'm just so relieved that the visa's come through. I rang NZIS yesterday (on their £1 a minute line, as that's the only number I had), and was told the visa wouldn't be sent this week - and then miraculously it arrives Special Delivery the very next day! We also found tenants to rent our house 2 days ago (for the full 18 months!), so no worries about leaving the property empty (they're moving in 2 days after we leave!).
My visa allows me to pursue any occupation for any employer - so excited! The world is my oyster, and this is the start of my new exciting life for a while, wherever it takes me!
Sorry, just so thrilled, I'll shut up now!

[xanctus]

hey great news snappy...
:nice1 :nice1 :clap :clap
now maybe a little bit of these maybe? hehehe :cheers :cheers :cheers

[jess]

Congratulations Snappy!

I don't have the famous dancing bananas, but I'll add these...

:yes :mrgreen: :yes
:mrgreen: :yes :mrgreen:
:yes :mrgreen: :yes

Best of luck!

Jessica

[Timbo]

Well done Snappy. That sounds like a very sensible plan of action.
Did you get the work visa on the basis of your quals? Just curious, as you say you are un-restricted as to what type of work you do when you get there.
:cheers

[Bubbles]

Congratulations Snappy,
Make good use of your time over there, I'm sure you'll LOVE IT.

Keep us informed won't you :nice1

John

[Babette & Andy]

Snappy that's wonderful news :clap :clap :clap Your enthusiasm and excitement shines through in your note. There will be many ex-pat forumers able to offer advise on many locations in NZ, enjoy your rollercoaster ride :nice1

Babette

[Snappy]

Thanks to everyone for their kind words - I still haven't come down off cloud 9! :cheers
I can't believe that I'll be landing in Auckland on June 21st!
In answer to your question Timbo, I'm a hanger-on, I'm afraid! I'm entering under the family stream, as my partner is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and qualifies under the immediate skills shortages. Hence the relief that they let me come over too, as I amass about 2 and a half points on my own merit!
After our initial panic about shipping, it seems that the hospital are now willing to pay (imagine the NHS doing that!), and have a contract with Crown. They've been really great - they rang us last night from Auckland and also got a local agent to call today to arrange for them to pack and ship/air freight our stuff. Initially we thought we would have to arrange everything ourselves. I realise that the good service might be different for contract customers, but I'll keep you posted about how well the shipping went, for those wondering if they're a good company to use (I know that sometimes though, removals is often down to luck on the day!).
Interestingly enough, I accidentally requested two quotes from excess baggage (hit return twice - and I wonder why I don't accumulate many points!?! :roll: ). The first came through at £350, the second at almost double that amount, for exactly the same thing!?! :?

I did a dummy run of packing my case today - so I know how much to ship. SCARY! As we're flying via LA, we're allowed the usual 64kg, but I've got a bike taking up one piece, and I was only just squeezing everything in. I thought I'd been ruthless! And my case is huge, the biggest I could find - it's currently tipping the scales at 27kg, and that's without my smalls! How DO you prioritise?!!

[clarabell]

Congratulations!!
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/party/party-smiley-020.gif

[Hannah-NL]

Congrats Snappy http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y166/Hannah-NL/balloons.gif wow 21 of june that is rrrreally soon! :nice1