[jhsay]

A couple of days ago my 4-month old daughter got sick. I suddenly realized that I will have to be tougher (emotionally and physically) should things like this happen when we are already in NZ :hopeso . I’m sure I can call Dr. Annie for some help :angel but it would be a big relief to have my mom or mom-in-law by my side.

How can this be possible? Can residents sponsor their parents or do they have to be citizens to do so? Is there an age limit for Family Quota? Is English proficiency a requirement?

Regards,

jinkee

[Diny]

Hi there Jinkee

To sponsor your parents there are a couple requirements you need to meet.

You have to be over 18.

You don't have to be a citizen but you do have to have permanent residence status. At the moment you can sponsor a parent if you have been in NZ for 3 years, but as from the 1st of January, you wll need to have had PR status for 5 years before you can sponsor. Yes - I understand that spoken English is a requirement.

All of the above information is how I understand it to be - please don't take it as the absolute truth, you would need to check it all with NZIS.

Hope this helps and good luck, there's just no substitute for family is there?

Diny

[jhsay]

Thanks Diny.

At this early, I would like to ascertain that the grandparents (lolas) could join their precious grandkids. I will have to make sure that they are always in good health so there would be no problem later on (not to mention they have to start polishing their english, too). 5 yrs is a long wait though but what the heck.

-jinkee

[baboonworld]

I dont think the 5 year rule applies to Family Quota - (see below) - and age is 17 (maybe that is a recent change??)


Sponsorship requirements
A sponsor must:


be 17 years of age or over
be in New Zealand
be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or the holder of a current residence permit that is not subject to requirements under section 18A of the Immigration Act 1987
have been a New Zealand or Australian citizen and/or the holder of a Residence Permit or a returning resident’s visa for at least three years immediately before the date their registration is received by the New Zealand Immigration Service
in each of the three 12 month portions within that three-year period, have spent a total of 184 days or more in New Zealand.


A sponsor must undertake to ensure that financial support and accommodation is provided to you, if necessary, for at least your first 24 months as a resident in New Zealand. Sponsors who gained residence in New Zealand on the basis of their status as refugees are only obliged to accommodate you for the first 24 months of your residence (if necessary).



A sponsor aged 17 to 24 must satisfy us that they are able to meet the undertakings given on the sponsorship form.

However bad news yet again....

The number of places available under the Family Quota Category is announced by the Minister of Immigration each year. As there are no places available under the Family Quota in 2006, there will be no registration period for the period 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006.



I thought we had to go the Family Quota route - but I have jsut noticed teh Parent category - has that always been there ot is it a new one???????????