[irishgirl]

Hi All

I've only posted here a few times, but I've read a lot of your stories, particularly those of you who have tried/are trying to get to NZ to join partners, and they have been an inspiration to me and provided me with much needed advice - so thank you for that.

The week after next I am hoping to submit an application to NZIS for a temporary working visa, with the intention of applying for PR a few months after I get over there. I have looked at all the various visa options and unfortunately, because of our circumstances, the only possible way I can see of getting into the country legally to work, is to try and get in under the joining a partner temporarily banner. Why? Well because we haven't lived together for 12 months or more, but can provide evidence of a relationship that goes back over 7 years, and unless I am reading the NZIS website incorrectly, then they say that if we have been together for less than 12 months, then I can apply for a 12 month working visa.

We have gathered together enough evidence between letters, phone bills, emails, cards, etc to prove a friendship that turned into romance after one of us plucked up the courage to tell the other how they really felt (that was me btw!) - thankfully the feelings were mutual! My employer here has also agreed to letting me telework from NZ back to Ireland on a trial basis of 6 months (I'm a web developer) if my application is successful. (I recently posted about teleworking but I have since learned that I do need a work permit even if I am working for and being paid by an Irish company.)

If anyone else has tried to get a visa under this scheme, I would love to hear your experiences - good and bad (have to prepare for the worst as well!) and if anyone can recommend anything to add to the list below of things to send NZIS, then I would really appreciate it.

Apart from the normal items such as form, fee, xray cert, letter of support, we have:
Letters and post marked envelopes
emails
phone bills
photos
statements from family
statements from friends
copies of airline tickets to and from Ireland to NZ
engagement notices from Irish and NZ papers
letter from my employer
letter from his employer to say he will be in NZ while I am there
receipt for engagement rings!
letter from me detailing 7 yr history of our relationship!
Copy of letter from my car insurance company confirming he was added to my ins while he was visiting me here in Ireland

Am I missing anything?

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and once the application goes in, expect some gritted teeth postings as we wait for news!

Be back soon!

Dee

[Smiler]

Wow Dee, you seem to have it pretty much sorted there. I remember your teleworking post too.

A thought, if you don't mind, you could try producing with the covering letter, a 'timeline document' ( think the teckie term is a gant chart) indexing stuff like the tickets, ring receipt.

That may look pretty impressive sitting on top of your pile of documents too and make it easier to follow at first glance.

Good luck with your application and keep posting. ( because, apart from being nosey, I would like to know how you get on) :D

Deborah

[ruthyroo]

I applied for a TWP under the partnership, and we didn't have half the stuff you are submitting, only a marriage cert and the fact that Mr Rr had a photo of me in his wallet that the case officer was shown (we applied in person and had wrongly assumed that the marriage cert was enough)!! Your list looks very comprehensive and covers all the things that the case officer mentioned to us. The only other thing we submitted was a signed statement from Mr Rr to the effect that he supported my application and would agree to support me in times of financial need. Maybe something like that from you partner could be slipped in, if he is the NZ citizen?

[irishgirl]

Hi Ruthyroo

Thanks for that! I am assuming from your location that your application was successful??? :) If so, you've given me a major boost, and am not so nervous about all of this! Also, do you think it would be worth my while getting on a plane to London and handing the application in to NZIS in person? Does it speed up the process?

My OH has written a long letter of support, but will get him to mention that bit about providing financial support in the event that I spend all my money on shoes!

Will keep you all informed of progress!!

Cheers


Dee

[irishgirl]

Hi Smiler
Apologies, I thought that I had responded to your post, but obviously old age is getting the better of my memory!!

Thanks for the tip about submitting a timeline doc - definitely a good idea! With all the stuff we are submitting tho, think it might take some poor soul at NZH a year to read it all! ;)

Will definitely keep you updated - am already trying to decide which shorts and tshirt to wear on xmas day!! ;)

Bye for now,


Dee

[Smiler]

Hi Dee

No worries, mine feels completely addled today ( my mind that is).

Good luck with the application. :nice1

Deborah