[becca]

Hello all, I have had a good look through all the other threads but haven't been able to find anyone who has gone over on the family visa. I am the last in my family (parents, brother and two sisters have all moved to Northland) so am looking to apply on the family visa next year. Has anyone had experience of this? Have read all the stuff on the official website but it seems deceptively straight forward. Where is the catch? Hope someone can share some info. Oh, yes almost forgot, my boyfriend will be joining me on the application.

[Avalon]

The only "catch" that im aware of is that family application take a very low priority, so it can take some time to get the visa. Its almost automatic, especially with that number of family members over here, but it can take time.

We will be looking at this in just over 2 years, when we sponsor my parents and brother in - by which time im sure the rules will have changed significantly anyway!

Could you please post as to how you get on -it would be really helpful.

[Diny]

I got over here on the partnedrship/family category. It was very straightforward (just as simple as it sounds in the instructions) - and my application took exactly 3 months from day one to issue of PR. I dealt with the NZIS in London.

Good luck.

Diny

[becca]

Thanks for the info, that's good to know. Will keep you posted on our progress as hope to start after our holiday in March. If my boyfriend is like all the other visitors our family have had, he will want to start packing the moment the plane lands back in the UK!!!