[Hannah]

Hi folks,
We're getting ready to depart on 1st Nov. and are just wondering what documents we should take with is to NZ ready for when we apply for a work permit there (have an unofficial job offer, to be confirmed when we arrive).
So far I'm assuming we need the following:
Passports, birth certificates, contract of employment from last job & job spec.(proof of experience), certificates of training courses attended. (My partner hasn't got qualifications).
Do we need anything else.
I'm taking as above, but with my degree certificates, ready for when I apply for work.
We don't plan to apply for PR when we are there, although it's possible we may end up doing this.
Is there anything off the above list i've not thought of...it's a long way to come back for!!!!
Also, any documents needed for school application & student visa application (apart from birth certificates)

Cheers, Hannah

[Timbo]

I would be very interested to see what is needed for this as well, since I am getting conflicting opinions on what to take without risking the wrath of the Imigration officer from hell.
IE: officially, you are not supposed to go on visitors visa for job search purposes, and therefore, anything you take that points at you looking for work, could arouse suspicions. I am thinking of playing safe and getting stuff posted out once we are there.

[Kim39]

Hannah,

One thing, no two things, what you have got to take is proof of your relationship with your spouse eg: utility bills, bank statements(joint) along with a form which is NZIS related and that form is 1113, this is to be filled in by your employer and submitted along with all your other relevent paperwork for a work visa to be issued. Without this form they won't do anything until it has been received.

anything you take that points at you looking for work, could arouse suspicions. I am thinking of playing safe and getting stuff posted out once we are there I would take Timbo's advice on this one.



Kim

[jewelsvani]

If you have all the documents in your luggage how would they now what these documents are? they are not going to search through your stuff, I always take loads of documents with me when I traveled, I never got asked to show what they were.

If you want to play it safe then get the stuff posyed but I can't see how immigration would know If it is in your luggage. :)

[Hannah]

Good point on the relationship stuff Timbo. We are not married - kids birth certificates are have both our names on and we are taking along household bills as we may have to sort stuff out on this front while we are there. I'm a bit worried about the relationship stuff - i've heard of people on this site having a hard time after many years MARRIED and having to submit photos etc. What's that all about!!!! I could understand with a brit married to a kiwi (arranged marriage - boy are we all so desperate to get into NZ!!!) but your regular english married couple. Weird.
I'm wondering about job stuff being in my luggage - surely they wouldn't check it. And if they did, well it makes sense to me to carry the paperwork of one's life around with them if they are going out for 6 months.... I'll have a think on this one. I'm a bit worried about it getting lost in post. I was going to carry all my paperwork in hand luggage .... but maybe that's a definite no no!!!!

[ruthyroo]

We brought all our docs in hand luggage and had no worries about it being found, but do be prepared for the immigration officer to ask probing questions about how you can afford to take a 6-month holiday, and how do you feel about resigning from your UK jobs just to take a holiday, and how will you support yourself... just stay pleasant and smiley and don't give away anything about your intentions to seek work!

Re. docs. to take. Make sure you also have a full transcript of your degree as well as the certificate - if you need to have your qualifications assessed by NZQA you will need this, as well as the contact details for your alma mater. Also would recommend shared bills / mortgage docs, signed and dated photos etc to prove the relationship.